Thanksgiving's New England origins make the region the symbolic standard-bearer for what is perhaps America's most universally commemorated holiday. As you plan to gather loved ones close to home, or perhaps to travel to the land of Pilgrims and Promise to celebrate the holiday, here are some ways you can incorporate a touch of New England in your Thanksgiving celebration. Don't miss all of the great Thanksgiving recipes from New England! Happy Thanksgiving!
Dine with the Pilgrims in Plymouth
Plimoth Plantation, the living history museum that recreates the day-to-day lives of New England's first English settlers, offers three Thanksgiving dining options if you'd like to celebrate with the Pilgrim "cast." Choose the Thanksgiving Day Buffet or enjoy America's Thanksgiving Dinner during one of three seatings on Thanksgiving day (there is also one seating on the Friday after Thanksgiving). Advance reservations are required for both of these unique dining experiences, which usually sell out. Reservations are accepted beginning June 1. Call toll free, 800-262-9356, ext. 8353, 8364 or 8365, for reservations and more information. Plimoth Plantation also stages a special Harvest Dinner with the Pilgrims on select evenings in November, although not on Thanksgiving day.
Other Dine, Stay and Play Thanksgiving Packages in New England
You'll find many other options for Thanksgiving weekend getaways in New England. Here are a few ideas:
Thanksgiving Retreat at Franconia Inn
New Hampshire's
Franconia Inn has a three-night Thanksgiving Retreat complete with a Thanksgiving feast, gourmet dinners on Friday and Saturday, breakfasts, a horse-drawn wagon ride and a fresh-cut Christmas tree and wreath to take or ship home.
Turkey and Wine
Stay three nights or more over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend at Providence, Rhode Island's Historic Jacob Hill Inn, and they'll throw in a Turkey and Wine Dinner with all the trimmings.
A Gourmet Thanksgiving in Maine
The Thanksgiving package at the Camden Harbour Inn in Camden, Maine, includes luxurious lodgings for two nights, champagne breakfast each morning, wine tasting at Cellardoor Vineyard and a five-course Thanksgiving Celebration dinner at the inn's AAA Four Diamond restaurant: Natalie's.
Thanksgiving Harvest Package
Enjoy a Thanksgiving escape to Stowe, Vermont, with the Green Mountain Inn's Thanksgiving Harvest Package, which includes lodging for two or more nights, full country breakfast and afternoon tea daily and a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
Thanksgiving Feast At Log Cabin & Delaney House
Indulge in an expansive Thanksgiving buffet--raw bar, carving station, soup, salad, bountiful sides and Viennese table included--without having to get your apron dirty at this scenically situated banquet facility in Holyoke, Massachusetts.
Farm to Table Thanksgiving Grand Buffet
The Harraseeket Inn in Freeport, Maine, offers a grand buffet for Thanksgiving featuring naturally raised ingredients supplied almost entirely by Maine farmers. On Thanksgiving Day, the Inn typically serves more than 1,800 pounds of locally raised turkey, 1,500 pounds of local vegetables, 625 pounds of Maine lobster and 60 dozen farm fresh eggs, in addition to many other locally raised products. Dinner seatings are available from 12 p.m. until 4:30 p.m., and diners may choose from three seating areas: the Main Dining Room, the Casco Bay Room or the Tavern. For details and reservations, which are required and book quickly, call 207-865-9377.
Next Page: Add a Taste of New England to Your Own Holiday Feast
