Instead of traveling back home for a cold Thanksgiving, make your way down south for a thrilling holiday in Austin, Texas. The Southwest will be warm enough for you to enjoy the fun outdoor activities and spend plenty of time with family. Here is how to enjoy Thanksgiving in Austin:
Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot
You will not need to feel guilty about consuming your favorite food during your Texas Thanksgiving when you participate in the annual Thundercloud Sub Turkey Trot. This all-ages event lets you burn off those calories with several different races that are perfect for adults and kids alike. Each year close to 20,000 people participate, making it one of the more popular events of the holiday. Run the full 5-mile course or participate in the low-key one-mile walk. All proceeds go directly to Caritas of Austin, a local non-profit organization that works to end homelessness in the city. The Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot turns out all kinds of runners, from the fast and serious to the costumed. It’s a great way to get your body moving before settling in for a Thanksgiving feast! The event begins at 9:30am at The Long Center. Be sure to pre-register via their website.
Have a Texas Thanksgiving
If you are spending Thanksgiving in Austin, make sure to do it the right way. You are in the mecca of barbecue, so why not host a unique dinner that your family will remember for years. Pick up delicious barbecue from local legends Franklin’s BBQ. You can preorder a takeout meal weeks in advance, letting you purchase their award-winning smoked meats and sides without waiting in line. Or roast your own meats using the grills found at many of our vacation rentals!
Get all your Thanksgiving favorites to be enjoyed within your vacation rental without the hassle of cooking. The items picked up from Hyde Park Bar & Grill offer meals large enough for four, with southern favorites available such as Cajun fried turkeys and peach pudding. There is no wrong way to celebrate Thanksgiving when you have delicious food waiting for you.
Thanksgiving Brunch in Downtown
If you are not up to hosting your own personal Thanksgiving Day dinner, check out the various events held around town. One of the most popular meals in the city is the Thanksgiving Brunch hosted by the Hyatt Regency in the downtown neighborhood. You can enjoy an elegant meal of your favorite Thanksgiving sides along with incredible views of downtown.
You’ll also find many additional dine-in restaurants offering up special Thanksgiving menus for the holiday. The Peacock Mediterranean Grill, located in the Austin Proper Hotel and overlooking Shoal Creek, offers a warm and welcoming place for a holiday feast. They’ll be offering a traditional holiday menu paired with dessert and wine offerings, available from 11am-10pm. TRACE Austin is a great place to get a locally sourced meal, where they pride themselves on sourcing ingredients directly from area farms. Their Thanksgiving meal will include classics such as turkey and prime rib along with creative twists such as whipped sweet potatoes.
Enjoy the Fall Season
The cooler temperatures of fall in Austin mean that your Thanksgiving getaway is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors. While peak leaf peeping season tends to occur in early November, you may still be able to catch some vibrant fall colors at McKinney Falls State Park, located just 13 miles south of downtown Austin. The leaves of the bald cypress and red oak trees here turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red, providing a spectacular canopy under which to explore. Onion Creek winds its way through the park, offering a popular place for swimming and fishing. And with nearly 9 miles of trails within the park, there’s plenty of room for hiking and mountain biking.
You don’t have to leave the city to enjoy the outdoors, though. If you’re looking to get outside within downtown Austin, sites such as Zilker Park and the Barton Creek Greenbelt offer opportunities for bouldering, swimming, picnicking, and hiking, among other activities, right within the confines of downtown!
Get in the Mood for Christmas
Each year the Christmas festivities begin after Thanksgiving with the annual showing of A Christmas Carol put on at ZACH Theatre. This annual adaption of a classic Christmas tale is the perfect way to get in the spirit of the holidays. Performances run each year from Thanksgiving through December 31st.
Thanksgiving in the Southwest
With these activities, you can celebrate Thanksgiving the unique way for which Austin is known. Explore our selection of holiday vacation rentals in the area that will keep you comfortable and ready for all the festivities. Resort-like amenities are featured in most homes and let you feel like royalty without experiencing the busy season of local hotels. Whether you want to be located in the heart of downtown Austin or surrounded by the beauty of the Hill Country, our holiday rentals boast a variety of locations. Book online today or let our expert rental guides find the right home for your next Thanksgiving in Austin! Enjoy our 4-bedroom vacation rentals and more.