This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. 

I love Thanksgiving weekend — there is so much to do and so much fun to be had. I wish it could last longer. If you’re new to Reston, or just want some new ideas about what to do this weekend, here are some of my favorites.

Donate Food to Those in Need

Before the weekend, consider donating food to Cornerstones — a fabulous Reston-based organization that makes a real difference in people’s lives.

The Reston Community Center, Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, and Cornerstones have joined to collect food for the needy. You can drop off non-perishable food and other items from Nov. 1 to 24 at the Reston Community Center’s Hunters Woods and Lake Anne facilities, the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, and a variety of other drop-off points throughout the community. Visit the web page for a list of items they really need and to see dropoff locations.

Dinner Out

If you don’t feel like cooking this Thanksgiving, I suggest visiting Vinifera at the Westin Reston Heights. They are offering a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday buffet for a reasonable price: $49 per adult; $20 per child ages 5-12; and $7 per child ages 5 and under. The restaurant is located at 11750 Sunrise Valley Dr, Call (703) 234-3550 for reservations. For other options, check out this list of Northern VA restaurants serving Thanksgiving dinner.

Reston Holiday Parade

An annual tradition on the Friday after Thanksgiving, the Reston Holiday Parade has grown in every way. Macy’s-style balloons, musicians and marching bands, dancers, antique cars, community groups, and more make up this one-of-a-kind, one-hour procession welcoming the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus for the season.

The 2014 Parade Theme — “Home for the Holidays” — invites adults and kids alike to join the fun to celebrate home, family, and freedom! Come early to get your free sleigh bells. The fun starts at 11:00 a.m. at Reston Town Center.

Tree Lighting and Sing Along

After you have warmed up from your morning at the Holiday Parade, come back to the Reston Town Center for the annual tree lighting and sing along at 6 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive in a horse-drawn carriage to magically light up the huge Christmas tree in Fountain Square. After that is a traditional holiday sing along led by The Reston Chorale and brass quintet.

From 6:30 until 10 pm, horse-drawn carriage rides are available, embarking from outside of Talbots on Market Street. All proceeds benefit local charities.

Shop for Gifts from the Heart

Shop at the annual “Gifts from the HeART” from Dec. 1 to Jan. 5 to benefit Cornerstones. Sales of original works of two- and three- dimensional art in many mediums including watercolor, oil, acrylic, clay, mixed media, photography, and fiber are available–and make great gifts. Come to the Reston Community Center at Lake Anne and find the perfect gift!

That should do it — after all, you need plenty of time to lounge around and visit with your family and friends!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Most Fairfax County offices will be closed Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving. Here is a complete list:

County Government – Closed Nov. 28-29.

Animal Shelter – Closed Nov. 28; open Nov. 29, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Courts – Close at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 27; closed Nov. 28-29.

Public Schools and School Offices – Two-hour early closing for students only on Wednesday, Nov. 27; closed Nov. 28-29.

Library – Closed Nov. 28-29.

Fairfax Connector:

• Nov. 28 – Sunday schedule. Routes with Sunday service operate according to the Sunday schedule. Routes without Sunday service will not operate.
• Nov. 29 – Holiday weekday schedule. Routes with weekday service operate according to the weekday schedule except 335, 394, 395, 585, 595, and 597, which will not operate. (These routes do not operate when a holiday weekday schedule is in effect.)

Fastran – No service Nov. 28-29.

Park Authority:

• Nov. 28 – RECenters open at regular time and close at noon, except George Washington RECenter, which is closed. Nature centers, historic sites, Frying Pan Farm Park and the Green Spring Gardens horticultural center and historic house are closed.
• Nov. 29 – RECenters open regular hours. Nature centers open noon to 5 p.m.; historic sites open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Frying Pan Farm Park open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the visitor center open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Green Spring Gardens horticultural center open noon to 4:30 p.m.; the historic house is closed.

Teen and Senior Centers – Closed Nov. 28-29.

Community Centers – Closed Nov. 28-29.

McLean Community Center – Closed Nov. 28-29; Old Firehouse Teen Center – Closed Nov. 28-29.

Reston Community Center Hunters Woods – Open Nov. 28, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.;Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center will close at 1:30 p.m., Nov. 29 – regular hours.

Reston Community Center Lake Anne – Open Nov. 28, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nov. 29 – regular hours.

County Trash and Recycling Collection – Residents receiving trash and recycling collection from Fairfax County will have regular collection service Nov. 28 and Nov. 29. Residents receiving trash and recyclables collection service from private collection companies should contact service provider for the holiday schedule.

Recycling and Disposal Facilities at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex – Closed on Nov. 28. Open on Nov. 29 with normal operating schedule.