There’s more to the Thanksgiving weekend than shopping

When you gather around the holiday table, sitting next to your loved ones, you will be celebrating all the blessings you have experienced throughout the year. Have you thought about the particular fortunes you will be feeling grateful for? Maybe you will offer thanks for the good health you’ve had, for the accomplishments you’ve achieved, for the friendships you’ve formed. Consider asking the guests to go around the table and take turns sharing one happy memory from the past year. Everyone might enjoy hearing about the positive aspects and being a part of them. Kick off the holiday in a memorable way – that way, you’ll be motivated to continue the tradition through Hanukkah and into next year! Below are ten suggestions for spending the four days of freedom. Read on to learn how to stay away from the mall!

Thursday, Nov. 27

Dinner and a stay, Castle Hill Inn

590 Ocean Drive, Newport

Since everything is closed on Thanksgiving, you might as well just focus on the food. After all, that’s the intention, right? Sit back, celebrate with your friends and family members and enjoy the sweet potatoes. Wait, first someone has to cook the meal, though. If spending a day or two in the kitchen doesn’t sound like an exciting prospect, why not go out? But don’t just venture out for the evening – take advantage of the extra two days off from work and make a mini vacation out of this opportunity. Better yet – make it a family reunion and enjoy being able to escape to a different room.

Don’t forget – we live in a state that houses one of the most beautiful cities – Newport. Sample the luxury of the seacoast life by treating yourself and your loved ones to a stay at the highly regarded Castle Hill Inn that boasts spectacular views. The resort offers a New England-style Thanksgiving dinner. To taste the bounty of the fall harvest, make your reservations at 888-466-1355.

Friday, Nov. 28

Walking tour, Brick Market Museum and Shop

127 Thames St., Newport

What better time than on Thanksgiving to go on a Holiday History Walking Tour? Starting at 4:30 p.m., you will learn about the history of early American traditions on a lovely stroll through Newport. Find out how the residents celebrated holidays. For reservations, call 401-841-8770.

Kids’ activities,

Providence Children’s Museum

100 South St., Providence

If your kids or grandkids are especially boisterous because of all the holiday energy, take them somewhere they can spend it. During Boats Afloat, they’ll be able to build a penny boat and design and race paddle boats from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. As long as you are not the one racing after them!

Then, continue the Thanksgiving celebration with Native American Tales. Storyteller Thawn Harris will share his Narragansett culture through songs, stories and dance. Visitors will be able to join a traditional Native American social dance. The shows start at 2 and 3 p.m. Visit childrenmuseum.org for more information.

Theater, Rosecliff Mansion

548 Bellevue Ave., Newport

After all the commotion at the museum during the day, your kids will appreciate a relaxing evening. Take them to see the Nutcracker at 7:30 p.m. Island Moving Co.’s show is set within the gorgeous mansion. Admire not only the staircase, salons and ballroom, but also the scale and musicality of the production. Who knows, it might just become your holiday tradition! Visit islandmovingco.org for more information.

Saturday, Nov. 29

Art show, Newport Art Museum

76 Bellevue Ave., Newport

This is a great weekend to check out a show called “Palate to Plate.” Visit the exhibition featuring The Boston Printmakers and displaying food-inspired prints by 99 members of the group. The accompanying catalog even includes the recipes that influenced the works.

While you’re at the museum, check out the Holiday Arts and Crafts Sale that takes place from 3 to 6 p.m. There has to be some shopping in your Thanksgiving weekend since it’s a perfect time to purchase Hanukkah gifts! At least you’ll get the ones that always fit – paintings, ceramics, prints and jewelry. All of the items are made by the Coleman Center for Creative Studies faculty and students. Consult newportartmuseum.org for more information.

Expo, Crowne Plaza

801 Greenwich Ave., Warwick

Is serenity in your future? It can be if you get inspired by The Mind-Body-Spirit Experience that takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The expo will exhibit various products and services that enhance life and inform about such crucial subjects as health, the environment and personal development. Enjoy massage, demonstrations and yoga. You’ll also be able to taste many healthy foods and speak with spiritual readers. For more information, consult mindbodyspiritri.com.

Race, Town Beach Pavilion

Corn Neck Road, Block Island

If being active is more your style than browsing art, then a trip to the gorgeous Block Island is in your future. Join the 10th annual Turkey Trot in memory of Michael Coords at 1 p.m. The race is family-friendly and conducive to burning off your Thanksgiving meal. You’ll receive a free T-shirt and an excuse to indulge in leftovers. Consult blockislandchamber.com for more information.

Music and dance performance,

Blackstone River Theatre

549 Broad St., Cumberland

Prefer to watch others burn off calories? Stop by the theater’s Homecoming Concert and Silent Auction Fundraiser for some Celtic-inspired music and Irish step dancing by Erika Damiani. The festivities, featuring Atwater-Donnelly, Eastern Medicine Singers, Phil Edmonds, Bertrand Laurence, Robbie O’Connell, Pendragon, Mary Ann Rossoni and Rick Bellaire, begin at 7:30 p.m. Consult riverfolk.org for more information.

Sunday, Nov. 30

Fun, Dwares JCC

401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence

No need to travel far for some athletic activity and family entertainment. First, instead of your usual leisurely Sunday-morning newspaper reading, lace up your sneakers and join a game of men’s pick-up basketball that takes place from 7 to 9:30 a.m. Then, after you shower and have breakfast, unhand your wife, allowing her to have some quality time on the treadmill at the gym. In the afternoon, return to the center as a family – it’s Sunday Funday! Bring your kids at 4 p.m. for some floats, balls, games and more! Visit jewishallianceri.org for more information.

Film shorts, Sketching,

the RISD Museum

224 Benefit St., Providence

Before you show up for Sunday Funday, stop by the Providence Children’s Film Festival for some cultural and artistic entertainment. The film shorts start at 2 and end at 3 p.m. – most children’s attention spans can last that long, especially if the movies are entertaining. Come by the Metcalf Auditorium and don’t forget the popcorn!

If someone in your family is not as fond of movies as the rest, not all is lost. While film fanatics are glued to the screen, bring the reluctant child to Family See & Sketch, an activity that also starts at 2 p.m. Explore the work of Tacita Dean and Richard Long – it might just inspire you and your little one to create some drawings of your own. All materials are provided onsite.