Many Ideas for Thanksgiving Weekend 2011 - Getaways and Festivities.
Thanksgiving in the US is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, and is a big occasion for family get-togethers: legions of people fly across the country to share turkey dinner. Thanksgiving also marks the start of the "Holiday Season" that continues to New Year's: Christmas decorations go up on Thanksgiving weekend, and many places stage an appearance by Santa as part of their Thanksgiving weekend festivities.
--Thanksgiving in 2011 falls on Thursday November 24th--
Below you'll find many ideas for Thanksgiving Weekend, starting with the northeast US. But first:
Thanksgiving Weekend Packages
Have a look at 19 great places to spend the long weekend, enjoying turkey feasts, "Light Up" nights, Santa photo ops, and special fun such as "turkey trots."
Thanksgiving Weekends at Country Inns
If the idea of a family-friendly country getaway, where someone else cooks the turkey appeals to you, head to Bedandbreakfast.com.
Thanksgiving Day Parades
A number of cities have parades, including NYC (where the Macy's parade is the iconic event), Detroit, Philadelphia, Chicago...
New England Thanksgiving Planner
About's New England Travel covers all the bases, including historic places to visit & special lodgings packages, and Plymouth Rock.
New York City: Thanksgiving Macy's Parade
This annual tradition was started in the 1920's by immigrant employees of Macy's department store who wanted a festival. About.com's Guide for New York City Travel tells how to get the best viewing spot for the parade. (For interesting old photos, see
NYCTourist).
New York City: Thanksgiving - Dinners
Parade-goers will want a turkey feast, afterwards: About's Guide to New York City Travel lists many dinners with kids' prices.
New York State: Otesaga Resort Hotel
The Thanksgiving Weekend Package for this grand lakeside hotel near historic Cooperstown typically includes dinners and breakfasts, entertainment, and family activities such as holiday movies, hay rides, bingo... and a visit from Santa, too.
New York State - Rocking Horse Ranch, Thanksgiving Weekend
90 minutes from New York City, the Rocking Horse Ranch has 500 acres in the Shawangunk Mountains with horseback riding, hay rides, indoor pool, archery, teen club, two children's centers, music, entertainers, shows, climbing walls, and more. All inclusive pricing includes meals and activities.
New York State - Catskills: Villa Roma, Thanksgiving Package
Thanksgiving weekend package typically includes meals, and kids programs. Activities on the property include kids camp, rock-climbing wall, bowling alleys, horseback riding, paintballing... Be sure to read recent visitors' comments.
Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods, NH
Thanksgiving weekend at his National Historic Landmark property includes harvest feast plus family turkey-trot, flag football, ornament workshop, kids camp, tree-lighting, storytelling with Santa, gingerbread cookie decorating, and lots more.
New Hampshire: Dana Place Inn, Jackson NH
In the White Mountains, a Traditional Thanksgiving Package includes full country breakfasts, afternoon tea with hot mulled cider, Traditional Thanksgiving Afternoon Dinner, dinner by candelight on other evenings, and box lunch for a day of sightseeing. Dana Place Inn -- built in the 1890's -- has family suites with no charge for children in room with parents, and only a small food charge based on age and plan.
* Always check websites for updates!
continue to lots more Thanksgiving vacations -- Pennsylvania, DC, Orlando, more
