1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Plymouth, Massachusetts<\/p>\n
America\u2019s \u201cfirst Thanksgiving\u201d was held in November 1621 when, according to\u00a0History.com<\/a>, the newly arrived Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indians gathered at Plymouth for an autumn harvest celebration.\u00a0 Embrace holiday originality by making your own historic Thanksgiving with your turkey-lovin\u2019 partner.<\/p>\n Getting there: Non-stop flights from Orlando International Airport to Boston Logan International Airport are pretty affordable. The flight is about three hours long, and many airlines offer this popular route, including Delta, American and JetBlue. From Boston Logan Airport, Plymouth is an hour-and-fifteen-minute drive south.<\/p>\n Stay:\u00a0The upscale lodging of\u00a0Hotel 1620 Plymouth Harbor<\/a> aims to honor the traditions of Plymouth with a modern twist. It\u2019s located across the street from the bay and in super close proximity to area attractions. Conveniently, this place offers a Date Night Package<\/a> as one of its specials.<\/p>\n Play:\u00a0Go whale watching, stroll Colony Place and see the famous Plymouth Rock at Pilgrim Memorial Park. And, visit the Plimoth Plantation to experience historical re-enactments, ship replicas and more.<\/p>\n Also, before you indulge in the granddaddy of holiday meals, day-trip to see Mother Nature at her finest! Throughout New England, and especially beautiful in Cape Cod and Nantucket, catch a\u00a0cranberry harvest festival.<\/p>\n Dine:\u00a0Feast on more than history at Tavern on the Wharf<\/a> for a festive waterfront meal<\/a> on Plymouth Harbor.<\/p>\n 2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dallas, Texas<\/p>\n Ready to make Texas-sized Thanksgiving memories?! Here\u2019s how\u2026<\/p>\n Getting there: Also taking about three hours in fly time, Southwest and Frontier have, as our press time, the lowest fares to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport from Orlando International Airport.<\/p>\n Stay:\u00a0Known as the \u201cCrown Jewel of Downtown Dallas,\u201d the\u00a0Omni Dallas Hotel<\/a> is a true gem for couples. You\u2019ll enjoy the on-site terrace pool deck and the hotel\u2019s access to off-site fun, including the Dallas Art District.<\/p>\n Play:\u00a0The original\u00a0Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot<\/a> was held in the early 1940s and this race remains one of America\u2019s largest Thanksgiving Day road races. I guess everyone wants to burn off extra calories to allow for more pumpkin pie<\/a>! For a running rendezvous<\/a>, sign up for either the 5K or the 8-mile course.<\/p>\n Related: Turkey Trots in Orlando<\/a><\/p>\n If you\u2019re still feeling the competitive spirit following the Turkey Trot, watch a Dallas Cowboys football game. Or embrace the thankful spirit of Thanksgiving by visiting\u00a0Thanks-Giving Square<\/a>\u00a0filled with artwork that encourages gratefulness.<\/p>\n Dine: Awww, the big D! Yes, Dallas is nicknamed the Big D but we\u2019re talking about the Big Dinner. The Cadot Restaurant<\/a> is known for its tasty three-course holiday lunch.<\/p>\n After feasting on turkey, salmon and steak, round out the meal with dessert options, such as the warm apple tarte, cranberry and pecan tarte, and pumpkin panna cotta.<\/p>\n New Orleans is a melting pot destination sure to spice up your Thanksgiving couples getaway. Get in tune with jazz musicians<\/a>, Cr\u00e9ole chefs and city historians.<\/p>\n Getting there: A direct flight from Orlando International Airport to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport takes just two hours. If you prefer to road trip this fall<\/a>, expect the ride to be between nine and ten hours.<\/p>\n Stay:\u00a0The\u00a0Chimes Bed and Breakfast<\/a> is a quaint Victorian house nestled in the Garden District, which blooms with lush greenery, lavish plantations and beautiful cemeteries. Five guestrooms offer a sweet retreat in this quiet neighborhood for a more restful and romantic holiday stay.<\/p>\n Play:\u00a0Take in the distinctive ambiance of NOLA\u2019s most famous district, the French Quarter, on a self-guided or group walking tour. Stop by the New Orleans Museum of Art to wander 46 galleries, from classic to modern, with famed works of Monet, Picasso and Pollock.<\/p>\n And, who needs a car when there\u2019s an airboat? Journey to Honey Island Swamp to see Cajun critters, like gators and wild boar (sorry, no wild turkeys), in the wetlands.