The night after Thanksgiving, you can follow a candlelight walking tour through one of the most storied Civil War towns in America. That beats arguing over the last slice of pie.
The rest of my list gets delightfully odd. One stop is a Pennsylvania arcade full of Pac-Man and Donkey Kong cabinets.
Another is a 19th-century mansion that now hosts a tasting room and seasonal festivals.
I love that a single holiday weekend can hold all of that. There’s even a surreal art attraction where people get lost in puzzles and strange rooms for hours.
A casino on a riverfront stays open around the clock, too.
So why spend Friday stuck on the couch with cold stuffing? The grown-ups deserve a little adventure after cooking and cleaning all week.
Which of these would you sneak away to first?
1. Rivers Casino
Turkey comas don’t stand a chance against the sound of a craps table. Rivers Casino sits on Pittsburgh’s North Shore and stays open 24 hours a day.
That round-the-clock schedule is a big deal on a holiday weekend. Most places shut early on Thanksgiving, but this one keeps the lights on.
You’ll find slots, craps, poker, and other table games on the floor. It’s a 21-and-over gaming space, so you can leave the cousins’ kids at home.
Not into gambling? Several restaurants give you somewhere to eat that isn’t Grandma’s dining room.
Live entertainment adds another reason to stop by. Check the schedule before you go, since shows change through the season.
Friday and Saturday evenings tend to be the busiest stretches. If you’d rather have elbow room, aim for an earlier visit or a later weekday.
Parking is easy to sort out, which matters after a big meal. There’s a free garage, a free lot, a paid lot, and valet parking.
Free Wi-Fi is available too, handy for texting the family that you’re “running an errand.” Nobody needs to know the errand involves poker chips.
The location is part of the fun as well. Pittsburgh’s North Shore puts you right along the river, close to the city’s stadium district.
Set a budget before you walk in, and stick to it. A good holiday outing should end with stories, not regrets.
Address: 777 Casino Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
2. Tröegs Independent Brewing
Hershey is famous for chocolate, but one of its most fun adult outings happens down the road from the candy. Tröegs Independent Brewing sits on Hersheypark Drive and welcomes visitors for tours.
You can pick a self-guided tour or a guided one. The self-guided route lets you wander at your own pace, which is perfect for slow post-turkey legs.
Guided tours add a storyteller to the mix. You’ll get the behind-the-scenes view of how a big production space actually runs.
After the tour, the snack bar steps in. The menu leans toward elevated American food rather than basic bar snacks.
The Oktoberfest Pretzel is a crowd favorite for good reason. It’s big, salty, and made for sharing, or not, depending on your mood.
Want something to graze on? The Tröegs Charcuterie Plate gives you a mix of nibbles that feels a bit fancy without trying too hard.
Timing matters here. Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons get busy, so an earlier arrival makes for a calmer visit.
Regular hours run 11 AM to 10 PM on Friday and Saturday, and 11 AM to 9 PM on Sunday. Holiday weekends can shift things, so check ahead.
Parking is free, with an on-site lot and street spots nearby. That makes it easy to pair with other Hershey stops on the same day.
Bring a friend who loves learning how things are made. You’ll both leave with fresh trivia for the next family dinner.
Address: 200 Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033
3. Barley Creek Brewing & Distilling Company
A fireplace, a trivia night, and a bowl of French onion soup sound like a solid Saturday plan. Barley Creek Brewing & Distilling Company in Tannersville delivers that combo in the Pocono Mountains.
The food here is classic pub fare with a mountain-town feel. French Onion Soup, Fried Pickles, and Fish & Chips all show up on the menu.
Hungry for something heartier? The pulled pork sandwich is a strong pick after a chilly walk around the Poconos.
Weekend mornings bring brunch hours too. The doors open at 9 AM on Saturday and Sunday, so you can start the day early.
Game lovers will feel right at home. Bar games, trivia night, and live music keep the room lively.
When the weather cooperates, a seasonal outdoor area offers bocce, Wiffle ball, and horseshoes. Late November can be hit or miss, so bring a jacket and keep expectations flexible.
Reservations are accepted, which is a smart move on a holiday weekend. Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons tend to fill up fast.
Dogs are allowed outside, so your four-legged buddy can tag along. There’s also a private dining room if you’re wrangling a bigger group.
Regular hours run until 10:30 PM on Friday and Saturday. Sunday wraps up at 9:30 PM.
Parking is free and usually plentiful. That’s one less thing to worry about after a long week of hosting.
Address: 1774 Sullivan Trail, Tannersville, PA 18372
4. Mark Nesbitt’s Ghosts of Gettysburg Candlelight Walking Tours
Gettysburg after dark hits differently than Gettysburg at noon. This candlelight walking tour leads you past the town’s famously haunted landmarks.
