Fancy Thanksgiving without the drama? Try a last-minute getaway instead!

We all know Thanksgiving can sometimes involve family dramas with extended dinners, and of course, the endless cycle of washing the dishes. Not this year however, instead, why not pack your bag and escape to these epic cities that offer all the fun, food, and traditions of Thanksgiving, but without any of the stress?

To help you out, we’ve hand-selected 10 of the best Thanksgiving-inspired destinations for you to escape to for the holidays.

Columbia, South Carolina

Columbia, South Carolina, provides an exciting mix of college-town energy, infused with its legendary southern hospitality, where the warm late-fall weather invites you to enjoy the outdoors this Thanksgiving.

Jumpstart your trip to Columbia by visiting the Riverbanks Zoo’s Lights, which come to life ahead of Christmas, where more than a million bulbs and countless crackling firepits make for a fascinating setting for a festive-themed stroll accompanied by a warm hot chocolate. Afterward, wander through the Vista Lights, where downtown comes alive with multiple live performance stages, local vendors serving festive treats, all framed by the dazzling display of a bounty of twinkling lights.

Take your Thanksgiving vacation up a notch by staying at the Best Western Executive Inn & Suites in Columbia, South Carolina.

Bozeman, Montana

Sitting in the foothills of the glorious Rocky Mountains, Bozeman, Montana, offers visitors the refreshing blend of adventure, paired with its rustic charm and artsy small-town vibes.

With the ski season kicking off in late November, the fresh snow of nearby Lone Peak at Big Sky Resort makes for a legendary alternative Thanksgiving vacation. Heading back into Bozeman, our next recommended attraction is to head to the Museum of the Rockies, which brings history alive with its world-class dinosaur fossil collection and engaging exhibits for visitors of all ages.

Add something special to your Thanksgiving retreat by staying at Best Western Plus GranTree Inn in Bozeman, Montana.

Spokane, Washington

If you’re after a memorable Thanksgiving getaway, then Spokane, Washington, with its dramatic river views and vibrant art scene, is a hotspot for swapping a turkey dinner for a feast for the senses instead.

By day, we highly recommend visiting the seasonal Thanksgiving Farmers Market, where creative Spokanite vendors sell everything from homemade pies to decorative crafts, ideal for those last-minute Christmas gifts. Then, bundle up for an evening skate at Riverfront Park’s ice ribbon for a family-friendly excursion that will last a lifetime.

Give your Thanksgiving escape an extra boost by staying at the Best Western Plus Spokane North in Spokane, Washington.

Detroit, Michigan

Not surprisingly, Detroit, Michigan, has become a very popular Thanksgiving destination where its rich history merges with its modern cultural renaissance, in a city that pulls out all the stops over the festive holidays.

Here, we definitely recommend partying with the locals to celebrate Detroit’s America’s Thanksgiving Parade, one of the country’s oldest and grandest parades, packed with giant balloons, colorful floats, and where the live music pulses all the way along Woodward Avenue. After the parade winds down, we next suggest exploring this great city’s illustrious musical heritage by taking a tour of the magnificent Motown Museum.

Make your Thanksgiving getaway one to remember by staying at the Best Western Greenfield Inn in Allen Park, Michigan.

Omaha, Nebraska

Omaha, Nebraska, makes for a majestic Thanksgiving escape that seamlessly combines its Midwestern charm with festive city lights and outdoor adventures, whatever the late-November weather presents.

Undoubtedly, our first highlight is to head over to the outstanding Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium to explore its radiant indoor rainforest with an endless array of tropical plants and exotic animals, and its sub-marine 70-foot shark tunnel to explore. Then, once the sunlight fades, head to Omaha’s downtown Holiday Lights Festival for a magical evening stroll on your alternative Thanksgiving trip away to Omaha.

Take your Thanksgiving mini-break further by staying at the Best Western Plus Midwest Inn in Omaha, Nebraska.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Another firm favorite for those longing for a Thanksgiving vacation with a different vibe sees us heading to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, celebrated for its unique blend of culture, food, and its famous bridges.

First off, be sure to head across to Pittsburgh’s Peoples Gas Holiday Market, where vendors in quaint wooden chalets sell European-style gifts, mulled wine, and seasonal treats that bring a touch of old-world magic to this striking city. After a day of retail therapy, make sure you also head over to the prestigious outdoor skating rink at PPG Place for a picture-perfect photoshoot under the glass, neo-Gothic spires of the One PPG Place tower.

Add something special to your Thanksgiving trip by staying at the Best Western Plus Cranberry-Pittsburgh North in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania.

Panama City, Florida

If you’d prefer to spend Thanksgiving on the beach, then Panama City, Florida, is the perfect antidote to escape the cooler weather at this time of year, replaced by the pristine white sand of the Gulf Coast.

Whether you prefer basking in the mild November sunshine, enjoying the turquoise blue waters of Panama City Beach, or kayaking around St. Andrews Bay, there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy this Thanksgiving holiday. Then, in the evening, make sure you head over to Schooners – Last Local Beach Club for a delicious concoction of fresh seafood and tropical cocktails with a front row seat for an exquisite Gulf Coast sunset.

Make your Thanksgiving vacation extra special by staying at the Best Western Plus Panama City Hotel in Panama City, Florida.

Little Rock, Arkansas

Whether you’re traveling solo or looking for a Thanksgiving retreat away with your friends and family, Little Rock, Arkansas, provides an idyllic fusion of natural beauty, an incredible food scene, and the customary southern hospitality the region is synonymous with.

Our first recommendation of things to do in Little Rock on an alternative Thanksgiving vacation is to head for a bike ride around the tranquil Campbell Lake Park, crossing Big Dam Bridge, the world’s longest pedestrian bridge in the process. Afterward, if you don’t want to miss out on Thanksgiving dinner, you won’t be disappointed tasting the seasonal set menu at Arthur’s Prime Steakhouse.

Bring extra joy to your Thanksgiving adventure by staying at the Best Western Plus JFK Inn & Suites in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Knoxville, Tennessee

If you fancy an unforgettable Thanksgiving trip nestled in the midst of breathtaking mountain scenery, then Knoxville, Tennessee, provides easy access to mountain-side adventures, all the while paired with its regional Appalachian charm.

While you’re in town for Thanksgiving, we first recommend heading down to Knoxville’s Historic Market Square, which comes alive during the Christmas in the City event, as the sparkling lights, various live music performances, and festive decorations allow visitors to be swept up in the spirit of the season. Then, a short drive away, you shouldn’t miss the chance to head to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where the tree-lined trails make for unbelievable late-November hikes that embrace the serene mountainous scenery.

Give your Thanksgiving getaway an upgrade by staying at the Best Western Plus Knoxville Cedar Bluff in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Sitting at the base of the Rockies, Colorado Springs, Colorado, is yet another spellbinding Thanksgiving destination that boasts jaw-dropping scenery, coupled with the dynamic local experiences that feel tailor-made for a vacation escape.

Your first port of call must be to climb aboard the Cog Railway to Pikes Peak, where the snow-dusted mountain views stretch for as far as the eye can see, creating a Thanksgiving backdrop like no other. Following a day of high-altitude adventure, we next recommend heading for a delightful soak in the mineral springs of nearby Manitou Springs, where the warm bubbling waters invite you to relax and recharge with the mountain backdrop in the distance.

Level up your Thanksgiving break by staying at the Best Western Plus Fillmore Inn & Suites in Colorado Springs, Colorado.