Holiday Guide: The Quintessential Thanksgiving in Florida By
Alli Hill
The warm weather might not make it feel like Thanksgiving, but you can be sure spending the holiday in Florida gives you plenty to be thankful for. While folks up north are as cold as the turkey they’re taking out of the freezer, you can bask in warm sunshine as smells of fresh pie, casseroles, and warm bread linger in the air. This holiday guide will help you do Thanksgiving in Florida the right way.
1. Circles Waterfront Restaurant, Apollo Beach, FL
Start your Thanksgiving with Drinksgiving, a Thanksgiving Eve celebration filled with your favorite libations. Since there’s no work the next day, you won’t have to feel guilty.
2. Jenly Favors, Miami, FL
Get crafty by making your own centerpieces and other decorations with a trip to Jenly’s. They specialize in providing supplies for all types of parties, and you can get find unique items to make your Thanksgiving spread cheerful and original.
3. The Good Pie Company, Davie, FL
Take one less thing off your plate and let the Good Pie Company handle the dessert. You still get the same homemade taste, but without the labor and cleanup. They’ve got some of the best pies around, including meat and poultry pies, s’mores, and even vegetarian pies for tasty side dishes. Your guests will be most thankful for this time-saver.
4. Pasture Prime Wagyu, Summerville, FL
If you want to give your guests a Thanksgiving experience they won’t be soon to forget, pick up a non-GMO grass-fed turkey from Pasture Prime Wagyu. You can preorder your turkey and have it shipped to wherever you’ll be dining. It tastes good, and it’s good for you.
5. Winternational Thanksgiving Day Parade, Miami, FL
This free parade features dancers, professionally crafted floats, community folks, and more. Starting at 10 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, you and the family can enjoy a little entertainment while you wait for the turkey to finish cooking. Best of all, there’s never a need to bundle up (the folks at Macy’s parade in New York would be jealous!).
6. River City Marketplace, Jacksonville, FL
For some serious Black Friday shopping, River City Marketplace is your one-stop shop. This expansive outdoor shopping area has all the top stores offering the best Black Friday deals, including Target, Walmart, Lowes, Old Navy, and other favorites. If you’ve got good walking shoes, you’ll only have to park once to explore it all.
7. Florida Panthers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs hockey game
Thanksgiving Day should be dedicated to football, but nobody said anything about the Wednesday before. Grab a few seats at the BB&T Center and watch the Florida Panthers take on the Toronto Maple Leafs. The game starts at 7 p.m., so there will be plenty of time to catch your beauty sleep and have visions of turkey dancing through your head.
8. Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Native American Museum, Clewiston, FL
Translated in Seminole language as “A place to learn, a place to remember,” this living Seminole village and museum can give you a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived in this land before we arrived. You can set your sights on over a hundred authentic artifacts and learn more about Seminole culture and tradition.
9. Tampa Bay Times Turkey Trot, Clearwater, FL
This family-oriented race is one of the most anticipated races of the year, attracting over 15,000 participants. Take your pick of four different events: the 10K, two 5Ks, and a one-mile event. All race proceeds will be donated to local charities.
10. Second Harvest, Tallahassee, FL
Thanksgiving is a time to count your blessings, and there’s no better way to show your appreciation than by donating your time to help others. Use some of your Thanksgiving holiday to volunteer with Second Harvest, a non-profit dedicating to providing meals for families and individuals in need. You’ll need to submit a volunteer application, or you can donate funds or food to help feed local folks in need.
