Thanksgiving is a great time to gather with family and friends as you pause and reflect on things that you are grateful for. But Thanksgiving festivities can also bring a slight case of panic and nonstop errands as you hustle to curate the perfect Thursday night supper with your loved ones. That said, perhaps, it’s about time that you make changes to your celebrations. Maybe a weekend getaway with your loved ones will help you feel reinvigorated? Well, whatever you decide, here is our list of some scenic US towns and counties that will help you slow down for an enjoyable Thanksgiving weekend.
Great for the outdoor lover, friendly to the cozy nester. Estes Park in Colorado is an ideal destination for families longing for a nature trip. This town has plenty of nice hotels, lodges, restaurants, and spas for leisure travelers. Meanwhile, outdoor activities abound for the adventure-seeker—such as rock climbing, hiking, fishing, and boating. Around wintertime, vacationers enjoy skiing and snowboarding the icy slopes of Colorado’s famous Rocky Mountains.
What to see: Rocky Mountain National Park, Riverwalk in Downtown, Estes Park Museum, Lake Estes
Where to stay: The Stanley Hotel (ideal for couples), Coyote Mountain Lodge, Estes Park Resort
Travel to Leavenworth in Washington State and forget that you are even in America! This humble city offers a taste of Bavaria—it’s like little Europe in the northwest. Around the holiday season, Leavenworth lives up to its Christmastown status as dainty Yuletide decorations pepper every street of the picturesque village. Plus, its mountainous surroundings will remind you of the Swiss Alps.
What to see: Downtown shops, Silvara Cellars, Front Street Park, Eagle Creek Ranch
Where to stay: Posthotel Leavenworth, Mountain Springs Lodge, Blue Elk Inn
Enjoy a charming Southern escape in Savannah, Georgia. This historic town is filled with gorgeous gardens, hip boutiques, art galleries, and up-and-coming dining spots that delight both locals and tourists. Plus, endless rows of Oak trees and Spanish Moss that adown the town will surely enchant you on your visit.
What to see: Broughton Street shops, Forsyth Park, Davenport House Museum, Savannah River Street
Where to stay: The Georgianne Inn, Azalea Inn & Villas, Hyatt Regency Savannah
Home to some of the best ski resorts in the world, Park City is a fabulous destination if you are looking for Fall foliage and some snowcapped mountain view. Park and town tours are best enjoyed around this season as the temperature is very mild. Consider these outdoor activities when you visit: fishing, horseback riding, trail biking, and hiking. If you just want to chill, there are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and quirky shops to visit around town.
What to see: Deer Valley Resort, Alpine Coaster, Main Street Historic District, Park City Museum
Where to stay: Chateaux Deer Valley, Marriott’s Mountainside, Park City Peaks Hotel
A historic port city by the Piscataqua River, Portsmouth in New Hampshire will delight you with its eclectic small-town vibe and impeccable culinary scene. Portsmouth is blessed with some of the best restaurants on the East Coast, ranging from French to Italian to the New England Haute dining. Surely, grandma will forgive you if you miss her turkey for a fine dining experience in Portsmouth!
What to see: Constitution Fort, Strawberry Banke Museum, Portsmouth Book & Bar, Moffatt-Lad House & Garden
Where to stay: Wentworth by the Sea, Hilton Garden Inn, Sheraton Portsmouth
Take it slow in San Luis Obispo where beautiful beaches, mountain views, and vineyards come together. Known to locals as SLO, this SoCal city makes an ideal vacation spot thanks to its relaxed pace, exciting resorts, and award-winning wineries. SLO also has a fair share of its quirks, take for example its wacky Bubble Gum Alley, a narrow alleyway covered in chewed on gums—ugh, you may skip this on your trip.
What to see: Mission Plaza, Bishop Peak, San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, Wolff Vineyards
Where to stay: Hotel San Luis Obispo, Granada Hotel & Bistro, Cottage Inn by the Sea
Need assistance on booking your last-minute Thanksgiving trip? Don’t worry, we can’t help you with that! Simply drop a chat on the Viyahe app to get started on your trip planning.
