Last-Minute Thanksgiving Get Aways in the Northeast

Perhaps your plans ave changed unexpectedly or you haven't gotten around to making Thanksgiving holiday plans just yet. Don't like the thought of battling the city crowds for the holiday? Check out these great get away ideas.

1. 1862 Seasons on Main B&B in scenic Stockbridge, MA, in the Berkshires, still had open accommodations as of publication time. Seasonally themed rooms in this elegant and pristine inn include the Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall and All Seasons rooms. Exquisitely decorated with period antiques and comfy queen sized poster beds, you can see Norman Rockwell's Main Street from most of the rooms. Book a four night stay in November or December and get two free tickets to the Norman Rockwell Museum and a bottle of wine. The B&B serves breakfast but you will have to make dinner reservations in Stockbridge or nearby Lenox. Imagine Black Friday at the Great Barrington outlets. For rates and reservation information see www.seasonsonmain.com.

2. Water's Edge Resort and Spa. Located on the Long Island Sound in Westbrook, CT, there were a handful of rooms open at publication time at this beautiful and elegantly appointed resort. While at the spa take advantage of the many special spa packages including the dermo- magnetic facial or pumpkin spice body polish. The restaurant at the Waters Edge offers world class cuisine including your turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Spend Black Friday shopping at the Clintons Crossing and Tanger outlets. Reserve now as there were only a few rooms left two weeks before the holiday. For reservations and rates see www.watersedge-resort.com.

3. Gurneys Inn Resort and Spa. Located in the sandy dunes of Long Island Sound on the South Fork, enjoy accommodations at off season rates. For less than half than what it would cost you stay during the high summer season you can enjoy this luxurious spa and resort. Bundle up and talk a walk along the Atlantic or stay in at the spa and enjoy a head to toe Ocean Radiance Treatment or Thermalism Sea Plunge to look your best for the holiday season. Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner with all the fixings while dining Atlantic side. You can shop Black Friday at the nearby Riverhead Outlets. Hurry to book as there are only a few rooms available. For more information, rates and reservations, see www.guernysinn.com.

4. The Caris Brooke Inn. Ventnor, New Jersey. Normally I would not think of Atlantic City as the ideal location for a family Thanksgiving holiday weekend but the Caris Brooke Inn is offering such an inredible package I had to mention it. You get four guestrooms for two nights, full breakfasts for up to 10 guests on both days as well as a full Thanksgiving Dinner with turkey and all the trimmings for an incredible 899 dollars. The Inn itself is set on a peaceful beach while dinner is served at Carmines in Atlantic City. This is an amazing deal that can't be beat. With Thanksgiving dinner alone sometimes running 80 dollars a person in NYC, this is a steal with accommodations, holiday dinner and breakfasts. Hurry to reserve at www.carisbrookeinn.com.

5. The Beekman Arms in Rhinebeck, NY offers a cozy, comfy and nostalgic holiday retreat for the whole family. Relax in the beautiful period antique filled rooms and enjoy a generous Thanksgiving Buffet Dinner at this magnificent inn. After enjoying and elegant holiday stay you can shop Black Friday at the Woodbury Common Outlets. There were a few rooms left at the time of publication. For rates and reservations, full holiday dinner menu and all inn and hotel amenities see www.beekmandelamaterinn.com.

Have a wonderful holiday, drive safely and send me a postcard please!