America's Thanksgiving Day Parade: Take Your Family This Year

Every Thanksgiving I get up early, throw Tom in the Oven, make some coffee and then my children and I sit down and watch the parades on Television. I usually switch between the Detroit and the Macy's Parade and go back and forth until something I like comes on. All in all my favorite has always been America's Thanksgiving Parade that takes place right here in my home state of Michigan.

For years when I was a small child I remember my parents bundling me up and we would head down to Woodward Ave and watch the Marching Bands, the beautiful dancers and the super cool Floats pass by. I remember if I blinked or looked away for one second they would be gone. My favorite was always the Nutcracker float, I actually liked seeing this more than anything else. It was also the first kick off of the Christmas season because Santa was there all the way from the North Pole to let kids know that Christmas was just around the corner.

I have always tried to carry on that tradition with my own children and I have taken them down to see the Parade quite a few times in the past fifteen years.

Last year my whole family and I decided to bundle up and take off to Detroit to watch the Parade march down Woodward Avenue.

I wanted to share with you some tips and suggestions I have found that can make your experience so much better.

You have to remember that first and foremost you will find many people at the Parade. Its like the Disney World of parades in downtown Detroit! Parking can be atrocious. As this is one of Detroit's to the busiest spectator events. My overall tip and suggestion would be to get there at least two and half three hours before the Parade starts, this may sound very early but trust me, if you want to guarantee a decent parking spot and seat then it is a must!

I recommend taking I-75 to Detroit and exiting off of Mack Avenue, this will take you pretty close to Woodward Ave and then you have to follow the directions from there.

For parking that is relatively close to the event, there are four parking lots and garages available. Ranging anywhere from $18.00 a car load to $35.50 (this includes service fees also) The prices are in fact a tad bit steep, but remember these parking lots fill up fast!

You can also buy tickets in advance to the Grandstands they have set up along Woodward Avenue. We have never done this but I have heard from others it is a nice way to reserve a seat and know that there is no hassle involved. It also gives you a prime view of everything that is going on with the parade! The prices range anywhere from $22.00 to $48.00.

The 2007 theme for the parade is "Hats off Detroit" In celebration of the major accomplishments that Detroit has made over the past decade. Taking it from a worn and torn dirty city to a safer more sought after destination, full of popular restaurants, glamorous Casinos and shopping Centers.

I would highly recommend eating before you go. The concessions are rather pricey. There are several nice restaurants nearby that open very early.

Bundle up, even if it is going to be in the high 40's or 50's. Detroit carries quite a brisk breeze, when that wind whips up behind you, a scarf and hat comes in handy.

So pack up the crew and head downriver to Detroit and enjoy a Thanksgiving Tradition that the whole family will love!