A New York City Thanksgiving Weekend in Review

While most of my fellow commuters head westbound in bumper-to-bumper traffic to visit their families this Thanksgiving weekend, some Hobokeners are taking advantage of the Thanksgiving fesitivities happening in their own backyard!

From the Thanksgiving Eve blowout parties to the BlackFriday blowout sales, I'm here to break down this All American Holiday in the City!

1. It has long been a tradition to catch up at a local bar with hometown friends when we visit our parent's house for the Holiday Weekend. These days, it's not far from typical to gather your High School friends and catch up over Bottle Service at the some of hottest clubs. And, where else can you treat your friends to a VIP experience than New York City?

Featured Thanksgiving Eve venues include:

Webster Hall featuring music by Paul Oakenfold and Roger Sanchez

Located at 125 E. 11th Street

Amnesia featuring DJ Camilo, DJ Enuff, and a performance by Serani!

Located in West Chelsea at 609 West 29th Street

Sky Room an outdoor Hotel Rooftop Lounge with stunning views, featuring an Open Vodka bar from 10-11pm and DJ RYO

Located at 330 West 40th Street

So, have a shot of "Wild Turkey" in the greatest city in the world, but just watch the Holiday hangover, it doesn't make a good impression on your grandparents!

2. Possibly the most PATH convient event to partake in this Holiday Season; wake up to the delightful performances and the vibrant energy of the Macy's Day Parade! Having once performed in the Parade myself, the parade is a magical experience where families and friends gather together in New York to give thanks together while ringing in the celebration of the upcoming Holiday Season.

This year's parade included performances from some of the music industry's most coveted artists including: Kayne West, Jessica Simpson, India Arie, Kylie Minogue, and Keri Hilson.

3. While Thanksgiving has always been a holiday about giving thanks for the many blessings in our lives, over the past couple years Americans have been giving thanks for the simple things in life; our families, homes, jobs, and the ability to put a Thanksgiving feast on the table. Yet, in recent years, individuals have not been as fortunate to partake in the Holiday Season, which is why I give thanks to local volunteers who dedicated a cold New York Thanksgiving to serving the less fortunate in annual food drives including:

- The CB2 "Can Do" Food Drive

- The Island Harvest Food Drive

- The Turkey Donations Flood Food Bank

- The Weld Food Bank & Many more

4. While most Americans continue to digest their hefty meals from Thanksgiving dinner, many are preparing to bear their tryptopahn-enduced comas to partake in the yearly tradition of Black Friday. Shoppers nationwide throw on their sneakers and kick up the caffine intake to score some of the best shopping deals of the Holiday Season.

So, don't spend your Black Friday like most Americans, preoccupied with finding parking amongst other unrelenting Black Friday shoppers, join me to see what deals smart shoppers are checking out across our abandoned city.

- Check our the Famous Toys 'R Us to score deals on the hottest toys for the kids.

- Department stores like Macy's, Saks Fifth Ave, Barney's and Bloomie's all share in bargain deals on designer duds.

- Discount stores like Forever 21, H&M, and Century 21 hit all time lows.

- And, don't forget the Electronics stores such as J&R and Best Buy!

Also, Join foursquare and check into your favorite department stores in the city to scoop up the best deals in the city.

Avoid the TSA Patdowns at Airport Security, the bumper-to-bumper westbound traffic, and the obnoxious in-laws to enjoy the Holiday pleasures of New York City beyond your day-to-day work commute!