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By Alice Levitt, James Finley, and Michele Kettner
Twinkle Time
“Thanksgiving comes and goes, but overeating is forever. At least in my world. That’s why, just after the national feast, I’ll be continuing the trend with a visit to Lighting of the Vines at Bluemont Vineyard. One of the many pleasures of the lit-up vines is the opportunity to enjoy a four-course chef’s table dinner at the vineyard.” –Alice Levitt, food editor/critic
Where Are You Christmas?
“For my family, once the Thanksgiving feast is over the Christmas decorations go up. So even though I’m excited for turkey day, carols are already playing in the back of my head. To kick off the holiday season, I’m dragging my friend down to the Gaylord National Resort for the opening of their I Love Christmas Movies experience. I’m probably a little too excited to enter the world of Christmas Vacation to re-create the infamous Griswold family Christmas lights scene.” –Michele Kettner, associate digital & research editor
Skywalker
“It’s looking like it won’t be too cold this week, considering how late we are into November. Now that it’s getting dark early, it’s a good time to get a hike in and gaze up at the stars at one of NoVA’s five internationally designated Dark Sky parks. The aptly named Sky Meadows Park along the Blue Ridge Mountains is great for the long weekend after Thanksgiving.” –James Finley, senior editor