As we head into the colder months, health officials across the country continue to warn about an uptick in COVID-19 cases. This is especially concerning as we approach the holiday season, which is normally a time for family gatherings, quality time and shared meals.
This Thanksgiving is already shaping up to be an interesting one. The beloved Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which normally draws around 3.5 million people to the streets of Manhattan, will not allow any spectators this year. Big retailers like Walmart, Target and Best Buy are closing their doors on Thursday to prevent early Black Friday crowds.
Dr. Anthony Fauci told CBS Evening News that big Thanksgiving gatherings should be avoided this year. He said his own children, who live in three different states, will not be coming home this year in an effort to help protect his health.
Dr. Fauci advised Americans to evaluate the status of cases across the country and to consider members of the family that may be at risk due to their age or an underlying condition.
In Pennsylvania, Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine is recommending residents keep their Thanksgiving celebrations to just those in their household. “That’s a tremendous sacrifice that we’re asking people to make, but it is absolutely necessary at this challenging time,” she said in late October.
If the weather is bearable, you could do an outdoor Thanksgiving gathering (Lancaster County Magazine explored the idea of a scaled-down, outdoor meal back in 2006).
Regardless of how you end up celebrating, local restaurants across the county are taking orders for Thanksgiving feasts. If you rather leave the cooking – and dishes – to someone else, support one of these local restaurants.
John Wright Restaurant is offering 4-person and 8-person dinners for pickup on Wednesday, November 25, from 3-6 p.m. The meal includes roast turkey, all of the fixings and pumpkin pie. Orders must be placed and paid in full by November 20. Call 717-252-1103 to order.
Hess’s BBQ & Catering has a take-out holiday menu. Choose two meats, three salads and two hot sides from their holiday menu for $18.65 per person. The meal also includes rolls, desserts, beverages and tableware. Call 717-464-3374 to order.
Eat in-person or order take-out from The Log Cabin Restaurant. Visit from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to dine from their special Thanksgiving menu. For take-out, choose from their various-sized turkeys and sides, including stuffing, yams, Brussels sprouts, autumn vegetables and more. To order, contact Peg Bragg at 717-626-9999 or mbragg@logcabin1933.com. Orders must be placed three days before Thanksgiving.
Cork and Cap Restaurant will also be hosting a dine-in Thanksgiving meal from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. They will also have a take-out option. Order your “Turkey To Go” before 9 p.m. on Saturday, November 21, for pickup on November 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 717-735-2025 to order or reserve your table.
Cameron Estate Inn & Restaurant will host a Thanksgiving brunch and dinner. Brunch will begin at noon and their last seating for dinner will be at 5 p.m. The dinner includes a four-course meal with the choice between four different entrées. Be sure to make a reservation by calling 717-492-0111.
Lititz Family Cupboard Restaurant & Buffet is offering a family-style Thanksgiving meal from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meals are priced at $23.99 for adults and $11.99 for children under the age of 11. Seating is limited so be sure to make a reservation by calling 717-626-9102. Take-out is also available.
Join The Fireside Tavern for a Thanksgiving meal from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The menu is also available for take-out; they will take orders from November 5-20. For in-person dining, be sure to make a reservation by calling 717-687-7979 ext. 1.
Lititz Springs Inn & Spa will be hosting a Thanksgiving Dinner buffet. Tables will be spread across their ballroom, dining room and Bulls Head Public House to ensure social distancing. The buffet includes dinner and dessert. Meals are priced at $38.95 for adults and $12.95 for children. To reserve your table, call 717-626-2115.
Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord is offering Family Meal Packs for take-out. Order online and pick up your meal pack on Wednesday, November 25 (11 a.m.-7 p.m.) or Thursday, November 26 (11 a.m.-5:30 p.m.). Their smorgasbord will also be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving. Call 717-768-1500 to make a reservation.
Shady Maple Smorgasbord will also have Thanksgiving meals to go. The meals are $12.99 per person and include turkey, filling, mashed potatoes, vegetable, roll, cranberry relish and a choice of pie. Pickup will be from November 23-25 (11 a.m.-8 p.m.). To order, call 717-354-8222 ext. 698 or visit their customer service desk.
Iron Hill Brewery is offering a take-out meal for families of four for $50. Place your order by Saturday, November 21 and pick it up on Wednesday, November 25. Then, just warm and serve. Call 717-291-9800 to place your order.
Oregon Dairy’s Family Dinner Packages are available to take home and reheat. Order online here and choose a time slot to pick up your dinner packages from their grocery store.
The Greenfield Restaurant will be open for Thanksgiving from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They will be serving a special, a la carte menu, which they will announce in the coming weeks. They will also offer take-out. Make your reservation at 717-393-0668.
Let Wegmans do most of the cooking this year with their take-out Thanksgiving dinners. The food comes chilled with heating instructions provided. Choose from their menu of fully cooked turkeys, sides, appetizers, desserts and more while supplies last. Place your order online no later than noon on November 24. You can also call the Lancaster location at 717-358-9445. Meals will be available for pickup between November 21-26.
Hershey Farm Restaurant & Inn is offering breakfast, a family-style Thanksgiving dinner and their smorgasbord. Reservations are required. Call 717-687-8635 ext. 716 to make a reservation.
Decades has a special Thanksgiving menu, with vegan options available. Order through Friday, November 20 by filling out this form. Once you place your order, they will follow up with you about payment details and pickup times. Pickup days include November 25 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and November 26 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
If you are looking to spoil your dog this Thanksgiving, order a holiday meal from Basset & Lab. The dinners include a Waldorf salad, roasted turkey and gravy, whole grain cranberry stuffing balls, cauliflower mashed potatoes, maple-glazed carrots, pumpkin pie and two cookies. The meals are $16.99 each. To order, call 717-288-1200 or email info@bassetandlab.com. They will be taking orders until November 18. Pick up your order on November 25 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where to get dessert
The Bake Shoppe at Country Table
Good ‘N Plenty (Be sure to order at least two days before Thanksgiving.)
Click here to see United Way of Lancaster County’s list of free Thanksgiving meals.
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