7 Best Thanksgiving Places To Visit
Thanksgiving places to visit and what to do is the main curiosity of many. Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada. In the U.S., it is observed on the fourth Thursday of November, while in Canada, it is celebrated on the second Monday in October.
The holiday commemorates the first harvest feast that was held by the Pilgrims and Native Americans in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1621. The Pilgrims had just arrived in the New World the previous year and were struggling to establish a settlement. The Native Americans helped them learn how to cultivate crops and survive in the harsh environment, and the harvest feast was held to give thanks for their successful crop and their new friendship.
Today, Thanksgiving is a time for families and friends to gather and give thanks for the blessings in their lives. It is typically celebrated with a large feast, which includes a roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Parades, football games, and other festivities are also common during the holiday.
Thanksgiving Places To Visit
There are many places to spend Thanksgiving, depending on your preferences and budget. Here are some ideas:
- At home with family and friends: Thanksgiving is traditionally a time for families to gather and give thanks. You can cook a big meal together, watch football, and spend quality time with loved ones.
- A holiday resort: Many hotels and resorts offer special packages for Thanksgiving, including meals, activities, and entertainment. You can relax and enjoy a luxurious holiday experience.
- New York City: The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an iconic event that takes place in New York City every year. You can watch the parade, go shopping, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
- National parks: If you enjoy the outdoors, spending Thanksgiving in a national park can be a great option. Many parks offer camping, hiking, and other activities that are perfect for Thanksgiving weekend.
- Volunteer opportunities: Thanksgiving is a time to give back to the community. You can volunteer at a local shelter, food bank, or other organization that helps those in need.
- Abroad: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can spend Thanksgiving abroad. Many countries celebrate their own versions of Thanksgiving or have similar harvest festivals, and you can experience a new culture and cuisine.
- Washington D.C.: The nation’s capital is a great place to spend Thanksgiving, as you can visit national monuments and museums, and enjoy a special Thanksgiving feast at one of the many restaurants in the city.
- Chicago: Chicago’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the oldest and one of the largest in the country. You can also enjoy the city’s famous deep-dish pizza and explore its many attractions.
- Orlando: Orlando is home to many theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, which offer special Thanksgiving events and activities.
- San Francisco: San Francisco’s Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot is a popular event that draws runners from all over the city. You can also enjoy the city’s beautiful scenery, including the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.
- Napa Valley: Napa Valley is a great place to spend Thanksgiving if you’re a wine lover. You can take a tour of the wineries and enjoy a special Thanksgiving meal paired with delicious wines.
Whether you’re planning to fly solo, a company of 2 or traveling with family in tow, Thanksgiving is all about creating lifetime memories. As the Thanksgiving is around the corner, we have chosen 7 best thanksgiving places to visit that will guarantee to serve you a stress-free experience.
1. Plymouth, Massachusetts
This is a place that symbolized the conventional tradition of giving thanks. Here in this town, you can spend your day at Plymouth Plantation with role-playing pilgrims who re-enact events from 17th-century life. This plantation is open from March to the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
2. Motu Teta, Tahiti
If you want to spend your Thanksgiving as far away from your relatives as possible, better to book Tahiti’s Motu Teta, a private island located in the center of the South Pacific Ocean on the Rangiroa atoll is the best thanksgiving places to visit. In this island, you would just be enjoying the serene peace and natural aquatic beauty doing absolutely nothing which might be one of your favorite pastimes. Or else you may go for a more adventurous midnight lobster hunt. But don’t get too close to crusty because your private staff would prepare and serve him as your Thanksgiving meal beachside.
3. Plantation Vacation
On the occasion of Thanksgiving, you may opt for a seated dinner or a serve-yourself buffet as the reservations start in June. If you not able to get any table there are still plenty of things to do at Plimouth Plantation. You can enjoy a ride on the Mayflower II, which is a replica of one of the ships that landed at Plymouth in 1620. Or you can also visit the Wampanoag Homesite, a living museum where you are hosted and welcomed exclusively by Native People descended from Wampanoag and other Native Nations.
4. Casa Marina, Key West
Casa Marina hosts the International Sand Art Competition and also has introduced a unique Thanksgiving tradition befitting of the quirky town that is also called home to Ernest Hemingway. Every year artists from all over the world form breath-taking sculptures right on the sandy shores of the Waldorf Astoria property.
5. Castles of Sand
The renowned veteran sculptor Marianne van den Broek started the competition, which assembles artists from places such as Mexico, the Netherlands, the United States, and Canada. You can watch the sculptures taking shape all weekend long from the beachfront balconies of Casa Marina.
6. Belle Mont Farm
The Thanksgiving Feast at this Farm is one of the most exclusive holiday excursions we found. Located on the island of St. Kitts, Belle Mont Farm hosts a farm-to-table dinner with over 90 percent of the meal’s ingredients coming directly from the farm. One- to four-bedroom cottages are also available where you can stay and this experience is all-inclusive. The Belle Mont Farm Feast is organized at a fascinating table in the center of the property’s organic farm. Guests are welcomed and encouraged to forage for the meal’s bounty alongside the chefs, farmers and other travelers.
