Written by: Kate Becker
Date:

As October grows nearer, we all get swept up in that Thanksgiving fever. And really, who can blame us? After all, if Moby Dick is the Great American Novel – Thanksgiving is definitely the ultimate Great American Holiday! It’s got everything we love – an interesting history, a reminder of our roots, and, most importantly: great food. So only one question remains – where to spend it? That’s why it’s important to know what the best places in the US for Thanksgiving are. Don’t worry though – we’ve got a few options for you right here!

A Tennessee Thanksgiving will fit you to a tee!

While most people opt to spend Thanksgiving with their extended families – that’s not your only choice by far! Instead, many choose to have a nice Thanksgiving getaway and travel somewhere nice in the US. And if you want to maintain that essential American spirit throughout the holiday – Tennessee is a fine choice! When we’re talking about the Volunteer State, we’re truly looking at one of the best places in the US for Thanksgiving.

Speaking of volunteering – do you feel like doing something charitable for Thanksgiving? Then Tennessee has just the ticket. You can take part in the annual Great Thanksgiving Banquet in Nashville. So what’s that, you ask? Well, it’s a big event that the Nashville Rescue Mission organizes annually. It’s one of the nice things that’ll make you go looking for long distance movers Tennessee. Why? Because once there, you can help prepare meals for people who are down on their luck. And once you’re done with that, you can enjoy the many beautiful hiking trails this state is known for. Of course, this being October, you’ve also got the side benefit of much less crowded tourist areas.

Illinois is truly one of the best places in the US for Thanksgiving

If you’re looking for the best places in the US for Thanksgiving, there’s really no list that’s complete without the state of Illinois! Why? Well, you’ll find that the Prairie State is jam-packed with awesome Thanksgiving activities and sights! By the time your holiday here is done, trust us – you’ll be yearning for cross country moving companies Illinois. So, by now you must be wondering – what exactly does Illinois offer in October?

The Chicago downtown skyline during the day.

Chicago is truly one of the best places in the US for Thanksgiving!

Let’s start with the most obvious place to visit in Illinois – the city of Chicago! And believe us when we say it – there aren’t many places that are more worthy of your time on Thanksgiving. And especially in the morning! Why? Because if you get up on time, you’ll be able to experience the wondrous Chicago Thanksgiving Parade! Kids will especially love this event because they’ll be able to see dozens of huge balloons in the shape of famous cartoon characters. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Thanksgiving trip to Chicago right away!

Of course, as we’ve mentioned: there are others who like their holidays to be more dynamic than just watching a parade. Don’t worry though – if you’re such a person, Illinois will oblige as well. Or, more specifically – the city of Alton, on the banks of the Mississippi. There, you can participate in the annual Great River Road Run. If you’re looking for some holiday-themed exercise, you’re welcome to test yourself with this awesome 10-mile run!

Enjoying Thanksgiving in Louisiana

Let’s stop and think for a second – when you’re picking a destination for Thanksgiving, what are you actually looking for? It’s a holiday, so you’re naturally looking for some great food and a nice time. But on the other hand, seeing as we’re talking about Thanksgiving, you also want to feel some of the history that’s crucial for this holiday. Well, if all of this is true – look no further than Louisiana. If you scratch beneath the surface, you’ll find this state offers everything one of the best places in the US for Thanksgiving should!

A wooden basket with onions next to two pumpkins.

Thanksgiving in Louisiana is a chance for some rustic cuisine.

If you’re looking for some fine dining and let’s be honest here – New Orleans is a great holiday destination! There are many holiday festivals where you can sample all kinds of traditional, but interesting dishes. If you want to try the creole dishes Louisiana is famous for across the world – you’re in luck. You’ll find plenty of food joints working even on Thanksgiving! You’ll eat so well that you’ll want to hire cross country movers Louisiana and just stay there. And there’s also a Thanksgiving parade here, which we guarantee you’ll enjoy immensely!

Louisiana has a history in spades

But as we’ve said – Thanksgiving isn’t all about eating and parades. There’s a distinct historical theme to it, and any holiday destination worth its salt would honor this. Well, don’t worry – even on this front, Louisiana has got you covered! You’ll find plenty of interesting historical landmarks in the state capital of Baton Rouge. And if you visit the town of Lafayette, you’ll find a lot of historical activities around Thanksgiving. For example, you’ve got a pretty intriguing genealogy workshop held there, if you fancy finding out where your roots are.

St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, one of the best places in the US for Thanksgiving.

Visiting Louisiana means seeing some truly breathtaking historical places!

And last but not least – you’ll find we haven’t mentioned one of the modern hallmarks of Thanksgiving. Of course, we’re talking about the famous Black Friday sales. Well, what if we told you that you can marry the modern and the historical into one experience in Louisiana? That’s right – each year, around Black Friday you’ll find beautifully crafted stuff in artisan shops and farmers’ markets.

Conclusion

While the most traditional way to spend Thanksgiving is at home, with your family – you’ve seen it needn’t be boring and ordinary! And you don’t have to miss anyone for the holidays either. Why not organize your entire family for a Thanksgiving road trip? You can visit one of the best places in the US for Thanksgiving that we’ve mentioned, and have a fun time with your closest kin.