3 Timeless but Unusual Travel Destinations for Thanksgiving

Whether you have a "bah humbug" attitude when it comes to Thanksgiving or - as the polar opposite - live for the holiday, there are three unusual travel destinations you simply have to know about. Here's what makes them unique.

North Pole, Alaska: For the Christmas Fan

If your Christmas preparations began the day you noticed that the stores were stocking up on holiday decorations - right around back to school time - this town is for you. The streets feature names related to the Christmas holiday, candy cane motifs are big and the snow bespeaks a Christmas mood.

The Santa Claus House is a must-see. Between Nov. 6 and Dec. 31, the attraction is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Santa is in residence on weekends. Enjoy the backdrop of a uniquely Christmas-themed village and delight in the presence of live reindeer. So go ahead and get your elf on - Thanksgiving is just another blip on the calendar countdown to a Merry Christmas!

Plymouth, Massachusetts: For the Thanksgiving Purist

Founded in 1620 by the Mayflower pilgrims, Plymouth offers the Thanksgiving aficionado the authenticity of being the original feast's undisputed home. For a step back in time -- to a spread that would have been possible on that first holiday observation -- plan to visit Plimoth Plantation.

Visit the attractions at the living museum and be transported back in time to the year when Thanksgiving actually happened. Bring along the family and enjoy a Thanksgiving Day Buffet for $66 per adult, or enjoy a traditional New England feast for $88 per adult. Although not cheap, this vacation is a once in a lifetime getaway for the history buff who considers the national holiday a major step on America's road to becoming a country.

Las Vegas, Nevada: For the Traveler Giving Merely a Nod to Thanksgiving

Sin City has a little something for everyone. Gambling is in style even over the holidays, and if you are not big on traditional celebrations - but still want to acknowledge the festivities - trust Las Vegas to take it over the top. In this instance, it is the Bellagio that becomes the venue to enjoy.

Venture through the botanical gardens and take in the Fall Harvest Exhibit. Open until Nov. 26, it is available for a visit 24 hours a day. Seasonally adorned with cornucopias, plenty of fall foliage, pumpkins and gourds galore, the Bellagio gets anyone into a fall holiday mood. The buffet serves up tasty dishes in keeping with the national holiday - and then it's back to the gaming tables.

Establishment Information

Santa Claus House

101 St. Nicholas Drive in North Pole, Alaska 99705
(907) 488-2200

Open daily (except holidays)

Plimoth Plantation

137 Warren Avenue in Plymouth, MA 02360

(508) 746-1622

Open March 19 to Nov. 27 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Bellagio

3600 Las Vegas Blvd South in Las Vegas, NV 89109

(888) 987-6667