Celebrating Thanksgiving is an exciting, and sometimes hectic time. You might have family and guests in town, traveling to see faces you haven’t seen for awhile, or trying your own Thanksgiving dinner for the first time. And with Black Friday essentially establishing itself as it’s own pseudo-holiday, gift planning is on the mind too. To sort through the busy season, here are some local businesses, events, and holiday tips to help you along your way.
On the morning before the big feast, feel like you’ve earned it with the 4th 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. Support the SF Marin Food Bank and School Fuel, on Thanksgiving day, November 23rd at 8:30 am.
Hosting Thanksgiving at home? Whole Foods is the obvious staple here, with the extremely convenient ability to order a turkey online for in-store pickup! A turkey is just one piece of the Thanksgiving puzzle, though. Rojas Market is a traditional Mexican Market on Grant Avenue with an excellent selection of great produce. Similarly, the Harvest Market on San Marin Drive has you covered with a fully stocked butcher shop replete with fresh meats. Lucky on Grant Ave, two Safeway stores on Nave Drive and Diablo Ave, Nugget Markets on Ignacio, Trader Joe’s, and Grocery Outlet showcase that Novato shoppers are spoiled for choice in the grocery department.
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.
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.
Now of course if you’re entertaining a big party, you’ll want your home to look as festive as possible. To get in the Fall spirit, how about making a stop over to Sage Gallery? This unique shop is full of great items to decorate your home, garden, and Thanksgiving table. Want to add some fresh flowers to your tablescape? Morning Glory Florist on Grant Avenue is another fantastic family owned business with excellent service and amazing floral arrangements and gifts.
Another good bet is to head over to the Thanksgiving Floral Arrangement Workshop on Sunday, November 19 at 10 am to 12 pm at McNear’s Beach Park. Learn how to create your own mini pumpkin floral centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table!
Just passing through Novato, or expecting a large party? Inn Marin, Best Western Novato Oaks Inn, and Courtyard Marriott are sure to provide great lodging and service this Thanksgiving.
Want to head out for Thanksgiving dinner instead? Novato has some great restaurants to fill you up. On Grant Ave, the top rated Finnegan’s is open year round, and is a great option on Thanksgiving Day. Treat yourself to an amazing view at Hilltop 1892, which also serves Thanksgiving Dinner from 11 am to 8 pm.
It might seem a bit hasty to start thinking about the Holidays before Thanksgiving is past, but being early is better than being a last minute gift shopper. The Holiday Bazaar and Greek Cuisine event at the Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church is a great way to brainstorm some gift ideas. The event brings together artisans from around the Bay Area to showcase their crafts, ceramics, art, and more. The event takes place November 19, from 10 – 12 am.
The 2017 Bel Marin Keys Warehouse Sale should also have some great choices for you. Stop by as the warehouses along Bel Marin Keys Boulevard in Novato offer deals available to all. With more than 15 businesses to choose from, and items including cookware home decor, wine, and more, this is a great opportunity to get a head-start on holiday shopping. You can find the warehouse sale from November 16 – 18, 10 am to 5 pm.
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!
