Philadelphia
A person who has spent even one autumn day in the City of Brotherly Love knows there are few better places to leave one feeling thankful than Philadelphia.
The history and culture of this city attract millions of tourists each year, and for those unable to celebrate Thanksgiving at home filling up on holiday turkey and pumpkin pie, consider a road trip to the nation’s first capital.
Philadelphia, a huge metropolitan city that offers an eclectic array of activities fit equally for a weekend adventure as for a week-long vacation, is a little less than five hours away by car, about five hours by train and about eight hours by bus.
To begin your trip, get a taste of a hometown favorite, the Philly cheesesteak. The city offers dozens of restaurants that specialize in their own version of the authentically greasy and gooey local treat. The three most popular cheesesteaks come from Jim’s Steaks, Geno’s Steaks and Pat’s King of Steaks, sometimes called the “big three” collectively. Conveniently, each is located in South Philadelphia, and while the restaurant you choose is up to you, it may be best to try all three — just to be on the safe side. The lines are long, but the service is quick and the food is well worth the wait.
Just remember: A real Philly cheesesteak has one of only three types of cheese: Provolone, American, or Cheez Whiz, a yellow cheese sauce that is the most characteristic of the sandwich. That means no Swiss or Cheddar cheeses — ordering either will no doubt gain you dirty looks by all who surround you. Fried onions and mushrooms are also popular toppings.
After eating, you may want to burn calories by doing some shopping. You can find presents for everyone on your holiday list at the Franklin Mills mall, located about 15 miles from the downtown area with more than 200 stores to satisfy even the most cost-conscious shopper. For a more upscale shopping experience, visit Rittenhouse Row or Chestnut Hill.
If you seek learning, rather than shopping, take a walking or bus tour of the city’s historic landmarks. Often led by an impersonator of Benjamin Franklin, most tours include stops at Betsy Ross’s home, the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and the Constitution Center. Stop by the famed Philadelphia Museum of Art to experience one of the country’s largest art collections, then jog up the museum’s 97 steps in true Rocky Balboa fashion.
Finish your trip at the Blue Cross River Rink, an outdoor Olympic-size ice rink that offers an unobstructed view of the scenic Delaware River and Benjamin Franklin Bridge. The rink opens for the season Nov. 28 and features a live DJ or karaoke event almost every Friday and Saturday night from 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
A place of great fun and delicious food, Philadelphia is an ideal destination for those unable to spend this Thanksgiving holiday at home.
—compiled by Stephanie Waties
Georgetown
A mere 2.5 hours away, Georgetown is a hip, exciting neighborhood with lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in. Its wide variety of stores, restaurants, scenic parks and cultural attractions make Georgetown the perfect location for a brief last-minute roadtrip, whether you plan to stay overnight or even just go for the day.
You will cross from Virginia into Georgetown passing over the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Far below rush the turbulent rapids of the Potomac River, and straight ahead rise the classic stone buildings of Georgetown University’s campus.
Once in Georgetown, wander through the grid of narrow streets lined with charming old row-houses, many of which date back to the 18th century.
You can check out the specialty boutiques at Wisconsin Avenue or the abundant shopping venues at Georgetown’s main strip, M Street. The Shops at Georgetown Park feature three levels of trendy stores, including Anthropologie, Dean & DeLuca, Fire & Ice, J. Crew, H&M, and White House/Black Market.
After catching up on holiday shopping, wander along the Potomac waterfront, watching the crew teams and recreational kayakers disembark from Thompson Boat Center and paddle around the scenic Theodore Roosevelt Island.
You can also admire the yachts docked alongside the Washington Harbor and stop to grab a bite at Tony and Joe’s, Nick’s Riverside Grille or, if you’re looking for something fancier, the more upscale Sequoia or Cabanas. Make sure to enjoy the remarkable views of the Kennedy Center and the Washington Monument while you dine.
The newly constructed Georgetown Waterfront Park now sprawls over 10 acres of the Potomac shoreline, covering what was once a large gravel parking lot. Strolling through the park, you will see joggers, dog-walkers, roller bladers, cyclists and no shortage of tourists enjoying the view.
If you enjoy the outdoors, a walk along the C&O Canal’s dirt towpath is a must. Check out the canal’s system of locks and aqueducts, which were used to raise and lower the water level in order to allow ships to pass through. The area is now a national park.
When nighttime hits and hunger strikes, head back up to M Street where a young, bustling crowd is a guarantee. For dinner, check out The Guards, a relatively fancy venue with a British-inspired menu; Johnny Rockets, an old-fashioned diner featuring fancy milkshakes and dancing waiters; Bodega, a Spanish tapas restaurant; SweetGreen, a little street-side hut where you build your own salad; or Philadelphia Cheesesteak Factory, which is less pricey and especially popular among Georgetown students.
After hours, the city’s younger crowd can often be found at one of the city’s many bars. Rhino Bar & Pump House, located on M Street, and The Third Edition, on Wisconsin Avenue, are guaranteed to be packed on any weekend night. Mr. Smith’s of Georgetown, a piano bar, also attracts a loud, fun-loving crowd.
For those looking for something a little more low-key, the Dupont Circle area features a collection of clubs and bars.
The wide variety of attractions and activities offered by the neighborhood, along with its quaint charm and its relative proximity to Charlottesville, make Georgetown the perfect destination for anyone looking to get away for a few days or even just a few hours.
—compiled by Allison Comizio
Williamsburg
The first American Thanksgiving was celebrated in Virginia in 1619 at Berkeley Plantation, so this year, why not give thanks right next door? Colonial Williamsburg is just a short two-hour drive from Charlottesville and offers a multitude of fun and festive things to do.
For those looking to chow down on traditional Thanksgiving fare, two of Williamsburg’s historic dining taverns, King’s Arms Tavern and Christiana Campbell’s Tavern offer a pre-fixed Thanksgiving feast Nov. 27 with seatings from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
As for the rest of the weekend, try Williamsburg’s famous fine-dining restaurant, the Trellis, or grab a quick bite at the Cheese Shop, Williamsburg’s equivalent to Take It Away.
For Black Friday, shop in Binns Fashion Shop at Merchants Square, a luxury department store, or pick up a gift for Mom at Shirley Pewter or Williams-Sonoma. If you’re in the mood to burn off that piece of pumpkin pie, try fighting the crowds at the Patriot Plaza Premier Outlets.
Looking for something a little less indulgent? Stroll around the historic colonial area to catch a glimpse of Williamsburg’s fabulous Christmas decorations, currently on display.
—compiled by Julia Eckert
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