It seems like we were just frolicking at the beach, but the cooler weather and smell of roasting turkeys are clear signs that Thanksgiving is upon us. And there are plenty of ways to celebrate the start of the holiday season.
Perhaps you’d like to volunteer on Thanksgiving as part of your celebration. Harbor Homes needs at least two volunteers on each floor to be present in case a guest needs assistance with something. Much of the time will be spent chatting with guests, watching movies, checking guests in and out if they opt to go for a walk or into town, and once we begin the Thanksgiving meal, you would help out by serving food, wiping down tables, loading the dishwasher, and storing leftovers.
If you want to work off your Thanksgiving meal before you even sit down, join the Oak Bluffs eighth-grade fundraiser 5K Turkey Trot. The road race starts at the police station at 8:30 am, and wends its way through Oak Bluffs. ($20 registration fee. Preregister online at bit.ly/RSU_OBTurkeyTrot, or on the day between 7 and 8 am at M.V. Chowder Co. at 9 Oak Bluffs Ave.)
If you’re craving a stress-free, sumptuous meal, several restaurants are open on Thanksgiving. The Black Dog Tavern in Vineyard Haven offers four seatings for a traditional Thanksgiving feast –– for reservations, call 508-693-9223. Bettini at the Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown will serve a four-course holiday dinner from 12 to 7 pm, featuring scenic views of Edgartown Harbor and Lighthouse; horse-drawn carriage rides through historic Edgartown will also be available for booking (for reservations, call 508-627-3761). If you’re in the mood for something spicy and different, Indigo in Edgartown offers an extensive Indian menu; for reservations, call 508-939-4030. In Vineyard Haven, 9 Craft Kitchen and Bar will be offering takeout during the day (508-338-7431).
If you are still thinking about food on Friday, there is the Chowder Cup Edgartown, where you sample chowders from local chefs, cast your vote for the people’s choice, and enjoy music, food, and community at the Dr. Daniel Fisher House.
There will be plenty of music at the Ritz in Oak Bluffs. Wednesday night features a double-header with Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish at 8 pm and Dock Street Fight Club at 10 pm. Friday night includes Marzell and the Breakdowns, along with DJ SKRT. Saturday brings Rosie and Sean’s Holiday Special and DJ Ricky Prime.
Friday marks Felix Neck’s 51st Fall Festival, from 10 am to 1 pm at the Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary in Edgartown. The family-friendly event includes a bird-call competition, wreathmaking, hayrides, live music, face-painting, children’s nature crafts, seasonal treats from local vendors, and music by the Flying Elbows. There will also be a raffle with prizes from local businesses.
Light Up Oak Bluffs kicks off the holiday season with caroling and the lighting of Circuit Avenue on Saturday, Nov. 29. And you can get a jump-start on your gift shopping on Friday and Saturday while supporting local artists at Featherstone Center for the Arts’ Holiday Gift Show in Oak Bluffs and the Vineyard Artisans Thanksgiving Festival at the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury.
To volunteer at Harbor Homes, email Lisa Belcastro at lbelcastro@harborhomesmv.org.
