Wednesday, October 14th, 2009
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Thanksgiving Getaways

Thanksgiving Getaways

Thanksgiving Getaways

It’s never to early to plan your trips. Thanksgiving is fast approaching. Not only do you have a four-day weekend, your family and friends do, too. Take advantage of the effortlessly coordinated vacation days and steal away, if only for a few hours. Here are some suggestions from members.

The City Break: New York
New York City is an obvious holiday destination for a reason: nowhere else will you find such tremendous energy or such a large tree. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off the season, and rickhowe and family helped kick off the parade as balloon handlers. If you’re up for leading a “sort of spastic chicken dance” as millions of people shout, “Chicken LITTLE Chicken LITTLE,” you may want to find out more.

The Charming Throwback: Charlottesville, VA
Charlottesville’s collegiate commitment to tradition shows itself in the annual Blessing of the Hounds on Thanksgiving morning. Local expert tachi puts the event in her Charlottesville top 10 and recommends getting there early to watch a “ceremony rich in history” that is “taken quite seriously.” She says, “If you are in the area for Thanksgiving, this is a must-do.”

The Island Escape: St. Maarten
New Englander nancybruce5 and her husband love “watching St. Maarten prepare for Christmas” so much that they own a timeshare there for the weeks from Thanksgiving to Christmas. They recommend Lee’s Roadside Grill for a Thanksgiving dinner of mahi-mahi, snapper, tuna, and lobsters prepared on an “outdoor fire grill.” There’s entertainment, too, though they say that “it was funny listening to a steel band do Christmas carols.”

The Shopping Trip: Hershey, PA
Fall and winter are favorite seasons for Hershey weekends, from leaf peeping to holiday-light peeping. The Christmas in Hershey program, celebrating its 25th year, has already begun, and Laura Z recommends the Hershey Sweet Lights drive portion for “miles and miles of displays.” But the real draws on Thanksgiving are the Midnight Madness sales at the Outlets at Hershey, which can even net you a free Christmas tree.

The Ski Preview: Lake Tahoe, CA
Thanksgiving is the traditional opening day for Lake Tahoe ski resorts, though some slopes open before or after, depending on the weather. Shari Lynne found Turkey Day a great time to go, saying, “This was a nice weekend to kick off the holiday season! Holiday cheer was in the decor, music, and (lots of) snow!” You can also have as much holiday food as PRINSEWING did by renting a condo and preparing your Thanksgiving meal there.

The Family Reunion: Hayward, WI
Thanks to his entire family bunking at Spider Lake Lodge, SFPhotocraft describes Thanksgiving 2004 as the “Thanksgiving that felt like a Hallmark card come to life.” Drivable from Minneapolis or Chicago but “a world away,” the Spider Lake area is full of picture-perfect Midwest cabins. Make sure to stop at Tremblay’s Sweet Shop to stock up on post-turkey treats; MCJ graduate “highly recommends it for your sweet tooth.”

Pinehurst Resort
Where: Pinehurst, NC Why: Because this hallowed golf resort is surprisingly kid-friendly, and Thanksgiving weekend offers myriad opportunities for families to have fun together. The weekend roster includes flag football, family movie nights, wagon rides, arts and crafts, cookie decorating, s’more roasting, and “Family Fairways” golf clinics. The Thanksgiving package starts at $155 per person and includes overnight accommodations, a traditional Thanksgiving meal, breakfast, and admission to a special Holiday Pops Concert by the North Carolina Symphony. Kids 12 and under eat, stay, and golf for free with an adult.

Sawmill Creek Resort
Where: Sandusky, Ohio Why: Because Thanksgiving weekend is the kick-off for the Festival of Lights at this Lake Erie resort. Families can take a hay ride through the holiday lights display as they listen to Christmas classics, or they can drop in on Mrs. Claus for hot chocolate, cider, and donuts. Kids can go swimming in the indoor pool, walk the trails of the nature preserve, or head to the video game room. There will also be a putting competition with wine and juice pops as prizes, and Santa will be on hand passing out candy canes. The two-night Thanksgiving package for a family of four starts at $279 and includes Thanksgiving brunch, a carriage ride, hay ride, and breakfast on Friday. Additional nights can be added for just $79.

Resort at Squaw Creek
Where: Olympic Valley, CA Why: Because during the long weekend, this Lake Tahoe resort will roll out its annual Magical Memories program with a tree-lighting ceremony and the unveiling of its gingerbread village. After enjoying a classic Thanksgiving buffet, families can take part in holiday-themed activities such as sleigh rides, ice skating, caroling, and visits with Santa for the little ones. The supervised Mountain Buddies kids’ club offers board games, arts and crafts, outdoor fun in the snow, and more. The Magical Bed and Breakfast package starts at $179 a night and includes accommodations for four, breakfast, and most activities.

KeyLime Cove Resort & Waterpark
Where: Gurnee, Illinois Why: Because this Thanksgiving, Santa will be hanging out at this brand new Florida Keys-themed indoor waterpark, complete with tube and body slides, wave pool, and lazy river. On dry land, grown ups can relax in the Paradise Mist Spa while the younger crowd can win prizes in the 8,000 square-foot arcade. On Friday, there’s a Sunset Parade, tree-lighting ceremony (where “tropicool” Santa will be visiting in his swim trunks). Toukie’s Two-Night Turkey weekend special starts at $390 and includes accommodations, four waterpark passes, Thanksgiving buffet for four, and children’s activities.

Salishan Spa & Golf Resort
Where: Gleneden Beach, OR Why: Because Thanksgiving is a perfect opportunity to try out this luxury lodge on the stunning Oregon coastline, which features an 18-hole golf course, spa, an indoor pool and tennis courts. Kids can head over to the game zone for all the latest entertainment including Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, or classic games like air hockey. Three-night Thanksgiving packages start at $399 and include accommodations and a Thanksgiving buffet (normally $40 per adult).

The Coeur d’Alene Resort
Where: Coeur d’Alene, ID Why: Because this resort puts on an impressive Christmas show with a tree-lighting ceremony featuring the world’s largest Christmas tree. Thousands of lights will twinkle to the tune of Jingle Bells on the 162-foot Grand Fir that’s more than twice as tall as the tree at Rockefeller Center. Families can meet Frosty the Snowman before cruising over to the North Pole to witness dancing elves, visit Santa’s workshop, and watch the sing-a-long performances by the entire Christmas crew. The two-night Lighting Ceremony package starts at $485 and includes lodging, the fireworks show, two adult cruise tickets to the North Pole (kids cruise free), a $100 dining credit for breakfast, and the Thanksgiving buffet or Sunday brunch.

Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa
Where: Stowe, VT Why: Because this four-diamond mountain resort offers a sled load of family-oriented activities ranging from hiking and biking to watching how cider is made. A three-night stay including daily breakfast and a traditional Thanksgiving dinner begins at $429 per person. Reserve this package before November 1 and receive a fourth night free.

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