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Spend Thanksgiving at Lake Guntersville, Alabama

Written on . Posted in Blog.

Looking for a new family tradition? Or maybe you just want to spend your Thanksgiving a little differently this year. Make plans to head to Alabama’s Great Natural Attraction for Thanksgiving break. Enjoy beautiful Fall foliage, enjoy yummy Thanksgiving dinner at our state park and explore the beauty of this picturesque place. Here is a five day itinerary for you to get started.

Day One: Arrival and Relaxation

  • Arrival: Check into your accommodation. We have several options for places to stay from hotels, to vacation rentals to campgrounds. You can choose something with a view or close to amenities in town. Stay in something more cozy like a cabin or find yourself a hotel with full service. Click here to find your spot.
  • Evening/Dinner: After checking in, consider one of delicious restaurants for dinner with your family. Some options include: La Esquina Cocina at City Harbor in Guntersville, Gordo’s Way in Albertville, Milner’s Dairy Delight in Arab or maybe Priscilla’s Pizzeria in Boaz.

Day Two: Outdoor Adventure

  • Morning: Drive over to Cathedral Caverns State Park for a tour of the majestic cave that used to be home to Native Americans years ago. See stalactites and learn how this cave became a state park in just the year 2000.
  • Lunch: Bring a picnic lunch with you to eat at the Guntersville Dam. There are several picnic tables set that offer beautiful views of the dam. Grab your supplies at a nearby grocery store.
  • Afternoon: Take a hike at the Guntersville Dam. With a few trails to choose from, you can get lost in a cave or see stunning bald eagles scoop down in the water to grab their afternoon snack. Miles are waiting for you.
  • Evening: After a long day of exploring, head back to your accommodation for a night in. Enjoy a movie with your family or break out the board games for some friendly competition.

Day Three: Learn the History

  • Come up with a game plan to enjoy the museums across Marshall County for the day. They each offer unique insight on how towns were established, the lake was created and important people who made impacts along the way. The museums to see are: Albertville Museum, Arab Historic Village, Boaz Legacy Museum and the Guntersville Museum and Cultural Center. All are FREE to enjoy. You will enjoy the uniqueness on what they each offer including historic buildings, interactive displays and more.
  • Food Options: For lunch and dinner, try some of our barbecue options! Depending on where you are during your adventures, there is one in each town to enjoy. In Boaz, swing by Dale’s BBQ. In Albertville, Wilson’s Barbecue is known for its family packs. In Guntersville, try the drive through of Simmons. And Hog Leg Barbecue in Arab mixes a little bit of Texas and Alabama in their meals.

Day Four: Thanksgiving Day

  • Morning: Enjoy an easy morning with your family. Take a walk at one of the parks depending on where you are staying. Sand Mountain Park in Albertville has a 3.5 mile paved trail throughout the park. Old Mill Park in Boaz has a paved trail that circles their park with a playground for the kids as well. Arab City Park has a beautiful trail that will be decorated for Christmas time. And the walking trail in Guntersville offers scenic lake views for 4 miles.
  • Lunch: Make your reservation beforehand for the Thanksgiving Dinner prepared by the staff at Lake Guntersville State Park. They offer turkey, ham and all the fixins! The team has set times for you to arrive, but you just got to call 256-571-5440 to get on the list. Don’t delay as spots will fill up fast!
  • Afternoon: Grab a rod and reel to try your hand on fishing! Lake Guntersville, Alabama is known for its bass being some of the largest. So, do you have what it takes to catch one? Kids who catch their first fish on Lake Guntersville will be rewarded through our First Catch program.
  • Evening: Catch one of our famous sunsets for your last night in town. The lodge at Lake Guntersville State Park has the best views for miles.

Day Five: Farewell

  • After packing up the car, head into town to grab breakfast at Homecoming and Company. It is a local place that sources local ingredients for the best meals. 

Looking for more things to do? Head over to our website for more fun spots to see, delicious restaurants and our event calendar.