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The Worst Places to Be on Black Friday

Every year, millions of Americans make the decision to spend the day after Thanksgiving doing the polar opposite of giving thanks: rushing to a crowded box store to fight like animals over electronics, clothes, and appliances.

This year, however, the aptly-named Black Friday may have met its match. Outdoor retailer REI announced that all of its locations—yes, all 143 U.S. stores—will remain closed on November 27. “The outdoors, and the website, are always open,” the company says. Suggesting customers instead #OptOutside, REI isn’t the only one that’s anti-Black Friday this year. A number of State Parks will be waiving entry and camping fees on November 27, meaning you can now save money on an outdoor excursion instead.

Call me crazy, but I think the holiday season is about more than just exchanging gifts. It shouldn’t start by stampeding a shopping mall. In that spirit, here are six places you definitely shouldn’t be on Black Friday—and where you should go instead.

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