2023 Thanksgiving Football Game 4-Day Trips
There are lots of things to do outside the stadium, even though the game may be the main reason you are traveling.
Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate football, food, and family. This year, Detroit, Arlington, Seattle, and East Rutherford will all host NFL games on that Thursday and Friday. We can complete your schedule if you’re going to one of them, or at the very least, keep the family occupied while you’re tailgating.
Dalliance in Dallas
For fans traveling to AT&T Stadium to see the Dallas Cowboys play the Washington Commanders on Thanksgiving, Dallas is the logical place to stay. However, Waco can be reached in approximately an hour and a half by driving south on Interstate 35 if you have a day or two to explore. Visitors can enjoy many attractions in this hip town. The Silo District, which consists of two blocks of white-painted, black-lettered buildings, is the place to go shopping. The renowned Magnolia Market and other restaurants and stores were brought back to life by Chip and Joanna Gaines, the stars of HGTV’s “Fixer Upper.” You could even wish to enrol in the related tour if you’re a fan of the show.
There is also some geologic history in this part of Texas. Only a few locations in the United States have fossils of mammoths, who roamed the area 20,000 years ago, and the Waco Mammoth National Monument is one of them.
Are you in need of something a little more modern? There are many fascinating museums in Waco, such as:
The Martin Museum of Art is situated on the Baylor University campus.
Constructed in a 1906 bottling plant, the Dr Pepper Museum
The Texas Sports Hall of Fame, home to artifacts from more than 400 honorees
The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum offers information on how law enforcement was carried out in the Old West.
We recommend dining at Union Hall, which is located downtown and offers over a dozen dining options, so there’s sure to be something for every member of your party.
Wandering about Metro Detroit
If you want to fully appreciate the last few leaves of autumn leaf-peeping, drive to Ann Arbor’s Nichols Arboretum instead of sitting at Ford Field watching the Lions lose to the Green Bay Packers. If you’re in this college town (which is home to the University of Michigan), you can visit the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology or UMMA to satisfy your cultural cravings.
Take a lunch break at Jolly Pumpkin, a sour beer specialist with a large seasonal menu, in Downtown Ann Arbor, just a few miles away. We advise picking up a few bottles to go even if you’re not hungry. Gandy Dancer, located in a historic rail station from the 1880s, is a great option for steak and seafood for dinner. Alternatively, try Sava’s for a more contemporary food and excellent cocktails.
Require a place to remain? Leave your belongings at the boutique hotel Exhibit A2, which is located right in the center of the city. Get up early the following day to have a substantial breakfast at Zingerman’s Delicatessen, where the wait is always worthwhile.
Make a quick stop in nearby Dexter for some cider and doughnuts for the road before returning the way you came. Dating back to 1886, the Dexter Cider Mill is the oldest continuously operating facility in the state, demonstrating their expertise in the industry.
Ferry leaving Seattle
There’s nowhere better than charming Whidbey Island to get away from the bustle of the city after seeing the Seattle Seahawks play the San Francisco 49ers at Lumen Field. Seattle is only 40 miles away, but it feels like a world apart.
The easiest way to get there is by ferry, which departs from Mukilteo. It can get chilly crossing Possession Sound in November, so dress warmly. After being dropped off at Clinton by the ferry, go to Langley. Wine lovers should check out Comforts of Whidbey, a stylish farmhouse-style B&B and tasting room. Enjoy the delicious seafood in the region by having dinner at Saltwater Fish House and Oyster Bar. Spend the following morning at The Braeburn, which offers a substantial breakfast, if you want to remain the night.
While returning to the city, think about stopping at Boeing Future of Flight, where you can see, among other things, aircraft that are still under construction.
Living the Good Life in the Upstate
Head upstate to Hyde Park, long the playground of the elite, during this time of year if you’re in or near the Big Apple for the Thanksgiving Day parade or the Miami Dolphins-New York Jets game the next day. See the opulent home of Frederick Vanderbilt to truly get the meaning of “excess.” Consider touring the expansive residence and Presidential Library of Franklin D. Roosevelt. While it may not be as visually stunning as the Vanderbilt home, it is undoubtedly more significant historically. Since only guided tours are available to access these locations, we advise purchasing your tickets in advance.
In addition to the Roosevelt Inn, one of the few hotels in the neighborhood, there are a number of bed and breakfasts in the vicinity. The Culinary Institute America’s New York campus is located in Hyde Park and is open for visits multiple times a week.
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