Updated October 2023
Thanksgiving is around the corner! Are you ready? If you're looking for something less traditional, consider bringing your celebrations up to Rim Country. Maybe this is the year your family starts a new tradition of getting away for the holiday! If you decide to go that route, there are lots of local options that will still get you a hearty dose of tryptophan. Here's a list to get you started with planning!
Order a traditional meal from Bashas' or Safeway in Payson. Both of the big grocery stores in Payson have holiday meal ordering options! You will want to order ASAP. According to the deli managers at both stores, supplies are expected to be limited. You can order your meal from Safeway online here, but you will need to call Bashas' directly to order (928) 474-4495.
Go out to eat at Mazatzal Casino. The casino in Payson right as you roll into town is home to a few different restaurants, and they are open for Thanksgiving! I'm unsure if they will have a special Thanksgiving meal, but they have in years past that people rave about. Check out the menu for Cedar Ridge, which is the casino's fine dining restaurant. Pack a nice holiday outfit, and enjoy not having to worry about the dishes!
Dinner at The Sportsmans Chalet. Just steps from the Inn is The Chalet, one of our local favorites! It's open 365 days a year, so you could easily pop over for your Thanksgiving dinner. Make sure to order a drink from the drink elevator!
Thanksgiving: BBQ Style. Rim Country BBQ has a VERY loyal following, and for good reason! The food is phenomenal. You could create a fun BBQ style Thanksgiving spread by ordering smoked turkey breast by the pound, an assortment of sides, and delicious desserts. The hardest part will be narrowing down which items you want! You will need to plan to pick it up the day before, as I do not believe they are open on Thanksgiving Day.
Unless you're staying in The Bungalow, Creek Cabin, Guest House, or Bunkhouse, you won't be able to do any large scale cooking, so all of these options will be doable in *most of the properties. I suggest packing some fun table decor (Target has really cute stuff right now!), games, and any other special things you want to incorporate in your new tradition. Make sure to tag us in your Thanksgiving photos! Click here to see our current availability for the holiday, and book ASAP.
The day after Thanksgiving, Christmas festivities will begin in earnest around town, starting at The Rusty Pine Cone! Santa will be there Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Don't miss out! After The Rusty Pine Cone, head over to The Wrens Nest to get a jump start on your holiday shopping.
Windmill Coffee is open for their regular business hours the entire week of Thanksgiving, including Thanksgiving day!
Sunday-Friday: 6:30am-12:00pm
Saturday: 6:30am-2:00pm
We will update this list with any other special Thanksgiving meal options and activities we hear about!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
*Reminder: the main hotel rooms do not have a microwave oven, so keep that in mind as you're making plans!