What are you thankful for this year? We know that that question might be more difficult in 2020 than in past years, but we hope that you’ll take time during the holiday season to reflect on the positive parts of your life.

Thanksgiving is soon to be upon us and restaurants, bakeries and other local businesses in Hunterdon County are mobilizing to meet the changing needs of the community. Whether it is dining inside a local restaurant or ordering their culinary excellence to-go for enjoyment at home, one thing is for certain, Thanksgiving is sure to be as flavorful and tasty as ever. Gather ‘round the table (a favorite restaurant or your own), and prepare to be delighted by the sights, tastes and offerings these local businesses have to offer.

Before or after feasting on the holiday meal, you can trot in a virtual format, indulge in festive experiences, or simply enjoy nature and local scenery. We have it all in our recreational suggestions during Thanksgiving Week listed below!

Read on to find:

Dining Out for Thanksgiving Dinner

Take-Out for Thanksgiving Dinner

Desserts To Go

Thanksgiving Week Events

Turkey Trots & More

More Local Favorites

Ways to Safely Celebrate the Holiday

Leave the cooking, clean up and planning to the local culinary experts and plan to dine in-house with family & friends. Be sure to check restaurant websites and social media to confirm availability and any last-minute changes. Most are encouraging and/or requiring reservations, so be sure to reserve your spot as soon as possible!

Clinton House

2 West Main Street, Clinton

Clinton House, voted Best Steak Dinner on the Hunterdon Happening List, has changed things up a bit in the wake of COVID-19. It’s offering curbside pick-up, a grocery delivery service as well as indoor dining. Reservations this year are a must.  The main dining room includes a fireplace.

Mountain View Chalet

154 Route 173, Asbury

Make the Chalet a tradition this Thanksgiving Day! Preorder your curbside for a delicious, cozy meal at home, or reserve your table with us and get pampered with all your classic Thanksgiving favorites! Thanksgiving meals are $36 and include your choice of entree (roasted turkey with stuffing, Virginia ham steak, or Long Island duckling), plus soup, salad several sides, dessert and coffee. There is also a limited menu available. Mountain View Chalet is a Hunterdon Happening List Finalist for Best Celebration and Wedding Venue.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving meal in the comfort of your home but without all the prep.

Basil Bandwagon

Piccolo Trattoria

800 R. Denow Road, Pennington
609-737-9050

Piccolo Trattoria is our 2020 Happening List Winner for Catering, as well as a Finalist for Pizza and Italian. So you KNOW their food is delicious!

Add a touch of sweetness to your Thanksgiving table with a bakery-fresh pie (or other treats) from a local spot.

Basil Bandwagon

Chocolate in the Oven

Milford

Pick up a freshly made pumpkin pie to enjoy at this Hunterdon Happening List Winner for Best Bakery.

Just Chill Frozen Yogurt Cafe

Clinton

While they’re typically known for their delicious froyo (earning them Hunterdon Happening List Winner status), Just Chill also makes custom pies! This year, for every custom pie sold between October 1 and November 21, Just Chill will be donating $5 to Claire Wranitz, a 9-year old who was diagnosed with leukemia this past summer. Just mention Claire when you place your order. Some of the most popular flavors this time of year include pumpkin with caramel, pumpkin cheesecake, Oreo mint, and vanilla and chocolate with fudge and yogurt chips.

Maddalena’s Cheesecakes

Ringoes

If you’re looking for a twist on pumpkin pie, try Maddalena’s pumpkin cheesecake.  You won’t be disappointed, which explains why this Hunterdon County beloved establishment is a Hunterdon Happening List Finalist for Best Dessert.

Hopefully you have some extra time over Thanksgiving to relax and have fun with your family. Here are some events that are happening in or near the Hunterdon County area.

