Thanksgiving is the perfect time of year to gather with your loved ones as you express gratitude for the year that’s been. Instead of the conventional family dinner, why not take a relaxing vacation with the gang to a scenic destination this Thanksgiving? North Carolina’s Asheville and New York City have been Thanksgiving getaway favorites for families for years, thanks to multiple impressive indoor and outdoor activities. Here’s the ideal guide for a memorable Thanksgiving in these lovely destinations.
Attend a Fun-Filled Parade
Asheville and New York City host fantastic holiday parades full of pomp and excitement. On November 18, 2023, catch The Asheville Holiday Parade, which kicks off at 9 AM, passing through Charlotte Street, Biltmore Avenue, and Pack Square, which will host the performance area. The one-and-a-half-hour parade has entertainment for all age groups, making it the perfect way to kickstart the holiday season. If you’ll be vacationing in New York City, head to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 23, 2023, and enjoy the annual pageant with floats, giant balloons, marching bands, cheerleaders, and Broadway performances. The parade typically begins at 77th Street and Central Park and heads down to 34th Street towards Heral Square. Get to the venue as early as 6 AM to secure the best spots along the route.
Take a Scenic Hike
After the parades, hit the trails and enjoy a scenic Thanksgiving hike with your loved ones. Asheville features numerous fantastic hiking trails that offer breathtaking panoramic views. Chimney Rock Park has one of Ashville’s most popular hiking trails featuring wooded forests and excellent sights atop Chimney Rock. Mount Mitchell has a 2.2-mile route starting at the State Park office that leads up to the summit with an observation deck that offers expansive views of up to 85 miles. In New York City, head to Bear Mountain State Park and hike the 1.5-mile paved trail around Hessian Lake, or check out the 2.5-mile route along the Hudson at Staatsburg.
Enjoy a Delicious Thanksgiving Dinner
Nothing says “Happy Thanksgiving” like a delightful meal with your loved ones. Whether you’ll be vacationing in Asheville or New York City, umpteen restaurants serve sumptuous Thanksgiving menus. While in Asheville, stop by Fork Lore, Hemingway’s Cuba, or Bargello for exquisite dinner options. If you’re in New York City, notable restaurants include Victory Garden Cafe, Dagon, and Lagos TSQ. If you want some tasty dessert after your meal, check out The Chocolate Fetish and Well-Bred Bakery & Cafe in Asheville or Junior’s and Four & Twenty Blackbirds in New York City.
Hit the Movies
After Thanksgiving dinner, end your night by hitting the cinemas for a Thanksgiving family movie night. Asheville’s best cinemas include Grail Moviehouse, Regale Biltmore Grande, and Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co., which offers a delicious menu of burritos, nachos, salads, sandwiches, and burgers to eat while watching. While in New York City, check out BAM Rose Cinemas, LOOK Dine-In Cinemas, and IFC Center for the best movie experience.
Stay in Comfortable Vacation Rentals
One of the foremost considerations when choosing the ideal holiday destination is the availability of quality lodging. Asheville and New York City have multiple high-end vacation rentals for a stress-free Thanksgiving getaway. For the best properties in both destinations, look to Mighty Tree Properties and choose from a vast collection of pristine holiday homes. Our vacation rentals feature spacious, welcoming interiors with plush furnishings, creating an ideal setting for relaxing after a day of gripping exploration. Prepare your favorite home-made meals in fully-stocked kitchens, with all the pots, pans, and appliances for a seamless cooking experience. After your Thanksgiving escapades, rest in cozy bedrooms with elegant bedding and comfortable mattresses for a peaceful night’s sleep. Before heading out, tidy up in modern, functional bathrooms with showers and clean towels. Catch the latest series and blockbusters on large flat-screen TVs and relish thrilling on-screen entertainment. Connect to high-speed internet for all your online needs, including streaming, Facetime, and updating social media feeds.
Book Your Thanksgiving Vacation Rental Today
Thanksgiving is a unique time of year to gather with those nearest and dearest to you as you show gratefulness for the gift of family and friends. Plan this Thanksgiving by taking a thrilling vacation to the scenic destinations of Asheville or New York City and relish a holiday like no other. These two destinations are chock full of thrills you and yours will love come November 23. As you prepare your Thanksgiving getaway, look to Mighty Tree Properties for the best holiday rentals in Asheville and New York City. We offer cozy one-bed to seven-bed houses in Asheville and lovely one-bed homes in New York City with ample amenities, ideal for a relaxing getaway experience. Contact us today to secure your preferred vacation home and enjoy a memorable Thanksgiving escape.