PHOTO: American Queen. (photo courtesy of the American Queen Steamboat Company)
Sick of the traditional turkey day meal with the family? Are you considering ditching the relatives for a more adventurous Thanksgiving? There's no reason to waste much-deserved vacation time stuffing your face with turkey and lazing on the couch. In fact, a variety of unique vacation options are available that combine a taste of tradition and turkey with the thrill of adventure around the U.S. and beyond. Here are a few ideas to whet the appetite.
Mississippi River Cruise
The American Queen paddlewheeler is setting sail for Thanksgiving, offering a special voyage as it travels the lower Mississippi River. The cruise will depart from Memphis, Tenn., and travel to New Orleans from Nov. 21-29. This voyage features a special Thanksgiving Day celebration as it cruises the river toward Nottoway Plantation, an Antebellum mansion nestled along Louisiana's Great River Road in Iberville Parish.
Go Tropical in Hawaii
If you are looking to go somewhere warm for the holidays, try a tropical destination. Uncommon Journeys is offering a unique rail and sail itinerary that travels to Hawaii over the Thanksgiving break, Nov. 25-Dec.13. The 19-day trip features train travel to San Diego from any U.S. city, a luxury overnight in San Diego and a 17-night, round-trip voyage to Hawaii onboard Holland America Line's Veendam. Guests will enjoy complimentary shore excursions in every port and a luncheon at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Honolulu during the cruise.
Health and Wellness in the Mountains
Utah's Red Mountain Resort is inviting guests to experience outdoor adventures, award-winning spa treatments and gourmet cuisine this Thanksgiving holiday. The resort is offering a selection of fitness classes, wellness offerings and retreat packages for its guests. On Thanksgiving morning, retreat guests can enjoy a special guided hike, followed by the delicious Thanksgiving Bountiful Buffet with a gourmet menu created by award-winning Chef Chad Luethje. After lunch, guests can relax with a nature-inspired spa treatment or enjoy a signature fitness class.
Ride the Rails From Chicago to New Orleans
Rail enthusiasts can celebrate Thanksgiving in style, traveling from Chicago to New Orleans via first-class vintage rail with Pullman Rail Journey's New Orleans Quick Trip Southbound package. Starting at $789 per person, based on double occupancy, this package features round-trip travel onboard Pullman Rail Journey's restored vintage train cars between Chicago and New Orleans. All onboard meals and drinks are included, along with accommodations at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago and two night's accommodations at the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans.
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