Thanksgiving, that time of the year when we gather with our loved ones to give thanks and devour a hearty feast. It’s an occasion marked by warmth, love, and gratitude. But sometimes, you might want to break away from the traditional celebrations at home and explore new places or experiences instead. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey through some incredible Thanksgiving destinations where you can celebrate this special holiday in a unique way.
New York City
New York City is undoubtedly one of the most exciting cities in the world to celebrate Thanksgiving. After all, it’s host to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – an iconic event that has been held since 1924. The parade features gigantic balloons shaped like popular cartoon characters floating high above Manhattan’s streets.
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- See: Macy’s Parade
- Explore: Central Park
- Dine: Classic American fare at Katz’s Delicatessen “`
In addition to watching the parade, you can also enjoy ice skating in Central Park or indulge in scrumptious turkey dinners at renowned restaurants like Katz’s Delicatessen.
Plymouth, Massachusetts
Want to go back to where it all began? Head over to Plymouth in Massachusetts – known as ‘America’s Hometown.’ This is where pilgrims from England landed aboard Mayflower and celebrated their first successful harvest with Native Americans in 1621 – now recognized as the First Thanksgiving Feast.
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- Visit: Plimoth Patuxet (formerly Plimoth Plantation)
- Tour: Mayflower II
- Enjoy: Traditional feast at Hearth & Kettle “`
You can visit historical sites like Plimoth Patuxet (a living history museum) and Mayflower II (a replica of the ship that brought Pilgrims here). Don’t forget to have a traditional Thanksgiving meal at Hearth & Kettle in Plymouth.
Williamsburg, Virginia
Want to experience a Colonial-style Thanksgiving? Look no further than Williamsburg in Virginia. Here you can be part of the immersive 18th-century environment recreated meticulously with historical interpreters.
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- Experience: Colonial Williamsburg
- Dine: Traditional fare at Shield’s Tavern
- Attend: Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia event “`
Experience Colonial Williamsburg, dine on period-inspired meals at Shield’s Tavern, and attend the annual “Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia” event. It’s like stepping back in time!
Orlando, Florida
If you’re looking for some fun and adventure during Thanksgiving break, consider heading to Orlando. This city is home to numerous amusement parks including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.
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- Visit: Disney’s Magic Kingdom
- Explore: Universal Studios Orlando
- Feast: Thanksgiving meal at The Boathouse restaurant “`
Visit Disney’s Magic Kingdom or Universal Studios for some fantastic holiday-themed events and attractions. Later, feast on delicious turkey dinners at restaurants such as The Boathouse.
Napa Valley, California
Thanksgiving is also about celebrating the harvest season – what better place to do that than Napa Valley? This region is known for its vineyards and wineries offering wine tastings paired with gourmet food.
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- Visit: Robert Mondavi Winery
- Enjoy: Wine tasting tours
- Savor: French-American cuisine at Bistro Jeanty “`
You can visit renowned wineries like Robert Mondavi Winery, enjoy wine tasting tours across different vineyards and savor exquisite French-American cuisine at Bistro Jeanty while soaking up the beautiful autumn scenery around you.
So there you have it – five amazing destinations to celebrate your Thanksgiving differently this year. Each place offers a unique blend of tradition, celebration, and charm that’s sure to make your holiday memorable. Happy Thanksgiving!
