Thanksgiving in Toronto is almost upon us. And though we'll list all the noteworthy events taking place over the holiday in our Weekend Radar, there's plenty of other stuff to do that's worthy of mention. Some of these are recurring events and some aren't really events at all, at least in the narrow sense.

On account of the origin of the holiday, I've shown a heavy bias toward harvest and food-oriented activities on the list below. But, because we're all libel to overeat a little -- particularly those of us with two Thanksgiving dinners to go to -- I've also tried to prioritize things that take place outdoors.

Staying in the city

Farmers Markets
Perhaps one of the easiest ways to get into the Thanksgiving vibe is to visit a farmer's market. Not only can you buy ingredients for the big meal, but with most offering locally sourced produce, it just seems like an appropriate thing to mark the holiday. Best bets are the Wychwood Barns and the Brick Works, both of which take place on Saturday.

Beyond Imaginings: Art Show at Harbourfront
Also food related, if less directly, is the year-long photo exhibit at Harbourfront, Beyond Imaginings, which explores the Greenbelt through the eyes of eight up-and-coming Ontario photographers. An easy way to get outdoors without making much of a commitment, one can get a look at our farmland without actually having to make the trek.

Historic (Pioneer Village and Gibson House Museum)
For those looking to get a little historical with their Thanksgiving fun, there's always Black Creek Pioneer Village and Gibson House. I haven't been to either since I was a child, but I get the sense that this might appeal to both young families and cool-kids looking to be ironic. The best part? There's even turkey dinners that show off local ingredients. It's not quite Medieval Times, but that's probably a good thing.

Fall Colours
Perhaps the most obvious activity for Thanksgiving weekend, one need not leave the city to catch a glimpse of the changing leaves. Those who make visit to the Brick Works farmers market can kill two birds with one stone (that might just be a bad pun), but High Park, David A. Balfour Park, Cedervale Park and the Rouge Valley are also likely to be showing the early signs of saturation.

Dinner Out
For those who want to experience a Thanksgiving feast without the pain in the ass of the preparation, there are a few restaurants offering a traditional turkey dinner. Most notable among these is Globe Bistro, whose $35 locally oriented prix fix menu sounds delicious.

Day Trips

Apple Picking
If you're into local food, when not get out there and pick it for yourself? If you can manage the drive to Milton, a visit to Chudleigh's apple farm will let you soak up the fall colours and bring home some bounty for your dessert on Sunday (or whichever day you do dinner). While you're out there, you might even want to head up to Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area, which features sweeping views from (and of) the Niagara Escarpment. It'd probably be a good idea to get to both early, as they tend to get rather busy mid-day.

Winery Visits
For a different angle on the harvest, a trip out to wine country at this time of the year can be quite rewarding. The Beamsville Bench is littered with boutique wineries where you can sample our high quality Riesling, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Best bets are 30 Bench (who are offering vineyard tours this weekend), Fielding Estate, Hidden Bench, and if you want to head into town, Cave Spring.

And because buying a Turkey is itself a Thanksgiving activity, be sure to check out our list of the the Best Turkey in Toronto.

For specific times and more details, please follow the hyperlinks scattered throughout the list.

Photos by sarnya, sniderscion and swilton.