\u00a0Lastly, since New Orleans is known for its brass band parades, called Second Line, be sure to catch the\u00a0Bayou Classic Thanksgiving Day Parade.<\/p>\n Dine: Why settle for turkey when you can have a turducken? It\u2019s a deboned chicken stuffed into a deboned duck stuffed into a deboned turkey. Wowzer! If you\u2019re staying in a rental with a full kitchen, order a turducken from The Gourmet Butcher Block<\/a>, a top-notch Cajun meat shop. Otherwise, make reservations at\u00a0Luke<\/a>\u00a0for a restaurant-prepared turducken.<\/p>\n Once you\u2019ve returned home to O-Town, know that you can relive that NOLA feeling via a staycation at Disney\u2019s Port Orleans Riverside Resort<\/a>.<\/p>\n The beauty of fall foliage is in full effect in\u00a0Asheville<\/a>\u2019s neck of the woods! Go ahead and harvest delicious Thanksgiving getaway memories surrounded by autumn colors and festivities.<\/p>\n Getting there: Deemed one of our favorite autumn automobile adventures, Asheville makes our list of the top \u201c12 Scenic Road Trips from Orlando to See Fall Leaves<\/a>.\u201d This journey runs about eight and a half hours or so.<\/p>\n Otherwise, Allegiant Air flies direct from Orlando Sanford International Airport<\/a>. This small airport is super easy to navigate compared to the crowds at Orlando International Airport.<\/p>\n Stay:\u00a0For a touch of Southern hospitality, room at\u00a0The Omni Grove Park Inn<\/a>\u00a0for views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and an inviting spa. Relaxation peaks with grotto-enclosed and outdoor pools flanked by fireplaces<\/a> and decked out with an underwater sound system.<\/p>\n Play:\u00a0Tour the Biltmore Estate, safely navigate \u201cbeer city\u201d with\u00a0The Amazing PubCycle <\/a>and, to burn off that calorie-rich holiday dinner, hike tons of trails. Plus, conveniently held at The Omni Grove Park Inn, officially kick off your holiday season by attending the spectacular National Gingerbread Competition<\/a>.<\/p>\n Dine:\u00a0The Omni Grove Park Inn has\u00a0several dining options<\/a>\u00a0for Thanksgiving. Since the big turkey meal tends to make you sleepy, dining on-site and in close proximity to your sleeping quarters may be wise!<\/p>\n The Blue Ridge Buffet offers multiple dining rooms filled with Thanksgiving favorites, so plan to leave more stuffed than a turkey. The Grand Ballroom is also transformed into a buffet, complete with holiday music and d\u00e9cor. Vue 1913 offers a three-course, plated menu with gourmet interpretations of Thanksgiving classics. And at Edison, enjoy craft ales and locally-sourced cuisine.<\/p>\n The big apple is a year-round destination to experience with the apple of your eye. But, of course, everything is bigger and better during the holidays.<\/p>\n Getting there: Orlando International Airport airports offers tons of direct flights to JFK International Airport and Laguardia Airport. Flights are approximately two and a half hours long.<\/p>\n Stay:\u00a0Give\u00a0Ace Hotel<\/a>\u00a0a try. It offers a vibrant vibe for slumber in the city that never sleeps. It\u2019s eclectic and decorated with local art.<\/p>\n Play:\u00a0Catch a Broadway theatre production or a taping of a late-night show, stroll the High Line or through Central Park, and check out the Met. New York<\/a>, of course, is home to the seasonally iconic Macy\u2019s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Watch giant balloons soar and marching bands entertain along Manhattan\u2019s bustling streets.<\/p>\n Dine:\u00a0You\u2019ll likely feast on your fair share pizza<\/a>, hot dogs and pastrami sandwiches while in NYC. But, for a unique Thanksgiving dinner, set sail on the\u00a0Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise<\/a>. How fun would it be to enjoy traditional favorites in this nontraditional way?<\/p>\n For the ultimate Thanksgiving getaway, go big (or go home)\u2026 to the Big Island that is! Lazy lei days await so gobble up iconic beaches, cultural sights and authentic cuisine.<\/p>\n Getting there: For those needing to burn vacation days, especially if your company has a \u2018use it or lose it\u2019 paid-time off policy, settle in for a flight to paradise. There aren\u2019t direct options but American and United have decent one-stop choices. Alas, this travel will take 13-14 hours, but will be worth it.