Sure, Thanksgiving weekend is all about the family, stuffing your face, and watching football, but these four places and events will make you want to break from tradition.
by Kate Cassidy
Pelican Hill Resort and Spa, November 27-30
Newport Beach, California
Want to avoid the family food fights this weekend? Escape to Newport Beach’s recently opened Pelican Hill Resort and Spa, where you can enjoy a three-course gourmet meal for two while taking in expansive views of the Pacific and play a few rounds on Pelican Hill’s more than 500 acres of sun-drenched links. It’ll be hard to pull yourself away from the resort’s bungalows — featuring terraces with oceanfront views, limestone fireplaces, and stocked wet bars, but it would be a shame to not make it down to the Newport Beach Coast and nearby Crystal Cove State Park, where you’ll find great surfing, wooded canyons, and hiking trails along the bluffs (from $695; pelicanhill.com).
REI Adventures: Winter Climb on Mount Washington, November 28-30
White Mountains, New Hampshire
Work off that last helping of mashed potatoes this weekend by conquering a legendary mountain. REI Adventures is offering a Classic Winter Climb package at Mt. Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast. The three-day program includes a skills day to get your muscles and mind up to speed after the turkey overdose, followed by a steep climb up Mt. Washington’s rocky, snow-laden terrain, and the on the third day a push up to the summit at 6,288 feet. Looking for a quicker climb? REI also offers a two-day hike to the peak (for REI members, $425, non-members, $465; rei.com/adventures).
Wine Country Thanksgiving, November 28-30
Washington County, Oregon
Nothing goes better with Turkey than a nice glass of Pinot, so give thanks to the wineries who supply you with all your tasty holiday libations this weekend in Oregon’s wine country. Willamette Valley wineries are celebrating the harvest with free tastings of some their newest releases and holiday blends, along with special vineyard tours, open houses and wine-making workshops. And as if you weren’t stuffed enough from your Thanksgiving feast, every event comes chock-full of free food — from desserts perfectly paired with sweet Sauternes to cheese platters accompanied by Chardonnay and Merlot (willamettewines.com).
Turkey and Techno Climbing Festival, November 28-30
Joshua Tree National Park, Twentynine Palms, California
Admittedly, the mix of desert rock climbing, turkey, and techno music is a little odd, but it’s hard to argue against spending this weekend at a festival highlighting Joshua Tree National Park’s great outdoors. Aside from the nonstop dance music, there are organized adventure hikes, showings of films dedicated to conservation and extreme sports, and camping out under perfectly clear starry skies. Meals are part of the deal, including round two of Thanksgiving on Saturday, and sleeping bags, pads and tents are available for rent. Don’t fret if you’re in need of hiking boots, because gear vendors will litter the otherwise barren desert landscape ($120 per day, $285 for the weekend; alpinets.com).
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