Magical Maine Thanksgiving Getaways If You’re Looking to Get Out of Town but Not the State

Tripping.com has come up with some suggestions if you are looking to get out of town, but not out of state for Thanksgiving.

When it comes to being a tourist in your own state, try to overlook the obvious now and then. Of course Portland and Kennebunkport made the list, but so did Saco, Bath and Waterville.

Sometimes it just takes a fresh set of eyes to see what's right in front of us.

Tripping.com offered nine suggestions, they are:

1. Portland- Goings on include the epic Portland-Deering football game and the annual Portland Thanksgiving 4-miler. Thanksgiving weekend includes the tree lighting ceremony, Christmas carolers, Cinnamon Bear Holiday Cruises and "The Nutcracker" performed by The Maine State Ballet. Vacation rentals in So.Po. are super inexpensive and get you close to The Savage Family Turkey Trot.
2. Rockland- The breathtaking Owls Head Lighthouse would be a great place to explore after your Thanksgiving meal. The Penobscot YMCA hosts the Turkey Trot 5K with a pancake breakfast after. Their weekend features the Festival of Lights with the world's largest Christmas tree made of lobster traps. Santa arrives in a lobster boat Friday night and there's a gingerbread house display on Main Street. Rockland has all the makings of a favorite Hallmark Christmas movie.
3. Kennebunkport- The restaurants are all dolled up and the menus will amaze you. Kennebunkport pulls out all the stops and makes a great date destination for a couple looking to get out of town for a little romance with their Thanksgiving lobster. Kennebunkport's Christmas Prelude begins over the weekend with plenty of shopping to help you work off the pecan pie. Other highlights include the Annual Hat Parade, candlelight caroling and the Christmas Stroll.
4. Bath- This family friendly spot also has an annual Turkey Trot. Same day registration makes a last minute decision to run not a big deal. Over the weekend downtown comes alive with Bath's Old Fashioned Christmas event. Santa lights the Christmas tree and he and Mrs. Claus visit with the kids.
5. Bethel- It's not just for skiing. Kick back after taking part in their Wobble and Gobble 5k Walk/Run. The scenery is spectacular and kid friendly too. If you're in town don't miss The Bethel Inn Resort's Grand Thanksgiving Buffet. The weekend begins the Country Christmas with the Local Craft and Wares Fair.
6. Saco- Charming. Saco is just charming. The Turkey Trot caters to the entire family with everything from the Tot Trot to a full-on 10K. The costumes are amazing so make sure you throw your inhibitions to the wind and join the fun, plus there are prizes for best costume. On Friday, visit The Festival of Trees at Dyer Library. It's a memorable event for kiddos and will provide you with much holiday decorating inspiration.
7. York- There is so much gorgeous history to be experienced in the downtown and harbor areas as you run through during the Turkey Trot 5K. Saturday evening is the lighting of the Nubble Light House in Cape Neddick. Santa visits Sohier Park after to take in the live music and to listen to Christmas wishes.
8. Waterville- This was another surprise destination to me, but Waterville does it up. Work up an appetite during their Thanksgiving Turkey Run that offers 5k and 10k routes. The weekend brings the Parade of Lights which kicks off their annual Kringleville Celebration. It's a super family friendly event and each child that visits Santa and Mrs. Clause gets a free book.
9. Bar Harbor- Truly breathtaking scenery with the Thanksgiving morning Cadillac Mountain Sport Series Turkey Trot. The weekend rings in the holiday vibe with the Island Arts Association's annual Holiday Craft Fair. The shopping continues with the Village Holidays and Midnight Madness Sale for late night shopping deals with Santa.