by Ramona Taylor

Created on: November 07, 2009   Last Updated: November 10, 2009

If Turkey Day is a travel day, there are so many options for you and your family to enjoy a memorable holiday. From parades to reenactments, its clear that your November will be filled with more than football and leaf raking. Here are a few fabulous cities that hold special Thanksgiving celebrations each November.

Plymouth, Massachusetts
Whether you want to see Plymouth Rock, the Mayflower or Pilgrims, Plymouth is a great Thanksgiving Holiday option. There are so many things to see and do. You can visit the recreation of the Wampanoag village or English settlement. You can dine at local Inns and restaurants. You can set sail on the floating museum, the Mayflower II. You can visit the Plymouth Memorial Park. What better way to live history and have fun with your family than this.

Little El Paso, Texas
In early March 1598, Juan Oate, a Spanish conquistador, lead an expedition of 500 people across the treacherous Chihuahuan Desert to the Rio Grande. Upon reaching his destination, Oate ordered a day of thanksgiving. This was April 30, 1598- a year before the Pilgrims arrived in the New World. Merging its two heritages, Latin and English, the city of El Paso celebrates its unique Thanksgiving Day. Since 1989, Texans have celebrated their Thanksgiving as a multi-cultural celebration with re-enactments, reunions, and celebrations.

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia
As writer Mark Stith had remarked "sunrise and fresh-baked bread warm up a cool, crisp day at Colonial Williamsburg" and what a great (and appetizing) start to celebrating Thanksgiving. And, what better place than Colonial Williamsburg to travel back in time. This reconstructed colonial village is rich with history and charm. Walk through the village, listen to music or enjoy fine dining in areas restaurants. There is a taste for every palate and evening, as well as day, activities.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The spirit of the founding fathers, who were inspired by the Pilgrim First Comers, rests in Philadelphia. Other than the fabulous Thanksgiving Day Parade, Philadelphia offers great attractions. Philadelphia has great museums and restaurants you can enjoy. Go see Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell or take historic walking tours. .

New York, New York
There is no other place like it in the whole world. New York is that city that is rich with history and culture. Your family can share excitement and create lasting memories in the City that Never Sleeps. Get out early and watch the fabulous Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the world's pre-eminent holiday celebration. After the parade, you can take part in all the city offers in fine dining and shows.

Chicago, Illinois
If you like to celebrate Thanksgiving all November long, Chicago may be the place for you. The windy city takes its thankfulness seriously. There is the annual McDonald's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Turkey Day football, and Thanksgiving Party in Jackie Robinson Park. And, when you are done with parades and parties, you and your family can enjoy the sights and sounds of this great city. Take your family on a tour of the various museums or out to brunch at the local restaurants.

Orlando, Florida
If sun and fun is what you want for Thanksgiving, Orlando is the place. The home of great attractions such as Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, this is a great place to take your family. Don't think you'll miss the Thanksgiving festivities. Disney holds it own special holiday parade. You also have great choices for gourmet Thanksgiving meals and other memorable activities.

Thanksgiving offers more than turkey and football. If you are blessed to travel this holiday, pick places full of fun, excitement and the spirit of the season. Make your holiday one full of fun!

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