Don't want to shop this Black Friday? Here's what to do around Lebanon County
It's the night of Thanksgiving and you're full of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and all the rest. In just a few hours, stores will open for Black Friday shopping, featuring the best deals of the year for Christmas shopping.
But what if you don't feel like shopping?
In 2015, outdoor outfitter REI announced that they would not be opening their stores for Black Friday, suggesting its customers instead go on hikes or walks in state and national parks.
In recent years, other stores, including Walmart and Target, announced that they would not be opened late Thanksgiving night ahead of Black Friday, opting to open at regular hours or later than previous years, as a way to both show appreciation to employees and reduce the long lines that would gather outside of these big box stores.
Online shopping, too, has taken a chunk out of the occasion, with many opting to do their Black Friday shopping online instead of the running all over town for doorbuster deals.
Much in the way of REI's mission, there are plenty of beautiful trails throughout Lebanon County to hike, far away from the bustling stores, including Governor Dick with its 66-foot-tall tower that provides a view of five counties, the Swatara Creek State Park, Quittapahilla Creek Nature Park or the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail.
If you're planning on taking a walk, why not learn some of Lebanon County's history while you're at it, with Visit Lebanon Valleys' heritage trail maps featuring historical landmarks throughout nine of Lebanon's municipalities. Those maps can be found online at visitlebanonvalley.com.
Black Friday this year could be a day to wear anything between thick winter coats or a T-shirt.
Visit Lebanon Valley's President Jennifer Kuzo gave some guidance on what to do indoors on Black Friday that's not shopping till' you drop.
"Maybe it's not all about the stuff, getting more stuff," she said. "Maybe it's taking time to enjoy your loved ones and have an experience with them."
For families, activities like Laser Tag at the Lazer Factory, ice skating right next door at the Klick Lewis Arena or the Kidmazium at Paramount Sports all in Annville will be open on Black Friday. The Mt. Gretna Roller Rink will also be open at 7:30 for public skating.
For adults looking to get out of the house, Kuzo recommended visiting some of Lebanon's breweries like Schaylor, Rotunda, Snitz Creek Craft Brewery, and Isaac's Craft Kitchen and Brewery or one of the county's newer coffee shops like Timber Creek in Myerstown, Caffeination Station in Palmyra or Mill 72 in Lebanon.
For something a little in between, seeing a movie at the Allen Theatre or the Lebanon Valley Regal, which are both open on Black Friday, is a great way to burn a couple of hours alone or with family.
Similarly, Kuzo gave some recommendations on things to do that are sort of shopping, but sort of not shopping, like visiting the Risser Marvel Farm Market and the Lebanon Farmers Market or Christmas at the Expo at the Lebanon Valley Expo Center, which will have live music and free photos with Santa Claus on the Black Friday.
"The other thing we thought of," Kuzo said. "Honor our Veterans' and take a walk through the National Guard museum or the Pennsylvania Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Fort Indiantown Gap."
For the season, Visit Lebanon Valley has created a gift guide featuring local makers and businesses, including a section aimed towards those who prefer experiences over things. That guide can be found on their website at visitlebanonvalley.com/gift-guides.
Daniel Larlham Jr. is a reporter for the Lebanon Daily News. Reach him at DLarlham@LDNews.com or on X @djlarlham.
This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: What to do instead of shopping this Black Friday
