5 Thanksgiving Getaways to Explore

Take the family away for an unforgettable Thanksgiving.

A family watches the Macy's Thanksgiving parade in New York City.

(a katz / Shutterstock.com)

This year, embrace Thanksgiving by taking the family away. No menu planning, food shopping, cooking or clean up, here is an ideal way to relax, reconnect with family, plus enjoy all the Thanksgiving traditions that you love.

When away, you can feel inspired and excited, instead of being exhausted from hosting a large group at home. Plus, you will have more time to connect with family.

Here are five US destinations that combine history, beauty, and sumptuous Thanksgiving food. Going away for Thanksgiving may even become a new tradition that your family will love.

Plymouth, Massachusetts

Called “America’s Hometown,” the Mayflower Pilgrims first settled here in 1620 and was the site of the first Thanksgiving feast. If you want to get back to your American roots, there is no better place than Plymouth.

History comes alive in Plymouth. Trips to Discover recommends seeing the 17th-century English village, plus Plimoth Plantation, the Mayflower II, and Plimoth Grist Mill.

You will encounter people in period costumes including patriots, soldiers, Pilgrims, and Native Americans.

Your Thanksgiving dining experience will be like no other. Come Thanksgiving Day, enjoy a delicious New England Harvest Feast from Plimoth Patuxet.

The Mayflower II, docked at Plymouth, Massachusetts.

(Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock.com)

Williamsburg, Virginia

Another beautiful, historical town, Williamsburg was founded by English settlers in 1632 The restored historic area is called Colonial Williamsburg. During Thanksgiving, the town is adorned with festive holiday decor, as detailed by Colonial Williamsburg.

Enjoy staged performances and walking tours of the town. You may feel like a real settler when you are eating your Thanksgiving meal at an 18th-century tavern!

Downtown Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia.

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New York City, New York

Head to the Big Apple this November to enjoy a classic Thanksgiving. In New York City, excitement surrounds the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, which will be held this Thursday November 24, according to Loving New York. Some 3 million people come out to see the floats, clowns, and Broadway performers, so arrive early to get a good spot.

At night, enjoy a festive dinner cruise on the river. And come the day following Thanksgiving, you will be in the center of excitement for Black Friday promotions.

A float at the Macy’s parade in New York City.

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Adirondacks, New York

Head to the lakes and mountains for an exquisite family get together. Town & Country suggests staying at the Sagamore Resort on Lake George. Here you will appreciate the sumptuous Thanksgiving buffet, plus have a go at gingerbread house making. Hop aboard The Morgan, a replica of a 19th-century boat, and tour the Adirondacks.

A family hiking at the Adirondacks in late autumn stops to enjoy the view.

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Gatlinburg, Tennessee

How about Thanksgiving in The Smokies? Recommended by Trips to Discover, Gatlinburg offers mountain chalets and cozy cabins for your Thanksgiving get together. Enjoy warm days and cool, starry nights, plus a delicious meal in a family-style kitchen, as suggested by The Smokies.com.

If you love art, check out the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community show. Running from November 22 through 27, it showcases the largest organization of independent artisans. You will find handcrafted quilts, old-fashioned straw brooms, pottery, and weavings. Get a head start on holiday shopping and buy unique Christmas gifts in Gatlinburg!

A family enjoys a view of Great Smoky Mountain from the Skydeck in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

(Chansak Joe / Shutterstock.com)