12 minute read
Western States Section
Out West
for an Extended Weekend Getaway
Thanksgiving Dinner Train
For those who are looking to stay out of the kitchen and be wined and dined on the lines instead, this is the perfect answer.
The Napa Valley Wine Train’s cozy Thanksgiving menu features Honey Roasted Butternut Squash Bisque, Roasted Diestel Farms Turkey, and locally sourced Chorizo and Herb Stuffing all prepared to order on the train by Executive Chef Rodrigo Cuadra.
Thanksgiving aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train certainly seems untraditional, but there’s nothing more memorable than to enjoy the gourmet holiday feast upon a luxuriously vintage setting while on an elegant journey through Napa’s stunning fall landscape with panoramic views of the sleeping vineyards.
The Napa Valley Wine Train Thanksgiving experience includes: 1. Welcome splash of sparkling wine 2. Multiple course Thanksgiving-inspired feast 3. 3.5-hour journey aboard our vintage trainAs you sit onboard a vintage train with elegant interiors and polished personalized service, there’s a lot to be grateful for. All the customary fixings perfectly prepared in gourmet wine country style by an Executive Chef. All you have to do is sit back, relax, indulge, and enjoy. An unforgettable experience that will have you returning year after year, becoming a beloved family tradition of your own. Your delicious Thanksgiving lunch includes traditional rail seating and panoramic views of the sleeping vineyards.
The Napa Valley Wine Train is part distinctive Napa Valley fine dining restaurant; part museum made up of exquisitely and faithfully restored vintage early 20th century Pullman cars; and part journey to some of California’s most celebrated wineries.
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SAN FRANCISCO - The Great Dickens Christmas Fair & Victorian Holiday Party returns to the historic Cow Palace (2600 Geneva Ave.) on Saturdays and Sundays (& Friday after Thanksgiving) from Nov. 19 through Dec. 18.
The 38th edition of this one-of-a-kind event has expanded to include a whole new 50,000-square-foot exhibit hall adjacent to the Cow Palace main arena. This preshow area - known as “Vauxhall Gardens” - is free to the public ($15 parking) and features a beautifully decorated Victorian park-like setting with a skating rink and Christmas tree sales. Visitors may purchase hot spiced cider and refreshments, skate rentals, and live Christmas trees. Those with tickets to the Fair may continue to the lower exhibit halls to experience the new wonders and delightful traditions of Dickensian London.
HOLIDAY MARKET
Encompassing over four acres, this year’s fair is filled with holiday-themed shops, pubs, stages, and dance halls. Guests are greeted by the sweet aroma of roasted sugar almonds and swept into the fun by hundreds of colorful characters and the mirthful greetings of shopkeepers, street merchants, and fellow holiday merrymakers.
THEATRICAL ENTERTAINMENTS
Throughout the streets and stages, new theatrical works as well as traditional favorites will delight and entertain you. Step into the Christmas Eve Past of Ebenezer Scrooge’s youth at Fezziwig’s Christmas Party for games, music, and unhosted sets of dancing throughout the day. Join Sherlock Holmes as he gathers clues to solve a mystery, or Oliver Twist for pick-pocketing school in Fagin’s Den. An all-new traditional Christmas pantomime The Tale af Puss In Baats will delight the younger set, while Jim Chiminey returns with a comedic tale that unfolds based on the audiences’ answers. The Victorian lanes and shops will be filled with an ensemble of characters found in Charles Dickens’ works, along with the illustrious author himself hosting readings from his ‘new’ story A Christmas Caral. For tickets and more information, visit https://dickensfair.com/ For More on Calafornia > Click Here
GOLDEN - Holidays at the charming Southwestern boutique hotel, Table Mountain Inn, and on-property restaurant, Table Mountain Grill & Cantina, become magical events in the middle of the charming holiday season. This year, Table Mountain Inn celebrates with a new hotel package and a special holiday toy drive presented by Golden Rotary’s The Miracle Shop. Table Mountain Grill & Cantina ushers in the winter season with the launch of a new seasonal menu, a partnership with Miner’s Alley Playhouse to offer an exclusive deal, and the return of their Southwestern Thanksgiving and Christmas events.
On-property restaurant, Table Mountain Grill & Cantina, is preparing for a flavorful winter season with Executive Chef Michael Erickson’s new seasonal menus, which launched just this November. Make reservations for brunch, lunch, dinner, or late-night bites and discover the rich new dishes with Southwestern roots. Start the day with the sweet Tres Leches French Toast featuring Grateful Bread Co. Brioche, Cherry Compote, Pistachio Crumble, and Vanilla Whipped Mascarpone.
