As we leave the spooky Halloween season, we enter into the cozy crispness of fall. Even with the rain back in full force, the colors of the leaves are a beautiful reminder that the damp air is more than worth it. My family is fortunate to have our windows facing some majestic trees, and every morning they change in their kaleidoscope of colors. I love the fall, and not just for the weather. I also love it for the holidays. As Thanksgiving approaches, I grow increasingly excited each day.
This will probably be the most controversial thing that I’ve ever written here, but I’m not even the biggest fan of Thanksgiving food. Don’t worry, I can already sense your strong disagreement as you read this. Honestly, though, I can’t help it. Turkey is acceptable enough; stuffing is okay at best. But before you call me the Scrooge of Thanksgiving, let me quickly say that I still adore the holiday.
Just because I am not Thanksgiving’s number one food fan does not mean that I disparage the entire thing. Families, friends, loved ones, and sometimes even strangers coming together to share a meal while discussing everything they’re grateful for is amazing. I couldn’t care less that I’m not the most enormous admirer of marshmallow yams; what I care about is spending quality time with my family.
Thanksgiving is a way for us to celebrate one another while letting them know how much they mean to us. Of course, we don’t need to have a holiday to remind us to be grateful, but that is where the beauty of tradition comes into play. In fact, tradition leads me to be the first to advocate for having the typical Thanksgiving dishes, despite my not necessarily liking them. The food is not only symbolic of Thanksgiving but also honors the tradition of the holiday, as these are the entrees that have been served for many generations. Honoring tradition is more important than my millennial taste buds.
Thanksgiving for my family this year will involve people who are just a few weeks old, and those in their 80s. I am thankful for that.
An excellent way to spend Thanksgiving is to celebrate it at the Oregon Coast. Tourist season for the year is already over, so the sidewalks and attractions are not nearly as busy. Plus, the weather is still relatively decent. Although staying in a beachfront cabin overlooking a coastal storm while having a morning coffee is unmatched.
Salishan Coastal Lodge at Gleneden Beach is hosting a luxurious Thanksgiving feast, and I highly recommend reserving seats for your family. Spending Thanksgiving here with them will not only give you a major break from extensive cooking, but it also relieves you from having to do the dreaded dishes. And who knows, maybe you all will love it so much that you turn it into a yearly family tradition. Salishan will offer the beloved Thanksgiving dishes, complementing them with seasonal Northwest ingredients.
Located at 7760 N HWY 101, Gleneden Beach, Oregon 97388, you will need to reserve your spot online. Ticket prices are $29 for children ages 5-12, $59 for those 13 and older, and children four and under are admitted free. This Thanksgiving Buffet will offer incredible options from Turkey Legs to Beef Wellington. Their sides include stuffing, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole. For dessert, they will offer options like Pumpkin Pie and Brown Butter Bread Pudding.
They even list the source of their local ingredients on the menu. This is a friendly reminder that not only will you be supporting farmers, but you will also be supporting the local economy. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds will be donated directly to Family Promise of Lincoln County, a local organization that assists vulnerable families. This is a genuinely excellent way to celebrate with your loved ones for all that you are thankful for, while also contributing to those in need.
Thanksgiving celebrations take place in many nations worldwide. Many of them are various forms of harvest festivals with a foundation of gratitude for the nourishment. This is very similar to what we experience here in the United States. The first documented Thanksgiving feast in the area dates back to 1619, at what is now known as the Commonwealth of Virginia. Over the centuries, Thanksgiving has evolved into what we now know it to be: a time to reflect and a time to be thankful.
Spending Thanksgiving at the Salishan Coastal Lodge is an excellent way to participate in this traditional holiday. Not to mention, their menu sounds fantastic. In fact, it might even be making me rethink my stance on Thanksgiving food after all.
Alex is a devoted husband and father born and raised in Portland, Oregon. He is a professional artist, author, and advisor for both Yale and Harvard University’s arts departments. His books, ‘Selling Leonardo: The Art World’s Greatest Scandal’ and ‘Holy Ghost: Decoding Leonardo da Vinci’s Final Painting’ are available wherever books are sold.