It’s a great feeling to score a deal on an item or gift you’ve been eyeing for months. But that natural high from a successful shopping trip can easily dissipate when you have to battle hordes of Black Friday shoppers all searching for the same deal. If you’re looking to skip the crowds and long lines this year, check out these suggestions for alternative ways to spend your Nov. 24.
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1. Hit the trails
All Delaware State Parks are waiving the entrance fees on Black Friday as a part of the #optoutside initiative, a campaign to encourage people to skip shopping and spend time outdoors. At Holts Landing State Park in Millville, a park naturalist will be leading a hike along the 1.7 mile Seahawk Nature Trail. Participating hikers can expect to learn about coastal plants and spot waterfowl.
2. Give back
Consider trading in your credit cards for a day spent volunteering. The Brandywine SPCA has a wide variety of volunteer opportunities that only require four hours a month and participation in one community event every two months. If you love animals, fill out an application to volunteer at one of its three locations in New Castle, Georgetown or West Chester Pa., or call 516-1007.
3. Explore new music
For music lovers everywhere, Nov. 24 is a very special day: Record Store Day. A concept created in 2007, Record Store Day celebrates independently owned record stores and its cultures. Each year, new music is released exclusively for the day. Check recordstoreday.com to see if a store near you is participating. Rainbow Records in Newark will be releasing over 150 limited-edition vinyls and is offering 10 percent off anything else in store not related to the exclusive record releases.
4. Hit the gym
Start your New Year’s resolution to get fit a bit early and head to a studio or gym. You’ll get to have a great workout and perhaps stumble upon a Black Friday class-package deal or new membership discount while you’re at it. Lovering Studio in Wilmington will be having a barre class for beginners for $10 a person (or free if you bring two friends). It will also be releasing deals and discounts on TRX and studio packages during the week.
5. Treat yourself
The holiday season can be tense and stressful at times and it’s important to make your own health and wellness a priority. Book a Swedish massage or a facial at Village Salon & Spa in Lewes. New clients get $20 off their first purchase of $50 or more.