Santa’s Workshop at Chirp

When: November 21, 22 and 28th
Where: 32 Fulper Road, Flemington

Gingerbread House Display and Lights at Peddler’s Village 

When: November 19 through January 9
Where: Street Road and Route 263, Lahaska

While Peddler’s Village will not be holding their traditional Grand Illumination Celebration this year, they’ve stated that the lights WILL be on beginning November 19! Walk around, do some shopping and check out the Gingerbread House Display.

Peddler’s Village Family Mystery Walking Tours: Elf on the Stealth:

When: Fridays, November 20 through January 10. Fridays at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Saturdays on the hour from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Sundays on the hour from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Street Road and Route 263, Lahaska

It’s almost Christmas, and the Elf on the Shelf is missing! Join Mrs. Claus at the “North Pole” for a walking tour and help solve the mystery of the missing Elf on the Shelf. Tickets are $25 per person. It does not include dinner, but you can enjoy dinner before or after the show and receive a 10% discount at select restaurants by showing your receipt. 20 people per tour. Maks are required. Purchase tickets HERE.

Christmas Village in Philadelphia

When: Preview Weekend is November 21-22. Officially opens on Thanksgiving Day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. After that, Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: LOVE Park and City Hall Courtyard, Philadelphia

Christmas Village (photo provided by Aversa PR, taken prior to 2020)

The Christmas Village in Philadelphia is one tradition that is committed to providing a safe and fun experience this year!

The authentic open-air German-style Christmas Market at LOVE Park and City Hall will return from Thanksgiving Day, November 26 through Christmas Eve, December 24. Keeping in mind the health of vendors and guests, there will be a considerably modified layout and extensive safety precautions in response to COVID-19.

Black River & Western Railroad North Pole Express

When: Select Saturdays and Sundays, beginning Sunday, November 22
Where: 80 Stangl Road, Flemington

This is BR&W’s most popular annual event! And while this year is a modified version of previous years, everyone should still have a magical time! The North Pole Express includes a train ride from Flemington to the “North Pole” and back, where you will meet/get photos with Santa. Children will receive a silver sleigh bell and gold souvenir tickets. And each family will receive a take-home gift bag. Find out more details and purchase tickets HERE.

Annual Covered Bridge Artisans Holiday Studio Tour

When:  Weekends, Friday, November 27 through Sunday, December 20  from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The 2020 fall studio tour will take place online where you can visit your favorite artists in their virtual studios via Zoom. For more information, click HERE.

The Nutcracker Channel by Roxey Ballet

When: Thanksgiving Day through January 1, 2021
Where: roxeyballet.org/virtual-performances

The 2020 virtual version of the American Holiday Classic “The Nutcracker” is available online through Roxy Ballet’s Nutcracker Channel. See behind-the-scenes-footage, live streamed rehearsals, interviews, the “Sugar Plum Fairy Adventure” dance class series and “Women of the Year” Choreography Lab featuring 5 NJ Choreographers creating works relating to women’s social issues.

Dickens Days

Where: Main Street, Clinton, NJ
When: Friday, November 27 through Sunday, November 29

Stroll through town and enjoy festivities and decorations. There will be horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers, street vendors and more. This is a great way to end Thanksgiving weekend and kick-off the Christmas season. For more information, visit www.visitclintonnj.com.

PHestivaL of Trees

When: Friday, November 27 through Sunday, November 29 from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: The Fairgrounds at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Avenue, Oaks

This festive holiday drive-thru features 200 uniquely decorated holiday trees, live nativity scenes, Hanukkah menorah, Kwanzaa imagery, a 30-foot live decorated tee, a drone light show … and even Santa! Tickets are $20 per car and benefit local animal shelters and rescues. Find out more HERE.

New Hope Christmas Tree Lighting

When: Sunday, November 29
Where: The Logan Inn, 9 Main Street, New Hope

Visit New Hope recently announced that the tradition continues! Santa and Mrs. Claus will light the tree during an event hosted by The Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce in a partnership with The Logan Inn. More details to come.

