Thanksgiving in Novato is a fun and vibrant time. Whether you’re heading out for the Bank of Marin Turkey Trot, busy roasting a turkey at home, or opting for a Thanksgiving dinner at a local restaurant, things get festive around this much-loved November holiday.
Hosting Thanksgiving at home? For special family meals, Whole Foods is a Novato go-to destination. You can order an entire family meal online for instore pick up. Elsewhere in Novato, Nugget Markets on Ignacio Blvd has plenty of holiday fare (check out some of their delicious recipe suggestions). Trader Joe’s is, as ever, full of fun seasonal foods. No doubt that will include a few items given an unexpected pumpkin-spice twist.
Other Novato shopping option include Rojas Market, a traditional Mexican Market on Grant Avenue with an excellent selection of great produce. For the budget-minded shopper, Grocery Outlet is a trove of quirky bargains.
There’s always room for dessert. Luckily, Novato has some great go-to spots to rely on. John and Jill’s Cheesecake has incredible premium cheesecakes of all shapes, sizes, and varieties. Creekside Bakery on Grant Avenue can make pretty much any cake you can dream of, and also offers a host of other baked goods perfect for your Thanksgiving feast. Or pop into Teeny Cake for some bite-sized celebration cup cakes. You can also satisfy your sweet tooth cravings with old-school candies from Sees Candy at Vintage Oaks.
Whether you’re looking for a hostess gift, or want to beautify your own table, consider a floral arrangement from a local florist, like Natalie & Daria’s Flowers and Gifts or San Marin Flowers. Or pick up a nice home decor item from Sage Gallery on Grant Avenue or Feathered Nest at Pacheco Plaza.
Want to head out for Thanksgiving dinner instead? Novato has some great restaurants to fill you up. Treat yourself to an amazing view at Hilltop 1892, which also serves Thanksgiving Dinner from 11am till 8pm. Or head out to Grazie’s, serving Thanksgiving Brunch from 7am till 3pm (with a menu that includes pumpkin pancakes). At three, they shift gear into Thanksgiving dinner from 3-9pm, for a traditional turkey roast, or perhaps pistachio crusted salmon followed by classic desserts like pumpkin and pecan pies.
You might want to pair your meal with a great drink. How about checking out Trek Winery’s incredible selection? If craft beer is more up your alley, Beercraft offers 200 different bottled beers, along with 14 beers on tap. BevMo at Vintage Oaks is another well-stocked location for adult beverages. Mantra Wines on Grant is closed for Thanksgiving, but a great place to drop into before the holiday for a tasteful break from shopping.
On the morning before the big feast, feel like you’ve earned it with the 5th Annual Marin Turkey Trot in Novato, all for a great cause. It’s a perfect event for the whole family, with a mile youth race, a 5K race, and a 10K race for experienced marathon runners, all of which support the SF Marin Food Bank. And after the holidays, if you feel like letting your hair down, check out fun covers band Notorious at Hopmonk Tavern on the 23rd or Wonderbread 5 at the same venue on Saturday evening.
Need a place for holiday guests to stay? Check out Inn Marin, Best Western Plus Novato Oaks Inn or Courtyard Marriott. They all have openings and will make your visitors feel right at home.
Whatever you’re looking for this Thanksgiving, it’s clear that Novato has you covered. Whether you’re a long time Novato native, visiting family and friends in the city, or making your way through on a trip to wine country, have a Happy Thanksgiving!
