By BrainFall Staff - Updated: October 21, 2015
Thanksgiving can leave you torn – how are you going to divide your time between the important people in your life? Plan ahead for the big day with this quiz and find out where you should spend Thanksgiving!
Where Should You Spend Thanksgiving?
Deciding where to park your gravy boat for Thanksgiving can be as tricky as dodging that awkward political debate with your uncle. You're torn between the comfort of your childhood home, where the turkey is always a smidge dry, and the thrill of trying something new, like tossing cranberry sauce packets at each other in a quirky Airbnb. Of course, Thanksgiving is all about gobbling up that warm, fuzzy feeling you get from being around family and friends, but why not sprinkle on a little extra spice by changing up the venue?
Imagine a Thanksgiving where you trade in the click of silverware for the crackle of a campfire or swap your stretchy pants for ski gear before dive-bombing into a pumpkin pie at some mountain retreat. The location could shift the entire dynamic from a snooze-fest into something as electric as a Macy's parade float mishap. Navigating this cornucopia of choices might have you more flustered than a turkey pardoned by the President, but don't fret. Your quest for the ideal spot could be as simple as considering who's around the table and what stories you'll want to retell come next November.
Choosing Your Thanksgiving Locale
When Turkey Day is on the horizon, and you're itching for a change of scenery, picking the right spot is key. Do you fancy waking up to the buzz of the city, the tranquility of the mountains, or the sound of waves lapping at the shore? Don your pilgrim hat, and let's explore where you might gobble down your next Thanksgiving feast.
City Slickers' Thanksgiving
New York City throws a Thanksgiving shindig that's hard to top. Imagine marveling at the giant balloons bobbing through the sky at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. For a post-parade meal, the Big Apple's cornucopia of restaurants will leave you more stuffed than the turkey itself. Or maybe Chicago with its vibrant arts scene and architectural cruises along the glacial Lake Michigan is more your slice of pie.
- Arizona's Resort Escapes: Scottsdale offers a feast for the eyes and the stomach, with luxurious resorts and cactus-framed sunsets.
- Tennessee's Melodic Table: Nashville will serenade you with live tunes as you indulge in southern comfort food.
Mountain Retreats and Rustic Charm
In the mood for a rustic gathering? Gatlinburg, Tennessee, snug in the Smoky Mountains, might tickle your fancy with its homey cabins and local feasts. Or perhaps you'd prefer the Bavarian vibes of Leavenworth, Washington, where you can toast with a stein of beer amidst snowy peaks. Don't forget about New York's Catskills or the lush Hudson Valley, practically oozing with autumn charisma.
- California Dreaming: Imagine sipping a glass of wine in Santa Barbara, where the mountains meet the ocean.
- East Coast Classics: A historical feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts, gives you a taste of the first Thanksgiving.
Beachside Turkey Day Festivities
Who says Thanksgiving needs flannel and foliage? Swap those boots for flip-flops and head to Florida for a beachside banquet. Lounge on the sandy shores of Destin or partake in Miami's vibrant nightlife post-pumpkin pie. You could also savor a sunset dinner on a California beach, where the waves provide a soothing soundtrack to your celebration.
- New Orleans' Unique Beat: Gumbo and jazz on the Gulf? This city knows how to throw a memorable feast.
- Sunset Meals in the Golden State: Santa Barbara always has a sunny disposition, ideal for a seaside soiree.
Selecting the perfect Thanksgiving spot is half the fun. So tighten your belt, because no matter where you end up, you're in for a feast of a lifetime. And hey, if all else fails, take a quiz to pick your perfect Thanksgiving locale—I heard there's one that's fabulous!
Thanksgiving Activities and Traditions
When Thanksgiving rolls around, you're either strapped in for the feast of your life, or out and about creating memories that'll have you grinning like a pumpkin pie with too much whipped cream. Let's dive into some of the top activities and traditions that’ll make your Turkey Day as stuffed with fun as that bird is with stuffing.
Parades and Public Events
Strap on your most comfortable shoes and join the bundled-up masses at a Thanksgiving Day Parade. Watch gigantic balloons bob like apples in a tub, as marching bands and flamboyant floats captivate the onlookers. Not your cup of tea? How about donning a turkey costume and sprinting in a local "Turkey Trot"? It’s fun, feathers, and a bit of cardio before the food coma sets in.
Outdoor Adventures and Nature Escapades
Ever fancied a game of golf with a side of fall foliage? Head to a resort near the Adirondacks and enjoy those holiday activities amidst the stunning blaze of autumn colors. If you're more of a thrill-seeker, why not hit the slopes for some Thanksgiving skiing, or trot along vineyard-laden trails for a scavenger hunt? You can work up an appetite and justify that extra slice of pie.
Foodie Delights and Culinary Experiences
Prepare your taste buds for the main event—a gastronomic journey featuring our good friend, the turkey, or its avant-garde cousin, the turducken. Not feeling poultry? Foodie parks or beachside picnics can give you a Thanksgiving with a twist. Maybe you’re west coasting it? Replace snow with sand, and indulge in a vineyard-sourced wine alongside your turkey trot award-winning gravy. Top it off with a side of football games on TV to keep the spirit alive and kicking.
Remember, Thanksgiving isn't just a day; it's a lifestyle—albeit a very filling one. Now, get out there and make some traditions that you'll be thankful for, long after the leftovers are gone!
