Thanksgiving's New England origins make the region the symbolic standard-bearer for America's most universally commemorated holiday. As you plan to gather loved ones close to home, or perhaps to travel to the land of Pilgrims and Promise to celebrate the holiday, here are some ways you can incorporate a touch of New England in your 2014 Thanksgiving celebration.

Don't miss all of the great Thanksgiving recipes from New England!

New England Thanksgiving Dining Experiences and Getaway Packages

Dine with the Pilgrims in Plymouth

Plimoth Plantation, the living history museum that recreates the day-to-day lives of New England's first English settlers, offers three Thanksgiving dining options if you'd like to celebrate with the Pilgrim "cast." Choose the Thanksgiving Day Buffet or enjoy America's Thanksgiving Dinner during one of three seatings on Thanksgiving day (there is also one seating on the Friday after Thanksgiving). Advance reservations are required for both of these unique dining experiences, which usually sell out. Reservations are accepted beginning June 1. Call toll free, 800-262-9356, ext. 8353, 8364 or 8365, for reservations and more information. Plimoth Plantation also stages a special Harvest Dinner with the Pilgrims on select evenings in October and November, although not on Thanksgiving day.

 

Other Dine, Stay and Play Thanksgiving Packages in New England

Whether you're traveling as a couple or family, you'll find many other options for Thanksgiving weekend getaways in New England.

Here are a few ideas:

A Gourmet Thanksgiving in Maine
The Thanksgiving package at the Camden Harbour Inn in Camden, Maine, includes Prosecco and hors d'oeuvres to welcome you, luxurious lodgings for two nights, champagne breakfast each morning and a five-course Thanksgiving Celebration dinner at the inn's AAA Four Diamond restaurant: Natalie's.

A Thanksgiving to Remember
Rosewood Country Inn in Bradford, New Hampshire, offers a special four-night Harvest Home Thanksgiving weekend package that includes turkey dinner at the Millstone Restaurant, breakfasts, a Friday evening gift wrapping party with hot mulled cider and a tree-trimming party and hors d'oeuvres on Saturday evening.

Thanksgiving Harvest Package
Enjoy a Thanksgiving escape to Stowe, Vermont, with the Green Mountain Inn's Thanksgiving Harvest Package, which includes lodging for two or more nights, full country breakfast and afternoon tea daily and a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

Thanksgiving in a Historic Setting
The Thanksgiving package at Kennebunkport, Maine's Captain Fairfield Inn includes lodging for two nights in a room at this circa 1813, Federal-style sea captain's mansion turned inn, plus gourmet breakfasts, chocolate chip cookies each afternoon, a Wednesday night cheese and wine reception, Thanksgiving dinner for two at Pier 77 Restaurant and dessert at the inn before you turn in.

Thanksgiving Retreat at Franconia Inn
New Hampshire's Franconia Inn has a three-night Thanksgiving Retreat complete with a Thanksgiving feast, gourmet dinners on Friday and Saturday and a full country breakfast each morning.

 

Dine Out in New England on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Feast At Log Cabin & Delaney House
Indulge in an expansive Thanksgiving buffet--raw bar, carving station, soup, salad, bountiful sides and Viennese table included--without having to get your apron dirty at this scenically situated banquet facility in Holyoke, Massachusetts.

Farm to Table Thanksgiving Day Grand Buffet
The Harraseeket Inn in Freeport, Maine, offers a grand buffet for Thanksgiving featuring naturally raised ingredients supplied almost entirely by Maine farmers. On Thanksgiving Day, the Inn typically serves more than 1,800 pounds of locally raised free-range turkey, 1,500 pounds of local vegetables, 625 pounds of Maine lobster and 60 dozen farm fresh eggs, in addition to many other locally raised products. For details and reservations, which are required and book quickly, call toll free: 800-342-6423.

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