Just because it’s a holiday doesn’t mean all restaurants are closed. Several Valley eateries — and long-standing, reputable ones at that — are open on Turkey Day. But the best part isn’t the delicious meals; it’s the fact that you don’t have to worry about cleanup after dinner.
Spend Thanksgiving in the beautiful Shawangunks at the 1869 Mohonk Mountain House. At the Grand Luncheon and Buffet, guests can indulge in a wide selection of smoked and cured seafood, artisanal cheeses, and patés. But the fan favorite is -— naturally — the bird: roast turkey with traditional and giblet gravy. Health-conscious eaters can choose from gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. And leave room for dessert! (11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. $70, $38.25 ages four through 12. 855-883-3798 or www.mohonk.com)
Try the turkey at the recently revamped Bear Mountain Inn. The circa 1915 hotel serves a buffet-style dinner for 500-600 guests, complete with the traditional bird, cranberry sauce, and other staple dishes (845-786-2731, ext. 1020 or www.visitbearmountain.com).
Ellenville’s Aroma Thyme Bistro — which is celebrating a decade in business — serves a sit-down plated menu on Thanksgiving Day. The dinner has gained popularity over the years — folks make reservations as early as September — thanks to a holiday bill of fare with a health-conscious twist: free-range turkey, mashed sweet potatoes, stuffing (including a gluten-free option) and tofurkey (845-647-3000 or www.aromathymebistro.com).
What better way to be thankful to be an American than at America’s oldest inn? The Tavern at Beekman Arms in Rhinebeck holds a dinner buffet replete with carving stations, soups, salads, and decadent desserts. Close to 400 people attend each year (845-876-1766 or www.beekmandelamaterinn.com).