Many of the usual Turkey Trots have been cancelled, gone virtual, or will have very limited registration due to the pandemic. So register ASAP if you’d like to participate!

Flemington CEA (Virtual) Turkey Trot

When: Sunday, November 22 through Monday, November 30
Where: Any City, NJ

The CEA Turkey Trot is celebrating its 28th year, virtual style. Register online for one of two virtual events (or do both) – a 5K or 2 mile walk. Find out more details HERE. All proceeds benefit CEA’s mission of facilitating career pathways and community employment for students and adults with disabilities.

Virtual Two Town Turkey Trot

When: Saturday, November 21 through Thanksgiving morning, November 26
Where: Anywhere!

Like so many events, the Two Town Turkey Trot has gone virtual this year. You may run your 5K or walk 1-mile anywhere you choose. Run in your neighborhood, a park, or our course from last year’s Two Town Turkey Trot, the course map can be found here: https://delawarerivertowns.com/turkey–trot/. At noon on Thanksgiving, the race will close. Join the community by uploading your race times and photos after you’ve completed your run or walk. Use any app for tracking your run or walk. You will receive your free dry-fit, long-sleeved t-shirt in December. Find out more HERE.

YMCA Virtual Gobble Wobble 5K

When: Thanksgiving Weekend, November 26 – November 29
Where: It’s up to you!

Gobble Wobble is the beloved annual YMCA Thanksgiving 5K in the Greater Philadelphia region. This year, it’s gone virtual! Complete the 5K any time that weekend. Track your miles and compete virtually. Each participant receives a finisher medal, local suggested race routes, and other fun goodies. Find out more and register HERE.

Whether you’re doing some holiday gift shopping, looking for a way to de-stress during the holiday season, or looking to make some positive changes for yourself or your family … here are some favorite local businesses to consider.

Zanya Salon Spa

287 S Main St, Lambertville, NJ 08530
609-773-0770
zanyaspasalon.com

Update your look for the holiday season! The Zanya Spa Salon Team is skilled in the latest techniques to give you whatever you’re craving this fall. And if the stress of the holidays are getting to you, schedule yourself a spa treatment to relax and unwind! You can also do some gift shopping (for others or yourself) via Zanya’s online shop! Find out more HERE.

If you’re interested in reading more about how Zanya (and other local businesses) has adapted to COVID-19 with new regulations and safety procedures, click HERE.

Beauty Releaf

Beautyreleaf.com 

Now more than ever it is vital to make an educated decision when choosing a face mask and skincare products. All Beauty Releaf products focus on protecting, preventing and reducing inflammation of the skin. In addition to their anti-aging benefits many of the anti-inflammatory ingredients will help reduce redness, irritation, production of oil, skin breakouts and guard against harmful bacteria because of their strong anti-bacterial properties. 

Skin will feel softer, smoother, brighter, more hydrated and overall healthier.

Gannon Insurance Agency

2704 Street Road, Bensalem
215-891-9990
www.gannonagency.com

At Gannon Insurance, customer needs come first!  Gannon Insurance Agency is your independent, one-stop insurance center for all Bucks County insurance needs. Just one call can get you a customized proposal package with rate quotes from a variety of quality companies for your individual, family and business insurance needs.

Gannon Insurance Agency, Inc.’s  is one of the most comprehensive and full-service insurance agencies in the Bucks County, Philadelphia and Montgomery County area.

Fox & Holly

Peddler’s Village Shop 162, Lahaska
215-302-4300
www.facebook.com/foxandhollybuckscounty

Fox & Holly, now located in Peddlers Village, is a boutique department store featuring the brands you love including Patagonia, UGG, Yeti and more! This shop includes all the must-haves for Him, Her and Shoes, specializing in premium casual clothing brands for women with one of the top leading stylists. Sizes run XS to XXL for men and women. The store also features a shoe bunker filled with top brands you love, showcasing UGG. Fox & Holly provides the hometown experience that brings people together; where you can delight in unparalleled shopping, dance to music, and find what you need to fulfill your individual lifestyle needs, and, most importantly, feel good and have fun! This multi-level shopping experience includes a third floor Mezzanine featuring one-of-a-kind vintage luxury pieces, perfect for the gifting season. This fall season is filled with special events including Trunk Shows, Designer Appearances, and Exclusive collections for the Bucks County lifestyle. Be sure to check out the F&H Square located outside the store for special event pop-ups throughout the fall and holiday season, and for outside market shopping!