7. La Posada, Santa Fe
La Posada in Santa Fe is few steps from the capital city’s Historic Square and it is designed as a structure dating back to the 1880s. You can expect menu offerings with a southwestern flare. You will not only like the idea of having someone else doing the cooking, but you will also like the thought of spending your holiday in a place known for its peaceful surroundings.
Where to find Thanksgiving coupons?
Check retailer websites: Many retailers offer discounts and promo codes for Thanksgiving. Check the websites of your favorite stores to see if they have any Thanksgiving specials.
Follow retailers on social media: Retailers often promote their Thanksgiving sales on social media, so following them on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook can help you stay up to date on the latest deals and promo codes.
Sign up for email newsletters: Retailers may send exclusive coupon codes and deals to their email subscribers, so signing up for their newsletters can be a great way to stay in the know.
Use coupon code websites: There are several websites that collect and share coupon codes for various retailers. Some popular ones include RetailMeNot, Coupons.com, and Honey.
Remember to always check the terms and conditions of any coupon code before using it, and make sure it is still valid and applicable to your purchase.
What is included in Thanksgiving Feast?
A traditional Thanksgiving feast typically includes roasted turkey as the main course, along with a variety of side dishes and desserts. Here are some of the most common dishes served at a Thanksgiving feast:
- Roast turkey: The centerpiece of the meal is usually a whole roasted turkey, which is seasoned with herbs and spices, and served with gravy.
- Stuffing: A mixture of bread cubes, herbs, and other ingredients, stuffing is usually cooked inside the turkey, but can also be baked separately.
- Mashed potatoes: Boiled potatoes are mashed with butter and milk or cream to make a smooth and creamy side dish.
- Gravy: Made from the drippings of the roasted turkey, gravy is a thick sauce that is poured over the turkey and other dishes.
- Cranberry sauce: A tart and sweet sauce made from fresh cranberries, sugar, and other ingredients.
- Green bean casserole: A popular side dish made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions.
- Sweet potato casserole: A sweet and creamy side dish made from mashed sweet potatoes, topped with marshmallows or pecans.
- Pumpkin pie: A classic Thanksgiving dessert made with pumpkin, spices, and a flaky crust.
- Apple pie: Another popular dessert made with sweet apples, cinnamon, and a buttery crust.
Other dishes that may be served at a Thanksgiving feast include roasted vegetables, cornbread, dinner rolls, and various types of salads. The exact menu can vary depending on family traditions and personal preferences.
What are the Thanksgiving greetings to send to your well wishers?
Here are some Thanksgiving greetings that you can use to wish your friends and family a happy and blessed holiday:
- Wishing you a joyous Thanksgiving filled with warmth, love, and happiness!
- May your Thanksgiving be blessed with good food, good company, and good times!
- Happy Thanksgiving! May your heart be filled with gratitude and your home be filled with love.
- Sending you warm wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with family, friends, and delicious food.
- May your Thanksgiving be a time to gather with loved ones, give thanks for blessings, and create cherished memories.
- Happy Thanksgiving! May your day be filled with laughter, joy, and plenty of turkey and pumpkin pie.
- On this Thanksgiving Day, I am grateful for your friendship and all the wonderful memories we’ve shared. Wishing you a happy and blessed holiday!
- May your Thanksgiving be a time to reflect on all the good things in your life and to celebrate the blessings that surround you.
- Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! May your day be filled with love, laughter, and lots of delicious food.
- Wishing you a Thanksgiving that is overflowing with blessings, joy, and peace.
- Wishing you a joyous Thanksgiving filled with warmth, love, and happiness!
What to do after thanksgiving?
After Thanksgiving, there are many things you can do, depending on your interests and priorities. Here are a few suggestions:
- Continue spending time with family and friends: Thanksgiving is a time to reconnect with loved ones, so why not keep the momentum going? Plan a fun outing, game night, or movie marathon with your family or friends.
- Volunteer: The holiday season is a great time to give back to your community. You can volunteer at a local food bank, soup kitchen, or charity event to help those in need.
- Shop: With Thanksgiving comes Black Friday and Cyber Monday, two of the biggest shopping days of the year. If you’re a bargain hunter, you can hit the stores or browse online for deals and discounts.
- Get active: With all the food you may have eaten on Thanksgiving, it’s a good idea to get some exercise. You can go for a hike, bike ride, or hit the gym to burn off those calories.
- Relax: If you’re feeling burnt out from the holiday festivities, take some time to relax and recharge. Read a book, watch a movie, or take a nap – whatever helps you unwind.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Just make sure to enjoy the rest of the holiday season and cherish the time spent with loved ones.