Five Ways to Go All Out on Black Friday

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Your heart is racing…your feet at at the starting line…you look down at your watch…5, 4, 3, 2, 1! Is it one of the many outdoor sporting events in Broome County? No, it’s Black Friday!

Black Friday can be a great day for businesses and economic development which is great for the community, but maybe you want to stay away from the crowds, burn those Thanksgiving calories, try out that great gear you got a deal on, or show visiting family and friends a good time. Here are 5 great ways to Go All Out this Black Friday (and beyond).

  1. Go Biking. Find a great Black Friday deal on a bike? Broome County has an extensive bike route network, a great way to get active and see the sites of Broome County. Still looking to get some biking experience before you head out on the open road? The Two-Rivers Greenway is a system of multi-use off road trails that includes the Vestal Rail Trail, Chugnut Trail, Chenango River Trail, Otsiningo Park Trail and more. Check out the Biking layer on our website for some great places to bike.
  2. Go Birding. Get out those binoculars, or that fancy new camera or smartphone. There are some great places to check out wildlife, especially some awesome birding spots. We have been blessed with beautiful rivers that are home to herons, eagles and more. You might even catch a peek at the Peregrine Falcons right in Downtown Binghamton. The Naturalists’ Club of Broome County  is a wealth of information to get you started, along with New York’s I Bird NY program.
  3. Go Hiking. (or walking or strolling) There are so many great places to enjoy the peace and serenity of the forest, or stroll along the river, or take in the rhythmic sounds of the city. Our Hiking page has trails to meet all of your needs. Find trails of many distances and difficulty. From natural trails like Hawkins Pond Nature Area, to paved trails with easy accessibility like Otsiningo Park, you can find the place for you. Early snow can be a great opportunity to give snowshoeing a try too. The Triple Cities Hiking Club is a great resource and a great way to meet other hikers.
  4. Go Running.  This is a great time of year to run. The heat of the summer has passed, but you don’t have to jump over puddles of ice quite yet (hopefully!), so lace up those new kicks and charge up that fitness tracker that you found on sale and head out for a run. Our Hiking page works for finding running spots too. And since this is the season of togetherness, why not get together with a running group for some motivation and accountability. The Triple Cities Runners Club and Binghamton Area Trail Runners (BATS) are great groups to get involved in with opportunities for all running abilities with activities year round. The unique Twilight Trails series by BATS a great way to get a unique perspective on some otherwise familiar trails.
  5. Go shopping. “How does shopping = Go All Out?” you might ask… Well there are lots of great local farms and great places that sell farm products. Supporting these businesses keeps these farms going. Farms not only support the local economy, but they also help preserve the beauty of our  wide open spaces, as well as the history and character of our rural communities. Even though it is late in the year many of these products are still available. Check out our Agritourism page for some great spots where you can shop for local farm goods. The Broome County Regional Farmers Market also features many of our local farms and they are open on Saturdays all year round. So even if you can’t visit all of the great farm markets ON Black Friday, you can spend some time planning out your visits for the weekend. Speaking of which, did you know that Small Business Saturday is the very next day?

Your heart races. Your feet stand at the starting line. You glance at your watch—5, 4, 3, 2, 1!

Is this one of Broome County’s many outdoor sporting events? Not quite. It’s Black Friday!

Black Friday brings great opportunities for local businesses and economic development. However, you might want to skip the crowds this year. Maybe you’re looking to burn those Thanksgiving calories. Perhaps you want to test out that new gear you scored on sale. Or you’d like to show visiting family and friends a memorable time.

Here are 5 great ways to Go All Out this Black Friday and beyond.

1. Go Biking

Did you find an amazing Black Friday deal on a bike? Perfect timing! Broome County offers an extensive bike route network. It’s an excellent way to stay active while exploring the region.

Start with Off-Road Trails

New to biking? The Two-Rivers Greenway is ideal for beginners. This multi-use trail system includes:

  • Vestal Rail Trail
  • Chugnut Trail
  • Chenango River Trail
  • Otsiningo Park Trail

Additionally, our website features a Biking layer. You can discover even more great places to ride.

2. Go Birding

Grab those binoculars, that new camera, or even your smartphone. Broome County has fantastic spots to observe wildlife, especially birds.

Our beautiful rivers are home to herons, eagles, and many other species. You might even spot Peregrine Falcons right in Downtown Binghamton!

Resources to Get Started

The Naturalists’ Club of Broome County offers valuable information for birders of all levels. Furthermore, New York’s I Bird NY program provides excellent guidance.

3. Go Hiking

Whether you prefer hiking, walking, or strolling, Broome County has the perfect trail for you. Enjoy the peace of the forest. Walk along the river. Or take in the rhythm of the city.

Trails for Every Ability

Our Hiking page features trails of various distances and difficulty levels. For example:

Got early snow? It’s the perfect opportunity to try snowshoeing!

Connect with Other Hikers

The Triple Cities Hiking Club is an excellent resource. They welcome hikers of all experience levels and organize regular outings.

4. Go Running

This is an ideal time of year to run. The summer heat has passed. Yet you don’t have to dodge icy puddles quite yet!

Lace up those new shoes. Charge up that fitness tracker you found on sale. Then head out for a run.

Find Your Running Spot

Our Hiking page works great for finding running locations too. Moreover, joining a running group provides motivation and accountability.

Local Running Groups

BATS also hosts the unique Twilight Trails series. These runs give you a fresh perspective on familiar trails.

5. Go Shopping (Locally!)

How does shopping equal “Go All Out”? Here’s the connection.

Broome County has many wonderful local farms and farm product vendors. When you support these businesses, you keep farms thriving. Farms support the local economy. They also preserve our beautiful open spaces. Furthermore, they maintain the history and character of our rural communities.

Where to Shop

Even late in the year, many farm products remain available. Check out our Agritourism page for great spots to buy local farm goods.

The Broome County Regional Farmers Market features many local farms. They’re open Saturdays year-round!

Can’t visit all the farm markets on Black Friday? Spend some time planning your weekend visits instead.

Pro Tip

Don’t forget about Small Business Saturday! It’s the very next day and another chance to support local businesses.

Ready to Go All Out? Whether you choose one activity or try them all, Broome County offers endless ways to make your Black Friday memorable. Get outside, stay active, and discover something new in your community!