Top Tips for Planning a Cozy Thanksgiving Getaway

Top Tips for Planning a Cozy Thanksgiving Getaway

Top Tips for Planning a Cozy Thanksgiving Getaway

11 Aug 2021
Thanksgiving Fish Dinner

Imagine this … Checking in to a cozy cabin in the mountains or getting away to a perfect oceanfront abode for your next Thanksgiving … sounds dreamy, right? You and your guests will love the cooler weather (perfect for getting cozy by the fire!) and seeing your holiday celebration (and each other!) in a new light because you are celebrating in a new place. There are so many benefits to planning your Thanksgiving or other holiday getaway by booking a beautiful, private, and professionally cleaned Meredith Lodging Oregon Coast or Central Oregon vacation rental. Ready to plan your perfect holiday getaway? Your best bet is to book early while the selection of homes is still great!

We’ve put together our best tips for taking your Thanksgiving celebration on the road with Meredith Lodging this year:


(1) Choose Your Perfect Home Away from Home.

Are you planning to cook up a feast? Make sure you love the kitchen in the home you choose! Also, think about what says “vacation” to you … a fireplace, a beautiful view, a cozy nook for reading a book … or a spa-like bathtub? We can help you find a home that has all the features and amenities you are looking for. And if your favorite “dish” to make for Thanksgiving is reservations, we can help you make sure to book a home that is close to the many award-winning and delicious dining options in Central Oregon and along the Oregon Coast.


(2) Room to Celebrate – and to Re-charge.

Many families and friends return each year to celebrate the holidays on the Oregon Coast or in Central Oregon. Two things they tell us they always look for are great gathering spaces to bring everyone together and plenty of well-appointed bedrooms, bathrooms, and other spaces for everyone to comfortably retreat to, so they can rest and re-charge as well. Book a home that offers features and amenities like a large dining space inside and out, plenty of seating around the fire, and comfy bedrooms and baths for everyone in your group.


(3) Bring the “Taste of Home” with You!

Plan to make some cherished family recipes while you enjoy your getaway. Staying at the coast? Consider adding some seafood-inspired touches to your feast! Giving thanks in Central Oregon? Pack up some apres-ski, snow, and cold goodies to enjoy and warm-up with your loved ones. We are sharing a few of our team’s favorite recipes below:

Best Hot Chocolate Ever Recipe by Bon Apetit. We think the title says it all. Cheers!
We think the title says it all. Cheers! Oregon Home Magazine’s Publisher Courtney Kutzman made this amazing Smoked Crab Dip, when she and her family stayed with us in South Beach. It has become a favorite for many! Please note the recipe is at the end of the article and is worth the read!
Our favorite seafood stop is always Barnacle Bill’s in Lincoln City – and while this might not technically qualify as a recipe (because they make it for you), it’s just not Thanksgiving for us unless Barnacle Bill’s smoked salmon dip is on the table!
A couple of staff members in our Bend office recommended this recipe for scalloped potatoes and wow – it’s a game changer! Takes a little bit of time to make but is always a hit with the whole table. Creamy Herbed Potatoes by the Pioneer Woman.
Looking for a no-fail turkey recipe?!? A member of our leadership team swears by the Williams Sonoma “Willie-Bird” pre-brined turkey and after trying it, we have to say – we agree! It is a bit of a splurge, and a delicious one, too!
Want to serve a dessert that is both new and deliciously familiar?!? Our social media lead loves to make this Upside Down Pumpkin Pecan Pie with Caramel Sauce. She has been bringing it to her celebrations for 10 years at the strong request of her guests!

(4) Get Moving on the “Big Day.”

Take advantage of the fact that you are celebrating in the mountains or at the beach and plan a Thanksgiving morning outing to get everyone some exercise before all that eating. A family bike ride, a hike, a walk along the beach – all will fill your lungs with fresh air and your hearts with happy memories before you fill your bellies with tasty food.


(5) Most importantly – Share the Gratitude!

Many of our guests find that celebrating Thanksgiving in a new, beautiful place makes them even more grateful than usual for the blessings in their life. We are BIG fans of a round-robin session at the dinner table, giving everyone a chance to say what they are grateful for. One family’s take on it is particularly great for a holiday getaway – they ask each person at the table to say something “old” that they are grateful for as well as a new, recent reason they are feeling the love, related to the vacation. This gets everyone in a happy mood before you dig into all that food.


Plan an extra-Happy Thanksgiving with Meredith Lodging this year. You can book your perfect holiday getaway online at MeredithLodging.com or call our Reservations Team to help you plan the perfect stay at 877.778.9055.