As Thanksgiving approaches, students across campus are packing their bags and preparing for a long weekend of football watching, family gathering and delicious home cooking. You, on the other hand are stuck in Knoxville, and you’re more than likely feeling a little bummed. Rather than resigning yourself to sulking in your apartment eating expired leftovers, here’s a list of things to help turn your otherwise boring holiday into a unique, Knoxville experience.
The Ice Bears:
For those of us who can’t get enough hockey, the Ice Bears are here to fill that painful void. Gracing the Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum Friday night at 7:30 p.m., The Bears plan to take on the Fayetteville FireAntz in what promises to be the ideal, post-Thanksgiving meal unwind. If you’re not sure what to expect from a Knoxville hockey game, try to imagine an NHL match with twice as many fights, three times as many goals and much better deals on beer.
Eating Out:
No one to cook for you on Thanksgiving Day? Wrong. Simply throw on a coat, grab your wallet and head on over to Copper Cellar to enjoy all the fun of Thanksgiving without any of the work. For those with a sweet tooth, the Pecan Waffles are sure to satisfy. While you’d be hard pressed to order a bad dish, just make sure to order the grits and save yourself the pain of being excluded from such a tasty treat.
Marathon:
Like to go the opposite route and burn some calories instead of putting them on? You’re in luck, as the 2014 “Hot to Trot” volunteer race aims to fulfill all your exercising needs this Thanksgiving. Participants can either run in a timed 5k or 10k race, or choose to go their own pace during the Fun Run. All proceeds raised from the event go to benefit the A Hand Up For Women charity which aims to establish positive change for Knoxville women seeking a better life. More information on registration fees and location can be found here.
A Christmas Carol:
There’s no better way to celebrate the end of Thanksgiving than by jumping directly into the Christmas Spirit. The UT theatre department provides just such an opportunity with its showing of “A Christmas Carol” Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the Clarence Brown Theatre. Say goodbye to the ghost of Thanksgiving past and hello to the ghost of Christmas future as you leave behind your post-holiday woes and embrace the Christmas spirit exactly when you should: immediately after Thanksgiving is over.
