138
9 minutes readContents
What is Thanksgiving?
Held annually on the fourth Thursday of November, Thanksgiving is a national holiday that dates to 1621. It was first celebrated by the Pilgrims, European settlers in America, who invited Native Americans to join them in a feast as a sign of gratitude for their help with securing the harvest. This holiday is celebrated in a similar way to Christmas, with a focus on spending time with loved ones, special television events, and serving a group dinner.
10 Best Places to Spend Thanksgiving in the USA
Every city puts its own twist on the holiday, showcasing the best of its local culture. We’re rounding up 10 cities and regions that offer something for every tourist, whether you want to hit the slopes, walk along the beach, or explore the great outdoors with a mountain getaway.
1. New York City
Where to stay: Motto by Hilton New York City Chelsea
New York is arguably one of the best places to experience Thanksgiving in the United States. It’s famous for hosting the iconic Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Parade with 3 million New Yorkers lining the streets of Manhattan to watch the gigantic floats head through the city, representing everything from the Bronx Zoo to the latest Disney movies and must-see Broadway shows.
2. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Where to stay: Anna & Bel
Do you know Philadelphia is home to the oldest Thanksgiving Day parade in America? If you want to lean into the tradition, Philadelphia is the perfect spot for your holiday getaway. It’s ideal for a family-friendly getaway with lots of opportunities to explore American history, from walking the corridors of Independence Hall to stepping back in time with the Museum of the American Revolution. Relax and unwind by taking a train to Philadelphia for a stress-free vacation.
It’s ideal for a family-friendly getaway with lots of opportunities to explore American history.
Photo by Ernie Journeys on Unsplash
3. Nashville, Tennessee
Where to stay: Memoir Wedgewood Houston
Nashville is a city that’s been skyrocketing through the ratings of the best cities to visit, driven by the ever-growing popularity of the country music scene. If you want to indulge in alternative Thanksgiving cuisine – or tuck into a traditional dinner – there’s no shortage of food options in Nashville, all served with the region’s classic southern hospitality. Music City offers some of the best Thanksgiving meals you’ll find anywhere in the U.S., whether you want a classic feast or Southern BBQ.
Nashville is a city that’s been skyrocketing through the ratings of the best cities to visit.
Photo by Brandon Jean on Unsplash
4. Napa Valley, California
Where to stay: SENZA Hotel
If you want to catch some of the best fall foliage in the United States and enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner with a glass of wine, head to California’s Napa Valley. While this region is famous for being America’s wine country, it’s a great option if you want to relax and unwind by escaping the hustle and bustle of the holiday with a spa getaway.
5. Park City, Utah
Where to stay: The Chateaux Deer Valley
Thanksgiving isn’t just a national holiday; it also marks the start of ski season – and where better to hit the slopes than Park City? You can explore the mountains by snowboarding or sign up for a beginner’s ski lesson. While you’ll spend your days on the slopes, you can embrace the coziness of a winter ski lodge by tucking into a traditional meal or sipping on a mug of hot chocolate.
While you’ll spend your days on the slopes, you can embrace the coziness of a winter ski lodge.
Photo by Benjamin R. on Unsplash
6. Hawaii
Where to stay: Hilton Vacation Club The Modern Honolulu
While we often associate Thanksgiving with cozy season and the fall foliage, you can swap your pumpkin spice latte for a cocktail on the beach in Hawaii. November is one of the best times to visit, as it’s considered ‘off season’ with fewer tourist crowds but offers a better chance of seeing wildlife like humpback whales.
You can swap your pumpkin spice latte for a cocktail on the beach in Hawaii.
Photo by Christian Joudrey on Unsplash
Many restaurants will serve a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, and you can take your ‘Turkey Trot’ on the beach. Many resorts throughout the island will offer one-off Thanksgiving buffets and set menus if you want to enjoy a taste of home in the sun.
7. Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Asheville Airport
Thanksgiving is a perfect time to explore the great outdoors before the winter chill sets in. The Blue Ridge Mountain is the country’s oldest mountain range, covering up to a third of the Appalachian Mountains. There’s no shortage of hiking routes, mountain excursions, and trails to explore, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts of all fitness levels.
Most journeys through the Blue Ridge Mountains will begin in Asheville, which offers a historic downtown district that serves everything from independent distilleries to farm-to-table restaurants and patio dining.
8. New Orleans, Louisiana
Where to stay: Hotel Saint Vincent
New Orleans is a city everyone needs to visit at least once. It represents a vibrant blend of the best of what makes American cities unique, and it’s easy to see the influence of African, Caribbean, French, and Spanish cultures throughout the city. There’s a magic that sweeps you away when you arrive, making it easy to immerse yourself in the local culture. Sit back and indulge in Creole cuisine as you listen to classic jazz music in the city where it was born.
It’s the perfect option for a ‘friendsgiving’ getaway with something to suit every traveler. Put the French Quarter at the top of your itinerary and head to the New Orleans City Park to join the half-mile or five-mile ‘Turkey Trot’.
9. Williamsburg, Virginia
Where to stay: Williamsburg Inn, an official Colonial Williamsburg hotel
If you’re a history fan or want to explore the heritage of Thanksgiving, there’s nowhere better to visit than Williamsburg. It’s the spot of the original Thanksgiving, held on December 4th, 1621, at Berkeley Plantation, located along the James River. Williamsburg was the site of major colonial events, and the town offers an immersive experience, providing an engaging way for adults and kids alike to learn about American history, from the Jamestown Settlement to the Battle of Yorktown.
Williamsburg was the site of major colonial events, and the town offers an immersive experience.
Photo by Mateus Campos Felipe on Unsplash
Make sure to pack your comfiest travel shoes, as you can expect to spend most of your day on foot exploring the town’s interactive shows, historic properties, and museums.
10. Aspen, Colorado
Where to stay: Limelight Hotel Aspen
Park City isn’t the only option for a ski vacation this Thanksgiving. Aspen is the perfect choice if you want a more laid-back ski experience, with most of the resorts opening for the season over the holiday weekend. Famous for its ski resorts, Aspen is a year-round destination known for its world-class skiing and outdoor experiences. You’ll find over 5,300 acres of mountain terrain, suitable for skiers of all experience levels. Thanksgiving is typically the first busy weekend of the season with ‘Thanksjibbing’ at Snowmass Base Village marking the official start of Aspen’s winter season.
Aspen is a year-round destination known for its world-class skiing and outdoor experiences.
Photo by Luke Pierce on Unsplash
Not a fan of outdoor sports? Don’t worry! Aspen has plenty to offer as a luxury getaway, from the free Aspen Art Museum to catching a show at the Wheeler Opera House. You can also tour the historic buildings around Aspen with an immersive guided tour offered by the Aspen Historical Society. The city sits at 8,000 feet above sea level, so you’ll want to pack your winter woolies, especially in November, even though Colorado’s dry climate will usually bring out the sun.
Book your Thanksgiving getaway with ZenHotels
At ZenHotels, we’re here to help take the stress out of your Thanksgiving planning, whether you’re adding on a weekend getaway to your family reunion or swapping your traditional turkey dinner for the ski slopes. Are you searching for more ideas for your next trip? Explore top destinations on ZenHotels and discover expert-curated travel tips by visiting our blog.