The headquarters sits right on Baltimore Street. That’s where your group meets before heading out into the evening.
Guides here are known for strong storytelling. The tours blend real history with a healthy dose of spooky.
That balance is the secret sauce. You’ll learn about the town’s Civil War past while wondering what just moved in that window.
Is it scary? It’s more spine-tingling fun than full-on fright, so even nervous friends can join.
Regular hours run 4 to 8 PM on Friday and Saturday. Thursday opens at 5 PM, while Sunday through Wednesday the office is closed.
Buying tickets in advance is a smart idea. Holiday weekends bring extra visitors to Gettysburg, and tours can fill up.
Dress for a November night in Pennsylvania. You’ll be on your feet outdoors, so layers and comfy shoes are your best friends.
There’s no restaurant at the tour office. Grab dinner in town before or after, and swap theories about what you heard.
The best part might be the conversation afterward. Few family gatherings produce stories like a ghost walk does.
Pair it with a daytime stroll around town for a full history-packed day. Then let the candlelight finish things off.
Address: 271 Baltimore St, Gettysburg, PA 17325
5. Barcade
Remember dropping quarters into Pac-Man at the mall? Barcade in Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood brings that thrill back for grown-ups.
Vintage video games line the room. Pac-Man and Donkey Kong are part of the lineup, and the competition gets real fast.
This is a spot built for adults who never stopped loving games. It’s casual, a little trendy, and very good for groups.
Food helps keep your energy up between rounds. Quesadillas are on the menu, along with a selection of hot drinks like Irish coffee for cold nights.
Service works at the bar rather than at the table. Order, grab your snacks, and get back to defending your high score.
Reservations aren’t accepted, so just show up. Saturday night is the busiest time, while weekday afternoons are much calmer.
Regular hours start at noon Friday through Sunday. The doors stay open until 2 AM, which is perfect for night owls.
Fishtown itself is worth exploring before you play. The neighborhood is packed with shops and eateries to wander through.
Parking is a mix of free and paid street spots. Give yourself a few extra minutes to find one on a busy weekend.
Bring the friend who always bragged about their Donkey Kong skills. Thanksgiving weekend is the perfect time to settle that old argument.
Address: 1114 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
6. Wind Creek Bethlehem
Shopping, gaming, and a pool all under one roof make Black Friday a lot more flexible. Wind Creek Bethlehem packs a casino, an outlet mall, and an event center into one Lehigh Valley property.
The outlet mall is a big draw this weekend. You can knock out some holiday shopping without bouncing between towns.
Then comes the gaming floor. It offers a wide variety of games, so there’s something for both the slots fan and the table player.
Dining is another strength here. Several choices cover different tastes, which helps when your group can’t agree on anything.
The event center hosts shows and performances. Check the calendar, since a concert could turn your weekend into a real night out.
Staying over? The property includes a pool, a rare treat in late November.
Free Wi-Fi keeps you connected while you plan your next move. It’s handy for checking deals or sending vacation photos to jealous relatives.
Wind Creek operates as a busy resort through holiday weekends. Expect energy and crowds, especially in the evenings.
Bethlehem itself is a fun Pennsylvania town to explore. Its holiday spirit runs deep, and it’s an easy drive from much of the region.
Plan a game budget and a shopping budget separately. Keeping them apart makes the whole trip more relaxing.
Address: 77 Wind Creek Blvd, Bethlehem, PA 18015
7. Mount Hope Estate
A 19th-century mansion in Lancaster County is not where most folks expect a holiday tasting outing. Mount Hope Estate in Manheim makes that combo feel completely natural.
The mansion hosts a shop and a tasting room. Tastings are free, which is a pleasant surprise after a pricey week of groceries.
The selection is large and leans local. You’ll also find fun extras like lemonade and mead-style offerings on the shelves.
History lovers will enjoy simply being on the grounds. The estate’s old mansion adds charm that newer shops can’t fake.
The property is also known for festivals throughout the year. Keep an eye on the event calendar for future trips too.
Staff are friendly and happy to walk you through the options. That’s helpful if you’re shopping for a gift and feeling lost.
Speaking of gifts, this is a handy stop for holiday presents. Bottles here are moderately priced, so you can shop without stress.
Regular hours run 11 AM to 5 PM, Wednesday through Sunday. The shop is closed Monday and Tuesday.
Saturday afternoon is the busiest time. Weekday visits, including Friday, tend to be quieter.
The rural setting makes the drive part of the fun. Lancaster County farmland looks lovely in late fall, with wide open views along the way.
