Mmmm! Thanksgiving for me brings back such warm and savory memories of Grandmom, Mom, and Aunts in the kitchen for hours, preparing classic dishes of turkey and gravy, homemade mashed potatoes, homemade dressing, and if that wasn't enough starch, sweet potato mash with little marshmellows on top too (yes, I'm from the South). The men were always gathered around the TV, watching whatever football they could find, usually a college bowl game. We cousins would be wildly running around, inside and out, and would inevitably receive the occasional "don't slam the door!" Aaah, Thanksgiving.
As an adult, however, those Thanksgiving meals can definitly seem more daunting. Whether you just want to make this Thanksgiving less stressful, or you may have just a couple of people together, and don't want to prepare a large meal, there are many options around Naples.
If you would like to order a Thanksgiving meal and eat it in the comfort of a home, three specialty grocery stores can provide an almost homemade taste:
Naples Specialty Grocery Stores Serving Thanksgiving Meals
1. Wynn's Market in Olde Naples, on US41 at 1st Ave N. They offer classic Thanksgiving meals as well as specialty selections such as Berkshire Pork Rib Chops and Crown Roast of Lamb. There is still time to place your order, but don't hesitate too long. Orders need to be in by Monday, November 25th, and can be picked up on Wednesday, November 27th between 11 - 3pm.
2. The Fresh Market in the Park Shores area, also on US41 at Old Trail Drive is another specialty grocery store that can simplify your Thanksgiving in delicious ways. Although their site states that online orders have ended for Thanksgiving, you can still call the store directly and place orders until Monday, November 25th.
3. In North Naples, Whole Foods Market in the Mercato offers high quality natural and organic choices. Their Thanksgiving orders need to be in by Sunday evening, November 24th, and you may pick up your meal up to 12pm on Thanksgiving day.
If you would prefer to go out to enjoy your Thanksgiving meal, here are some choices:
Naples Hotels Serving Thanksgiving Feasts
LaPlaya Beach & Golf Club
Gulf Shore Drive in Vanderbilt Beach
4 to 7 p.m.
$59 per person/Half price for children ages 5-12/free for children 4 and under
Call 239-254-5008 for reservations
Waldorf Astoria
Seagate Drive, just beside Clam's Pass beach entrance
11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
$85 per person/$42 per child under 12
Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club
Gulf Shore Boulevard North in Coquina Sands
Noon to 5 p.m.
$60 per person/$20 per child ages 6-12/free for children 5 and under
Call 239-435-4348 or 239-261-2222 for reservations
Two-Course Lunch Special at HB’s on the Gulf
11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
$26 per person
Three-Course Dinner Special at HB’s on the Gulf
5 to 10 p.m.
$38 per person
Ritz-Carlton Naples
Vanderbilt Beach Road
Seatings: 11 a.m.-Noon, 2:30-3:30 p.m., 6:30-7:15 p.m.
$139 per person/$59 per child
The Grill Restaurant
5 to 10 p.m.
$175 per person
Call 239-598-6644 for reservations
Hilton Naples
Four-Course Dinner at Shula’s Steak House on US41 at Pine Ridge Road
$59.95 per person
Edgewater Beach Hotel
Gulf Shore Boulevard North in the Moorings
4 to 9 p.m.
$68 per person
Naples Restaurants Serving Thanksgiving Dishes
The Capital Grille
Mercato Drive
$36 per person/$15 per child
Chez Boet French Restaurant
755 12th Ave S
4 to 9 p.m.
$26.95 per person/$13.95 for children 12 & under
McCormick & Schmick's
Strada Place, in the Mercato
Season's 52
8930 Tamiami Trail N, beside the Mercato
Naples Princess
Cruise Naples waters, Port Royal and the Gulf of Mexico in air-conditioned comfort and luxury on the 105 foot Naples Princess.
Two Cruises: Thursday, November 28, 2013
Early Dinner: 12-2:00pm
Sunset Dinner: 4:45-6:45pm