Wyndham Wisdom

Thanksgiving Vacation Ideas

Thanksgiving is a great time of the year to sit around the table with loved ones, tell stories and laugh, and of course, feast. It also provides an opportunity to get away for a few days with your significant other (kids are welcome too!) and see another part of the country. Where to go? Our Thanksgiving vacation ideas can help. From bustling New York City to historic Plymouth, Mass., to beautiful and sunny San Diego, Women on their Way is your source for things to do on Thanksgiving. Read about the Thanksgiving vacation ideas we have to offer and then get a move on! Just think about how good that turkey dinner with all the trimmings is going to taste while on vacation.

New York City

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: A New York City staple, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a great Thanksgiving vacation idea as it's enjoyed by people young and old. Watch as more than 10,000 Macy's employees and volunteers begin their march down 6th and 7th Avenues in front of millions of spectators. Yes, more than 3 million people attend the parade each year and another 44 million watch it on TV. The parade was founded in 1924 and was televised for the first time nationally in 1947. What any parade-goer can expect are giant balloons in the mold of Buzz Lightyear, Kermit the Frog, Ronald McDonald, Snoopy, Shrek and SpongeBob. And don't forget the floats! The first floats appeared in the parade in 1969, and now you're likely to see Sesame Street characters, a pirate ship, rocking horse, Santa's sleigh, the Snow Queen and more. If this parade is on your list of Thanksgiving vacation ideas, make sure you're able to cross it off at some point.

Radio City Christmas Spectacular: Yeah, it's a Christmas event, but with the Rockettes high-kicking their famous legs on stage from Nov. 11 to Jan. 2, you'll want to bring the whole family to see this show before Thanksgiving, after Thanksgiving - whenever! Now in its 79th year, the Christmas Spectacular is witnessed by more than 2 million people annually and is showcased in more than 60 U.S. cities. Expect plenty of dancing, special effects, high kicks and shiny costumes this holiday season! Speaking of Christmas, if you're looking for Christmas vacation destinations as well, Women on Their Way can help.

Plymouth, Mass.
 
Plimouth Plantation: Celebrate the first Thanksgiving as the pilgrims would in beautiful Plymouth, Mass. Dripping with history, Plimouth Plantation is a sizable estate that recreates the pilgrim village and has a Mayflower replica to boot. Located just 40 miles south of Boston, Plimouth Plantation is a place unlike any other, as it allows you to brush up on your 17th century American history with ease because you feel like you're living in it. As you wander around, take a look at the Mayflower and dockside exhibits, meet accomplished artists at the Craft Center and even take home a souvenir or two. You can also get an insider's look as to how 17th century Wampanoag planted their crops, fished and hunted, as well as how they built their homes on the banks of the Eel River.

Plimoth Cinema: Plymouth's top art house cinema is the best place in town to watch first-run independent films. The quaint 220-seat venue features a big screen and Dolby sound, and it offers plenty of buttered popcorn, candy and soft drinks to keep the little ones entertained. Showtimes are daily at 4:30 and 7 p.m., so check with the cinema ahead of time to see what's playing before you plan your Thanksgiving vacation.

San Diego

Thanksgiving buffet dinner cruise: See San Diego Bay in all its glory by boarding a cruise ship and having a Thanksgiving buffet made just for you. OK, not just for you, but you'll feel like royalty when you get on the ship and are immediately rewarded with a glass of champagne or sparkling cider. As for the menu, carved breast of turkey is a highlight, but don't forget the slow roasted prime sirloin of beef, or the creamy whipped mashed potatoes and abundance of tasty desserts. Complimentary coffee, tea, soda and juice are included in the cost.

65th Annual Mother Goose Parade: Held Nov. 20 in El Cajon, the Mother Goose Parade is the largest parade in San Diego County that attracts thousands of happy spectators each year. If you like floats, giant balloons and well-known characters, this parade is for you. The Mother Goose Parade sports hundreds of fun parade entries, including marching bands, clowns, performing artists, celebrities, specialty vehicles, and even Santa Claus. See, even Santa can relax a little over Thanksgiving - just weeks before he takes his annual trek around the world.

Ice skating at Horton Square: Among other things, Thanksgiving means winter, and winter is the best time of the year to slide on some skates and hit the ice. From Nov. 17 to Jan. 8, adults and children can visit Horton Plaza on Broadway Circle in San Diego and skate the day away for a good cause. Money raised by ice skating is donated to the Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at the local Rady Children's Hospital. Adult skating costs $14; children under 12 are $12