OptOutside: Ideas for Spending Time Outdoors on the Day After Thanksgiving (2025 Edition)

The Friday after Thanksgiving—often referred to as Black Friday—has become a day associated with long lines, crowded stores, and shopping stress. But for many, the alternative is far more appealing: fresh air, quiet trails, and the restorative power of nature. That’s the philosophy behind the OptOutside movement, started by REI, which encourages people to skip the shopping frenzy and spend time outdoors instead. Whether you’re planning a peaceful solo walk or a family day trip, there are countless ways to opt outside around Rochester and the Finger Lakes.

Hit the Trail

One of the simplest and most rewarding ways to opt outside is to take a walk in the woods. The late-November landscape, while often muted, offers its own kind of beauty: the rich textures of bare branches, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and the stillness of a forest settling into winter. Rochester is surrounded by an abundance of parks and preserves, from the expansive trail systems at Mendon Ponds and Letchworth State Park to the serene paths of Corbett’s Glen or Turning Point Park. State parks may charge for parking, but Monroe County parks and many town trails are free to explore. Dress in layers, wear waterproof or insulated shoes, and bring a thermos of something warm to sip along the way. You don’t need to hike far or fast—just being outside can make all the difference.

Wander Near Water

There’s something timeless and grounding about being near water, especially during the quieter months. Even as the air grows colder and the skies more dramatic, the sound of a rushing creek or the rhythmic movement of lake waves can calm the mind and offer a sense of perspective. Many local parks include waterfront trails, such as Lucien Morin Park along Irondequoit Bay or the boardwalks at Braddock Bay and Ontario Beach Park. Waterfalls, too, take on a powerful presence this time of year, with less foliage to obscure the view. Destinations like Channing H. Philbrick Park in Penfield or the Glen Nature Preserve in Watkins Glen provide stunning vistas, even in late fall. Just be mindful that trails near water can be slippery in cold or damp conditions—microspikes or trekking poles may come in handy.

Meander Down Main Street

If your idea of being outdoors involves less mud and more mocha, consider spending your day in one of the region’s charming towns or villages. A stroll down Main Street—window shopping, sipping coffee, and admiring historic architecture—can be just as restorative as a hike in the woods. Towns like East Aurora, Skaneateles, Canandaigua, and Hammondsport offer festive storefronts, friendly locals, and access to scenic byways or lakeside paths if you feel like wandering a little farther. This is also an excellent opportunity to support local businesses without the frenzy of big-box stores. Even if you step indoors for a few minutes, the spirit of “opting outside” remains strong when you spend most of your day moving at a slower, more intentional pace.

OptOut Inside (Sort of)

Sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate, and that’s okay. There are still ways to honor the intention behind OptOutside without braving sleet or frigid winds. Consider visiting a place that brings the outdoors in—like the Lamberton Conservatory in Highland Park, where tropical plants and desert cacti thrive under glass, or the butterfly garden at the Strong National Museum of Play. Local museums, nature centers, and even libraries can offer peaceful environments that encourage reflection and discovery. Pair your indoor outing with a short walk before or after, whether it’s a lap around the block or a quick stop at a nearby park. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s presence. Just stepping away from screens and routines is enough to reset your mind and body for the season ahead.

Create Your Own Tradition

There’s no single right way to OptOutside. Some families make it an annual tradition to visit the same trail, picnic spot, or overlook each year, marking the season with quiet continuity. Others treat the day as a chance to try something new—to explore a different part of the region, to pause for a moment of gratitude, or to move at a slower pace before the holiday season ramps up. You don’t need a big plan or fancy gear. What matters is the intention: to trade in distraction for presence, and to reconnect with the natural world in whatever way feels meaningful to you.

Whether you find yourself wandering a forest path, gazing at lake waves, or simply sitting on a bench in your neighborhood park, opting outside is a powerful reminder that joy can be simple, slow, and close to home. The Friday after Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be about consumption. It can be about connection—with nature, with loved ones, and with yourself. So go ahead: bundle up, step out the door, and breathe in the quiet beauty of late November.

Where are your favorite places to OptOutside?

I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.