Michigan Has America’s #2 Most Loved Thanksgiving Tradition

Thanksgiving is here, and that brings plenty of cherished events and traditions. I love this time of year. Even though I don't like the cold weather, the holiday spirit always warms things up. Thanksgiving is a time to be with family and friends and be thankful for what we have in life. As it turns out, America's No. 2 most loved Thanksgiving tradition is right here in Michigan.

The new study about America's most cherished Thanksgiving traditions comes from Mixbook.com, a No. 1 rated photo book brand. As for methodology, they "ran a survey of 3,000 Americans to establish which iconic Thanksgiving celebration they would most like to experience in 2023. Whether it's the charm of a hometown parade, the adrenaline rush of a friendly race, or the thrill of a fiercely contested football match, these Thanksgiving events were ranked from 1 to 80."

Before we get to No. 1, let's look at No. 2. It's Detroit's "America's Thanksgiving Parade," which got its start in 1924 and is one of America's longest-running parades. "What makes this Detroit tradition truly unique is its rich variation of vibrant floats, larger-than-life balloons, and sensational marching bands, all showcasing the distinct culture and spirit of the Motor City." They add that, "visitors are particularly drawn to the parade's signature papier-mâché heads, known as the Big Heads, which have become emblematic of the event."

Now, here's the No. 1 most cherished Thanksgiving tradition in America. It's the "6abc Dunkin' Parade" in Philadelphia, which has been going strong since 1920. According to the study, it's the Thanksgiving event the most people would like to experience. "Every year, spectators line the streets of Philadelphia to witness a spectacular display of vibrant floats, giant balloons, talented marching bands, and dynamic performance groups," Mixbook.com states. "What makes it particularly special is its unique blend of local Philadelphian culture with broader American traditions." Find the full list here. I'd love to hear about your most cherished Thanksgiving traditions. Reach out to me here.

It's never too early to start planning an exciting winter getaway, especially since the most popular winter vacation spots get booked up quickly. The good news, though, is that most people take vacations in the summer, so traveling in the winter can be a bit more relaxing. You are also able to usually find better travel rates during the winter season, except during the holidays. If you don't have to travel during the holidays, just don't, because it's a mess. So, what are the best winter getaways in the U.S.?

I've researched some of the most popular winter vacation destinations in hopes of finding the perfect spot. The following list includes not just sunny, warm getaways, but also some areas that people who love snow can enjoy. Honestly, many people who live in a warm climate like to flock to a snowy location for a bit during the winter to get that seasonal experience, even if that seems counter intuitive. Of course, those who live in the northern parts of America love to go to a warm spot and get away from their daily lives filled with snow and ice.

I'm a Michigan girl, so I'm very familiar with the cold and ice in the winter. Not that I like it. Each year, I say I'm going to escape, even if it's just for a few days, to a warmer location. But, I never do. Maybe this year will be different. Looking at vacation rates, it's fairly easy to find some good deals, again, if it's not during the holiday travel season. Read on for some of the bets winter getaways in the U.S., based on my research. What's your favorite winter vacation spot? Reach out to me on social media here and let me know. Have a fantastic winter, and stay warm.

If you're looking for a mild getaway, Savannah, Georgia, is a great choice. It's pretty mild in the winter, so not too cold or too hot. The Historic District is a popular winter vacation spot, too.

https://visitsavannah.com/

The beautiful area of Asheville, North Carolina, has plenty of gorgeous snowfall, and it's less dangerous than many other areas with snowfall. Lately, Asheville has one up in population, but it's still a popular tourist destination. One choice spot is the French Broad River, with lots of winter activities, breweries and restaurants.

https://www.exploreasheville.com/

If you want to enjoy a winter vacation and learn about history, Philadelphia is a great vacation spot. Sure, it's won't be like sunny Florida. But, Philly has lots of great museums and historical spots to enjoy indoors, while staying toasty.

https://www.visitphilly.com/

I know what you're thinking. Why go to Michigan in the winter? Well, if you love snow, then it's worth the trip. Traverse City, Michigan, is a quaint town, but it's big enough to have lots of things to do and places to stay. It's also cold in the winter but not as cold as, say the Dakotas.

https://www.traversecity.com/

If you want to get away from the snow and ice, go to Key West, Florida. It's considered one of the finest tropical spots in the U.S. during the winter months. Soak up the sun and have a margarita, because why not?

https://keywest.com/