Thanksgiving is a great holiday, but there definitely are aspects to it that can be a pain—babysitting a turkey in the oven all day, anxiously cleaning the house before guests arrive, and of course the dreaded cleanup. If you’re looking for something different and unique to do this Thanksgiving so you can simply enjoy the holiday without all the added stress, check out these best places to go for Thanksgiving in Kentucky. You might just start a new family tradition!

1. Thanksgiving Buffet at Kentucky State Resort Parks.
Facebook/Kentucky State Parks
Why not turn Thanksgiving into a long weekend getaway? Rent a cabin and then enjoy a Thanksgiving buffet at any Kentucky State Resort Park. Go on a hike before your meal to work up an appetite or afterward to burn off that last piece of pumpkin pie you didn't need. Plan a fun weekend getaway at a Kentucky State Park Resort while you're at it!
2. Cruise around Louisville on the Spirit of Jefferson.
Belle of Louisville Riverboats, 401 W River Rd, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
Facebook/Belle of Louisville and Spirit of Jefferson
Along with the Belle of Louisville, the Spirit of Jefferson is a riverboat owned by Louisville Metro. Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal as you cruise down the Ohio River. Be sure to check these boats' websites as the Thanksgiving holiday nears so you can snag a seat!
3. If the northern Kentucky area is more convenient for you, you're in luck! You can take a similar cruise out of Newport.
BB Riverboats, 101 Riverboat Row, Newport, KY 41071, USA
Facebook/BB Riverboats
Enjoy a similar experience to the one offered in Louisville about 90 miles upstream in the Newport area. The Cincinnati skyline will make a breathtaking backdrop to your Thanksgiving dinner when you cruise with BB Riverboats.
4. Watch live horse racing at Churchill Downs in Louisville.
Churchill Downs, 700 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208, USA
Flickr/Holly Hayes
Everyone knows that Churchill Downs is packed on Derby Day, but Thanksgiving is actually their second busiest day of the year. They'll serve about 3,000 pounds of turkey. To buy tickets and see race times, be sure to visit the Churchill Downs website!

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5. Instead of watching a race, run one at Keeneland, just outside of Lexington.
Facebook/Thoroughbred Classic 5K
Really work up that appetite by running the Thoroughbred Classic 5k (or just watch if you're not a runner). The race raises money for local charities, which is appropriate for the Thanksgiving season. Kentucky is a very generous state!
6. Relax and enjoy river views at Captain's Quarters in Prospect.
Captains Quarters Road, Captains Quarters Rd, Louisville, KY 40059, USA
Yelp/Heather D.
Captain's Quarters often offers a delicious Thanksgiving Brunch, as well as a Thanksgiving cruise on the CQ Princess Cruise Ship. Or sit on the back deck, enjoy a drink, and watch the boats pass by. What a totally Kentucky way to celebrate Thanksgiving!
7. Eat and explore an art museum at Proof on Main and 21C Museum Hotel in downtown Louisville.
21c Museum Hotel Louisville, 700 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
Yelp/Liz L.
Proof on Main is one of the best restaurants in Louisville, so you will have a magnificent and unique Thanksgiving dinner here. Enjoy interesting twists on classic Thanksgiving dishes, then go explore the art exhibits. What a fun way for Kentucky art lovers to celebrate Thanksgiving!
8. Volunteer to serve meals for those less fortunate.
Wayside Christian Mission, 432 E Jefferson St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
Wayside Christian Mission
Not everyone is lucky enough to have a family to spend Thanksgiving with, or even enough to eat. There are several volunteer opportunities all across the state, including Wayside Christian Mission in Louisville (pictured above). Check with your local churches, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, or various charities to see how you can help. Another nonprofit in Kentucky we love supporting is DV8 Kitchen, a restaurant that offers second-chance employment for those in need of a second chance.

Does anyone have a unique Thanksgiving that wasn’t on this list? Let us know!

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Best places to go for Thanksgiving in Kentucky

Sarah M. | September 29, 2022

What are the most generous cities in Kentucky?

The Bluegrass is a warm and welcoming state, and this spirit of generosity is alive and well in many of our towns! In terms of the most giving towns in Kentucky, Covington, Ashland, Louisville, Portsmouth, Henderson, Bowling Green, Lexington, and Owensboro all have high ratings from Philanthropy.com, a site that calculates how many folks contribute portions of their gross income to charity. The cool thing about this study is that it shows that Kentuckians give more than most other states, whether they're in a small town or a large city. This is just one of the many reasons we love living in Kentucky and are always pleased to see that shining blue "Welcome to Kentucky" sign!

Where are some of the best restaurants to go to for Thanksgiving in Kentucky?

Some of the best restaurants to go to for a proper sit-down Thanksgiving dinner in Kentucky are our oldest and most beloved establishments. Old Talbott Tavern in Bardstown, the Seelbach Hilton Hotel in Louisville, The Brown Hotel in Louisville, Boone Tavern Hotel and Restaurant in Berea, Greyhound Tavern in Fort Mitchell, and the Beaumont Inn in  Harrodsburg are all high-rated and much-loved restaurants where you can enjoy an amazing meal on Thanksgiving weekend!

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