Around here, the holidays dont mean crowded dining rooms or long drives — it means open water, good weather, and time spent with your favorite crew.
Whether your family’s in town from up north or you’re just looking for a quiet way to unwind over the long weekend, there’s no better way to spend it than on the boat.
(Gulf Stream Boat Club will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day so our team can enjoy the holiday with their families — but we’ll have the fleet ready before and after.)
Making the Most of a Holiday Weekend on the Water
Thanksgiving week is one of Florida’s best-kept secrets — cooler mornings, calm water, and sunsets that seem to last a little longer.
It’s the perfect setup for slow cruising, sandbar picnics, or simply dropping anchor and watching the world go by.
Here are a few of our favorite ways to celebrate the season, GBC-style:
1. Pick Your Kind of Day
Every family’s got their version of perfect — and with your membership, you can choose the boat (and the vibe) that fits.
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Pontoon: Ideal for groups and family gatherings with plenty of room to spread out.
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Dual Console: Great for cruising and comfortable dining with a little protection from the breeze.
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Center Console: Perfect if your crew likes to start the day fishing before the feast begins.
Not sure what fits best? The dock crew’s always happy to point you in the right direction.
2. Keep the Menu Simple
No ovens, no stress. A good boat picnic is about easy food that travels well and tastes even better in the sun.
Try this lineup:
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Turkey sliders or wraps
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Pasta salad, slaw, or roasted veggies
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Pumpkin pie bites or cookies
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Sparkling cider or a seasonal cocktail in insulated mugs
Use compostable plates and napkins, pack a few trash bags, and keep it simple. The less cleanup, the longer you get to float.
If you’d rather skip the packing, many local dockside spots are open Thanksgiving week — ask the crew for recommendations before you head out.
3. Add Some Holiday Touches
A few small details can make the day feel festive without adding extra work:
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Mini pumpkins or fall-colored napkins
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A good playlist (think easy classics and tropical favorites)
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A quick gratitude game — one thing each person’s thankful for before you hit the throttle
And don’t forget the camera — late-fall sunsets on the water are about as close to magic as it gets.
4. Relax, Reflect, and Let the Day Unfold
The beauty of spending your holiday on the water is that there’s nothing to rush.
You can drift, talk, nap, fish, or just sit in the quiet — no phones, no traffic, no schedule.
It’s the kind of Thanksgiving that reminds you what the holiday’s really about: slowing down, being present, and enjoying where you are.
At Gulf Stream, we’re grateful every day for our Members — for the families, friends, and generations who make the docks feel like home.
Thank you for letting us be part of your year on the water.
Here’s to calm seas, good company, and a holiday spent exactly where you want to be.
