Where Would You Go For Thanksgiving?

[tarheelmjfan]

Background: Family Unit - DH, DS(14), Molly (mini doberman), & me

We currently have a cruise booked for Thanksgiving week, but our DS doesn't like cruising. I booked a ship I thought he'd like better, but he still says he'd rather do something else. The cruise is pretty expensive, so we decided to consider other options too. If we don't go on the cruise, we'll go somewhere that Molly can go too. We've never flown with her, so I don't know how she'd do. Plus I wouldn't know what needed to be done, if we did. We live in Tampa, FL, & would need a destination within reasonable driving distance. We're going to Universal 5 nights, followed by the beach next month. WDW doesn't allow Molly in their hotel's & we don't like staying offsite, so that's out. We'd rather go someplace besides a beach, because we can go there for the day anytime we want.

If you're still reading, you're a patient person & I appreciate it. I hope you're also a creative thinker. Taking the above into consideration, where would you recommend we go?

 

[EthansMom]

I thought this was going to be a post where someone was already worrying over dealing with the In-laws over Thanksgiving -- like "Do you have Thanksgiving Dinner at your house? Or does your MIL insist you go to her house?" I love those posts -- makes me feel like I'm not alone in dealing with my crazy in-laws!

It's great that you're thinking of taking Molly with you on your vacation. I would try to find someplace where she could do something other than just sit in the hotel while you're out having fun. Like, maybe... going to a National Park where the entire family could go hiking together? There are some lovely Lodges in some of the National Forests -- don't know if they take dogs, but it might be worth checking.

Also, I would ask your son, "If you don't want to go on a cruise, what DO you want to do?"

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I thought this was going to be a post where someone was already worrying over dealing with the In-laws over Thanksgiving -- like "Do you have Thanksgiving Dinner at your house? Or does your MIL insist you go to her house?" I love those posts -- makes me feel like I'm not alone in dealing with my crazy in-laws!

My inlaws live in another state. <Compliment me on my restraint. I'm trying really hard to resist the urge to insert the dancing banana> Why do you think we always have plans for the holidays? Since my parents passed away, the holidays are the most convenient time for our family to vacation anywhere but "the other state". Our DS is in school you know.

It's great that you're thinking of taking Molly with you on your vacation. I would try to find someplace where she could do something other than just sit in the hotel while you're out having fun. Like, maybe... going to a National Park where the entire family could go hiking together? There are some lovely Lodges in some of the National Forests -- don't know if they take dogs, but it might be worth checking.

Molly's very spoiled. When we got her, we gave up our WDW APs & now spend most of our theme park money at UO. There's some great state & national parks w/i driving distance. Unfortunately, I've yet to find one that allowed her in the cabins. We used to own an RV, but sold it last year because it was really going down from sitting unused so much. I really miss it. It was perfect for travelling with Molly. We just couldn't justify the payment, upkeep, tag, & insurance for something we rarely used. I really wish some of the cabins allowed her.

Also, I would ask your son, "If you don't want to go on a cruise, what DO you want to do?"

I did, & got the same answer I always do. "I don't know, what's the choices." His dad's as helpful as he is planning trips. Actually, my DS is a little better than my DH. He was the one who wanted to stay at HRH @ UO next month. He also asked to eat at both Emeril's rest. I was kind of shocked that he was showing interest, but I'm not complaining. My DH is one who doesn't discuss our trips at all, but wants everything to be planned out when we get there. His contribution to vacation planning is to ask where we're having dinner the next night.

 

[Bbgrizzle]

Maybe tell your son he has a week to give you some input about where you go. Otherwise, you'll be sticking your original plan and going on the cruise. Can't believe he doesn't want to go on a cruise. Can I go?

You know where I want to go some Thanksgiving? To Plymouth Plantation in Massachussetts. I've been there before (not at Thanksgiving) and it is a really neat place. But each Thanksgiving they have a big feast with people costumed as pilgrims mingling with you, totally in character, trying to give you an authentic experience. To me, that would be the ultimate Thanksgiving!