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By Katie Bianco, Jess Feldman, Holly Gambrell and Jennifer Zeleski
A little music for the road
Finding new musical artists to obsess over is one of my favorite pastimes. From hearing the sounds of Dr. Dog for the first time (courtesy of my 10th grade teacher) to discovering The Avett Brothers in a rental condo I lived alone in when I was 19, I remember each moment. And while I hate to admit it, my older brother definitely gets some of the credit for my interest in indie, rock and folk music that evolved through my teen years. He’s usually the one passing along songs, albums and playlists, but it’ll be my turn after seeing sibling duo the Ruen Brothers perform their nostalgic, classic rock-style tunes at Jammin Java Tuesday night. Come Wednesday when I return home to Boston for the Thanksgiving holiday, we’ll have something new to jam out to while running errands for our last-minute planner of a mom, and I can’t wait. -Jess Feldman, Editorial Assistant // Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna; Nov. 26, 7:30 p.m.; $15-$30
Namaste for the holiday
You know what’s almost impossible to do after Thanksgiving Day dinner? Bend down to touch your toes. Don’t try it … please. But what is possible is a nice, relaxing position on the couch after a meal full of heartwarming carbs, almost like the Thanksgiving version of shavasana. Instead of waking up at the crack of dawn to slide my apple pie in the oven, I’m going to start the holiday by taking a 75-minute gratitude-inspired yoga class at Fierce Om. It will be the perfect way to unwind from checking off my to-do list, and a way to make sure my gratitude pours out to others for the rest of the day. If you’re schedule is too booked for Thursday, find 14 other yoga classes coming up, featuring puppies, kittens, ugly sweaters and more, here. -Jennifer Zeleski, Editorial Assistant // Fierce Om: 14383 Newbrook Drive, Suite 200, Chantilly; Nov. 28, 7-8:15 a.m.; $20
Will run for mashed potatoes
I have a lot to be thankful for: a family I adore, friends who stand by my side, a loving boyfriend, my health, a job in the magazine industry. The list goes on. I’m also grateful for food and running, two of my favorite things. They go hand-in-hand really, especially on Thanksgiving Day when I’ll be consuming way more calories than I do on a daily basis. Beside the fact that I feel I need to workout on Thanksgiving to counteract the dinner (side note: there’s also no shame in just vegging out during the holiday), I also just really enjoy running 5Ks in the crisp, fall air. Which is why you can catch me Thursday morning at the Fairfax Turkey Trot, smiling in a turkey-shaped hat. For more turkey trots in NoVA, click here. -Holly Gambrell, Digital Editor // Starts and finishes at 4081 University Drive, Fairfax; Nov. 28, 9 a.m.; $35-$45
Smile for Santa
Every parent has at least one photo of their kid crying/looking terrified with Santa. And yet, it’s hardly the holiday season without getting your children dressed up in their holiday best and taking them to sit on the big guy’s lap. We always save this for the day after Thanksgiving. Over the last few years, we’ve tried the Santa at Merrifield Garden Center, Tysons Corner and Shirlington. This year, we still haven’t decided which Santa we’ll wait in line for. I’m just praying we get one photo that’s all smiles. -Katie Bianco, Editor // Find Santa in Northern Virginia here.
For more fun things to do this month, read our NoVA in 19 here.
