The thought of visiting the U.S.A on Thanksgiving (on Thursday 27 November 2014) feels a bit like intruding on a family when they’re in the middle of dinner. It feels like ‘their’ thing. And for the most part, it sort of is. After all, 90% of it is made of families reuniting to have dinner together. The other 10% is about sports we don’t follow.
But there are two states out of 50 that make great expeditions for cultural voyeurs who want an insight into this patriotic time of year. And the two couldn’t be more different from one another.
Party and shop in New York
If you’ve always wanted to visit New York, Thanksgiving may just be the best time to do so. Macy’s famous Thanksgiving parade is watched by millions every year. Extravagantly decorated floats, musicians, bands and entertainers fill the streets while colossal helium balloons fill the sky. Watch in Central Park if you don’t want to be crumbled by crowds on Time Square. Follow it up with a trip to one of the many ice rinks around the city before tucking into a traditional thanksgiving feast in sophisticated, yet cosy surroundings at somewhere like Freemans. Just book WELL in advance wherever you choose to eat as most restaurants (especially the good ones) fill up fast. Shopping mayhem commences the very next day when the commercial Battlefield known as Black Friday opens its doors to the public. Try to get out there early and remember to wear comfortable shoes. Don’t forget to pop your passport in your purse before venturing out as Macy’s and Bloomingdales give a 10% discount to foreign shoppers. Visit the ever-popular-among-tourists Woodbury Commons to pick up huge discount on designer brands.
Go back in time to Plymouth, Massachusetts
If you’d prefer to watch a parade that focuses on the historicism of Thanksgiving rather than a giant inflated SpongeBob (why we have to choose between them I don’t know) go back to where it all began in Plymouth Massachusetts. Festivities in America’s Hometown begin the week before thanksgiving, the historical parade kicking things into full swing on Saturday. The parade is ranked among the greatest in America and takes spectators through the country’s 238 year history in Chronological order, from 1776 right through to the present day. Expect to hear the star spangled banner erupt from custom-built floats as the air fills with the proud spirit of patriotism, the Drum and Bugle Corps honouring all who serve the nation, the army, navy, the marines, the air force and the coast guard. Beyond the parade, the weekend is alive with re-enactments taking crowds back to the 1600’s, handmade crafts, live entertainment, and concerts. A trip to the Plymouth plantation is well worth a visit to learn more about the pilgrims and how they lived.
Whether you find yourself taking selfies with The Naked Cowboy on Times Square, or discussing race relations with native Americans in Massachusetts this Thansgiving, just be thankful you’re not staring at a computer screen at your desk!
clicktransfers.com provide low cost and efficient New York airport transfers as well as hotel transfers across the whole of America. Browse online today and receive a 15% discount on bookings.
© clicktransfers
