"When I was a kid in Indiana, we thought it would be fun to get a turkey a year ahead of time and feed it and so on for the following Thanksgiving. But by the time Thanksgiving came around, we sort of thought of the turkey as a pet, so we ate the dog. Only kidding. It was the cat."
- David Letterman
While a day traditionally filled with eating too much food is great fodder for jokes, there’s no better time to express gratitude for the good people, nice things, and possibilities in your life than Thanksgiving Day. If you want to avoid cooking at home, there are some excellent restaurants that will be open on Thanksgiving so you can enjoy your family and friends with no “in the kitchen” time. If you are motivated to help provide a hot meal or provide other assistance to those less fortunate, there are many opportunities in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Kernersville, High Point, and beyond to be of service. And if you are trying hard not to let all that eating affect your waistline, there are several Thanksgiving weekend walks and jogs lined up. Read on for a few of the things we’ve found to do in late November.
Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving Meals in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point
If you don’t need the stress of providing a meal for a big crowd – or cooking a whole turkey is more than you need – there are a variety of restaurants scheduled to be open on Thanksgiving, no matter what kind of cuisine you’re looking for.
- We found a summary of restaurants open Thanksgiving in Greensboro here.
- An article about restaurants open Thanksgiving in High Point is here.
- And if you’re looking for a restaurant open on Thanksgiving in Winston-Salem, check out this link.
These are a just few of our favorite spots for dining out on Thanksgiving in the Triad - most offering special menus for the holiday - but please let us know your favorites to add to our list!
- Green Valley Grill, open noon – 8 p.m.
- Harper’s of Greensboro, open 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Print Works Bistro, open noon – 8 p.m.
- Graze, open 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.
Volunteer on Thanksgiving with Community Tables
The metro region that includes Greensboro and High Point, along with Winston-Salem, ranks second-to-worst in the U.S. in the level of food insecurity. Through its Thanksgiving/Holiday Fund, The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro raises about $20,000 a year that Community Tables uses to buy food to serve about 3,000 meals a year. Many community non-profits and restaurants contribute. Volunteer to help with food prep during the 11 a.m.-to-6 p.m. shift the day before Thanksgiving, or during the 5 a.m.-to-9:30 a.m. shift on Thanksgiving Day, or serve meals at one of many churches and non-profits that are partnering with Community Tables.
For more information or to sign up, click here or here.
A couple of fun things to do in late November
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Wizard of Oz, November 11-20
Enjoy the Community Theatre of Greensboro’s 22nd Annual Production of The Wizard of Oz at Carolina Theatre, 310 S. Greene Street, Greensboro, NC 27401 Purchase tickets online www.carolinatheatre.com or www.ctgso.org; or call 336-333-7469.
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Piedmont Craftsmen's 53rd Fair, November 19-20
Benton Convention Center, Winston-Salem. This fine craft show and sale showcases the work of more than 120 fine craft artists from across the United States. Media represented include clay, fiber, glass, leather, metal, jewelry, paper, wood, mixed media, photography and printmaking. For more information, call 336-725-1516 or visit piedmontcraftsmen.org or facebook.com/Piedmontcraftsmen
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A Christmas Carol, Triad Stage at Hanes Brands Theater, November 25 - December 24
Triad Stage brings Dickens’ classic story to life at Hanes Brands Theater, 209 Spruce Street NorthWinston-Salem, in a dazzling production brimming with bold acting, daring design, and breath-taking special effects. A Christmas Carol is a ghostly tale of Yuletide cheer, gracious redemption, and heart-warming hope for the entire family. Call 336-272-0160, email boxoffice@triadstage.org, or visit TriadStage.org
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Beautiful Star: An Appalachian Nativity, November 25 - December 24
Triad Stage presents Reverend Ledbetter and the Open Heart Community Fellowship as they gather again for their rendition of the Christmas story at The Pyrle Theater, 232 South Elm Street, Greensboro. With down-home laughter and toe-tapping music, this family favorite original production will tug at the heartstrings. Written by Triad Stage co-founder Preston Lane with original music by Laurelyn Dossett.
And then run or walk that turkey off!
Greensboro Gobbler 5k Run/Walk and 3k Dog-Jog
- Date: Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 24, 2016
- Location: Country Park, Greensboro, NC
- Time: 8:30 AM -3k Dog-Jog; 9:15 AM – 5k Run/Walk
- There is NO race day registration and the race sells out nearly every year! Benefits Greensboro Urban Ministry.
Turkey Strut 5K
- Date: Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, November 24, 2016
- Location: Winston-Salem Fairgrounds, Winston-Salem
- Time: 8:30 a.m.
- What to expect: Besides being a great event, the Turkey Strut collects food for Second Harvest Food Bank. All participants are asked to bring at least three canned goods. A portion of your entry fee also goes to this great cause. You can learn more about them by visiting them online.
We know there are many, many other events going on across the Piedmont Triad – from Greensboro to Winston-Salem to High Point and all points in between. Comment to let us know about your favorites. And of course, if the end of this year brings a change in employment, relocation to a smaller or larger home, or move away from the area, please let The Vincent Group at GreatNest help you buy and/or sell your home. We’d be honored to be your real estate agency of choice, and we are confident we can save you money!