Have you ever wondered how many things you could do during the long Thanksgiving weekend besides eating as if there were no tomorrow, unleashing your violent soul on Black Friday, and watching the parades? Literally, tons of things, especially if this isn’t your idea of a great long weekend. Leaving aside the actual Thanksgiving dinner, which is amazing, everything surrounding the festivity has turned into a chaotic craze that’s hard to embrace, and yes, I’m talking about the crowds and people’s obsessive consumeristic attitudes. If, like me, you’re sick of all that, and you’re looking for a way to escape, but locking yourself at home doesn’t sound that appealing, here are the best destinations in the US to have the perfect, peaceful Thanksgiving getaway.
Burlington, Vermont
@laurenrunstheworld
This lovely small town in Vermont boasts its most alluring sights during the fall with all the foliage painting its streets in warm colors. You can go for lovely walks, enter one of their unique shops selling local crafts and art, or just relaxing while watching the beauty of its impressive lake.
Assateague Island, Virginia & Maryland
@environmentsofgrace
What better definition of a getaway than literally spending the weekend on an island. Belonging to both Virginia and Maryland, this island has one of the most breathtaking sights ever. Assateague is famous for its more than 300 wild horses (no one knows for sure how they got there originally), its beautiful beach, and the many activities they offer for you to have a unique experience. A glass of wine while enjoying its gorgeous sunset sounds like the best plan ever.
St. Augustine, Florida
@blountsmallship
Considered one of the oldest cities in the country (dates back to 1565), St. Augustine is a small Spanish colonial town that will make you feel like you’re actually in Latin America. Its biggest attraction is the striking Castillo de San Juan, a stone fortress that dates back to the seventeenth century.
Genesee Falls, New York
@sprungphotography
New York City is kind of the opposite of relaxing, but the state has many gorgeous and impressive spots for a nice and relaxing weekend. If you’re more of an outdoors person, you’ll probably love Genesee Falls, a small town right next to the “Grand Canyon of the East,” or it’s official name, Letchworth State Park. It’s a 14,427-acre park with three impressive waterfalls and amazing landscapes that will make you forget about everything else.
Tennessee Valley, California
@helenwei_cool
If you don’t want to spend the entire weekend in that peaceful state, you can travel to iconic San Francisco, and make a quick trip to Tennessee Valley, just 30 minutes away. Not only is it gorgeous, but it’s also great for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, horse-riding, and many more options. And did I mention it has a gorgeous beach?
Hill Country, Texas
@mgutjr
Let’s go south, shall we? As one of the best wine regions in the country, Hill Country is best known for its great Cabernets due to its grape varieties (similar to those in Spain, France, and Italy) that are rare in the US. It’s ranked as one of the best places in the US to visit, and though tourism is growing fast, it still keeps its charming essence.
Oahu, Hawaii
@welove.adventures
If you love Hawaii with all your soul, but you find it extremely touristic and crowded, I have the solution for you: Oahu. Not as visited as Honolulu or Waikiki, Oahu has one of the most beautiful beaches in all Hawaii, Waimea Bay, famous for its clear waters and the famous Waimea Rock. And if you’re the kind of person who loves adrenaline, you can also swim with sharks!
Brownville, Nebraska
@angelagausman
Finally, if you’re looking for a place that takes you back in time, you should really consider heading to Nebraska. Self-promoted as charming and historic, this nineteenth-century town is great for those who love museums, galleries, boutiques, and having a cup of coffee at a pretty bookstore. This really small town has also a winery inside an original nineteenth-century barn, so you can really get the best historical experience.
Yes, Thanksgiving is all about sharing with people and being grateful for what you have, but you can actually gather more experiences in life through traveling that I assure you will make you feel even more grateful. You still have time, so pack a bag and escape from all the craziness.
Don’t miss these:
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Cover photo by @ssgarlock
