Above: A trio of Catskills turkeys in 2008. Photo by Kristine Paulus, via Flickr.
Ah, gratitude. We all know it’s the right spirit to maintain, there’s a science supporting its benefits, and yet it can be so easy to lose track of in everyday life. How nice it is that we’ve got a holiday devoted to turning our thoughts in that general direction.
And most surely we have plenty to be thankful for around here. Besides the beauty of early winter in the mountains, we have neighbors busy organizing feasts like the ones that follow. If you don’t feel like organizing your own this year, here are the folks who’ve got you covered. Happy Thanksgiving; here at the Watershed Post, we’re grateful for you.
Unless otherwise noted, the following events are all happening on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 27. Call before you venture out to any of these feasts, since a big nor'easter is dumping up to a foot of snow on many parts of the Catskills on Wednesday, Nov. 26.
DELAWARE COUNTY
Gather and break bread (and turkey) in Margaretville at the 5th Annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner. Sponsored by the Interfaith Council, everybody’s invited to eat free at the Purcell Center of the Sacred Heart Church between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. It helps them out if you make reservations by calling Iris Mead at 845-586-8649, but they won’t turn you away if you haven’t.
In Deposit, the Christ Episcopal Church at 14 Monument St. will be celebrating Thanksgiving with its annual feast from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. It’s free, and everyone is welcome.
Thanksgiving in Andes at the Andes Hotel is foodie bliss. Options of beef, veal and seared cod were on last year’s menu along with fresh roasted turkey from Vermont, and succulent sides like wild mushroom strudel redefine “the trimmings.” Serving 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; $32 adults, kids $16.
GREENE COUNTY
Grab a last-minute staycation and join the fun for Thanksgiving at the Winter Clove Inn in Round Top. You can spend the day lounging in the indoor pool while Chef Vanessa whips up a mouthwatering traditional feast. $120 a night per adult; ask about kids’ prices.
At the Silo Restaurant in Greene, they’re planning a fabulous buffet from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Besides turkey, the all-you-can-eat spread includes leg of lamb, baked ham, and roast pork and beef. There’ll be a ton of sides and a fully stocked dessert table. Adults $29.95, seniors $24.95, kids 5-12 $a4.95, and the under-fives nibble for free.
In Tannersville, the Deer Mountain Inn is preparing a three-course feast by the fireplace. $60 per person; serving 2-6, for reservations call 518-589-6268.
The Vesuvio Restaurant in Windham offers turkey and all the fixings, to eat in or take out. Call 518-734-3663 for the details.
SCHOHARIE COUNTY
They’ll be serving a free dinner at Grace & Son/The Breakfast Club in Jefferson at 4 p.m. “It’s the least we can do,” says the management. Reviews indicate that they cook with that same warmth of spirit. 4:00 pm; call 607-652-2700 for your reservation.
The American Hotel in Sharon Springs will be cooking up a four-course dinner, with seatings at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Prices run from $52 to $70 per person. For more information call 518-284-2105.
SULLIVAN COUNTY
Thanksgiving festivities at the Arnold House in Livingston Manner will begin with an interlude for cocktails, appetizers and big-screen football, followed by a traditional family-style feast featuring sage-roasted brined turkey. $35 per person or $20 per child, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., call 845-439-5070 to reserve your spot.
Bernie’s Holiday Restaurant in Rock Hill offers a “delicious, hassle-free”, and all-you-can-eat buffet for $35 an adult, $15 a child. Besides turkey, choices include prime rib, chicken francaise and eggplant rollatini. Dinner will be served at 2 p.m. Call 845-796-3333.
The Villa Roma Resort and Conference Center in Callicoon offers Thanksgiving getaways for two, three or four nights starting at $149 a night, with the first kid under 10 staying free on a three or four night deal. A traditional feast is very much included, as are supervised children’s activities–your kids can bounce around the inflatable playland or the Wii Lounge while you doze off the dopamine. Plus, on Thanksgiving morning, they do a “traditional pardoning of the Villa Roma turkey.” Call 1-877-256-7506.
ULSTER COUNTY
Woodstock’s Bear Café will be serving a special Thanksgiving menu from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Besides the organic free-range turkey, you can feast on local cheese pumpkin risotto, grass fed filet mignon, or sautéed shrimp and scallops, among other things. A turkey feast is $30; a kid’s portion is $17. Call 845-679-5555 for more.
The Gander Inn in Kerhonkson will be hosting Thanksgiving Day dinner “for those in the area who are unable to put one together, or happen to find themselves alone on Thanksgiving Day.” Seating times will be at 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. Reserve a spot by calling 845-626-0209. Include your name, telephone number, the number of people in your party, and the seating time that you wish to attend. Starting at 4 p.m., they’ll have turkey dinner, NY strip steaks, fish or linguini marinara available for $20.50.
Down in Ellenville, the Aroma Thyme Bistro will be serving 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. They’ll have their acclaimed regular menu available with plentiful vegan and vegetarian options, plus a traditional feast ($35) featuring Murray’s free range turkey and fixings. They’ve also got take-out. Call 845-647-3000.
In Saugerties, the Diamond Mills Hotel is offering a “Thanksgiving in the Country” buffet prepared by their CIA-trained chef. If you’re not in a turkey frame of mind, you can help yourself to the prime rib or salmon. They’re serving from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., at $42 for adults and $18 for kids ages 4 to 12; the tinies are free. Call 845-679-5555 to reserve.
At the Catskill Rose in Mount Tremper they have “soup to pie,” including maple-glazed organic turkey and spinach-parmesan souffle, on the menu from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. for $26.75. Call 845-688-7100 to reserve.
Also in Mount Tremper, the Catamount Restaurant at the Emerson Resort will be serving up a buffet with your choice of herb roasted turkey, maple glazed pork loin, and so much more. Dinner is from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., and costs $35 per person or $15 for those ages 6 to 12. Reservations are required; call 845-688-2828
Last, but by no means least, eating your turkey at the Thanksgiving 'Friend of the Farmer' Supper at the Peekamoose Restaurant in Big Indian will benefit the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley. They’ve got three locally-sourced courses and delicious veggie options, all for $38 ($16 for those ages 3 to 12.) They’ll be serving 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Call 845-254-6500.