Later in the day, the rich Coffee Cured Short Ribs, featuring Parsnip Puree, Plantain Dumpling, Asparagus, and Mushroom and Olive Conserva, are a must try perfectly paired with a Maple Old Fashioned containing Laws Four Grain Straight Bourbon, Maple Syrup, Bitters, Cinnamon, and Orange. Vegetarians will enjoy the Cauliflower & Carrots including Honey Tamarind Glaze, Saffron Parsnip Puree, Pistachio, Queso Fresco, Ali Verde, which goes with a cocktail that warms from the inside out like the Winter G+T containing Leop-
old Bros. Gin, Apple, Orange, Cinnamon.
Walk around snowy downtown Golden and it is easy to see the charm of this historic area, immersed in twinkling holiday lights. Candlelight Nights 2022 presented by the Olde Golden Holiday Committee is bringing back the festive Candlelight Walk on December 2, the Holiday Parade on December 10th, and Jingle On The Avenue on December 17th. A holiday requirement when visiting Golden is to see a show at the Miner’s Alley Playhouse, just down the block from Table Mountain Inn and Table Mountain Grill & Cantina. Guests who see a show at Miner’s Alley Playhouse this winter season can show their ticket to their server at Table Mountain Grill & Cantina to receive 15% off the tab.
Bring friends and family together to show gratitude and love over a traditional Southwestern Thanksgiving. Table Mountain Grill & Cantina will have holiday specials and limited regular menus available on Thursday, November 24. Opt for the classic Turkey Dinner featuring Ancho Roasted Turkey Breast, Confit Turkey Thigh, Whipped Potatoes, Herb Roasted Asparagus, Cranberry Sauce, Chorizo Corn Bread Stuffing, and Turkey Gravy. Guests can make reservations, for breakfast from 7am – 10am, or lunch and dinner from 11am – 7pm, through OpenTable, learn more here: https://www.tmigrillandcantina.com/menus/thanksgiving/
Southwestern charm meets welcoming hospitality at Table Mountain Inn, an adobe-style boutique hotel. Known for their extraordinary attentive service, the property offers 74 Spanish-style rooms, all designed to maximize comfort away from home. At the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Table Mountain Inn is surrounded by infinite outdoor adventures, from hiking and biking trails, to winter sports. Originally founded in 1925 as The Berrimoor, Golden’s first full-service hotel, today it is a premier spot to stay and dine. Table Mountain Grill & Cantina, features fresh Southwestern cuisine, locally sourced ingredients, and vibrant Santa Fe décor. www.TableMountainInn.com
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Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection Welcomes Chef T.J. Steele, of Michelin-starred Claro, for a Gathering of Heritage on Thanksgiving Weekend. The exclusive journey through the rich history behind the culinary tradition, artisanal culture, cooking and heritage of Oaxaca will be held on Nov. 26th.
SANTA FE, / PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection, the legendary landmark situated on 317 secluded acres, offers a special Thanksgiving weekend collaboration at its signature restaurant SkyFire. Chef T.J. Steele from NYC’s Michelin celebrated Oaxacan hot spot, Claro, will celebrate the season of gratitude with a culinary gathering alongside the resort’s Executive Chef Pablo Peñalosa on Nov. 26, 2022.
The dinner, “A Gathering of Heritage,” will spotlight diverse textures and flavors of homemade dishes featuring locally sourced ingredients that speak to both indigenous Mexican and native New Mexico techniques with a modern approach. Each course will be accompanied by a menu of mezcal, “the spirit of Oaxaca.” The Thanksgiving weekend dinner will be a journey of the influence and ingredients found along the trade route from Mexico to Santa Fe. A Gathering of Heritage is dedicated to celebrating the rich history and influence of Oaxaca and will explore ancient culinary techniques through a modern lens. Claro is where New York and Oaxaca meet and the result of Chef T.J. Steele’s long-time love for Oaxacan food and culture. In his many years living part-time in Oaxaca, Steele has cultivated relationships with craftsmen, artists, mezcaleros, cooks, and farmers throughout the region. He visits them regularly and sources the corn for Claro’s menu from farms that hand-pick non-GMO heirloom (criollo) varieties. His restaurant is dedicated to making everything by hand, including the masa, cheeses, chorizo and moles. All meat and produce are organic and sourced locally when possible. The Oaxacan soul of Claro extends beyond the food and mezcal, as Chef Steele called upon his friends to add personal touches to all corners of the restaurant. For example, the bar tiles were designed
by internationally acclaimed Oaxacan artists who also curated the Claro logo and painted the murals.
