Holiday Guide: The Quintessential Thanksgiving in Georgia By
Alli Hill
Some may argue there’s no better place to spend Thanksgiving than in Georgia. Whether you love a traditional Thanksgiving hunt, football, Black Friday shopping, or other favorite tradition, The Peach State has a little bit of everything. Well, everything except snow, that is. If you’re planning to spend Thanksgiving here, you’ll appreciate this guide to the quintessential Thanksgiving in Georgia.
1. Houlihan’s, Columbus, GA
Begin your epic Thanksgiving weekend with a Drinksgiving celebration the night before Turkey Day. Houlihan’s is dedicated to helping you start the weekend off right with drink specials from 4 p.m. to close.
2. At Home, Multiple locations
If you’re wanting to create a cozy Thanksgiving setting for your guests, grab some decor from At Home. They carry everything from glassware to table settings, centerpieces, candles, and everything you need to give your feast a personal touch. If you’re nowhere near Norcross, you’re in luck—At Home has a total of eight locations throughout Georgia.
3. Crave Pie Studio, Duluth, GA
Save yourself some time in the kitchen and let someone else handle the dessert. Crave Pie Studio is slicing up some of the most delicious pies, and they taste way better than any grocery store dessert. In fact, these pies might become what you’re most thankful for this year.
4. White Oak Pastures, Bluffton, GA
The turkey is the main centerpiece of your entire holiday spread, and you can’t risk such an important job to just anyone. Place an order for a pasture-raised whole turkey from White Oak Pastures. You’ll be feeding your guests only the highest quality turkey, and the difference in taste will have them singing your praises well into the new year.
5. Thanksgiving Celebration at Lanier Islands, Buford, GA
Lake Lanier Islands is a great spot to visit year-round, but Thanksgiving serves as the gateway into the holiday season that simply shouldn’t be missed. Guests can eat their fill of an exquisitely crafted buffet and leave the cleanup to someone else. Plus, they get to be the first ones to enjoy the incredible Magical Nights of Lights that features seven miles of illumination that culminates at the holiday village.
6. North Georgia Premium Outlets, Dawsonville, GA
Get all your Black Friday shopping out of the way in one go with a trip to the North Georgia Premium Outlets. With some of the biggest names in fashion, toys, accessories, and gear, you can set up your entire Christmas list, and maybe even grab a few steals for yourself!
7. Atlanta Hawks basketball games
If you’re a basketball fan in Atlanta for the Thanksgiving weekend, you’re in luck: the Atlanta Hawks are playing at home the day before and the day after Thanksgiving. Grab a seat at the Philip’s Arena and cheer them on as they compete against the Clippers and Knicks, respectively.
8. Chieftains Museum, Rome, GA
The first owner of this historic house was Major Ridge, a Cherokee leader who played a significant role in shaping American history in the 19th century that ultimately culminated in the Trail of Tears. The home has now been transformed into a museum that’s on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can take a look inside and enjoy interpretive exhibits for just $5 per person.
9. Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon, Atlanta, GA
If you’re looking for a great way to get rid of all those excess calories, join the run at the Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon. You can sit back and watch the action, or be a part of it as runners embark on a half-marathon and 5K through some of the city’s most beautiful scenes. The race starts at 7:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, which means you’ll have plenty of time to dig into your feast when you get home.
10. Lift Up Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
There’s no better time to count your own blessings than by helping others who are less fortunate. This Thanksgiving, lend a hand at Lift Up Atlanta, a non-profit dedicated to feeding the area’s needy families and individuals. You can apply on their website for a volunteer opportunity or learn more about how you can enrich the lives of others.
