Fun Thanksgiving Vacations the Whole Family Will Enjoy

Thanksgiving is almost upon us. It is the time of year when people are busy making plans, starting their Christmas shopping, and traveling to see friends and family. Thanksgiving is also an excellent time to take a mini-vacation to see the beautiful fall colors, enjoy the mild weather, and make some new family traditions.  

The first Thanksgiving marked a time of putting differences aside to come together in a spirit of harmony and friendship. To this day, it is a holiday in which we take a moment to express gratitude for the essential things and people in our lives. 

Thanksgiving is a holiday that dates back to a time before our country was even a nation, and some places across America embrace the historical roots. Here are some of the most significant spots to spend Thanksgiving. 

New York, New York

New York is one of the most exciting places to be during the Thanksgiving season. One of the most well known and oldest traditions is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This famous event has been going on for nearly 100 years. 

Highlights of the parade include marching bands, music acts, larger than life floats, and celebrity appearances. The city is also buzzing with family-friendly attractions and activities like turkey trots, big dinners, thanksgiving hikes, and more.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The city of brotherly love holds a lot of our nation's history but is also location of the oldest Thanksgiving parade in America. The Gimbels Parade, known today as the ABC6 Dunkin Donuts Parade, started in 1920.  

Philadelphia is also a fantastic holiday vacation to learn more about the founding of our country and express our thanks for being a part of this remarkable nation.

Williamsburg, Virginia 

Take a trip back in time and see how they celebrated Thanksgiving during colonial times in Williamsburg.

During the ceremony, they have a massive Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings, historical settlements to visit, tours of a 300-year-old manor house, tribal dances, and even re-enactors. It is an exciting and educational Thanksgiving celebration that the entire family will love. 

Nearby is the Jamestown settlement where you can learn more about some of the first settlers to explore America.  

Plymouth, Massachusetts  

Arguably, the most famous historical Thanksgiving spot is Plymouth Plantation. This is the birthplace of the holiday. What makes this space so unique is that you get to share a memorable Thanksgiving meal in a setting that resembles the era of the day. Immerse yourself while being surrounded by accurate replicas of the houses and buildings of the time. Actors stay in character of the 17th century and Native Americans join in the celebration.

It is hard not to get lost in the setting, and by the end of the evening, you might find yourself singing along to the tune of 400-year-old songs. Being such a favorite Thanksgiving hotspot, make sure to get reservations before planning your visit to Plymouth Plantation.  

Washington, DC

While it might not have a Thanksgiving history as old as Plymouth or Williamsburg, Washington, DC is a still an excellent spot for a historical Thanksgiving vacation. It is packed with our history and what better time and place to express our gratitude for our great country than our nation’s capital. 

Washington does have some amusing events life turkey trots, a parade, and the presidential pardon of the turkeys. 

Boston, Massachusetts 

Boston is a great spot to spend Thanksgiving. The city is packed with visitors, and it is a great place to use as a home base to venture out on some day trips for scenic walks, drives, or visiting small historic towns. It is also an excellent place to partake in one of the most modern Thanksgiving traditions by going to a football game. Boston is also famous for excellent Black Friday shopping (if you dare), hitting the ski slopes, visiting Christmas markets, and seeing a concert or a holiday play. 

Thanksgiving is an amazing time to take a holiday trip somewhere in America. These spots not only embody what makes the holiday great, but they teach us about the wonderful country that we are all thankful to have as our home.

Have you ever traveled for Thanksgiving?

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Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.