In an attempt to avoid the stress that comes from hosting a family holiday in your home, my extended family (15-20 people) is trying a slightly different tradition this year and looking for a resort that can host us all.
Published: October 25, 2017
By: Kendra Pierson
Every trip has certain “must haves.” The list of must haves on my list when choosing where we will vacation this Thanksgiving include:
- -A mixture of structured and relaxed activities for every generation
- -Adequate space for individual family needs
- -A Thanksgiving experience onsite
- -Easily accessible by car and/or airplane.
- The following six resorts fulfill this list of requirements. The good news is that all of these resorts welcome families year round, so I can consider them for future trips during any time of the year.
Alisal Guest Ranch – Santa Barbara, CA
Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort in California’s Santa Ynez Valley has more than 10,000 acres with 50 miles of horseback riding trails, two golf courses, and a 100-acre spring-fed lake. Among the 73 cottages, available options range from studios that sleep three to one bedrooms that can sleep five. After riding a horse or hay wagon to the historic Adobe Camp, a ranch-style breakfast is served complete with campfire and cowboy singing.
Sea Island – Sea Island, GA
Accommodations range from rooms sleeping two at the Inn at Sea Island all the way up to seven-bedroom homes. Specially planned Thanksgiving activities begin on Tuesday and run through the weekend. Guests can choose from painting parties, Bingo, 5k runs and cooking seminars with 5-star chefs. The weekend culminates in the grand Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday evening.
Sanderling Resort – Outer Banks, NC
Sanderling Resort is the only full-service luxury resort in the North Carolina Outer Banks with a vast variety of options for accommodations. Families can choose among vacation house rentals or rooms and suites at the inn. Among the more adventurous options: dune hang gliding, helicopter rides and biplane tours are also offered. The resort will host a special Thanksgiving dinner as well as evenings around the fire-pit with the dedicated s’mores cart.
The Osthoff Resort – Elkhart Lake, WI
The Osthoff’s lakefront location just north of Milwaukee makes it an ideal location to connect with nature and family. Fall activities in this charming small town include fishing, guided cruises and canoeing. In addition to the guest rooms, the Osthoff offers condos of up to three bedrooms. The resort hosts a farm-to-table Thanksgiving brunch with many of the vegetables coming from its own two-acre organic garden
Kingsmill Resort – Williamsburg, VA
Kingsmill Resort is located in Williamsburg, the actual home of the first Thanksgiving in 1619. Along with the traditions and history of the area, Kingsmill offers modern and luxurious accommodations. Fishing in the James River or exploring Colonial Williamsburg are just a few activities guests can enjoy. Special Thanksgiving packages include dinner and shuttles to the nearby Busch Gardens amusement park.
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort – Farmington, PA
With more than 2,000 acres and three different hotels and rental houses, the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort can accommodate any family. From touring the 1,000-plus piece art collection to a Wildlife Safari tour, this resort provides a host of activities for families to enjoy. There’s the incredible Woodlands Spa for adults and a separate spa just for kids ages 5 to 13. Foodie families should consider reservations for dinner at Lautrec’s, one of only 29 Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five-Diamond restaurants in the world. Thanksgiving will be hosted as a brunch in the Lodge.
-Courtesy of travelingmom.com
