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 a Victorian 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.
Back in 2009! If you missed making reservations to dine with the Pilgrims, Plimoth Plantation again offers walk-in Thanksgiving Day dining in the Visitor Center courtyard on a first-come, first-served basis from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Museum admission is required.
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:
Harvest Home Thanksgiving
Rosewood Country Inn in Bradford, New Hampshire, offers a special four-night Thanksgiving weekend package that includes turkey dinner at the Millstone Restaurant, breakfasts, a Friday evening wrapping party with light hors d'oeuvres, a tree-trimming party and luncheon on Saturday, a Saturday evening fireside supper and more.
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.
Thanksgiving Ski and Stay Packages at Stratton
Want to ski off those turkey dinner calories?
Stratton in Vermont offers three- or four-night Thanksgiving packages at the Inn at Stratton Mountain that feature discounted lodging and a free Thanksgiving dinner at Bentley's for up to two guests per room, plus access to opening weekend celebration activities including a fashion show, fireworks and a torchlight parade.
A Traditional Thanksgiving
The historic Hartness House in Springfield, Vermont, will treat you to a traditional turkey dinner when you stay for two nights during Thanksgiving weekend. Their New England Thanksgiving in Vermont Bed and Breakfast Package also includes a welcome cocktail and two breakfasts.
Thanksgiving Feast At Log Cabin & Delaney House
Indulge in an expansive Thanksgiving buffet--raw bar, carving station, chocolate fountain and Viennese table included--without having to get your apron dirty at this scenically situated banquet facility in Holyoke, Massachusetts.
Totally Organic Thanksgiving
The Harraseeket Inn in Freeport, Maine, offers a Totally Organic Thanksgiving Dinner, featuring organic or 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, 20 pounds of Maine shrimp and 60 dozen farm fresh eggs, in addition to many other locally raised products. Three dinner seatings are available in each of the inn's three dining spaces. For details and reservations, call 207-865-9377 or toll free, 800-342-6423.
Next Page: Add a Taste of New England to Your Own Holiday Feast
