Does your family enjoy a Thanksgiving holiday away from home? Because the holiday is traditionally a time to visit family, it is also an ideal time to vacation with smaller crowds at top destinations. And what better spot than Savannah? The Southern city drips with hospitality and a slow pace of life. So, what to do with your Thanksgiving holiday? We have some thoughts.
Take a Walk
The cooler temperatures encourage visitors to stroll or bike the city’s iconic squares. The original plan in 1733 included four squares as designed by Savannah founder James Oglethorpe. Eventually, 24 green spaces sat in the center of each of the city’s neighborhoods. Twenty-two remain in the National Landmark Historic District, which exists much as it did in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Or a Trot
Start your Thanksgiving Day with the 15th United Way Turkey Trot at Daffin Park, which starts with the Kids K at 8 a.m., followed by a 4-mile course at 8:30 a.m. It’s fun for the whole family.
Dine Out
There is no need to prep for a big holiday meal this year. Instead, reserve a spot at a top restaurant like The Pirates’ House. Their Grand Thanksgiving Buffet, served from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., features turkey and ham, shrimp & grits, and all the trimmings. Be sure to make a reservation.
Find the Perfect Gift
Forget big box retailers on Black Friday. Head to the unique shops and locally-owned boutiques at Savannah’s River Street Market Place, City Market and Broughton Street. Discover products made in Savannah that make the perfect stocking stuffers or gift. Byrd’s Famous Cookies, Savannah Bee Company honey and Savannah’s Candy Kitchen come to mind. But there’s also E. Shaver Bookseller, ShopSCAD, Paris Market and many more.
View Holiday Lights
Starting the day after Thanksgiving, Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens opens its December Nights and Holiday Lights event, with its grounds lit up spectacularly for the holidays. Or take a ride with Old Savannah Trolley Tours to see the Historic District decked out in its holiday finest.
Watch the Boats Sail By
The annual Savannah Boat Parade of Lights starts at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25. The parade sails from the Eastern Wharf Dock at Thompson Savannah Hotel, led by the Georgia Queen Riverboat. The procession circles past the Savannah Convention Center, continues to the Plant Riverside District, River Street and Eastern Wharf Park, then heads back. Grab a spot along the river to watch the brightly-decorated vessels.
Book a stay in a comfortable Historic District property for proximity to all the holiday events.