Thanksgiving 2008 in the South Atlantic
Turkey Day Vacation Ideas in Maryland, D.C. and Delaware State
Oct 10, 2008
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest holidays for travel. Many will choose to stay at home, while most will travel to spend the long weekend with family.
This popular holiday can also be a great time to take a family vacation. If considering a visit to the South Atlantic, check out the many attractions and events taking place in the Baltimore, D.C and Delaware state areas on and around the Thanksgiving holiday.
Thanksgiving in Baltimore
The city of Baltimore is rich in American history, the arts and entertainment. There is something for every family member to enjoy in Baltimore over the Thanksgiving break.
- Baltimore has several historical sites to see. These include Westminister Hall (the burial place of Edgar Allen Poe), the Star Spangled Banner Flag House and Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine (the birthplace of the National Anthem).
- In addition to history, Baltimore has various fun attractions to enjoy. There is the National Aquarium in Baltimore, the Maryland Science Center and the Port Discovery Children's Museum.
While staying in Baltimore, be sure to check out hotels in the Inner Harbor area as it is within walking distance of downtown, shopping and many of Baltimore’s most famed attractions. The Inner Harbor offers luxurious accommodations such as those at the Brookshire Suites, the Hyatt and the Harbor Court Baltimore, as well as family hotels like the Hampton and Quality Inns.
Thanksgiving in Delaware
Recognized as the first state to sign the Constitution, Delaware is a wonderful place to visit to commemorate the first Thanksgiving. Because it is such a small state, one might consider visiting multiple cities over the long holiday weekend.
- Visitors interested in history and culture can choose from a variety of attractions in Delaware. There is the Hendrickson House Museum and the Delaware Museum of Natural History in Wilmington, the New Castle Court House in New Castle, and the Biggs Museum of American Art in Dover.
- Enjoy a visit to Nassau Valley Vineyards, an award winning winery in Southern Delaware. Learn all about wine making while sampling fine wines. Tours are available on Wednesday (the day before Thanksgiving), and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- On Friday 11/28 through Sunday 11/30, the Dover Downs will host their annual Chocolate Festival. Exhibits/entertainment will include candy makers, arts/crafts, choral performances and an ice sculpting contest.
Thanksgiving in the Greater Washington, D.C. Area
Why not spend the Thanksgiving holiday in the nation's capitol? There are many attractions and holiday events for visitors to enjoy in the Greater D.C. area.
- There are a host of educational, cultural and historical places to visit in the D.C. area. These include the White House/governmental buildings, Smithsonian, famous monuments/memorials and the infamous Madame Tussauds (wax figures).
- Reston Town Center in Reston (northern) Virginia holds an annual holiday parade and tree lighting ceremony each year. This year the festivities will take place on Friday, 11/28.
- Shopping has become a Thanksgiving holiday tradition. There are many places to shop in the D.C. area including the Potomac Mills Outlet Mall (about 40 miles south of DC), Union Station or Tysons Corner Center in McLean, VA.
Being away from friends and family on the Thanksgiving holiday doesn't mean giving up a traditional family meal. Various restaurants throughout the South Atlantic will offer a complete, traditional Thanksgiving meal with all of the trimmings on Thanksgiving day.
