Ten Cities Ideal to Travel to for a Thanksgiving Getaway
With Thanksgiving and the rest of the winter holidays fast approaching, it’s easy to imagine packing your bags and traveling solo or with family somewhere else for the upcoming holiday. If you want to skip the festivities all together or dream of hopping a plane after the pumpkin pie is cut, this list offers both road trip and direct flight options for a quick weekend away. It may be too late to plan it this year, but it’s never too early to start planning for next!
Asheville, North Carolina
This Southern city is oozing with holiday cheer and activities. With multiple walk through light displays, adorable quaint shops and multiple Christmas tours, visiting will make you feel like you have been set down on the set of a Hallmark Christmas movie! While there, don’t miss viewing the nominees of the National Gingerbread House Decorating competition at the Grove Park Inn.
Branson, Missouri
If Holiday Cheer is what you are looking for, look no further than Branson, Missouri. With Christmas stores galore, incredible decor and light displays at Silver Dollar City, and holiday themed entertainment on every corner, this sought after destination in southern Missouri will no doubt get you in the Christmas spirit. If the true meaning of Christmas is what your heart desires, the Sight and Sound Theatre offers live action bible stories with sets and performers fit for Broadway.
Tucson, Arizona
Brilliantly sunny a staggering 350 days a year, Arizona is an ideal destination for those who are already feeling the chill of winter approaching. Tucsan also offers first rate restaurants, excellent spots to stargaze, and multiple hiking and biking trails so you can work off the holiday meals. The Tucson Zoo and Botanical Gardens both offer light displays if you want to experience a little Christmas cheer while there.
Key West, Florida
A Caribbean feel while still celebrating Turkey Day in the states? Yes, please! Key West is a quintessential spot for people watching, bar hopping, and listening to live music at local dive bars. Fly into Miami or Fort Lauderdale and take the beautiful, 3+ hour drive down to the Keys, stopping at private beaches and coffee shops along the way. Once to Key West, make sure to grab a Bloody Mary from Blue Heaven and take a photo at the famous Southernmost point sign before catching the street performances at the nightly Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Ready to hit the slopes? Ski season opens on Thanksgiving Day in all three ski areas of Jackson Hole, Wyoming: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (ranked one of the top ski resorts in North America!), Snow King Mountain Resort, and Grand Targhee Resort. Known for its seclusion, beauty, and opulence, Jackson Hole is like no other. If celebrity sightings are your thing you might catch a glimpse of someone famous while you are there; Jackson Hole is known for its many famous visitors throughout the year, especially during ski season.
Orlando, Florida
What a better place to make memories with family on this most thankful day than in Disney World! While Thanksgiving does see a boost in crowds at the happiest place on earth, the recently launched Genie pass (and your resident Disney planner!) will help you plan out your day perfectly and skip many of the lines. So why not swap out the Macy’s Parade on TV for the Disney Parade at Magic Kingdom next Thanksgiving?
Litchfield County, Connecticut
Full of historic roots, many people visit Litchfield to “get away from it all” while taking in the natural resources the area has to offer. Skiing, hiking and biking provide outlets for outdoor enthusiasts, while countless parks and lakes allow you to take in the beauty of nature. The Litchfield Distillery, Haight Brown Vineyard and many craft breweries are available if you’d like to wet your whistle after a day on the slopes or trails.
Santa Claus, Indiana
Located in Southern Indiana, Santa Claus is a quick road trip for anyone who calls the Midwest Home. Perfect for a family getaway, this festive destination boasts many, you guessed it, Santa Claus themed activities. Holiday World amusement park is a must while you are there, and don’t miss a stop at the Santa Claus post office to drop off a letter for the Big Man himself. Ho Ho Ho!
Seaside, Florida
Nestled on scenic highway 30A, Seaside Florida is the film location for the 1998 film The Truman Show. This idyllic beach town offers crystal clear water, an array of restaurants and shops, and a robust community. Grab a peach mojito from Great Southern Cafe and settle in to watch the famous Golf Cart Parade on Thanksgiving afternoon.
Williamsburg, Virginia
Experience hands-on, up close history in the colonial town of Williamsburg, Virginia while visiting many museums, sites, and landmarks along the way. Once your historic plate is full, head to the Liberty Ice Pavilion in the middle of Merchant’s Square to kick off the Christmas season surrounded by holiday cheer.
Have you been to any of these idyllic cities? Try mixing it up next Thanksgiving with a trip to one of these unforgettable locations and start the holiday season off refreshed, renewed and grateful.
