Guide For Thanksgiving Weekend Visitors To Los Angeles

Thanksgiving weekend gives families and friends four days to gather and take part in the hoilday festivities. While locals will have certain plans made, their visitors will be excited to pursue other activities that aren't on that list. We've put together the best ways to spend the upcoming holiday weekend, a time that usually includes some form of turkey and also includes exciting activities that go beyond eating a formal meal with a gobbler as the centerpiece.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art 
5905 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 857-6000
www.lacma.org

In November, "David Hockney: Seven Yorkshire Landscape Videos" starts its run at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, locally known as LACMA, and will run through January 26, 2014. A pioneer of new media, this British-born talent has fooled around with all kinds of technology from Polaroid imagery to iPad drawings. Meanwhile, his films from 2011 were created by mounting 11 cameras on his car and then tooling around the English countryside, capturing its essence. Visit LACMA during Thanksgiving weekend with your out-of-town guests and witness Yorkshire through the eyes and lense of David Hockney. Aside from David Hockney's exhibition, LACMA offers thousands of pieces of fine art as well as exhibitions galore. The massive art complex is home to some of the best pieces around including 'Urban Light'.

The J. Paul Getty Museum 
1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 440-7300
www.getty.edu

This Thanksgiving weekend, take a drive up to the mountain top perched Getty Museum and explore the beautiful grounds of this art-oriented campus. For those looking for ethereal material in particular, look forward to taking in the newest exhibit at this landmark location situated high on a hill in Brentwood. Called "Gods and Heroes: European Drawings of Classical Mythology," this delightful display takes the ideas of the plethora of colorful stories that came out of GrecoRoman history. These interpretations were then put down on paper in a series of visual treats. On display from November 19 to February 9 of next year, the myths captured in more than three dozen drawings were created during the time between the Renaissance period and the 19th century.

On November 28 from 8:30 to 11am, La Canada Flintridge is the place where anyone, even those who don't hail from these parts, can take part in the annual Thanksgiving Day run and food drive. Known universally as the Turkey Trot, this 5K run is now in its 20th year and a great way to spend Thanksgiving morning. Younger trotters can partake in the kids' one-mile run for ages 12 and under as well. Sponsored by the Community Center of La Canada Flintridge, this giving event lures as many as 2,000 participants who also take part in the community's largest food drive of the year. Pets (on leashes) are more than welcome.

Related: Best Fall Festivals in Los Angeles

The Laugh Factory 
8001 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 656-1336
www.laughfactory.com

The world famous Laugh Factory holds its annual free thanksgiving day feast free of charge to welcome those away from home, the homeless, or simply those in need of a warm meal. There's nothing that brings folks together like a lot of laughs and a free meal. So, for those at a loss as to how to share their holiday and still spend Thanksgiving in an alternative way to dining on a traditional feast, consider shooting over to the Sunset Strip to this renowned establishment. On tap is a really funny show and the chance to provide a free meal to Los Angeles' homeless. Four different seatings feed these folks who will also end up laughing through the holiday by celebrating in this special way that's been done for 33 years in a row.

Sage Organic Vegan Bistro 
1700 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 989-1718
www.sageveganbistro.com

Do you have guests looking to steer clear of turkey in favor of fare of the vegan variety? Head to Sage Organic Vegan Bistro in Echo Park (their sister restaurant recently opened in Culver City) for fine, organic food. Here, local, in-season produce is exploited (in a good way) in farm-to-table dishes like butternut squash tacos, gluten-free coconut curry and this eatery's popular falafel bowl. Saturday and Sunday brunches are the best bets for Thanksgiving weekend extravaganzas at this yummy vegan hot spot.

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