What You Need to Know about Thanksgiving in Staunton 

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Thanksgiving is a lot of work! Not only does it require days of planning, shopping, and cooking, but all those dishes don’t just magically clean themselves. Or do they? Why not let someone else prepare (and clean up after) the Thanksgiving meal for you? Here’s how to go out for dinner or order ahead at least part of the feast. You’ll have plenty of time to think about your holiday shopping plans, so we’ve included a guide for that, too!

Sit Down Meals

• Hungry? Hotel 24 South is preparing a gourmet feast for its Thanksgiving brunch buffet. Start with a spread of regional cheeses, smoked salmon, black tiger shrimp, cranberry compote and assorted salads. Next, head to the action stations for roast turkey, prime rib with pan jus and horseradish cream, or pork loin. Fill your plate with sides like smashed potatoes, autumn root vegetables, cornbread stuffing, and Jefferson spoonbread. If you have room, there’s a choice of desserts like pie and cheesecake. No time to cook on Black Friday? Head back for the daily breakfast buffet the next morning!
• Ubon Thai Victorian Restaurant Inn will celebrate Thai Loy Kratong and Thanksgiving with a special buffet, “American Fair with Thai Flair.”
• Repeatedly voted one of the best buffets in the Valley, Hometown Grill and Buffet is open on Thanksgiving, serving a special version of its tasty, homestyle buffet.
• Winner of a Best in Virginia Award, Kathy’s Restaurant has been a Staunton institution since 1986. Kathy’s is open on Thanksgiving serving tasty comfort food and all-day breakfast. 

Order Ahead Options

• Enjoy the easiest Thanksgiving ever when you order from the a la carte menu at Seed to Tail Kitchen. Between now and November 22, you can order from the a la carte menu in any amount or combination your gathering requires. Choose turkey or roast pork loin and mix and match sides like stuffing, mashed sweet potatoes, butternut squash soup, dinner rolls, apple pie, and much more. All food is precooked with simple reheat instructions. Cut down on packaging and have them fill your own to-go or serving dishes when you pick up the food.

• Don’t run your oven all day: Big Red Barbecue can help with your meat. Call ahead to preorder turkey, ham, and pulled pork with all the trimmings. With the heavy lifting done, all you need to worry about are the sides and the dessert! 
• Order desserts like cookies, cheesecakes, and Thanksgiving pies from Magdalena Bake through November 24. No matter how big the meal, your guests will save room for pecan and pumpkin pie or chocolate torte! You can also preorder empanadas and savory pies if you want to serve something a little different.
• You can also put the finishing touches on your meal at home with one (or several) of Mrs. Rowe’s delicious pies. Call (540) 886-1833 for information.
• Skip the prep and serve a hot Thanksgiving dinner with Cracker Barrel’s help. Heat n’ Serve Feast and Family Dinners to-go offer mouth-watering meals designed to feed a variety of gathering sizes. You can also pick and choose sides from the a la carte menu. 

Decorate Like a Pro

• Get ingredients for your dishes and decorations for the table at the Staunton Farmers’ Market in the Wharf parking lot this weekend. It is the final regular market of the season.

• Level up your curb appeal. Expert florists will provide the supplies and the instructional know-how at Harmony Harvest Farm’s Holiday Wreath Workshops on November 29th and 30th.

Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and More

Make sure to shop downtown Staunton on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Here’s our shopping guide to all sorts of unique products and wonderful customer service. Our downtown shops are filled with great deals and holiday cheer and some merchants may offer discounts and refreshments. You’ll support locally-owned businesses, make a dent in your holiday shopping, and burn those Thanksgiving calories at the same time! 

• Sanaa Design Studios is open 9 – 6 pm on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday and is offering 20% off all artwork.
• Relax Therapeutic Massage LLC is open 9 – 6 pm on Black Friday and offering 10% off of gift certificates and 20% off on retail. Join them for an event on Sunday, December 1 from 1 – 4 pm featuring vendors, free chair massages, skincare consultations, raffles, free food, and discounts.
• Heifetz Music Shop will be open from 10 am – 7 pm and offering specials and discounts on select items for Black Friday.
• Look for discounts at Sole Focus Running, which is open from 10:30 am – 5 pm on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.

• Keep your spirits and energy levels high: Crucible Coffee Roasters will be open from 7 am – 5pm  on Black Friday. On Small Business Saturday, stop in for a Limited Barista Pick Candied Ginger Matcha Fizz!
• Stop to refresh at Marino’s Lunch, which will be open from 8 am – 10 pm, with daily offerings and happy hour specials from 3:30 – 5:30.

• Browse Staunton Augusta Art Center’s Arts for Gifts and treat the people you love to something truly special this year. You’ll find one-of-a-kind paintings, stained glass, textiles, and jewelry, as well as seasonal cards, ornaments, and much more. Ongoing through December 31.

• Take some time to relax during the holiday rush with an overnight stay or a spa treatment at the Blackburn Inn. The Blackburn Black Friday Deal discounts select packages like the Sip, Stay & Explore and the Dog on the Go package. Use code: SAVE20.

• The Valley Mission provides boxed Thanksgiving meals and other support to eligible families. If you’d like to help during the holiday season, you can make donations, shop for gifts, and much more. 

Fresh Air

• Get outside on Thanksgiving morning to benefit a great cause! The 13th annual Valley Children’s Advocacy Center’s Turkey Trot kicks off at 9 am. The event features a 5K race and a 1-mile fun run/walk.
• Stretch your legs and foster some screen-free family togetherness with a nice winter hike from our list of area hikes for beginners. Take in the views and take some last-minute photos for your holiday cards. 

• Sharpen your blades and find your cute holiday sweaters,  because the 2024 skating season at Generations Park in Bridgewater starts on Thanksgiving Day. Welcome winter by practicing your triple axels, Salchows, or just trying to circle the rink without landing on your butt!
• Celebrate the holidays and Staunton’s community spirit at Staunton’s “A Timeless Christmas” parade on Monday, December 2. The parade starts at 7 pm and winds through downtown. Instead of heading straight home afterwards, cruise through Gypsy Hill Park to enjoy the 19th annual Celebration of Holiday Lights (through January 1, 2025).

• Get your tickets for the Holiday Lantern Tours at the Frontier Culture Museum. Decorated houses in the museum’s Old World section host heartwarming and comedic holiday skits.Warm up with apple cider and cookies.

Have the best Thanksgiving ever!