Throughout the ages, we’ve been taught that Thanksgiving is a time to gather around a massive table with a cornucopia as the centerpiece and a roomful of relatives. For many, that sounds delightful. Others, however, are seeking something a little more zesty this season.
If you fall into the second category, we have a hearty list of destinations throughout America that are just waiting to welcome you with open arms. Although we tend to make the food the focus – and rightly so – the real reason for the season is to augment our attitude of gratitude. And that can be done from anywhere in the world.
Still, we’ll keep things simple, focus on The Land of the Free, and see if we can help you book the perfect getaway to kick off the holiday season.
Orlando, Florida
During a time of thanksgiving, why not go to the happiest place on earth? It’s a well-known “secret” that many of the resorts like to go all out and treat families to Thanksgiving buffets and other delights throughout the holiday weekend.
Plus, the parks are so much more enjoyable when you’re not sweltering in the summer sun. You can truly make the most of Epcot, Magic Kingdom, and Universal – especially if you have some Harry Potter fans in the fam.
To help you make the best pick, here are 20 of the best Walt Disney World hotels.
Ormond Beach, Florida
How about an oceanside retreat for Thanksgiving this year? Wouldn’t that be a wonderful memory? Just a few miles north of the ever-popular Daytona Beach, you’ll find Ormond Beach – a quiet little stretch of sand with calm, cooling waves from the Atlantic.
Stay a few nights at Home 2 Suites by Hilton for easy access to sand and surf, an oceanfront room, and a small kitchenette in case you want to heat up your own version of a Thanksgiving dinner.
New York, New York
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade marks the official start of the holiday season. Onlookers from the streets of New York – and home – wait for the moment when Santa pulls up in his sleigh at the end of the succession.
Be sure to bundle up, book a nice Midtown hotel (so you don’t have to worry about figuring out the subway system), and park yourself somewhere along 5th Avenue in the early hours of the morning. You’ll be treated to a wonderful performance, and afterward, you can go warm up in a lovely little wine bar somewhere equally exciting, like Soho or Greenwich Village.
Our list of unforgettable things to do in New York will help you round out your weekend stay.
Palm Springs, California
Have you ever seen a Kardashian holiday? They don’t let the California temps prevent them from ushering in the joys of the winter season. In Palm Springs, Florida, you can seek out a similar effect.
The Rowan Palm Springs would be a lovely place to base yourself for a few days. Nestled between those iconic mountain views, you can sit poolside while sipping an umbrella drink instead of slaving over an oven and thinking to yourself, “What a wonderful world it is.”
Kaua’i, Hawaii
Instead of the Kardashians, have you been watching one too many Hawaii Five-0 episodes in the background while you’re hanging around at home? Why not meet the boys on the beaches of Hawaii? Whether or not you find them, Kaua’i, located on O’ahu, is a lovely choice.
With seasonal temps in the range of 72 to 82 degrees, you’ll be kissed by the warmth of the sun – and the locals – tucked into a luxury resort and instantly soothed by the calming waves of the Pacific Ocean.
Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Lake Tahoe is a stunning sensation any time of year. Seeing those bright blue waters ensconced by pure white mountains makes you wonder if God was a Renaissance painter.
You can play your cards right in a few different ways during this time of year. Ski season officially kicks off in mid-to late November, depending on the weather. So, you can certainly hit the slopes if you’re in search of some exhilaration.
Or, you can nestle into a posh resort for food, family fun, endless spa services, and delicious meals that you didn’t have to cook. While you’re there, don’t pass up the opportunity to do at least one loop around the Tahoe Rim Trail.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Continuing with the theme of winter season fun, why not toast the time in one of Colorado’s loveliest resort towns? Breckenridge offers a quainter, more Hallmark-esque feel than Aspen or Vail.
Whether you book into the luxe resort, One Ski Hill Place, at the base of Peak 8, or opt for a self-catering Airbnb, you’ll be dazzled by this town and maybe even meet with a snowfall or two. It’s the perfect way to usher in the season. Oh, and while you’re there, you simply must reserve a table at Blue River Bistro – at least one night.
New Orleans, Louisiana
There’s never a wrong time to go down to the bayou. Visiting one of the most festive cities in the world is a wonderful way to pause for a moment and celebrate the many things you have to be grateful for this Thanksgiving.
You don’t have to go far beyond Bourbon Street to soak up the flavors of the city. And, whether or not you’re a religious person, you can always dip into Saint Louis Cathedral to light a candle for a loved one and say a little prayer for peace.
Knoxville, Tennessee
How about staying at the gateway to the Smoky Mountains? Well, one of them, anyway. Knoxville is a lovely little city with a fascinating nickname – The Scruffy City. It’s not polished like Palm Springs, but it’s safe and has a host of delights to offer when you arrive.
Try to stay right in the heart of Market Square – their pedestrian-only district – in The Oliver Hotel. You’ll be treated to sumptuous bedding and their out-of-this-world restaurant, The Oliver Royale.
Lake Placid, New York
Similar to the Smokies, you can head anywhere in upstate New York for a leaf peeper’s delight in the Adirondack Mountains. The end of November might be a little bit past peak leaf season, but you’ll still see enough of a show to be grateful for.
Your best bet is not to stray too far from Main Street, so you can dip in and out of the shops throughout the weekend. And, if you pack a sturdy pair of walking shoes, a loop around Mirror Lake will be a blessing.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe, Vermont, is also a wonderful getaway for those who’d like to see, at least, the end of the changing leaves. As a quintessential New England charmer, you’ll feel safe and sound in this lovely little town.
Light a candle in the iconic Stowe Community Church, built in 1863. Dip in and out of the shops. Sip on some hot apple cider. Wander through the dense forests of Smugglers’ Notch State Park with your gratitude journal and see what friendly little forest creatures come out to say hello.
