Go 'local' this Thanksgiving: 3 Unique Neighborhood-Inspired Plans

Give thanks by doing something local this Thanksgiving! Here are three uniquely different Thanksgiving days that we'd plan if we lived at EYA's newest communities.

A wholesome, small town experience around Old Town Commons

On Thanksgiving day, get the whole family out of the house to run/walk the five-mile Annual Alexandria Turkey Trot in Del Ray at 10 a.m. Strollers and Dogs are welcome. Head home to prepare a Thanksgiving meal with the help of traditional pre-made sides from Whole Foods Market, then set up a delicious Do-It-Yourself Pie Bar from Buzz Bakery. Keep the holiday spirit going into the weekend when you hit the City's Tree Lighting Ceremony with visits from carolers, the mayor and Santa Claus on Friday evening.

A look back at America's past at Capitol Quarter

Start the day off early with an appetite-inducing stroll past the U.S. Capitol Building as part of DC's Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger. Then head back to Capitol Quarter for a rooftop al fresco lunch of indigenous Pumpkin and Tomatican soups pre-ordered from the Mitsitam Cafe at The National Museum of the American Indian. After Thanksgiving dinner, brew a strong cup of joe from Peregrine Espresso and walk off your meal on the Barracks Row Heritage Trail, marked by 16 signs describing the neighborhood's rich military and political history. Close out the evening with a specialty game from Capitol Hill's Laybrinth Games and Puzzles.

An urban holiday courtesy of the many hip neighborhoods near Chancellor's Row

Perhaps you've noticed the pattern here... Start your Turkey Day with a calorie-burning session courtesy of DC's hottest mode of transport, Capital BikeShare. Pick up bikes at the 10th and Monroe Streets NE station for a ride around Catholic University's quaint campus. Afterwards, relax on the front porch with a crostini platter and a $14 bottle of recommended Domaine Pascal Aufrane from A.M. Wine Shoppe, picked up the day prior on a 10-minute jaunt to Columbia Heights. While the Yes! Organic Market turkey cooks, prepare side dishes using produce from Bloomingdale Farmer's Market (open this Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Finish off your holiday with non-traditional, yet ever-popular desserts: Cupcakes. Divinely Decadent Desserts, a new Brookland neighbor, is offering pumpkin spice, caramel apple and white chocolate flavors.