Added Experiences
A Biscochitos-Making Class on Nov. 22, where guests can learn how to make the traditional cookie of Mexico. A festive Wreath-Making Class will be held on the same day. Resort guests can also visit the stables to greet the Lodge’s heart-full horse pals on Nov.23, followed by evening Native Storytelling with Navajo storyteller, Ehren Kee Natay, around the fire for stories and traditional blue corn atole. A Gather & Give Thanksgiving Dinner will be held on Nov. 24 in addition to a Gratitude Hike. On Nov 25, guests can attend a Tortilla-Making Class and enjoy live music and spirits in SkyFire the evening of the 25th - 27th.
SkyFire at Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collections invites guests to inhale the atmospheric earthy scents of cuisine that celebrates storied, Southwestern ingredients. Beyond the resort’s textured and multi-layered restaurants, its one-ofa-kind experiences, healing elements, nature-driven adventures, and picturesque views of the Santa Fe National Forest create cherished memories for creativity, reflection, and discovery.
For more information or to make a reservation, please visit https://aubergeresorts.com/bishopslodge/experiences/gathering-claro/.
About Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection
A legendary landmark re-imagined, Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection is a luxurious and soulful retreat steeped in heritage in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Set on 317 secluded acres bordering Santa Fe National Forest and just minutes from downtown, the 100-room resort invites guests to connect with nature with organic adobe architecture that invokes rich New Mexican heritage and conveys a genuine sense of place. Amenities include a collection of exhilarating outdoor experiences, horse stables, fitness center, pool, onsite stream for fly fishing casting lessons, healing arts experiences at Stream Dance Spa and several dining venues, including the resort’s signature restaurant SkyFire. Expansive indoor and outdoor event space includes The Hall with 3,200 square-feet of meeting space and the historic Lamy Chapel and Garden, featuring dramatic views of the Tesuque Valley. A restored Bunkhouse is ideal for family gatherings with 12 individual bedrooms and personal butler service. For more information: aubergeresorts.com/bishopslodge/ For More on New Mexico > Click Here
Gear Up For The Holidays
Plan a Victorian Christmas
JACKSONVILLE - The historic town of Jackson-
ville is a perfect spot to experience the best of the holiday season. Kick off your Thanksgiving with a delicious dinner in town at a restaurant like the Schoolhaus Brewhaus, an authentic Bavarian-style eatery within the town. The historic architecture of downtown Jacksonville will put you in a Holiday mood as you browse local shops and boutiques to get a jump on your gift-buying. If you book a stay for the whole weekend, experience the beginning of Victorian Christmas with a tree-lighting ceremony that takes place on the Saturday following Thanksgiving.
Get a Jump on Holiday Shopping
BEND - The town of Bend offers plenty in the way of Thanksgiving celebration. Head to the Old Mill District to browse shops and boutiques selling everything from handmade foods, spices, and soaps, to clothing and kitchenware. If your vacation rental offers cooking amenities, pick up all the ingredients you need to make a wonderfully memorable Thanksgiving feast. Or, have an expert chef do the cooking for you at one of the Sunriver Resort Thanksgiving buffet options.
Stay Active On a Trot Fun Run
COOS BAY - Just because it’s Thanksgiving doesn’t mean you can’t fit in a little workout for a good cause. Stay in Coos Bay and participate in the annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot Fun Run around the Empire Lakes. Bring a couple of canned food items to pay for your entry and help those less fortunate during the holidays. The event is friendly to runners and walkers of all ages, and participants can choose their own goal distance.
Enjoy the Bright Lights
Just west of Coos Bay, Shore Acres State Park is home to picturesque views of the Oregon Coast, not to mention well-maintained botanical gardens, a Japanese lily pond, and more communal green space. Visit during the Thanksgiving long weekend to experience the Holiday Lights, an annual celebration beginning during the long weekend, in which hundreds of thousands of LED lights are strung up in the trees and plants, creating a sparkling, family-friendly wonderland. Stop at the Open Garden House for fresh apple cider, hot cocoa, and baked treats.
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