The Idea Specialists™ at Renaissance at North Bend in Austin, Texas, are already getting excited about Thanksgiving! They’re once again having the great “stuffing vs dressing” debate, researching all things cranberry, and making sure they’ve signed up for the annual Turkey Trot. And this year, they’re also going to try something new to them—tandoori turkey!
Veterans Day
But before Thanksgiving comes Veterans Day, which honors U.S. veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. The Austin Veterans Day Parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. Monday, November 11, 2024, at Congress Avenue and end at the Texas Capitol with a 10:50 a.m. wreath-laying ceremony with bell tolling, a 21-gun salute, and the playing of Taps to honor those who have served.
And, there’s an AVAFest “Vets & Their Pets” exhibit this year, Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Old Bakery & Art Emporium. AVAFest, a nonprofit initiative, will showcase paintings by veterans either of themselves and their pets—or just their pets. You know the Renaissance at North Bend team just loves this concept, given that we are such a pet-friendly community!
More Upcoming Events
Even before Veterans Day there is plenty of fun to be had in and around the ATX. Do512-Family has put together an awesome list of family-friendly events going on this month, some of them FREE!
You should probably go ahead and make a plan now for how you want to experience two Austin holiday season traditions—Mozart’s Lake Austin Festival of Lights and the North Pole Flyer! The lights will begin their magical twinkle Friday, November 29, 2024, and new this year, Mozart’s will offer small-group and private on the water experiences (the Idea Specialists™ are very intrigued by the idea of Euro Igloos!).
Departing from the historic 1912 Bertram Depot, the 2024 Flyer special two-hour excursion on a real train features a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, all-you-can-drink hot cocoa, live balloon twisters, on-board caroling and a locally baked holiday cookie. Fun!
The Thanksgiving Table
So, dressing or stuffing? What’s the difference?
The Renaissance at North Bend Idea Specialists™ will let you in on a secret—they actually like both! And there’s no way they’re going to try to settle the great debate about what the difference is…..they’ll let certain culinary experts do that.
Instead, knowing full well that everybody thinks their grandma’s recipe is best, they’re sharing two they like: Southern Living’s Cornbread Dressing and Food & Wine’s Mushroom-and-Chestnut Stuffing with Giblets.
Either would go great with tandoori turkey, a culinary delight that combines the best of East Indian flavors with that perennial American favorite roasted bird.
Cranberry Creations
Another perennial American favorite at Thanksgiving is cranberry sauce. Some people swear by homemade, others prefer it right out of that familiar comforting can.
Another popular spin is cranberry chutney, a sweet, spicy, and tangy blend of cranberries cooked with a mix of spices like cumin, coriander, and a touch of cayenne. Yep, you guessed it—it pairs beautifully with tandoori turkey!
This is also the time to try out some different cranberry juice mock- and cocktails while gathering in your luxe Renaissance at North Bend apartment home. The Ginger Shandy (another name for a Cranberry Mule) is a perfect mix of sweet, zest, and effervescence that nicely balances out the heavy holiday foods (we’re looking at you, macaroni and cheese, and sweet potato casserole!).
Gobble, Wobble, Shuffle & Trot!
Sign the whole family up to make special holiday memories this Thanksgiving by taking your pick of one of the many Turkey Trots in and around Austin! Whether you lace up the morning of Thursday, November 28, 2024 or over the weekend, you can connect with the community, enjoy the outdoors, and kick off Thanksgiving with a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie. RunGuide gives the rundown on all your options—so many good causes to support!
