Best Place to Celebrate Thanksgiving in the US?
Sep 7th, 2004, 07:32 PM
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Best Place to Celebrate Thanksgiving in the US?
Since this will be my first Thanksgiving without my mother and my dad just told me he has a "new friend", I want to get away from San Diego and try something new. Any suggestions?
Sep 7th, 2004, 07:37 PM
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NYC....watch the parade! huge crowds, lots of energy, perfect place to forget about "real life"
or....colonial williamsburg or Sturbridge village (MA) to do the early america/founding fathers historical take on things.
or....colonial williamsburg or Sturbridge village (MA) to do the early america/founding fathers historical take on things.
Sep 8th, 2004, 03:08 AM
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Chicago is another option...it's marvelous around Thanksgiving...crisp weather, great Christmas decorations, also a parade, everyone in a partying mood. Go to a blues club, mix with the shoppers along Mich. Avenue, take in the world class museums, attend a show, and check out the German Christmas market.
Sep 8th, 2004, 05:55 AM
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I'll second Chicago. By accident, we ended up there for Thankgsgiving many years ago and have spent many more since. We were trying to go to NYC but found it was incredibly expensive on thanksgiving weekend, so we went to Chicago. Several musuems are open on Thanksgiving Day. The shopping is great, there's a fun parade, and if you're lucky, its not too cold. the only problem is the Saturday night of Thanksgiving weekend. There is a h-u-g-e medical convention (radiologists) there every year that starts on Sat or sun of Thanksgiving day weekend and the hotels jack up the rates starting on Saturday, if you can even get on. We have always left on Saturday to avoid that, but have gotten great rates on great hotels Tuesday thru Sat am. Also, great meals on Thanksgiving Day. We'll miss Chicago this year.
Sep 8th, 2004, 06:54 AM
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Help to serve dinner at a food pantry or some other organization that feeds the hungry (and others) on Thankgiving. Many of them serve anyone and everyone who shows up ... some not in need of food, only company ... and you'll feel better too that you helped, and will probably meet a number of new people.
Sep 8th, 2004, 07:01 AM
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Calamari, will you at least be with friends or loved ones if you opt out of Thanksgiving with Dad? I think that's the key. If not then you will most likely be very miserable. Instead I'd suggest you take this opportunity to meet your dad's new friend. You don't have to like her (or him as the case may be). Did dad ask you to join? Or no?
Sep 8th, 2004, 07:53 AM
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What about Thanksgiving with friends in San Diego? I understand why you don't want to spend Thanksgiving with another woman sitting in your mother's chair. You can be glad your father has companionship without making yourself miserable on Thanksgiving.
Sep 8th, 2004, 08:15 AM
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'mari,
Since our wedding anniv and T'giving are close, we've been ducking out of the "il famglia" gatherings for quite awhile.
We've been to Monteray, Kauai, SF, Napa, New Orleans, St Helena and enjoyed them all.
But, having said that, it's still best to be with friends/family.
Since our wedding anniv and T'giving are close, we've been ducking out of the "il famglia" gatherings for quite awhile.
We've been to Monteray, Kauai, SF, Napa, New Orleans, St Helena and enjoyed them all.
But, having said that, it's still best to be with friends/family.
Sep 8th, 2004, 12:27 PM
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I wonder how Yosemite would be during Thanksgiving. We were there a few years ago at the beginning of November and it was beautiful - crisp air, fall colors, not too crowded. Thanksgiving dinner at the Ahwanee might be a nice treat.
Sep 8th, 2004, 12:29 PM
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A few years ago, my husband and I wanted to break the Thanksgiving tradition of going to a particular relative's house. We never enjoyed it and finally decided to end it. That year, we went to Las Vegas. The trip was nice, but Thanksgiving dinner was not. And when we returned, our (grown) children were upset. I'd never do it again & regret doing it even once.
I hope that whatever you decide to do, you do with people you care about & who care about you. You don't want to be alone on Thanksgiving.
I hope that whatever you decide to do, you do with people you care about & who care about you. You don't want to be alone on Thanksgiving.
Sep 8th, 2004, 02:38 PM
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Calamari, Sorry about your mom and you know best as to whether to be with your dad, or not. Chicago is wonderful during Thanksgiving; but could be pricy. Another idea is to honor your mother's memory by delivering Meals on Wheels, volunteering to cook or serve at a homeless shelter, or visiting a senior citizen center (there will be a few without family). These are not fun suggestions; but will be very rewarding.
Sep 9th, 2004, 12:15 AM
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I don't think Calamari needs to be hectored about the choice to spend Thanksgiving independently. She didn't ask for lifestyle counseling, just some travel recommendations.
Re Chicago, yes it will be crowded due to the radiology convention (that's why I'll be there), but you can always find rooms. The best way is to check www.hotrooms.com or www.quikbook.com or a similar service. The convention brings in lots of international visitors (and they LOVE Chicago) which adds to the festive atmosphere.
FWIW, I've spent a couple of Thanksgivings and a Christmas on my own--due to business travel or my husband going back to the U.S. to celebrate with his family (last Christmas my husband went back to WA State to see his mum for the first time since we moved to Europe 5 years ago--it was MY Christmas gift to his family). I was hardly "miserable." I didn't feel like I was unloved or left out. When it's your *choice* to be alone, it's not a big deal.
Re Chicago, yes it will be crowded due to the radiology convention (that's why I'll be there), but you can always find rooms. The best way is to check www.hotrooms.com or www.quikbook.com or a similar service. The convention brings in lots of international visitors (and they LOVE Chicago) which adds to the festive atmosphere.
FWIW, I've spent a couple of Thanksgivings and a Christmas on my own--due to business travel or my husband going back to the U.S. to celebrate with his family (last Christmas my husband went back to WA State to see his mum for the first time since we moved to Europe 5 years ago--it was MY Christmas gift to his family). I was hardly "miserable." I didn't feel like I was unloved or left out. When it's your *choice* to be alone, it's not a big deal.
Sep 9th, 2004, 05:21 AM
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Excuse me but this is a forum where people post a question and ask for OPINIONS. Read the title again. It is not wrong for a reader to post an opinion that the "Best Place to Celebrate Thanksgiving in the US" is at home with relatives. That is a valid response, but of course, like all other responses only an opinion. Anyone posting such a question should be prepared for that opinion as well as any other.