<\/p>\n Stay:\u00a0Say Aloha to luxury! The\u00a0Four Seasons Resort Hualalai<\/a>\u00a0has seven swimming pools, beach access, a spa and much more.<\/p>\n Play:\u00a0Windsurf at Anaehoomalu Bay, soak up Hawaiian history with the Ahuhena Heiau temple, Hulihee Palace and Mokuaikaua Church, and let fun erupt with an 85-mile road trip to the Kilauea volcano. It\u2019s one of the most active volcanoes on Earth!<\/p>\n Dine:\u00a0Waterside dining is delicious and entertaining at\u00a0Huggos<\/a>, which serves a festive combination menu of island fare and Thanksgiving favorites. Watch fisherman reel in fresh catch while restaurant staff feed the fish frenzy with dinner rolls.<\/p>\n Better yet, book a luau<\/a> reservation! Turkey could be a yummy seasonal addition to this traditional party, which serves kalua pig from an imu (earth oven), haupia (coconut pudding), and poi.<\/p>\n More than a staycation but still in our beautiful Sunshine State, a couples Thanksgiving getaway can be had in Key West. Whether it\u2019s your first time or the umptieth time visiting the Florida Keys, these tropical islands always unlock a lovely time for couples.<\/p>\n Getting there: Catch a flight to Key West at Sanford International Airport via Allegiant Air. Flights are short and cheap!\u00a0Alternatively, if you\u2019re willing to drive to Fort Myers first, the Key West Express<\/a> adds to the adventure.<\/p>\n Stay:\u00a0Just a short walk from Duval Street, the\u00a0Key West Bed and Breakfast<\/a>\u00a0is a 3-story Victorian located in the William Russell House (circa 1898) and listed on the National Historic Register.<\/p>\n Do:\u00a0Wander Duval Street, climb the lighthouse, meet six-toed cats<\/a> at the Ernest Hemingway House & Museum and cruise to the\u00a0Dry Tortugas<\/a>.<\/p>\n Dine:\u00a0Well, it\u2019s not the Mayflower, but\u00a0the Fury Water Adventures<\/a>\u00a0catamaran can make Thanksgiving history for you and your first mate! Snorkel North America\u2019s only living coral reef, parasail, jet ski and jump into the aquatic playground. After building up an appetite, feast on a holiday menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and hand-picked Florida produce.<\/p>\n 8. St. Augustine, Florida<\/p>\n Thanksgiving and Christmas beautifully mesh in St. Augustine, where the city\u2019s historic charm comes alive with the glow of the Annual Nights of Lights<\/a>. The 2026 festivities kick off the weekend before Thanksgiving. As the holiday season begins, couples can enjoy a festive atmosphere filled with twinkling lights, cozy restaurants, historic streets and waterfront views\u2026 making St. Augustine an ideal Thanksgiving getaway for Orlando couples looking to trade the usual routine for a romantic holiday escape.<\/p>\n Getting there: The Ancient City is less than two hours away. Take I-4 East from Orlando, merge onto I-95 North toward Jacksonville and take exit 298 for US-1 North into St. Augustine.<\/p>\n Stay: If price isn\u2019t a concern, Casa Monica Resort & Spa is the go-to luxury boutique hotel in St. Augustine, within walking distance to most everything. It\u2019s located in the heart of downtown, adjacent to Plaza de la Constituci\u00f3n. If you prefer to stay on the water on St. Augustine Beach<\/a> (also known as Anastasia Island), try the Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort, Courtyard by Marriott St. Augustine Beach or Guy Harvey Resort St. Augustine Beach.<\/p>\n![\"wild](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/blog-post-images-26.jpg\")
<\/a>Wild turkeys in Asheville | photo courtesy of Nancy DeVault3. New Orleans, Louisiana<\/p>\n![\"20+](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/thanksgiving-weekend-in-orlando-guide-scaled.jpg\")
<\/a>4. Asheville, North Carolina<\/p>\n![\"DeVaults](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/blog-post-images-29.jpg\")
<\/a>Fall in love all over again visiting NYC in the fall. | Photo courtesy of Nancy DeVault5. New York City, New York<\/p>\n![\"Hawaiian](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/blog-post-images-30.jpg\")
<\/a>If apple cider isn\u2019t your drink of choice, get a Thanksgiving Mai Tai at a holiday luau. | Photo courtesy of Nancy DeVault6. Kailua-Kona, Hawaii<\/p>\n![\"Key](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/blog-post-images-28.jpg\")
<\/a>Key West is among the Sunshine States best Thanksgiving getaways. | Photo by Nancy DeVault7. Key West, Florida<\/p>\n