The majority of U.S. highways and byways will soon be saturated with travelers as almost 80 million people are expected to head 50 miles or more from home over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period, according to AAA. Of those, a record 71.7 million people will travel by car. For the first time, AAA’s forecast includes the Tuesday before and the Monday after Thanksgiving Day to better capture the flow of holiday travelers. This year’s projection of nearly 79.9 million travelers is an increase of 1.7 million people compared to last year and 2 million more than in 2019.

“Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel, and this year we’re expecting to set new records across the board, from driving to flying and cruising,” says Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “Americans reconnect with family and friends over Thanksgiving, and travel is a big part of that.”

However, not everyone makes their travel plans far in advance. Some procrastinators wait until the last moment to plan their holiday getaways, and usually end up driving to a nearby location for a Thanksgiving meal and overnight stay. For those last minute planners, the following hotels and resorts are offering a special holiday celebration.

Sacred Rock Inn, Elk, California

The Inn is breaking tradition by offering guests a thoughtfully curated, turkey-free feast that celebrates the richness of fall’s harvest. The multi-course meal reimagines fall flavors with a creative twist, offering a vibrant array of seasonal dishes that showcase the best of what autumn’s bounty has to offer. A single seating begins at 6 p.m. featuring a special 5-course tasting menu at $135/person. Optional Wine Pairing is an additional $65/person. The menu includes: fall greens salad, chicken liver mousse, pickled apple; citrus cured king salmon, radish, sweet corn, Otija cheese.

Woodloch Pines Resort, Hawley, Pennsylvania

Rated one of the top all-inclusive family resorts in the country, Woodloch Pines Resort, a Pocono Mountain getaway, celebrates Thanksgiving in a big way. Less that two hours from New York City and Philadelphia, guests can experience a number of special holiday activities. On Thanksgiving Day, guests are treated to Turkey Trot Run, Scavenger Hunt, Thanksgiving meal and Jackpot Bingo. On Friday watch the resort transform overnight into a holiday wonderland. Enjoy Holiday Dessert Wars, Trap Shoot Contest, Minute to Win It and the Festival of Lights Wagon Ride, a perennial favorite.

Whiteface Lodge, Lake Placid, New York

The exquisite lodge, located in the quaint town that hosted two Winter Olympics, offers a special Thanksgiving Day Grand Buffet dinner featuring a seafood and shellfish display, soup station, salads and charcuteries, as well as four main dishes, six side options and a variety of sweets for dessert. The buffet is $89 for adults and $21 those 12 and under.

Sun Valley Resort, Sun Valley, Idaho

Thanksgiving is a special day in Sun Valley, as guests gather to celebrate the holiday and Opening Day of the resort’s winter season. This year, Sun Valley is hosting three festive dining experiences. A special Thanksgiving Buffet at the Limelight room at Sun Valley Resort features all your favorite seasonal dishes and delights. Thanksgiving at Gretchen’s includes herb-brined roasted turkey breast, cranberry chutney, buttered haricot verts, mashed potatoes, gravy, sausage and cornbread stuffing and a warm soft dinner roll. The Ram Restaurant will host an elegant 3-course prix fixe dinner.

Inn by the Sea,Cape Elizabeth, Maine

The Inn by the Sea, an easy drive from Portland, will be serving Chef David Brown’s delectable, traditional Thanksgiving dinner in ocean view Sea Glass Restaurant from noon to 7 p.m. as well as offering room service for guests who prefer to dine in their suites with family or friends. Large beach suites have dining tables that seat 8-10, or Cove suites seat four people in their dining areas for private family celebrations. Guests are also welcome to gather around the campfire for nightly s’mores or enjoy cocktails and small plates on the outdoor seaside decks next to the fire tables.

The Lake House on Canandaigua, Canandaigua, New York

A premier lakefront luxury resort in the pristine Finger Lakes, The Lake House on Canandaigua has three different Thanksgiving dining options for guests, including a Thanksgiving Buffet, Thanksgiving prefix dining in the Rose Tavern (make reservations here) and Thanksgiving To Go ($300 for an 18lb turkey or $325 for 22lb steak option).

Monterey Beach Hotel, Monterey, California

The Lantern Room, Monterey Peninsula’s newest oceanfront dining destination located within the recently transformed Monterey Beach Hotel, is offering an exclusive 3-course meal helmed by Resident Culinary Advisor Paul Corsentino and executed by Executive Chef Jose Velasquez. Diners can indulge in classic Thanksgiving fare with added seasonal flare and locally sourced ingredients from the California Coast. Menu highlights include roasted turkey with chestnut stuffing, cranberry compote, giblet gravy and watercress; Ora king salmon paired with basmati rice, pomegranate relish, golden raisins and spinach; or a delectable butternut squash black truffle risotto.

Sea Crest Beach Resort, North Falmouth, Massachusetts

About a two hour drive from Boston, the coastal grandmother aesthetic is made even cozier with lighthouses blanketed in snow. Perched upon Buzzards Bay in the upper Cape, Sea Crest Beach Resort is a beloved oceanside retreat. The resort presents Thanksgiving Dinner at The Lantern Room, the signature restaurant that melds panoramic views with coastal sophistication highlighting the best of New England cuisine. A Thanksgiving buffet is held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring clam chowder, turkey, prime rib, baked cod, vegan options and desserts including pecan pie and mini cheesecakes. The buffet costs $90 for adults, $35 for children ages 3–10, and free for those under three.

Hard Rock Hotel New York, Midtown, New York City

Celebrate Thanksgiving surrounded by legendary memorabilia that pays homage to New York’s iconic music scene. At Sessions Restaurant, a festive menu awaits. Start with a delicious charcuterie and cheese display, followed by a classic roast turkey served with cranberry sauce, gravy, and apple stuffing. Enjoy comforting sides like green bean casserole, southern honey sweet potatoes, country-style mashed potatoes, and roasted Brussels sprouts with Parmesan crisps. For dessert, indulge in seasonal favorites, including pumpkin cake and pecan pie. The Thanksgiving plate will be available from 3-9 p.m. for those who enjoy in-room dining.

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