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Community Corner

Young Life in an Old Town: Where to Dine Out for Thanksgiving

A round up of "takeout turkey" options and restaurants that are open on the biggest eating day of the year.

If the stress of preparing Thanksgiving dinner is keeping you up at night, there’s no need to panic. Old Town is filled with options to help you celebrate the big day without basting, sifting, or marinating anything.

I know that there are cooks, such as my wonderful mother, who revel in the ritual of creating the menu, making the big grocery trip, and the pre-dawn turkey preparations. Growing up, our annual Thanksgiving tradition included football watching and lots and lots of cooking, resulting in the best macaroni and cheese you have ever tasted, but for those of us who would rather make reservations than make their own gravy, Old Town is full of possibilities!

Takeout turkey and trimmings:

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Their holiday menu features traditional Thanksgiving food. A meal that feeds 6-8 people begins at $139.

Find out what's happening in Old Town Alexandriawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

One of my favorite spots in Old Town for a quick bite on-the-go, fantastic mini cupcakes, and wonderful catering is offering a Thanksgiving catering menu.   A roasted turkey dinner and side dishes that serves 6-10 people begins at $135.

The good folks at the Butcher’s Block have put together an amazing Thanksgiving menu including traditional turkey as well as Beef Wellington, Pancetta Roast, and Kentucky Derby Pie. Order a little or a lot from their a la carte menu to supplement or complete your meal. Go ahead and take all the credit! The cutoff for Thanksgiving orders is Thursday Nov. 17.

A full Thanksgiving catering menu is available, and begins at $179 for 10-14 people

Their menu begins at $ 120 for turkey and all the trimmings to feed 6-8 people. There are also options for vegan meals.

Just dessert…

If you have the turkey under control but need some help with
dessert, creates amazing seasonal pies!


Make a reservation

If the idea of heating and serving is still too much, why not consider dining out for the holidays? I think it’s nice to have a little special ambiance for special meals, and there are some wonderful spots in Old Town that deliver both.

This  warm and cozy dining room would be a wonderful spot for a grown up holiday dinner for two or for a discerning group of foodies who would never consider serving canned cranberry sauce. Their fixed price Thanksgiving menu begins at $78.

I love the Chart House in the winter! With fireplaces and beautiful water views, this is a nice spot for a special meal. They will offer a traditional turkey dinner for $26.99 per person in addition to the regular menu.

Gadsby’s offers a fixed price or buffet menu depending on which seating you choose. and the historic decor makes it a fun and educational place for a holiday meal with kids.

Mount Vernon Inn

Along the same lines at Gadsby’s, why not surround yourself with history as long as we are celebrating the history of our country? Take a beautiful drive down the parkway and revel in the fact that you are not driving on the highway to visit relatives. The restaurant is located next to the gift shop on the grounds of the estate and they offer a Thanksgiving buffet.

After reading all of these menus, I am ready for pumpkin pie. Whether you are cooking, making reservations, or hitting the road, I hope you have a wonderful meal in the company of your nearest and dearest.

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