Massachusetts Has One of the Best Thanksgiving Towns in the U.S.

Thanksgiving is a lovely time of year. It's a happy time to be with family and friends. Some towns in America just encompass that Thanksgiving spirit, with a general feeling of warmth, comfort and home. These towns also have some fun fall activities, from cider mills to apple orchards to pumpkin picking. As it turns out, Massachusetts has one of the best "Thanksgiving towns" in America.

The list comes from Country Living, who knows a lot about the coziest cities in America. "From apple picking to pretty porch spotting, embrace all the best things about fall in a new place this holiday," they state in the article. "Whether you spend a lot on a luxury resort or a little on a cheap place to visit during Thanksgiving, we guarantee you’ll be grateful for the new perspective, the shared memories, and a delicious slice of pie that you didn’t have to spend hours making yourself."

Before we get to our area, let's look at the No. 1 best Thanksgiving town in America. It's Charlottesville, Virginia. Of the spot, Country Living says, "Home to the University of Virginia, this picturesque college town offers a bucolic blend of historic buildings, rolling pastures, and plenty of wineries and cideries. Leave the cooking to the pros with a pre-fixe Thanksgiving dinner at Keswick Hall or The Quirk, then walk off your meal with a leisurely stroll along the pedestrian-only downtown Mall."

So, what about our state? Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth, Massachusetts is No. 18. Of the spot, Country Living states, "Plimoth Plantation, a re-creation of the original 17th-century colony, is the ultimate Thanksgiving destination. Walk around the English Village, the Plimoth Grist Mill, the Wampanoag Homesite, and more. You'll gain a new appreciation for our history." Find the full tally here.

Today is national wine day. To celebrate, we'll highlight three Massachusetts wine establishments you need to know about.

In Boston, there are plenty of options to indulge in your wine cravings. Whether it is pairing your favorite glass with a delicious meal in the North End or frequenting one the best wine bars. Rooftop gatherings are also popular wine spots. With the weather warming up, the city provides an excellent backdrop for a few sips at golden hour.

Furthermore, there are numerous wineries in Massachusetts. Some of these small businesses, like Nantucket Vineyard (Cisco), distribute throughout the New England region, while others remain local to New England only. Massachusetts is also the home state of operations like the Boston Showcase Company. They have a long history of designing and distributing products like wine glasses to restaurants in bulk.

In addition, it has become common for wine to be available at stadium events. Fenway Park, TD Garden, Gillette Stadium and all major concert venues offer a wine variation at their ticketed events.

Earlier this year, Forbes published a detailed report on the positive projections for the wine industry in 2023. "U.S. Wine Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Project,” sales of wine (domestic and imported) topped $66.97 billion, with table wines dominating, followed by sparkling wines (most domestic), whose projected sales will rise 7.7% from 2022 to 2030 and the U.S. wine market size is expected to reach USD 115.03 billion by 2030," the article quotes.

You can locally partake in national wine day in various ways. Options include simply uncorking your favorite bottle at home, venturing out to a winery, or simply showing your support through ordering online.

In our list highlighting Massachusetts wine establishments to know about, we touch upon three different fields.

Located on Cape Cod between the bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Truro Vineyard opened under new ownership in 2007. They are family-owned and operated. The vineyard itself dates back to 1992, however. They produce and offer four different red wines and three white wines. They have a lighthouse wine series, plus special seasonal releases. You can visit Truro Vineyard seven days a week.

"Located in Boston, the Urban Grape is one of the most successful and award-winning wine stores in America. UG is a Black-owned and woman-owned small business dedicated to building community through beverage," their website states. They offer a popular wine club, all run out of their Boston location. The wine club comes with a monthly subscription option, where numerous select bottles are shipped right to you. The Urban Grape also has a connoisseur club option for those looking for a deeper knowledge of higher-end wines.

City Winery perfectly combines a love of wine with entertainment. This restaurant also serves as a live music venue. They are part of the City Winery chain with similar establishments in other major cities (such as New York and Nashville). They source their grapes from over 30 vineyards around the world. Their food menu also is designed to pair well with the numerous wine options they pour onsite. The Boston City Winery is near the North End and TD Garden. They offer private events, tastings, and full service at their ticketed entertainment shows.