Why Visit Frederick for a Thanksgiving Getaway
Thanksgiving doesn't have to mean spending a full day in the kitchen. In Frederick, Maryland, you can trade the cooking and cleanup for dinner prepared by acclaimed chefs, an afternoon exploring downtown, and a few days away with the people you love most.
From memorable Thanksgiving meals and holiday shopping to crisp fall days and cozy rooms at Visitation Hotel, there are plenty of reasons to make Frederick your destination this Thanksgiving. Here are a few of our favorites.
Reason 1: Thanksgiving Dinner at Wye Oak Tavern
If there's one big reason to spend Thanksgiving in Frederick, MD, let it be for the food. This year, leave the cooking to Frederick natives and acclaimed chefs Bryan and Michael Voltaggio at Wye Oak Tavern, located inside Visitation Hotel.
On November 26, the tavern is serving a special Thanksgiving menu featuring holiday classics alongside Wye Oak favorites. Think: heritage turkey with cornbread and sage dressing, cranberry-orange compote and gravy, and classic favorites like prime rib and Maryland crab cakes.
And since sides are arguably the best part of Thanksgiving dinner, there's lots to look forward to there, too. Green bean casserole with wild mushrooms, mashed potatoes with cultured butter and spiced sweet potatoes round out the meal, followed by desserts like roasted pumpkin pie and warm apple dumplings.
All the flavors of Thanksgiving, without the grocery shopping, prep work or dishes afterward. Click here to reserve your table at one of the best restaurants in downtown Frederick, MD.
Reason 2: Fall Weather Worth Getting Outside For
Late November in Frederick brings cooler temperatures, the last traces of fall color, and plenty of reasons to bundle up and head outside. Take a stroll along Carroll Creek, wander the historic streets of downtown, or stop for a warm drink between exploring.
With so much of Frederick within walking distance, it's easy to spend a few hours discovering the city without much of an agenda.
Reason 3: Holiday Shopping, Frederick-Style
Thanksgiving weekend also happens to be a great time to get a head start on your holiday shopping. And with more than 250 unique businesses downtown, Frederick makes it easy to skip the usual big-box stores.
Spend an afternoon browsing the independent boutiques, gift shops, and specialty stores along Market Street and beyond. You'll find everything from handmade goods and home décor to thoughtful gifts for the people on your list.
Downtown also starts dressing up for the holidays around this time of year, with festive lights and decorations adding to the experience. Plus, with free weekend parking from Thanksgiving through New Year's, you can spend less time worrying about where to park and more time enjoying the moment.
Reason 4: Fall Flavors You’ll Want to Savor
Thanksgiving dinner in Frederick, MD may be the main event, but there's so much more to enjoy throughout the weekend, especially when your morning coffee comes with a little seasonal flair.
At Acorn Provisions, located inside Visitation Hotel, fall-inspired lattes, fresh pastries, and seasonal bites are waiting on the menu.
Grab a coffee before heading out to explore, stop in for an afternoon treat, or take your time over breakfast the morning after Thanksgiving. It's the kind of leisurely start that's hard to come by during the holidays, and all the more enjoyable when you're away.
Reason 5: A Home Away from Home at Visitation Hotel
Whether you're visiting family in Frederick, bringing loved ones together, or simply looking to spend Thanksgiving somewhere new, where you stay can make the weekend even better.
Housed inside a beautifully restored 19th-century convent and school, Visitation Hotel brings a little history to your holiday stay. Its downtown location puts Frederick's shops, restaurants, and attractions within easy reach, while its thoughtfully designed rooms offer a comfortable place to settle in after a full day out.
And for the holiday season, our Home for the Holidays package gives you a few extra reasons to stay. Enjoy a special discounted room rate, a bottle of wine, a seasonal pastry, and a daily $10 credit toward Acorn Provisions.
Come for Thanksgiving dinner, stay for everything Frederick has to offer, and leave a little room for a new holiday tradition. Explore more offers here, and we’ll see you soon.
