GA has one of the best towns in South to spend Thanksgiving, Southern Living says. Here’s why
Thanksgiving may not necessarily be the most traditional time to take a vacation, but Southern Living thinks it could be. They’ve compiled a list of the 8 Best Places to Spend Thanksgiving In The South and one Georgia town gets a special shout out.
Sea Island is a private, resort-centered barrier island on Georgia’s coast, part of the Golden Isles that also includes St. Simons and Jekyll Islands, and has a renowned Thanksgiving tradition.
Many visitors experience the island through The Lodge at Sea Island and the vibe is coastal-elegant combined with low-country scenery.
Southern Living also listed it as one of the South’s Best Resorts for 2025 and says it's for travelers who want “who want a curated holiday rather than a DIY beach rental week.”
Thanksgiving in Sea Island
If you like your turkey served in a coat-and-tie with a heaping side of live oaks, you should consider spending the holiday at the Lodge on Sea Island.
Sea Island treats Thanksgiving as a multi-day holiday rather than a single meal, with events that start the day before and run through the weekend, including a handful of key traditions.
Thanksgiving Day
- Reception at The Cloister Colonial Lounge: For families to gather, meet staff and get an overview of the week’s events.
- “Turkey Trot:” Fun run, usually staged from the Beach Club.
- Faith-based service in The Cloister Chapel: For those who build worship into their holiday.
- Multiple meals across the resort: Ranging from casual to jacket-required brunch buffets and formal dinners.
The rest of the week
- Cocktail cruises
- High tea
- Cooking demos
- Wine tastings
- Kids’ embroidery and crafts events
- Teen tennis clinics
- Live music.
From Thanksgiving straight to Christmas
- Christmas tree lighting ceremony
- Santa appearances and opportunities for photos
How much does Thanksgiving at The Lodge cost?
It’s important to remember that Sea Island is a luxury resort, and Thanksgiving is peak season, so you should expect to splurge on holiday pricing.
Food and meals
- Thanksgiving Feast at the Cloister:: ~$145 per adult and $50 per child, with a 25% service charge on top.
- Thanksgiving Take-n-Bake: $495 for servings for 6 to 8 people (with 25% service charge)
Rooms and suites
Rates are dynamic during Thanksgiving, but as a general guide, families can expect holiday pricing that is significantly higher than off-season midweek stays.
- Standard rooms: $453 to $682
- Suites: $1,084 to $1,350
Other activities
- Turkey Trot 5K: Registration fees from $35 to $40 for adults; $25 to $30 for kids 14 and under
- Cooking demonstrations: prices vary and can be bundled with the room
- Kayak fishing tours: $175 to $295 per person for 3 hours
- Salt Marsh nature tours: $6,500
- Hobie Cat shelling tours: $135 per person for 2 hours
- Wine and cocktail tastings: Often complementary but can be bundled
Beyond the resort
Sea Island visitors who want to explore beyond the resort will find a wide variety of things to do around St. Simons Island and the Golden Isles area.
Outdoor adventures and wildlife
- St. Simon Beaches
- Coastal Biplane Tours
- Golden Isles Paddle Company
- Pedego bike rental
- Cannon’s Point Preserve for hiking and wildlife
- Sea Palms Resort Golf Course
Historical and educational
- Christ Church
- World War II home Front Museum
- St. Simons Trolley history tour
- Fort Frederica National Monument
Entertainment and eateries
- Breakout Adventure escape rooms
- Golden Isles Olive Oil and Wine Bar
- Tramici Restaurant
- Dorothy’s Cocktail and Oyster Bar
Other cities on the list
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Blackberry Farm, Tennessee
- Williamsburg, Virginia
- Naples, Florida
- Asheville, North Carolina
- Pinehurst, North Carolina
- Bluffton, South Carolina
This list highlights places that make Thanksgiving an actual event, not just a meal served in a hotel or rental. So, if you’re looking to travel for the holiday, this list is your new best friend.
Where is your favorite place to Thanksgiving? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.
This story was originally published November 19, 2025 at 6:00 AM.