Thanksgiving weekend is the perfect time to go to Vegas. The prices are reasonable, crowds are down and the weather is pleasant. And you don't have to piss off grandma. Do Thanksgiving, eat three helpings of her world famous pecan pie, then fly in on Friday.

Here's how I play it:

Thursday - Eat, drink, be merry (if you must)

Friday - Sleep in, pack a small bag, hit the airport (for us SoCal peeps, driving is also an option). Nice weekend to do a bigger, better hotel, like the Venetian. Check in, grab a light dinner (turkey carries me for two days), but an early evening pizza at Batali's new restaurant sounds right. Friday night should be the night to pace yourself. Had a long day Thursday and a flight in. Friday is the night to grab 3-4 hours at the table, have a few drinks, maybe retire to the spa tub by 1:00 am.

Saturday - Sleep in, get a good breakfast (room service). Reserve dinner. There are any number of great places in the Venetian with superstar chefs, but for our money it's a three-headed coin flip between Bouchon, Delmonico's and David Burke's. Assuming you're not alone on this trip, now's the time to make allowances to what she'd like to do, as you'd like to do the Sports Book and Poker Room. And avoid the shows. If you must do a show (we've all been there) the Blue Man Group is the best bet. Here's where you must remember, there is no end to Saturday until the plane leaves the runway for home. Saturday is 30 hours long. Sleep is what you do Sunday night. So concede dinner and a show, the tables will be there waiting.

My only other recommendation... skip any turkey meals, the tryptophan will get you every time.