As we inch closer to the holiday season, South County transforms from a summer hot spot to a quieter, more restful place to spend a vacation. Booking a vacation rental in the autumn provides a beautiful backdrop as the leaves change color while still providing some excellent activities for the entire family.
For instance, there are numerous dinners in South County on Thanksgiving Day 2022, which falls on November 24, and other events occurring throughout Thanksgiving weekend. You could also buy a turkey and all the fixings from a local farm or market and prepare a delicious dinner in your vacation rental kitchen.
Here’s a look at some Thanksgiving 2022 dinners and events you can attend while spending your fall vacation in South County, Rhode Island.
Dinner at the Double Barrel Kitchen
Richmond, Rhode Island, is a little off the beaten path, as it’s about a 30-minute drive from popular vacation areas like Watch Hill and Narragansett. However, Richmond has a lot going for it, including numerous high-end golf courses and the Washington County Fairgrounds.
In 2022, there’s an excellent buffet dinner at the Preserve Sporting Club’s Double Barrel Kitchen on Thanksgiving Day. This meal will include a soup and salad station, side dishes like potatoes, stuffing, vegetables, and cornbread, and a carving station featuring turkey and pork loin.
The meal starts at noon and runs until 5:00 PM. Tickets are $85 for adults and $30 for kids between the ages of four and 12. There’s also a wine pairing available for an additional $50.
If you already have dinner plans on Thanksgiving Day, the same venue is holding its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony the following evening. This event will include fireworks, Christmas cookies, drinks, and an appearance by Santa Claus, and kicks off at 5:00 PM.
Admission to the tree lighting is free, but visitors are encouraged to donate an unwrapped toy that organizers will give to a local child at Christmas.
Even though Richmond will be a bit of a drive from your vacation rental, these events make it worth your time if you’re in South County for Thanksgiving.
The Weekapaug Inn Thanksgiving Dinner
If you’re looking for a dinner a little closer to your vacation rental, the Weekapaug Inn in Westerly has you covered with its annual Family Style Thanksgiving Dinner. This event runs from 11:30 AM until 5:30 PM and costs $85 for adults and $37 for kids between the ages of four and 12.
Unlike the meal in Richmond, this dinner is a three-course offering with items like butternut squash soup, beet salad, turkey, ham, salmon, stuffing, potatoes, and vegetables available. There’s also a trio of mini holiday pies for dessert.
While the dinner at the Weekapaug Inn is a little smaller than the one at the Preserve Sporting Club, its convenient location could make it a better option for your family.
Thanksgiving Day at the Ocean House
The Ocean House in Watch Hill is holding two Thanksgiving dinners on November 24, so you can choose between a buffet and a prix fixe menu, depending on your preferences.
The buffet will be held in the Seaside Ballroom and costs $125 for adults and $65 for kids between the ages of four and 12. It runs from noon until 6:00 PM and includes cheese and charcuterie, a raw bar, salads, soups, and desserts. There’s also a carving station featuring turkey, prime rib, and salmon.
The prix fixe meal takes place at the Coast Restaurant, costs $175 per person, and runs from 4:00 until 8:00 PM. The venue asks that you don’t bring kids under the age of eight to dinner. Your meal will include options like Stonington scallops, duck confit, Atlantic halibut, turkey, beef striploin, and roasted celery root with pumpkin pie for dessert.
If you’re around for the entire weekend, you can also attend the Ocean House’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting on November 26, attend a dinner with Santa earlier that evening, or have brunch with Santa on November 27.
A Christmas Carol at the Granite Theatre
Of course, Thanksgiving typically kicks off the rest of the holiday season, so you might be in the spirit for a Christmas event during your vacation. The Granite Theatre in Westerly has an option for you, as performances of A Christmas Carol begin on November 25, the day after Thanksgiving.
The Friday evening show starts at 7:30 PM, and tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors, and $20 for youths. This performance will surely get you in the holiday spirit and is an excellent addition to your South County vacation.
Making the Most of Your Thanksgiving Weekend
You could certainly do worse than spending Thanksgiving in South County, as these first-class events make the area a lively place to visit in the fall. Don’t forget to reserve your spot at dinner if you plan to attend because these meals are incredibly popular and tend to book fast. You’ll also want to book your vacation rental as early as possible to avoid missing out.