Radiance Spa at the Bucks Club

2600 York Road, Jamison
215-343-0350 Ext. 6
www.radiance-spa.com

Escape to Radiance Spa for the holiday and pamper yourself with their restorative treatments. Select from their full menu of therapeutic massages that will help you relax and loosen tight muscles. Bring your significant other and enjoy a Couples Massage in their romantic suite with complimentary champagne. Their professional therapists will customize your massage based on your needs. Winner of the 2020 Best Facial in Bucks County, Radiance Spa offers a full range of facials from their Radiance Signature facial to more advanced treatments including microneedling, microdermabrasion, chemical peels and LED Light Therapy. Now offering a scientific skin analysis using the Biologique Recherche Paris “Skin Instant Lab”. Call for a free consultation. Their hydrating body treatments give you the best of both worlds – a smoothing body exfoliation followed by a relaxing body massage with hydrating masks. Clients love the “Dreamsicle” and their “Mellow Moonchild CBD” treatments.

Or try one of their beauty enhancements – permanent makeup for brows, eyeliner, and lips. Give your mascara a break and try a Lash Lift. And don’t forget about their Black Friday gift card special! Shop the online store for your at-home treatments.

Howard Kredo – Access Mortgage Lending, LLC.

215-498-1443
www.accessmortgagelending.com
hkredo@accessmortgagelending.com

Howard Keto believes that a mortgage should be about building relationships and helping customers find the home loan that’s right for them. As a Mortgage Banker for the past 25 years, he can answer your questions so that you have a clear understanding of what you can comfortably afford. Howard specializes in First Time Homebuyer Programs, FHA, 203K Rehabilitation Loans as well as all conventional and Jumbo Products. “Many loan officers can help get a loan. My mission is to help my clients find the home loan that is right for them.”

Luxe Lash & Beauty Bar

45 E. Afton Avenue, Yardley
215-394-0599
www.luxelashbeautybar.org/book

The holiday season is the perfect time to try lash extensions or lash lifts! Visit Luxe Lash & Beauty Bar throughout the months of November and December and receive 15% off your Lash Lift or first set of Classic lash extensions. Each of their services is provided by a member of their highly trained team. The Classic Lash Full Set is a perfect start for someone new to lash extensions, each set is fully customizable allowing for as much or as little drama as you’d like! Not ready to try extensions? Try the lash lift which is essentially a perm for your lashes, no more lash curler. Pair this option with a lash tint and say goodbye to mascara for the holiday season. Cross one more thing off your list this season with easy, fast mornings. You can truly say #iwokeuplikethis!

McCarthy Real Estate

13 Henry Avenue, Feasterville
215-867-4511
mccarthyrealestate.com

McCarthy Real Estate can help you with all of your real estate needs in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia. Visit their website to preview properties for sale, tour neighborhoods, learn more about listing your property, and get to know the team.

Bucks County Community College

bucks.edu

Plan ahead for the upcoming winter break! College students can make the most of winter break – and save a tidy sum on tuition – by earning up to eight credits in just four weeks during Winter Session at Bucks County Community College. Classes remain online for both Winter and Spring sessions.

Register now for online classes beginning December 21. Get more information HERE.

Like just about everything in 2020, Thanksgiving celebrations are going to be toned down with COVID-19 infections increasing. The CDC is recommending small family get-togethers and warning shoppers to stay away from Black Friday crowds. But as with everything else this year, a little creativity can make for a memorable event and even lead the way to a new tradition. Here are a few ways to celebrate this year.

