Thanksgiving In Florida: A MapQuest Guide

MapQuest | By Barbie Carpenter | Posted: 10/26/11 05:02 PM ET | Updated: 10/31/11 04:03 PM ET

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Thanksgiving in Florida is a time for gathering with family and loved ones, expressing gratitude and, of course, eating. As part of TurkeyQuest -- a MapQuest guide to Thanksgiving events, featuring everything from parades to holiday sales to activities for families -- here are two of the best ways to experience Thanksgiving in Florida and one opportunity to give back to others.

Florida Thanksgiving Events Maps

The St. Petersburg Times Turkey Trot

Runners of all ages can participate in the St. Petersburg Times Turkey Trot, held annually on Thanksgiving morning at Clearwater High School's Jack White Stadium. Four races take place, including a competitive 5K and 10K for serious runners, a 5K Fun Run for families, walkers and strollers and a one-mile run open to anyone. Participants can get in the holiday spirit early and attend the Thanksgiving eve Turkey Trot Kickoff Party, which features live music, refreshments and Turkey Trot merchandise. Participants are encouraged to bring canned goods to donate to Religious Community Services, Inc. Food Bank or monetary donations, which go to Mason Dixon's Christmas Wish Fund. Registration prices range from $14 to $17 per person, depending on the race.

540 S. Hercules Ave., Clearwater, FL 33764

Forever Florida Thanksgiving Day Dinner

Families looking to get back to nature on Thanksgiving can visit Forever Florida in St. Cloud. Before a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at the Cypress Restaurant, guests can go on a Florida eco-safari and tour Forever Florida's conservation lands, take a walk around the lake or visit the petting zoo. After working up an appetite, guests will enjoy a Thanksgiving Day Dinner featuring a hearty, country-style menu. Last year, participants were treated to a smoked turkey breast with cornbread dressing, garlic mashed potatoes and sauteed green beans.

4755 N. Kenansville Road, St. Cloud, FL 34773

Volunteer: Waterfront Rescue Mission Thanksgiving Banquet

Pensacola's Waterfront Rescue Mission provides services to the area's poor, homeless, abused and addicted. On Thanksgiving, the mission hosts a banquet for the area's hungry with the help of willing volunteers. Participants are needed at the three Thanksgiving banquet locations to replenish food as it runs out, serve food to the guests and clean up and break down tables after the event concludes. Those interested in volunteering should contact the mission by the beginning of November to sign up for the Thanksgiving banquet.

380 W. Herman St., Pensacola, FL 32505 | Go to Huffington Post Impact to see how else you can volunteer.