Top 10 | Thanksgiving Destinations

Top 10 Thanksgiving Destinations

This Thanksgiving, for a little change of pace, take a break from the kitchen and plan a fun and festive fall camping trip.  Many towns and cities throw Thanksgiving celebrations, and many kick-off the Christmas season during this long weekend.  Since most people have a long weekend this is the perfect time to pack up the RV or pull out the tent and pack the car and head out on a Thanksgiving road trip.

Here are a few exciting and unique destinations that have holiday traditions and celebrations that are well worth a visit during Thanksgiving.  

New York, NY
If turning on the TV and watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade is a favorite holiday tradition, why not go see it live and in person.  Plus this is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit and get a head start on your Christmas shopping since most Christmas activities are in full swing this time of year.  So this year grab a front row seat for the parade, shop New York on Black Friday and go ice skating Rockefeller Center.  Since you won't be camping downtown you'll also have the opportunity to see some of the surrounding area.  Click here for a list of campgrounds close to NYC.

Plymouth, MA
What could be better than spending Thanksgiving where our forefathers celebrated their first Thanksgiving with the Native Americans?  Take a boat tour on the life-size replica of the Mayflower, enjoy concerts, a food festival and even a Grand parade.  Known as America’s Hometown, they host a Thanksgiving Parade each year.  The parade and weekend of festivities has become a beloved holiday occasion as well as an important link to our nation’s history and heritage.  The celebration of Thanksgiving becomes history-brought-to-life as pilgrims, soldiers, patriots, and pioneers proudly climb out of the history books and onto the streets of Plymouth. This years parade is Saturday - November 20, 2010 at Plymouth Center, 10:30AM. Click here for a list of campgrounds close to Plymouth.

Washington DC
As the capital of our great nation a Washington DC has to be on the short list of places to spend your Thanksgiving holiday.  Thanksgiving weekend is a popular time to visit the National Mall, Smithsonian museums and Washington, DC’s famous monuments and memorials.  Plus don't miss the Presidential Turkey Pardon at the White House.  Click here for a list of campgrounds close to Washington DC.

St Augustine, FL
According to local history man acknowledge the first Thanksgiving was first held in St. Augustine Florida in celebration of the founding of St. Augustine Church by Spanish explorer Pedro Menendez de Aviles by gathering the Timucuan Indians for a meal with the Spanish colonists.  He and more than 600 settlers arrived from Spain to form the colony and celebrated the first Thanksgiving on Sept. 8, 1565, 56 years ahead of the pilgrims.  Today St Augustine celebrates Thanksgiving with a festival at the Fountain of Youth Park.  Click here for a list of campgrounds close to St Augustine.

Nashville, TN
Celebrate Thanksgiving with a trip to the home of Country Music - Nashville, TN.  Nashville and the surrounding rural communities of middle celebrate Thanksgiving and fall with hayrides, horseback riding, corn maze, and fall color.  Plan a trip to the Grand Ole Opry and make sure to visit the Opryland Hotel to see the Christmas lights.  Plus take a boat ride on the General Jackson for a great view of the city.  Click here for a list of campgrounds close to Nashville.

San Antonio, TX
The reason to visit San Antonio for Thanksgiving is for the day after - the real draw is the Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony, held every year on the River Walk.  Plus, San Antonia has plenty of history and lots to see and do.  For Thanksgiving make a reservation at one of the many fine Mexican restaurants and enjoy a Southwest Thanksgiving day feat.  Click here for a list of campgrounds close to San Antonio.

Phoenix, AZ
Thanksgiving wouldn’t exist without Native Americans and what better place to steep yourself in Native American history. Phoenix and the surrounding area is the home of more than a dozen Indian reservations, including the biggest – the Navajo Reservation.   Resorts host many fabulous dinners - so pick your favorite and save your energy for an exciting scenic drive on the Apache Trail. This well-traveled road affords visitors an incredible view of canyons, geologic formations, desert plants and trees, and desert and lake views. It isn't for nervous drivers or passengers, though, and make sure you have a full tank of gas....  Click here for a list of campgrounds close to Phoenix.

Chicago, IL
Rivaling New York's Macys Thanksgiving Day parade is Chicago's McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade.  This year it kicks off at 8:30 a.m. on November 25, 2010 and features giant inflatables, marching bands, dancers and more.
Where: State Street from Congress to Randolph Admission is FREE!  Click here for a list of campgrounds close to Chicago.

San Diego, CA
San Diego makes a great family friendly Thanksgiving destination with Dixieland Jazz Festival, Sea World, and the San Diego Zoo. The warm beaches don't hurt either! Click here for a list of campgrounds close to San Diego.

Orlando, FL
Another family friendly Thanksgiving destination is Disney World. With extended hours, parades, special turkey-themed meals with Cinderella and other lovable Disney characters, Christmas gift hunting in Downtown Disney, what more could you ask for?  Click here for a list of campgrounds close to St Augustine.