Try Something Different to Celebrate Thanksgiving in CT

#1: Experience classic Connecticut Thanksgiving traditions with your whole family

• See one of the largest helium balloon parades in the country at Connecticut’s annual Thanksgiving parade, UBS Parade Spectacular. Head to Stamford on Sunday, Nov. 24, and see appearances by Big Bird, Fred Flintstone, Elmo, Foofa from Yo Gabba Gabba!, as well as live entertainment from The Chicago Boyz Acrobatic Team, as seen on NBC’s America’s Got Talent. You can also bring the whole family to watch the balloons inflate the day prior (Nov. 23) at the SAC Capital Advisors, LP Giant Balloon Inflation Party!
   
• Take the whole family out the morning of Thanksgiving Day to see the Manchester Road Race, the second oldest road race in the East. More than 13,000 runners will be running this 4.75 mile race, so bring the family, cheer everyone on and enjoy the live bands at every half mile point!
   
• New England’s big display of sweet Gingerbread Houses is a must see! Check out the Gingerbread House Festival in South Windsor, starting Nov. 29. Come see what these experienced bakers and regional artisans cook up this year during one of the largest gingerbread displays in all of New England. Plus, it’s free!
   
• Ride into the festive holiday season with a magical journey on the North Pole Express (Nov. 15 to Dec. 29). Essex Steam Train presents their impressive locomotive-powered sleigh, where every coach becomes a stage for a live, musical performance of The Night Before Christmas. Celebrate the spirit of the season with Santa and Mrs. Claus and a cup of hot cocoa. This event is perfect for kids, and pajama attire is encouraged.

#2: Go back in time and experience a historic Thanksgiving meal

• Travel back to the Colonial era at this amazing 18th Century Thanksgiving Dinner at Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum in Wethersfield on Nov. 17. Dressed in period clothing, Mr. and Mrs. Silas Deane will host an authentic Thanksgiving feast with a celebrity guest, culinary educator and chef Prudence Sloane Delicious, who will discuss food from the period, table manners and fascinating Thanksgiving trivia prior to dinner and dessert.
   
• Get a taste of traditional Native food this Thanksgiving at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center. Stop by the 17th century Pequot farmstead to sample traditional Native food cooked over an open fire at Native Cooking on the Farmstead on Nov. 30.

#3: Indulge in culinary delights this Thanksgiving

• Get your fill of food, fun and festive spirit at Warner Theatre’s 12th Annual Holiday Wine & Food Tasting in Torrington on Nov. 15. Enjoy an evening of award-winning wines, hors d'oeuvres, a carving station, raw bar and live jazz music!
   
• Impress your Thanksgiving guests with the freshest locally grown food by shopping at Hill-Stead Museum’s Thanksgiving Farmers Market on Nov. 24. The market will feature produce, meats, dairy products and more just in time for your holiday menu needs.
   
• Have you ever wanted to create your own Gingerbread House? Take a gingerbread-house-making class at Hunt Hill Farm in New Milford on Nov. 29. These cooking classes have been named 'Best in State' and are offered no matter if you’re a culinary connoisseur or a kitchen newbie. The Gingerbread tradition continues at the farm this year – where you can create your own gingerbread house from scratch or decorate an already standing house. Either way you take home a fun piece for the holidays!

#4: Book a special Thanksgiving getaway with friends and family

• Explore the charming town of Essex. Stay at the historic Griswold Inn, located on the banks of the Connecticut River. Your family will fall in love with this extraordinary inn and its delightful town filled with wonderful shops along Main Street. Plus, take advantage of the Inn’s Holiday Head Start deal, where you can stay in one of their guest rooms from Sun. – Thurs. for just $130!
   
• Does your ideal Thanksgiving include you not cooking this year? The Inn at Middletown’s Home Away from Home deal takes care of everything for you. In addition to overnight accommodations and breakfast in the morning, you’ll enjoy a Thanksgiving Dinner prepared by their award-winning chef in the Inn’s colonial-style Tavern at the Armory restaurant.
   
• Thanksgiving in Mystic! Celebrate Thanksgiving in Mystic, where your kids will fall in love with the aquatic creatures at Mystic Aquarium and can experience the days of seafaring yore at Mystic Seaport.Take advantage of the holiday special at Whaler’s Inn – located in the heart of historic downtown Mystic – and get a complimentary dinner if you stay one night (from Sunday through Friday) and $50 off if you stay two nights. And of course, while you’re in the area, don’t forget to visit Olde Mistick Village for a one-of-a-kind shopping and dining experience that the whole family can enjoy – Santa and Mrs. Claus are even in town on Nov. 29-30!

Looking for more Thanksgiving ideas? Check out CTvisit.com, or visit our Facebook page and Twitter channel to tell us what you’re looking for - we’ll be happy to assist!