What makes a place ideal for celebrating Thanksgiving?
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Is it an abundance of wild turkeys and harvest festivals?
What about a perfect display of fall foliage?
Or could it be something deeper and more atmospheric, like an idyllic main street to wander down during a crisp morning?
It all depends on the type of holiday you’re looking for. For many Americans, the holiday is about reuniting with family. Thanksgiving brings with it a cycle of eating, sleeping, bonding with family, and repeating that lasts up to a week in some households.
But some families also have a secret Thanksgiving weapon: a picturesque backdrop to celebrate the season.
These are the towns that other families cross state lines to experience. The type that excel in holiday-centric characteristics like small-town spirit, great fall weather and flora, and a general sense of splendor that creates a feeling of true belonging.
The only question is… where can you find them?
Let’s take a tour of the best Thanksgiving towns across the United States.
Best Thanksgiving towns in the United States
Plymouth, Massachusetts
Home to one of the US’s most popular small-town Thanksgiving Day parades, Plymouth is a shoo-in for Thanksgiving splendor of all stripes. In fact, its Thanksgiving Day parade is better described as a week-long festival.
During that time, the town comes alive with activities like the historically accurate Portal to the Past village and dozens of unique exhibits at the Patuxet Museum.
In fact, it’s hard to escape the Thanksgiving charm in Plymouth. From its colonial-style shops to its faithful rendition of the 17th-century Mayflower ship, this is pure Thanksgiving.
Did I mention that Plymouth is also the literal hometown of the holiday?
If you’re heading to the area, check out:
Sperryville, Virginia
Few locations offer the same natural splendor as Sperryville thanks to its location near Shenandoah Valley. On top of that, locals are friendly and passionate about their small-town charm.
Combined, these quaint small-town characteristics and gorgeous autumn colors curate an unforgettable Thanksgiving atmosphere—one that many come back to year after year.
If you’re heading to the area, check out:
Leavenworth, Washington
Most autumn focus falls on the East Coast and Appalachia thanks to the historical charm and beautiful forests of the regions.
But the West Coast has more than a few great Thanksgiving selections.
In Leavenworth, Washington, that charm stems from the delightful Bavarian downtown area. There are a handful of themed restaurants and lounges that bring you the delights of the Alps—with all the flair and warmth of traditional Thanksgiving celebrations.
If you’re heading to the area, check out:
Galena, Illinois
As one of the top picks for Chicagoans looking to escape the hustle, Galena regularly shows up on lists of quaint, small towns.
Unsurprisingly, that makes it a fantastic pick for a great Thanksgiving. Similar to Sperryville, locals regularly come together to deck out the downtown area with holiday decorations.
Thanksgiving is a time for people to come together and soak up that warm atmosphere with friendly locals—and maybe make a few lasting friendships along the way.
If you’re heading to the area, check out:
New Paltz, New York
If you’ve ever heard of the Mohonk Mountain House, then you’ve heard of New Paltz.
This stunning upstate New York town is renowned for its outdoor offerings—along with its stately, larger-than-life retreat at Mohonk.
Unsurprisingly, autumn is an ideal time to visit. Thanksgiving, in particular, is a great time to enjoy the festive atmosphere. Not only can visitors find fantastic Thanksgiving meals to join, but there are also dozens of family-oriented activities.
If you’re heading to the area, check out:
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Similar to New Paltz, Gatlinburg is a well-known quantity for those who grew up in the region. This small town is renowned for its quaint main street and its larger-than-life feel during autumn—which helped it land a place on USA Today’s Top 3 Autumn Escapes.
From window shopping downtown to strolling beneath the fiery orange-and-red leaves, Gatlinburg’s Thanksgiving appeal almost feels entirely effortless.
If you’re heading to the area, check out:
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
My last selection for great Thanksgiving towns is South California’s Carmel-by-the-Sea. Any couples looking for a great Thanksgiving escape should look no further.
Not only is Carmel-by-the-Sea a great small town for autumn festivities, but it’s also the US’s most romantic town. Those elements go hand-in-hand more than you might assume.
What makes Carmel-by-the-Sea romantic and great for Thanksgiving is its gorgeous main street, curated shops and boutiques, and general small-town vibrancy.
If you’re heading to the area, check out:
