If you haven’t already made your Thanksgiving plans, why not consider letting someone else do all the work this year? There are multiple restaurants and resorts around the Northwest offering to do just that, and many offer the perfect excuse for a fun holiday getaway too.
Eugene and the Willamette Valley, Oregon
In Eugene, the SweetWaters on the River at the Valley River Inn offers a lavish Thanksgiving buffet that includes a carving station with prime rib and ham, as well as roasted turkey, roasted duck, salmon and a long list of holiday favorites, many of which have a Northwest twist. Plus you’ll be able to dine while enjoying a panoramic view of the Willamette River. Over the weekend, pop over to the Willamette Valley, which hosts Wine Country Thanksgiving festivities, with over 150 wineries open for special tastings, pairings and events.
Meadows at the Lodge, Bend
Bend is a mecca for outdoor adventure, and it’s also home to the Lodge at Sunriver Resort. It offers an “Oregonian” Thanksgiving dinner, with items like slowly braised turkey roulade and slow roasted prime rib, an autumnal apple sage stuffing, whipped Yukon gold potatoes and Yorkshire pudding. Delectable desert options include pumpkin cinnamon panna cotta, pecan bourbon caramel pie, and even chocolate s’mores.
The London Grill, Portland
If you’re looking for a city escape, or already live in Portland, you might want to head to the elegant and historic Benson Hotel. It hosts The London Grill which will feature a three-course dinner for Thanksgiving, including free-range turkey with braised dark meat, seared salmon or grilled New York Strip steak.
Coho Restaurant and The Mansion Restaurant, San Juan Island
The San Juan Islands are one of the Northwest’s top getaways, and on San Juan Island, you can enjoy a five-course Thanksgiving dinner with an optional five-wine pairing that includes all the usual fixings and then some at Coho Restaurant. The Mansion Restaurant at Rosario Resort offers a fabulous Thanksgiving buffet from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thanksgiving Day. The islands are beautiful all year round, and with late November considered a shoulder season, you won’t have to worry about the crowds. If rain hits, just enjoy the view with a good glass of vino, or take in indoor attractions like the the Whale Museum, shopping in independent boutiques, and browsing the art galleries.
The Fireside Restaurant and Inn at Port Ludlow, Port Ludlow
Tucked into the west end of the Resort at Port Ludlow, the Fireside Restaurant offers waterfront dining and takes farm-to-table dining to a whole new level. Executive Chef Dan Ratigan uses local produce, meats, fish and artisan foods, and also takes advantage of seasonal bounties to create unforgettable dishes, and there’s no exception when it comes to its famous Thanksgiving dinner. This year’s theme is “Intentional Leftovers Tradition,” you come for a family-style meal, and leave with “intentional leftovers.” The main course, served family style, includes a SpringRain whole roasted organic turkey, herbed sausage and sage stuffing, mashed Yukon gold potatoes with gravy, orange glazed Dharma Ridge sweet potatoes, creamed sweet corn, cranberry compote and Pane d’Amore Parker House rolls. Traditional pumpkin pie is served for dessert.
Alderbrook Resort and Spa, Hood Canal
The Alderbrook Resort & Spa in Hood Canal hosts a restaurant showcasing locally harvested seafood, with delectable creations like Dungeness crab cakes and tiny sweet oysters. It also serves up a delicious Thanksgiving meal, where you can except local favorites mixed with traditional favorites for an unforgettable feast. The spa features a variety of indulgent treatments and massage to help you create an especially relaxing holiday.
Sun Valley, Idaho
How about a little skiing to burn off all of those Thanksgiving calories? The holiday marks the official kick-off to Sun Valley, Idaho’s winter season and includes a host of activities, like ice shows, rail jam exhibitions, and a Thanksgiving buffet with all the traditional fixings at Sun Valley Resort. Afterward, you can look forward to hiking or snowshoeing, ice skating, skiing and boarding. Special packages that include lodging, lift tickets and the buffet are available at Sun Valley Lodge and Sun Valley Inn.