Give Thanks in a New Destination
November 8, 2022
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year – a time to be thankful, reflect on the past year and count your blessings surrounded by family and friends. Most of our routines were completely dismantled during COVID-19 so why not stay on trend and break the routine this Thanksgiving, engage in new experiences, forge new family traditions, and give thanks in a new and inspiring destination?
Yes, Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, but don’t let that put you off planning a last-minute long weekend getaway. Traditionally, most Thanksgiving travelers are boarding flights or taking road trips home to grandma’s house and not exploring new destinations. Thanksgiving is the perfect time of year to kick off the holiday season with a quintessential American Thanksgiving getaway, without the crowds.
Our favorite spots in the US to celebrate Thanksgiving boast big holiday charm, a bounty of Thanksgiving-related activities to fill your itinerary, and homey vacation rentals with all the space and amenities needed to host your family Thanksgiving celebrations – and free Xplorie activities and experiences included in your reservation for every day of your stay.
A Traditional Thanksgiving on Cape Cod, MA
Experience the true traditions of Thanksgiving on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where the original Mayflower Pilgrims’ made their first landing in the New World in Provincetown before sailing on to Plymouth. Cape Cod is a destination that delivers a side of rich American history and heritage, captivating coastal beauty, nautical charm, and traditional Thanksgiving festivities and experiences that are both meaningful and fun.
America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Parade and Celebration takes place in Plymouth, MA the week before Thanksgiving and celebrations continue throughout the charming towns on Cape Cod all week long. Top Thanksgiving events on Cape Cod include walking in the footsteps of the Mayflower pilgrims at the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum, the Chatham Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving, the Polar Express Christmas Train for the kids, and feasting on grand buffets of succulent seafood and clam chowder at a traditional and cozy Cape Cod restaurant.
There may be a slight chill in the air, but the beauty of Cape Cod inspires you to bundle up warm and get outdoors. Book a tee time at the scenic Cranberry Valley Golf Course or a round-robin of family tennis or pickleball at the Chequessett Club, pick up a bike rental to explore the miles of scenic bike paths and quiet country roads, paddle around the bays and barrier beaches on an eco-tour with Rideaway Adventures, or bundle up for a magical sunrise beach stroll – the perfect place to give thanks!
Reserve a Cape Cod Thanksgiving rental with our Xplorie partner, Kinlin Grover, and enjoy the best experiences, tours, and activities on Cape Cod complimentary for each and every day of your stay. Whether you’re seeking a charming beach bungalow for two or a large family home to fit four generations under one roof, Kinlin Grover offers a wide range of Cape Cod Thanksgiving vacation rentals with free Xplorie activities for the whole crew.
A Winter Wonderland in Park City, UT
If you can’t wait to get back on the slopes or are simply dreaming of a winter wonderland for Thanksgiving, Park City, Utah is sure to satisfy your wanderlust. Nestled in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, only a 35-minute drive from Salt Lake City International Airport, Park City is the largest ski area in the US with three world-class ski resorts, over 400 ski runs, endless off-slope activities, and a vibrant historic Main Street buzzing with award-winning cafés and restaurants, awesome après ski spots, and Thanksgiving festivities.
The 2022-23 winter season at Park City Mountain and Canyons Village opens on Friday, November 18th and the snow is already falling. If your Thanksgiving traditions revolve around skiing, snowboarding, and epic winter activities – Park City is an easily accessible and fun family destination for your Thanksgiving long weekend getaway.
Kickstart the Thanksgiving weekend with the Community Tree Lighting and Fireworks at Canyon Village with live music, ice-carving demonstrations, and photos with Santa, followed by the official Park City Snow Globe Stroll, Last Friday Gallery Stroll, and delicious Thanksgiving meal specials on historic Main Street. Alternatively, you can cozy up around the fireplace at home with loved ones in preparation for a weekend of epic outdoor adventures in Park City.
The outdoor adventures in Park City are as epic as the world-famous ski slopes! Fill up your Thanksgiving itinerary with exclusive snowshoe tours in the Wasatch Mountains, winter horse rides through the beautiful Heber Valley, zipline tours over Deer Creek Reservoir, and unlimited family fun at Park City’s only outdoor ice rink – all complimentary when you book your Thanksgiving vacation with Xplorie.
Take the stress out of your ski vacation and experience luxury lodging with family-focused amenities and complimentary Xplorie activities with SkyRun Park City. SkyRun rentals range from ski-in/ski-out slopeside rentals in Park City and Deer Valley to be the first on the ski runs to charming historic rentals in the heart of Old Town Park City. Whatever sparks your wanderlust this Thanksgiving, you’ll find a true home away from home with SkyRun.
Unlimited Family Fun in Branson, MO
Located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, Branson, Missouri is one of the most popular family vacation destinations in the US guaranteed to give the whole family an adventure-filled and action-packed Thanksgiving getaway. Balance your time between getting closer to nature on the trails, scenic overlooks, and beautiful Branson Lakes and discovering Branson’s bright family attractions, fabulous dinner shows, and thrilling roller coaster rides.
Branson doesn’t wait for Thanksgiving to kickstart the holiday season – the decorations, millions of light displays, live holiday shows, and seasonal festivities start right after Halloween. Take a tour of the Ozark Christmas lights on a Redneck Comedy Bus Tour, indulge in a four-course family Thanksgiving feast and world-class entertainment at Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction, or thrill the kids with rides, attractions, and an Old Time Christmas celebration at the award-winning Silver Dollar City.
For rainy day activities, Beyond The Lens and Flyride are family favorites in Branson, or climb aboard the Titanic as they honor the Christmas season. And that is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to family fun in Branson!
With our Xplorie partners, Dreams2Reality Vacation Rentals, and Rent Branson, you can bring the whole family to Branson for Thanksgiving and enjoy endless family fun without even leaving home! Spend Thanksgiving together under one roof with space to focus on family time and spread out, gourmet kitchens to prepare all-American family feasts, formal dining areas for long holiday dinners, BIG screen TVs for the football, games rooms, and bunk rooms for the kids, and free Xplorie tickets to Branson’s best Thanksgiving attractions and shows.
Give thanks in a new vacation destination this year with Xplorie!