Organize a drop-off progressive dinner with neighbors or friends

Send an email to close family or friends who live nearby inviting them to make their favorite dish and divvy it up, leaving it on each other’s porch or front stoop. Get enough people and you’ll have an entire meal delivered to your doorstep.

Host a virtual gathering with family and friends who live far away

Thanks to platforms like Zoom, Skype and Facetime you can all be together for the holiday online. Pick a time to chat or check in while you’re preparing your meal. Throw in a fun, exotic virtual background offered for free on Zoom so it looks like you’re on vacation.

Make a new dish

Break out those recipes you’ve stashed for a rainy day and try them out this year. Or take an online cooking class. The Farm Cooking School in Titusville is hosting several, as well as a farm-to-table dinner on Saturday, November 21. Space is limited. For more information, visit www.thefarmcookingschool.com.

Start a Thankful Jar (or similar craft)

This year, perhaps more than ever, it’s important to focus on the things we’re grateful for in our lives. Designate a jar or basket in your home as “The Thankful Jar.” In the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, ask each person in your home to record things they are thankful for on a slip of paper and place it in the jar. On Thanksgiving, you can take turns passing the jar around the table and reading the papers.

(Photo by Michelle Reese)

If you want something that’s a little more visible leading up to the holiday, consider a “Thankful Turkey.” This is also a great option for younger children that might not be able to write their own response. Cut out a turkey shape and feathers out of construction paper. Leading up the holiday, take time each day to talk about the concept of being thankful and ask them what they’re thankful for. Write it on a feather and glue it onto your turkey body. By Thanksgiving, you’ll have a turkey full of feathers!

Prepare a meal for a neighbor or friend who will be alone

Let someone know how grateful you are that they’re part of your community by dropping off a Thanksgiving meal with a special note telling them so.

Host a marathon of feel-good holiday movies

There’s no end to Hollywood’sheartwarming stories that relate to the human kindness and love for family, friends and/or complete strangers around the holidays. Or check out an Indie film being shown virtually by ACME Screening Room in Lambertville, Hunterdon Happening List Winner for Best Movie Theater.

Go all out with home decorations

Let’s face it, you’ll likely be spending a lot of time at home over the holidays. Why not make it look festive?  Whether you choose to dry flowers cut from your garden or greens or construction paper turkeys and paper chains, let your creativity juices flow. If you need ideas, check out Hunterdon Happening List Winner for Best Home Décor N’Joy Yourself in Flemington.

Spend some time outdoors

Set up a cozy spot on your porch or patio with comfy chairs, blankets, an outdoor fire and some hot cider. Or take a hike through your favorite park. Check out Hunterdon Happening List Winner for Best Park Sourland Mountain Nature Preserve.

 Challenge your family to a board game tournament

A good board game brings people closer together, strengthens relationships, increases brain function and teaches patience. So dust off one of those games in the closet and set it up. If you’re in need of a board game, check on Hunterdon Happening List Winner for Best Gift Shop Sunbeam General Store in Frenchtown.

Donate to a charity

There are plenty of places in need this year. For some local nonprofits in need of funds, check out the Hunterdon Strong fundraiser, sponsored by Hunterdon Healthcare, being held virtually on November 19^th at www.HunterdonStrong.org.

6abc Action News’ Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Celebration At-Home Events

In lieu of their usual Thanksgiving Day Parade, Channel 6 Action News has come up with a number of ways that you can get in on the fun from the safety of your home. Visit the website HERE for information on the Dunkin Dance, Shoebox Float Parade, and more.

Get the Kids Involved

Let them help set the table, play a hand in the kitchen, or create personalized place cards for the table.

Go On a Family Walk or Bike Ride

Get moving before the eating! Enjoy the beauty of nature with the fam. Find out more about Bucks County trails HERE.