Stuck in Nashville for Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving break can definitely be a bore if you aren’t going home to celebrate with family and friends. But there are so many ways to use those five days of freedom before exams hit. Here are a few of my personal favorite ideas:

1. Gather all of the other stranded students you know and plan a Thanksgiving theme party. Cook a turkey (or buy one already cooked if you live on campus) and set up a big dinner table. To really have fun with it, everyone can dress up as Native Americans, Pilgrims or turkeys.

2. In Nashville, live music is always there to depend on. Every Wednesday night, Lightning 100 sponsors Music City Roots, a live radio show at the infamous Loveless Café. Artists performing the night before Thanksgiving include John Cowan, 18 South, Shawn Camp and Ballhog! Bring your student I.D. and get tickets half off! www.musiccityroots.com.

3. Work up an appetite before the big meal on Thursday by participating in the 2010 Boulevard Bolt. This 5-mile run (or walk) stretches down Belle Meade Boulevard and benefits various local non-profits. Registration is $30 in advance and $50 the day of the race. www.boulevardbolt.org

4. Spend your break giving back to the community. The Nashville Rescue Mission is always looking for volunteers, especially during Thanksgiving. What could bring you more joy than to love and serve those who may not have family or friends to spend the holiday with? www.nashvillerescuemission.org/

— Jessica Wardwell

#thanksgiving #TWABBlog