Welcome to Thanksgiving in Monterey County
Fall is a beautiful time of year. A time of abundance, great weather, and a signal that Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Thanksgiving in Monterey County is particularly lovely; it’s a time for family, friends and of course for giving thanks. There are many ways to celebrate and enjoy this magical time of year, both before and on Thanksgiving Day. Here are some ideas to get you started!
Thanksgiving in Monterey County in Your Home
Pumpkin Patch
Looking for that perfect pumpkin to decorate for your home? Why not visit a real pumpkin patch, take in the sights, have fun with the kids, and bring home that perfect jack-‘o-lantern! One place that’s running strong all of October, right through to the 31st, is the Cardinale & Wright Pumpkin Patch, at the Monterey County Fair & Events Center. Open from 11 a.m. to dusk (10 a.m. to dusk on weekends), this may be where you find your perfect pumpkin. Give them a call at (831) 373-2871 if you like, before your visit.
Thanksgiving Décor Ideas
Need to freshen up your Thanksgiving décor? No problem. Head over to The Pottery Barn online, or drop in for a visit: they’re located in the Del Monte Center. Where else can you find home decorating inspiration? There’s the Williams-Sonoma Kitchen Store in Monterey, also at the Del Monte Center. Thinking more along the lines of flowers, our neighborhood has you covered. Check out, Swenson and Silacci Flowers. They’re located on Alvarado Street.
Giving to Charity on Thanksgiving in Monterey County
Local charities always need your help; year round. But when you stop to think of the wonderful Thanksgiving dinner and amenities you might enjoy this year, why not stop to think about giving to your favorite charity? The Food Bank for Monterey County needs your help. In addition to their website, they keep their Facebook page fairly up to date. You can donate, volunteer, host a food drive, or simply advocate for those in need.
Fun and Outdoor Events for the Whole Family
Turkey Trot
Give back, give thanks, pay it forward, and… walk or run a few calories off for a good cause. Consider this year’s Carmel Valley Athletic Club’s 2017 Turkey Trot. It’s an all-ages family event. Walk or run the 3.1 mile South Bank Trail. All proceeds go to the Monterey Food Bank. This 5K event begins on Thanksgiving Day at 8:30 a.m.
Take a Walk!
The outdoors have much to offer; there are almost countless beautiful places for you to visit in our area. Carmel’s Garland Ranch Regional Park is people and dog-friendly! Hike through more than 4,500 acres of scenery await, with trails from “easy” to “strenuous”. Visit them on See Monterey now.
The Monarch Butterflies
The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History has a page on their website dedicated to the fragile and beautiful Monarch Butterflies, who make the long trip from Canada every year to our Central Coast. The beauty arrives in November!
The beach is just around the corner!
Bridging the Holidays
Tree Lighting
Would you like to bridge Thanksgiving and the Christmas season? On Friday, November 27th, why not take in Cannery Row’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting, from 5 – 9 p.m.? It’s f-r-e-e, open to all, and has all the holiday spirit you’ll need.
Farm to Table
When was the last time you and your family indulged in what The Farmstand at Earthbound Farm has to offer? Lots of kids activities. Possible pumpkins on the horizon. Great gardens. Read all about their story here.
Thanksgiving Dinners
If you don’t have time to prepare a Thanksgiving feast this year, and perhaps want to take it easy and let some else cook and serve up an excellent meal, there are numerous dining establishments that have just what you need! Here are just a few:
- Aubergine is an award-winning Carmel spot you all know about. They offer up their Thanksgiving dinner on the day of, plus you can even order yours to go! Visit their website here, or phone (831) 624-8578.
- Carmel also has The Mission Ranch Hotel and Restaurant, which usually has great Thanksgiving fare. Check their website or give them at call at (831) 625-9040.
- If you’re in Pacific Grove, you’ll want to investigate Fandango. They have a wonderful selection of wines, and will be offering a delightful Thanksgiving event this year. Want a peek at the menu: here you go! The price is great. You can also phone them at (831) 372-3456.
- Then there’s Estéban, at Casa Munras in Monterey, who usually serve up something very special for Thanksgiving. Visit their website, or give them a call at (831) 375-0176.
Enjoy all that Thanksgiving in Monterey County has to offer this year, in safety, and with your loved ones!