Fun Cities to Visit at Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is an important time of the year, both in terms of American history and in terms of our general societal expectations and feelings. It represents the start of the Christmas holiday season, and for many people, it is a great way for families to get together to spend some quality time. If football isn't necessarily your thing, and you want to have some fun while enjoying some unique travel opportunities, there are some great places to visit over Thanksgiving.Here is a look at some of the most fun cities to visit at Thanksgiving.*Plymouth, Massachusetts -If you can book a reservation far enough in advance, it is possible to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal at Plymouth Plantation. There are places to stay in the area, and in addition to eating a meal reminiscent of the colonists or a Victorian Thanksgiving meal, you can visit the English village that is a recreation of a Colonial farming community. You an also village a recreation of a Wampanoag community, stop in a Colonial tavern and see everything there is to see at Plymouth.*Williamsburg, Virginia -Williamsburg is enmeshed in much Colonial history, and there are people there who regularly dress like colonists to give visitors the feeling of stepping back into time. You can eat in old Colonial buildings and walk around touring some of the sites. Admittedly, it is a bit touristy, but it's a fun place to visit.*Mount Vernon -If you want to experience life as George Washington would have experienced it, consider taking a trip to Mount Vernon, his estate. You will be able to walk around the grounds, see the places where slaves stayed, see the gardens and other areas on the estate. There is an Inn where you can eat a somewhat traditional meal, including Thanksgiving foods, but you have to make your reservations to do this long in advance. It's a delightful experience and there is much to see.*Monticello -Monticello is the home of Thomas Jefferson. Although the place is open over Thanksgiving, they don't offer tours. You will have to walk around the grounds on your own. Thomas Jefferson was America's first organic gardener, so it may be possible to see some things th are growing in his garden.*New York City -For anyone who has ever seen the movie "Miracle on 34th Street," the memory of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade may make New York seem like an appealing place to go over the Thanksgiving holiday. There is always much to do in New York, but the parade is something that kids will really enjoy.*Chicago -Chicago also has a Thanksgiving Day parade. There are also many other things that go on in Chicago over the Thanksgiving holiday. There is great shopping, a wealth of fun museums to visit, and plenty to entertain a curious or impatient adult or child. There are great restaurants everywhere, so finding some good food won't be a problem.*Philadelphia -Go tour Independence Hall, see the Liberty Bell and get to check out Benjamin Franklin's printing press. There are many things to do and see in Philadelphia, and there are plenty of great historic walking tours to enjoy as well. Spending time in the place where the Constitution and Declaration of Independence took form will be a fun and educational experience for anyone. Philadelphia has great museums and restaurants as well.These are just a few fun places to visit during Thanksgiving. The reason that most of these places are on the east coast is obvious: the history involved in them is so appropriate for this time of year. It is a good opportunity for the entire family to learn about our country's founding fathers and how this country began to take shape after the Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Colony.
