A Highlands Family Thanksgiving

A Place for Everyone to Stay

A shared house makes it easier to gather for meals and spend time together, especially when relatives are traveling in. These homes are managed by Highlands Chamber members and offer different setups for families of all sizes.

A Walk in the Woods

For the whole family · 4 bedrooms, sleeps 10 · Highlands Mountain Rentals

Traveling with children or a bigger group? This four-bedroom home sleeps ten and has a downstairs bunk room with its own living area, TV, and basketball game. The covered porch has a wood-burning stone fireplace, and Mirror Lake is a short walk away. Dogs are welcome with approval.

Deja View

For a small family · 3 bedrooms, sleeps 6 · Landmark Vacation Rentals

For a smaller family gathering, Deja View sleeps six in three bedrooms. The main-floor primary suite gives grandparents or parents a little privacy, while the upstairs queen rooms work well for the rest of the group. The kitchen island seats five, and the screened patio and deck offer spots to catch up while looking out at the mountains. Up to two small dogs are welcome.

Turkey Knob Haven

Family games and fireside evenings  · 3 bedrooms, sleeps 6 · Landmark Vacation Rentals

With beautiful mountain views and a wood-burning fireplace, Turkey Knob Haven is a lovely choice for a family Thanksgiving getaway. Spend the afternoon playing pool downstairs or ping pong in the loft, then gather by the fire for the evening. The three-bedroom cabin sleeps six, and pets are welcome, too.

The Lake House in Osseroga

For a week by the water · 3 bedrooms, sleeps 6 · Highlands Mountain Rentals

For a full Thanksgiving week, the Lake House in Osseroga gives a family of six room to spread out. Each of the three bedrooms has a private bathroom, and the living room has a wood-burning stone fireplace. Guests have access to the lake dock and boathouse canoes. The house is about six minutes from Main Street and requires a seven-night stay.

Darby Cottage & Rose Cottage

For two couples or two families, side by side · 2 bedrooms each, sleeps 4 each · Highlands Mountain Rentals

Two families traveling together may prefer neighboring cottages rather than one big house. Darby and Rose each sleep four in two bedrooms, with separate fireplaces and a shared stone terrace with a fire table for eight. The cottages sit in Sapphire, east of Highlands, with mountain views. The Panthertown trailhead is across the road from Darby; Rose also has a sunroom and a gas fire pit on its covered deck.

For more homes, browse Galax Rentals, Rent In Highlands, Landmark Vacation Rentals, and Highlands Mountain Rentals.

Thanksgiving Around the Table

Some families love making Thanksgiving dinner together. Others would rather leave the cooking to someone else. Highlands has options for both, including holiday meals at local restaurants and prepared dishes to bring back to the rental.

Oak Steakhouse at Skyline Lodge, Madison's, The Ruffed Grouse Tavern, On the Verandah, Four65, and Black Bear Café are listed as open for Thanksgiving. The Kitchen CarryAway & Catering, Dusty's, Highlands Smokehouse, and Mountain Fresh Grocery have holiday take-home options. Check availability, order deadlines, and reservations directly with each business.

Make a Weekend of It

If the whole family is coming to Highlands for Thanksgiving, consider making a long weekend of it. The day after Thanksgiving, Christmas celebrations begin in downtown Highlands. Main Street is dressed for the holidays, the ice rink is open, and Santa is making his first visits of the season. It's an especially lovely time to experience Highlands with children and introduce them to the town's Christmas traditions.