Sedona, Arizona
Just like November is more favorable in Florida, it’s also a better time of year to visit the Southwest. The lovely red rocks of Arizona, particularly Red Rock State Park, will offer you a unique reprieve from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Book a few nights in Sedona, savor its sweeping array of cuisine, and wander Oak Creek Valley when you’re ready for a little more natural inspiration. The Hudson is a wonderful restaurant to spend an evening, letting the professionals treat you to a pre- or post-Thanksgiving celebration that you didn’t have to whip up yourself.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
If you’d like the desert sands to serve as a healing retreat this Thanksgiving season, Santa Fe will treat you right. Known for its many wellness spas, you can focus on recentering yourself while you’re here. The Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort has streams of healing waters on tap.
Santa Fe is also an artist’s haven if you can imagine spending the day floating in and out of galleries and admiring the many talents of your fellow man. It’s highly likely you’ll leave this Thanksgiving retreat with a renewed spirit and a little bit more to be thankful for.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Did you know Philadelphia has its own Thanksgiving Day Parade? It may not receive top billing the way New York does, but it’s equally showstopping if you can, try to base yourself out of Rittenhouse Square, right in the heart of the city.
The Warwick Hotel will welcome you with open arms. And, just across the square, you’ll find Parc – a dazzling French restaurant that will transport you to The City of Lights. While you wait for your table, pull up a barstool and order a charcuterie board and a Hummingbird – a delicious cocktail with just the right amount of St. Germain to warm you to the soles of your feet.
Boston, Massachusetts
Similar to Philadelphia, Boston can offer you a memorable Thanksgiving Day getaway. If you arrive early enough, you can stop by Faneuil Hall – an expansive marketplace brimming with fresh meats, cheeses, wines, and baked goods.
With your Airbnb stocked up, you can stroll the quiet city streets during the day and enjoy a peaceful evening spread in your home-away-from-home at night. Try to walk the cobbled lanes of Beacon Hill for that morning stroll. It serves up the quintessential Bostonian architecture that people from all around the world know and admire.
Williamsburg, Virginia
If you like the feeling of getting in touch with Colonial America throughout the Thanksgiving holiday, then Williamsburg will also dish it up for you. Here, you can tour ancient battlefields and marvel at the architecture that’s stood the test of time.
Visit the Governor’s Palace and the Jamestown Settlement. Pick up some fall treats at the Williamsburg Farmers Market on Saturday. If you can snag a room at the 5-star Williamsburg Inn, you’ll be ushered back in time as you’re treated to world-class service in a former colonial mansion.
Savannah, Georgia
Speaking of old-world charm, Savannah is another lovely city for kicking off the holiday season. Brimming with Antebellum Architecture on Jones Street, shops on Broughton Street, and waterfront views on River Street, this beautiful connection of neighborhoods will meet you every step of the way.
Stay in a historic B&B like The Gastonian, a luxury accommodation that will take care of your every need, from breakfast in the morning ‘til Bordeaux in the evening. Before you return home for the night, be sure to sip on a savory cocktail on the rooftop of the Bohemian Hotel overlooking the Savannah River. It’s a wonderful way to toast the setting sun as you reflect upon your many blessings.
Park City, Utah
Any chance The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City is your guilty pleasure? Don’t worry; we won’t tell. If you’d like to be covered in a blanket of snow – and, perhaps, try out one or two of those beautiful eateries the ladies frequent – head to Park City!
You can also take to the slopes if you book into Deer Valley Resort or Park City Mountain – two of the area’s renowned resorts. You can easily get some of your holiday shopping done when you dip into downtown. The area is also known for its many spas. So, don’t deny yourself a soothing facial or blissful massage when your strenuous day on the slopes – or in the shops – is complete.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor’s peak season is the summer – which makes late fall the perfect time to visit. Known for its charming village and easy access to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor would be a lovely place to tuck into for the long weekend.
As you make your way into Acadia National Park, be sure to follow the shoreline until you find Bass Harbor Head Light Station towering over the cliffs of the sea. Upon your return to town, pick up a hot chocolate and a book at Sherman’s on Main before nestling into your B&B for the night.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Here’s a really special suggestion for a little bit of island fun – Michigan Style. Mackinac Island is a remote island that is only accessible by ferry and is nearly devoid of cars. Here, you’ll find people scurrying about town in horse-drawn carriages as they visit centuries-old boutiques.
The crown jewel on the island is the Grand Hotel, made famous by Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour in their epic film Somewhere In Time. Be sure to watch it before you go – and see if you can find the ghosts of their long-lost love wandering the hallways.
Estes Park, Colorado
Okay, a famously haunted hotel may not be the typical Thanksgiving setting. But why not try something a little more flavorful this year? If you’ve ever read Stephen King’s The Shining, you’ll know all about The Stanley Hotel.
Rumored to be haunted by kindly maids who will tidy up your room and less welcoming men who might toss your wedding band down the drain, you could find yourself in quite the thriller when you call this hotel home for the holiday weekend. Who knows – maybe you’ll even get a book out of it like Stephen did!
You can read a little bit more about the hauntings of this world-famous hotel in this list of charming places from your favorite books.
Thanksgiving Is Wherever You Take Your Grateful Heart
Sure, traveling to a hotel or resort may not be the stuff of classic films and 19th-century America. But, in the Land of the Free, we’re free to tailor our lives any way we want!
If you don’t feel like cooking an entire feast this season, or perhaps you find yourself on your own, book a few nights in any of these cities to warm your heart and soothe your soul.
Whichever city you choose, we have a destination guide to help you fully round out your itinerary. And, no matter how you choose to celebrate this year, we hope you close out 2024 with an unrivaled sense of peace, hope, joy, and love.