7 Best Places to Travel for a Unique Thanksgiving Experience
Thanksgiving may be one of the most cherished holidays in the U.S., but that doesn’t always mean spending it at home.
Picture exchanging the traditional turkey feast for a hearty meal in a quaint lodge, or exchanging the parade for a seaside Thanksgiving sunrise.
Increasingly, travelers are seeking out unusual places to spend the holiday, whether that’s an old town with time-honored traditions or a picturesque destination with gorgeous fall foliage.
Here is a roundup of seven good places to travel — anywhere from several hours to a long flight — for a different kind of Thanksgiving experience — a blend of traditions, adventure and memories that may even inspire a new holiday tradition of your own.
1. The National Center of Plymouth, Massachusetts
What better place to celebrate Thanksgiving than the town where it began?
Plymouth, Mass., a top choice for tradition-lovers, immerses visitors in the history behind Thanksgiving.
Visitors can tour Plimoth Patuxet Museums, where actors portraying people in period costumes reenact what life was like for the Pilgrims and the Native Wampanoag people in the 1600s.
You can also participate in the Thanksgiving parade and attend the regular “America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration,” which features reenactments, musical performances and a huge Thanksgiving feast.
In addition to historic sites, Plymouth offers stunning coastal views and many local restaurants serving Thanksgiving meals influenced by both traditional recipes and contemporary twists.
This combination of history, culture, and community lends a uniquely meaningful and heartwarming atmosphere to Thanksgiving in Plymouth.
And a visit here brings a sense of history that enriches and connects the holiday.
2. New York City, New York: Thanksgiving Parade
You might not consider New York City a quintessential cozy Thanksgiving destination, but it is one if you want big-city excitement.
The beloved annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade attracts millions of attendees, flooding the streets with oversized balloons, extravagant floats and energetic entertainers.
Picture yourself Thanksgiving morning, sipping coffee with a view of the parade from a hotel window perhaps, or outside on the street, bundled up and soaking in the energy of the crowd.
And outside the parade, New York boasts fantastic holiday shopping, seasonal ice skating at Bryant Park and Rockefeller Center and countless cozy restaurants for a special Thanksgiving meal.
Several high-end eateries are doing Thanksgiving-inspired menus that let you enjoy a traditional or imaginative holiday meal without doing any heavy lifting.
The combo of holiday magic and urban bustle makes for an experience unlike any other — ideal for travelers hoping to have their Thanksgiving sprinkled with festivity and all the twinkly lights.
3. Asheville, N.C.: Mountain Scenery, Cozy Cabins and Tangled Fall Foliage
If your vision for a unique Thanksgiving involves cozy cabins, mountain views and crisp fall air, Asheville, N.C., is a great fit.
With a reputation for beautiful scenery, Asheville hugs the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains during the holiday season providing for a breathtaking view.
For a relaxing and serene Thanksgiving, you might stay in one of the many nearby cabins or mountain lodges with a meal you can eat with some company and a view.
And the Biltmore Estate, one of Asheville’s top draws, is particularly lively this time of year.
You can take a guided tour through the estate, fitted out in its holiday splendor, or book Thanksgiving feasts at the Biltmore’s restaurants, which spotlight local ingredients and seasonal flavors.
The magic of Asheville — its quaintness, its natural beauty, its warm-hearted people — makes it an oasis of tranquility perfect for a nature-infused Thanksgiving.
4. Sonoma County, Calif.: A Thanksgiving in Wine Country
Thanksgiving Sonoma County Style: Food and Wine Lovers’ Paradise
The region is home to world-class vineyards, farm-to-table dining and oak and olive-lined, green hills, and it’s a perfect escape for a distinctive Thanksgiving experience.
Sonoma’s wineries frequently hold special holiday events and tastings, so you can experience everything from harvest dinners to Thanksgiving wine pairings.
Numerous restaurants and vineyards serve Thanksgiving Day meals that highlight local, seasonal fare, giving your holiday meal an elevated, wine country flair.
And whether you’re going out to eat or making a picnic from local finds, a Thanksgiving in Sonoma County is a feast for the senses.
Collectively, fine wine and locally sourced food set against breathtaking landscapes offer a low-key lux experience ideal for an unforgettable holiday getaway.
5. San Antonio, Texas: Decked Out River Walk and Beat-The-Heat Fun
For a sun-soaked Thanksgiving celebration that still represents holiday cheer, look to San Antonio, Texas.
This city is known for its River Walk — which is especially magical around Thanksgiving when it lights up for the holiday season.
Visitors can enjoy a festive riverboat cruise or stroll along the decorated riverbank to experience the colorful lights and decorations.
And San Antonio has a glorious food scene that embraces elements of Southern, Mexican and Tex-Mex deliciousness, so finding a twist on Thanksgiving will be simple.
Along with great food, you can take in the city’s historic sites, such as the Alamo, or browse local markets for one-of-a-kind holiday finds.
San Antonio offers a Thanksgiving celebration that is both warm and festive, thanks to its colorful culture, mild climate and jocular spirit.
6. Charleston, South Carolina: Historic Architecture and Southern Charm
With its beautiful streets, historic buildings and Southern hospitality, Charleston is a great place to be for Thanksgiving.
Charleston’s mild fall weather and cobblestone streets add to the cozy feeling of the holiday, and many of Charleston’s award-winning restaurants feature special Thanksgiving menus that highlight Southern flavors and locally sourced ingredients.
Charleston’s Thanksgiving might involve a mix of historical tours, beautiful harbor views and warm community gatherings.
Take a carriage ride through the city’s historic district, take in the breathtaking waterfront at the Battery or enjoy a Southern-inspired Thanksgiving feast at one of the local restaurants.
Charleston’s charm, warmth, and elegance bring a different feel to the holidays, and it makes a great destination for anyone who enjoys a mix of history, relaxation, and incredible food.
7. New Orleans, Louisiana: A Jazz and Creole-Flavored Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving In New Orleans: A Celebration Of Music, Culture & Food
The city’s unique mix of Creole and Cajun cuisines puts a whole new spin on Thanksgiving, with oysters, gumbo and sweet potato pie peppering holiday tables.
Many local restaurants hold special Thanksgiving events that merge traditional dishes with local favorites.
A Thanksgiving trip to New Orleans can also feature live jazz, walking the French Quarter and browsing local art markets.
Whether you’re strolling down Bourbon Street, heading to a jazz club or digging into Creole-influenced Thanksgiving fare, New Orleans, with its lively atmosphere, beautiful architecture and one-of-a-kind culture, is one of the most special places you can visit, especially during the holidays.
How to Enjoy a Thanksgiving Travel Adventure: The Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a season for gathering, reflecting and celebrating, and spending the holiday in a new place can create unforgettable memories and new traditions.
Whether you crave the historic charm of Plymouth, the energy of New York City or a cozy mountain vibe in Asheville, each of these destinations has something unique to offer.
So why not ditch the usual routine this Thanksgiving?
An escape from home can add more muscle to Thanksgiving, allowing you and your family to celebrate in a way that’s exciting and entirely special.
