Looking for something new and interested to do over Thanksgiving break? If you’re interested in taking a trip this Thanksgiving, why not visit one of these historic spots that will take your Thanksgiving traditions up a notch?
1Plymouth, Massachusetts
For many children, one of the first Thanksgiving related things they learn about it is pilgrims, their travel to the North American continent, and the important locations to the development of the land as we know today. One of those important places is Plymouth Rock where the Pilgrims landed in 1620. It was at this historic site that the Wampanoag chief signed a treaty with the original 101 pilgrims, which lasted for 50 years and was celebrated by a feast.
Plymouth has become a popular destination not just for learning some national history, but also for families to take part in the amenities like water sports, golfing, whale watching and even ghost tours. During the fall you can even take a trolley or culinary tours and visit cranberry and pumpkin harvests.
2Williamsburg, Virginia
Just a little further down the coast is another one of America’s most historic towns – Williamsburg, Virginia. Williamsburg features reenactments and special events during the holidays in the Colonial section of the city. You can enjoy the annual tradition of bountiful feasts which features southern delicacies and a bounty of family favorites in a unique garden-to-table feast, or head over to the Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center which features a special three-day Thanksgiving event in which visitors can learn more about 17th and 18th century cuisine.
3Santa Fe, New Mexico
In contrast to the celebration of pilgrim history and celebration of the start of America, Santa Fe as a city focuses on the Native American heritage, celebrating and educating residents and tourists alike about Native American culture and history. Among their regular attractions like its world-renowned museums and art galleries featuring Native American art and history, they also have an annual, three-day Winter Indian Market, held Friday, Saturday and Sunday on Thanksgiving weekend each year. It features over 200 artists, as well as native dance groups and music. During the afternoon, locals gather at the historic plaza to enjoy entertainment and watch the Christmas tree lighting. Finally, if you want to start off the holiday season right with a day on the slopes, head to Ski Santa Fe, which opens on Thanksgiving Day.
4New York City, New York
Thanksgiving isn’t Thanksgiving without the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. The parade attracts thousands of participants and over three million spectators each year. Its been a New York tradition since 1924. Those who don’t want to brave the crowds can stay at one of the many hotels along the parade route to watch the festivities from their room. Further, this is the perfect place to be if you love to take advantage of the Black Friday shopping atmosphere for a unique shopping experience. Just keep in mind that if you’d like to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner at a restaurant here, you’ll need to make your reservations ASAP before they sell out.
5Natchez, Mississippi
Natchez, the birthplace of Mississippi, is known internationally as a quaint, Southern town with a rich culture and heritage shaped by people of African, French, British, and Spanish descent. It’s first inhabitants, however, were the Natchez Indians.
Historic homes and buildings, along with churches and other heritage sites, make Natchez a treasure trove for history buffs.
Over Thanksgiving weekend,the city hosts its annual Christmas in Natchez, with the Lighting of the Tree and the Gumbo Cook-Off the Saturday after Thanksgiving. A popular Natchez spot to visit, especially during Thanksgiving, is the Grand Village of Natchez Indians. The Natchez Indians inhabited what is now southwest Mississippi ca. AD 700-1730, with the culture at its zenith in the mid-1500s. Between 1682 and 1729 the Grand Village was their main ceremonial center, according to historical and archaeological evidence. French explorers, priests, and journalists described the ceremonial mounds built by the Natchez on the banks of St. Catherine Creek, and archaeological investigations produced additional evidence that the site was the place that the French called “the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians.”
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