Address: 2775 Lebanon Rd, Manheim, PA 17545
8. Chaddsford Winery
The Brandywine Valley looks like a painting in late fall, and Chaddsford Winery sits right in the middle of it. This pioneering estate is a favorite stop for grown-up outings in Chadds Ford.
Tastings are the main event here. The estate is especially known for its sweet styles, which make for crowd-pleasing holiday gifts.
But there’s more going on than sampling. The property hosts food fairs and live music throughout the year.
Live music on a Friday night after Thanksgiving? That sounds like a better plan than reheated mashed potatoes.
Got a dog who needs an outing too? Dogs are allowed inside, which is rare and very welcome.
Regular hours stretch until 9 PM on Friday and Saturday. Sunday runs from 11 AM to 6 PM.
Saturday afternoon into the evening is the busiest window. If you prefer quiet, aim for an earlier slot.
The location makes a fun day trip easy. Chadds Ford sits along Baltimore Pike, close to other Brandywine Valley attractions.
Bring a friend who loves scenic drives. The back roads of this area are a treat in themselves.
Shopping for a host gift for upcoming parties? This is a smart place to cross that off your list while having fun.
Check the events calendar before you go. Special weekends can add extra entertainment to your visit.
Address: 632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19317
9. Mazza Vineyards
Way up in the northwest corner of the state, grape country stretches along the shores of Lake Erie. Mazza Vineyards has been part of that landscape since 1972.
That’s more than 50 years of experience in one spot. Few places on this list can match that kind of staying power.
The estate calls itself Pennsylvania’s Premier Winery. It blends the art and science of its craft, and it shows in the care taken here.
Tasting flights are offered seven days a week. That’s great news for a holiday weekend, when many places shorten their schedules.
Regular hours run 9 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Saturday. Sunday hours are shorter, from noon to 4:30 PM.
Saturday afternoon is the busiest time. Morning visits are usually quieter, so early birds get more space.
The North East area is beautiful in late fall. Driving along East Lake Road gives you sweeping farm views and a peek at lake country.
Planning a northern Pennsylvania road trip? This makes an easy anchor stop for a relaxing day away from the leftovers.
Bottles make great holiday gifts for friends and coworkers. You can shop and sample in one stop.
Bring a designated driver and a sense of adventure. Lake Erie weather can change quickly in November, so dress for wind.
Address: 11815 E Lake Rd, North East, PA 16428
10. Big Spring Spirits
Green building fans, this one’s for you. Big Spring Spirits in Bellefonte holds the title of first LEED-certified distillery in Pennsylvania.
LEED certification is a big deal in the building world. It recognizes projects designed with energy and environmental care in mind.
The address alone sparks curiosity. Match Factory Place hints at the area’s industrial past, which adds character to your visit.
Inside, the tasting room serves food along with its house-made lineup. It’s a relaxed spot to unwind after a busy holiday week.
Bellefonte is a lovely Central PA town to explore. Its historic streets make a fun stroll before or after your stop.
Regular hours run 3 to 10 PM on Friday and noon to 10 PM on Saturday. Sunday wraps up at 8 PM.
Thursday and Friday evenings tend to be the busiest. Saturday nights are surprisingly calm, which is great if you dislike crowds.
Bottle sales are also available, and they start earlier on weekdays. That’s handy for picking up a gift for a host.
Parking is free, with both a lot and street spots. No circling the block needed.
Penn State is close by, so this makes a nice add-on to a State College trip. Football fans visiting for the weekend can easily swing by.
Address: 198 Match Factory Place, Bellefonte, PA 16823
11. Otherworld Philadelphia
Ever wanted to step into a strange alternate universe for an afternoon? Otherworld Philadelphia makes that wish surprisingly easy.
This Northeast Philly attraction is filled with large-scale interactive art installations. The rooms are surreal, colorful, and delightfully weird.
What sets it apart is the story behind it. Lore and puzzles tie the rooms together, so curious minds can dig deep.
Some visitors spend hours getting lost in it. You can breeze through or slow down and solve the mysteries.
It’s a mind-bending outing that works great for adults. Kids enjoy it too, but grown-ups will appreciate the puzzles most.
Tickets should be bought in advance. Timed entry is required, especially on busy weekends.
Saturday and Sunday afternoons draw the biggest crowds. Weekday visits and Friday daytime are often quieter.
Regular hours run until 10 PM on Friday and Saturday. Sunday opens at 10 AM and closes at 7 PM.
There’s no restaurant on site, so eat before you go. You’ll want energy for all that exploring.
The space is LGBTQ+ friendly and includes gender-neutral restrooms. A free parking lot makes the trip simple.
Bring a friend who loves riddles and odd art. Thanksgiving weekend is the perfect time to trade small talk for something unforgettable.
Address: 2500 Grant Ave #1, Philadelphia, PA 19114
