5 Can't-Miss Foodie Destinations for Thanksgiving Travel

Image: Culinary delights in New Orleans. (Photo Credit: New Orleans & Company/Zack Smith)
Image: Culinary delights in New Orleans. (Photo Credit: New Orleans & Company/Zack Smith)
Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 11:00 AM ET, Sun November 16, 2025

The Thanksgiving holiday is about reflection and expressing gratitude alongside family and friends, but it's also very much about food.

However, why stop at one spectacular home-cooked meal when you can treat yourself to a plethora?

Hungry travelers won't want to miss these tasty cities this holiday season.

Savannah, Georgia

Everyone knows that the South is the best region to indulge in comfort food and what better time of year to ditch the calorie counting than Thanksgiving?

Head to Savannah, Georgia, for juicy fried chicken, tantalizing BBQ and bodacious brunch.

The Olde Pink House in Savannah's Historic District is a can't-miss stop for foodies, who can not only look forward to tremendous Southern cuisine but a one-of-a-kind atmosphere inside of a mansion that dates back to the 18th century.

Wilmington, North Carolina

Copper Penny, Wilmington, North Carolina, sandwich, food

Hot roasted pork sandwich at Copper Penny in Wilmington, North Carolina. (photo by Patrick Clarke) (Photo Credit: Patrick Clrke)

Just minutes from the coast, Wilmington is a charming college town where Thanksgiving travelers will find some delectable eats.

Staples like The Copper Penny serve up savory classics, such as hot pork sandwiches, while Indochine offers some of the most flavorful Thai & Vietnamese dishes you'll find anywhere in America.

Due to its prime location along the Cape Fear River, Wilmington also boasts a plethora of scenic waterfront restaurants where patrons can savor fresh-caught seafood while enjoying stunning sunsets.

Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

For an off-the-beaten-path Thanksgiving foodie destination, consider Coeur d'Alene in the Idaho panhandle. After all, this lakeside resort town is home to a handful of great places to eat.

izzy's Comfort Kitchen is a standout where visitors can try otherworldly fried chicken and other comfort food classics ideal for the holiday season.

Nearby, Crafted Tap House + Kitchen is another can't-miss stop featuring eye-popping dishes that will put you in the holiday mood, like sweet potato fries and fried chicken with Belgian waffles in addition to a lengthy list of craft beers and Friday night turtle races accompanied by a DJ.

For sports and unbeatable bar eats, head to Capone's Pub & Grill, where the pizza and sliders come highly recommended.

Rapid City, South Dakota

Head to the Black Hills of western South Dakota this holiday season to check out hidden gems like Colonial House Restaurant & Bar, where you can dive into classic chicken fried steak, fresh baked desserts and other homestyle favorites.

Downtown, Justin Warner's Bokujo Ramen is a must-visit for lunch or dinner while Tally's Silver Spoon is not to be missed if you have brunch aspirations.

Throughout Rapid City and the surrounding Black Hills, travelers will have ample opportunity to dig into regional staples like bison burgers, Chislic and other hearty dishes poised to put them in the Thanksgiving spirit.

New Orleans, Louisiana

The Big Easy is an award-winning culinary destination that is poised to please Turkey Day visitors.

Travelers can dive into mouthwatering creations from celebrity chefs like Emeril Lagasse, embrace the local culture through Cajun and Creole cuisine and sample local food trucks during holiday season events like Sober Fest and Celebration in the Oaks.


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Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

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