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.

HAPPY HOUR! Join us from 2pm - 6pm & 10pm-close for drink specials and $4.95 apps. #houcheers #houcolumbus #houlihans #happyhour

A post shared by Houlihan's Columbus (@houlihanscolumbus) on Jul 28, 2016 at 10:47am PDT

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.

It’s time to get passionate about fall decor. From deep blues, sunset golds and berry hues, make your room sparkle with jewel tones! Come visit us today #athomestores

A post shared by At Home (@athomestores) on Oct 28, 2017 at 6:49am PDT

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.

Crave Pie Studio - Happy Pi Day! My pie fix on Pi Day was quickly satisfied by Crave Pie Studio. Go try the Bourbon Pecan Pie today! #piday #thehonestfork #cravepiestudio #pie

A post shared by The Honest Fork (@thehonestfork) on Mar 14, 2017 at 10:07am PDT

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.

The question of choosing local or organic food is a common one. What is most important when it comes to the food we eat? Is local most important, even if the food was raised using conventional practices? Or do we choose organic, even if that means we are buying food that was produced across the globe?

A post shared by Kathleen (@organic.eats.n.greets) on Sep 25, 2017 at 12:44pm PDT

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!

Do you like adventures of the shopping kind? ðŸ› Follow the link in our bio to join us @northgeorgiapo & snag a few *free* surprises ðŸŽ • #yelpotp @yelp #yelpsmallcrawl #outletfinds #outletmall #shoptillyoudrop #explorega #georgia #dawsonvillega #yelpelite #yelpevent

A post shared by Atlanta OTP (@yelpotp) on Nov 11, 2017 at 1:03pm PST

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.

GARDENING IN CONTAINERS!! Hosted by University of Georgia Master Gardener Extension Volunteers of Floyd County! Join Keith Mickler, to learn how to grow your favorite herbs and vegetables in containers! FREE admission, STARTS at 11:00am - 1:00pm!! ðŸŒ±ðŸ…ðŸŒ¶ðŸ˜ƒ

A post shared by broadstreetlive (@broadstreetlive) on May 6, 2017 at 7:50am PDT

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.