Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and I, for one, am excited. Although Thanksgiving lacks some of the luster and glamor of Christmas, it’s my favorite holiday by far. The food helps, of course, but it’s the family and friends that really seal the deal. Without the distractions of gift giving, decorations and events, Thanksgiving is truly a time for coming together and…well, being thankful.
That’s not to say that the day goes off without a little bit of planning. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of resources that will help you find everything you need to ensure a fun, festive – and delicious—Thanksgiving holiday. With less time spent worrying about how, when and where to get your Thanksgiving feast in order, we hope you’ll be able to spend more time focusing on the what’s really important this holiday season.
Check out the following resources, including places to get fresh vegetables and meats, where you can find ready-made meals, amazing dessert options and, if you’re not up for cooking? Take a look at our list of local restaurants that are serving up incredible Thanksgiving feasts.
Farmer’s Markets
Farmer’s markets are win-win. Not only do you get some of the freshest fruits, vegetables and foods available, you also have the opportunity to support local farmers and artisans in your area. This holiday season, consider purchasing as many items as you can at your local market. Not only will you be serving up the freshest, most seasonal items, but you’ll feel good about doing it.
Ashland VA Farmer’s Market
Although the regular season is over, the Ashland Farmer’s Market will be offering special holiday markets, including a Thanksgiving market on Saturday, November 19, 2016 from 9am until noon. Find fresh, seasonal veggies, fruits, baked good, cheeses, meats and more. Some vendors will be taking pre-orders that will be available for pick-up at the market, so be sure to check their Facebook page for more information on how to get order in early.
Hours:
Saturday, November 19, 2016, 9am – 12pm
Regular market hours are Saturdays, 9am – 12pm, May through October.
Location:
101 Thompson St
Ashland, Virginia
(804) 798-9219
[email protected]
Birdhouse Farmer’s Market
This small, seasonal market is committed to working with local farmers and food providers to ensure access to fresh, locally grown and/or produced food for Richmond families. Open every Tuesday from May to November, Birdhouse Farmer’s Market serves the Randolph, Oregon Hill, Downtown, Carver, Jackson Ward, VUU/VCU and Fan neighborhoods.
Hours:
Tuesdays, 3:00 – 6:30 pm
May 3 – November 22, 2016
Location:
1507 Grayland Avenue
Richmond, VA 23220
(Behind Randolph Community Center basketball courts on Grayland Avenue)
(804) 404-3817
[email protected]
www.birdhousefarmersmarket.org
The Bus Farm Indoor Market
The Bus Farm Indoor Market is Richmond’s only year-round indoor market of its kind. Provided by the non-profit group, Farm to Family, The Bus Farm Market offers seasonal and local produce, dairy products, organic meats, fresh baked goods, gluten-free breads and cookies and other locally crafted items.
In addition to the market, Farm to Family offers a CSA and the “FarmBus,” a mobile market that that delivers fresh, local produce, meats and more to families in urban areas. This year, they will be offering premium, pastured Polyface turkeys for pre-order at [email protected]. Turkeys will be delivered 11/22.
Hours:
By appointment and most Fridays.
Call (804) 767-8570 for an appointment or to confirm hours.
Location:
2817 Mechanicsville Turnpike
Richmond, VA 23223
(804) 767-8570
http://www.thefarmbus.com/
[email protected]
The Carytown Farmer’s Market
As Richmond’s only Sunday market, The Carytown Farmer’s Market provides a valuable service to Carytown and its surrounding neighborhoods. Featuring local produce, meats, artisan crafts and more, the market is a great place to stock up on locally sourced foods and more just in time for the holidays.
Hours: Sundays, 11am – 3pm
Location:
3201 W Cary St
Richmond, VA 23221
(In the Wells Fargo parking lot)
[email protected]
www.carytownmarket.com
The Farmer’s Market at Boulevard Flower Gardens
Boulevard Flower Gardens partners with local farmers, food producers and artisans to bring you a weekly indoor farmer’s market every Saturday from 10am – 2pm. Join them to plan your Thanksgiving feast and choose from local produce, meats, sausages, cheeses, jams, sauces, baked goods, crafts, and much more! See a complete vendor list here.
Hours: Saturdays, 10am – 2pm
Location:
2100 Ruffin Mill Road
South Chesterfield, VA 23834
(804) 526-4000
[email protected]
www.boulevardflowergardens.com
Lakeside Farmer’s Market
This year-round outdoor farmer’s market is open every Saturday and Wednesday in order to provide the highest quality products for the Greater Richmond Area. Featuring fresh seasonal produce, meats, coffee and tea, local artisan crafts and baked goods, the market offers an exceptional alternative to standard grocery stores for your holiday meal shopping.
Hours:
Wednesdays – all day; Saturday – mornings.
Visit Lakeside Farmer’s Market on Facebook for seasonal hours.
Location:
6110 Lakeside Ave
Henrico, VA 23228
(804) 262-6593
[email protected]
www.lakesidefarmersmarket.net
South of the James Farmer’s Market
This ever popular open-air market is now available year-round. The South of the James Farmer’s Market brings together farmers and artisans to sell locally-grown and hand-made items. As part of the GrowRVA’s network of markets, it is a rain or shine event. Be sure to check their Facebook page for updates on hours, vendors and special events.
Hours:
Saturdays
Winter Hours (November – April): 9am – 12pm
Summer Hours (May – October): 8am – 12pm
Location:
New Kent Ave & 42nd Street
Richmond, VA 23225
[email protected]
www.growrva.com/soj
Tom Leonard’s Farmer’s Market
While Tom Leonard’s is not typical farmer’s market, this small, family-owned business supports local Virginia farms whenever possible. They source only the best fruits and vegetables directly from their network of growers, you’ll always find fresh produce at great prices. Tom Leonard’s has been named by Richmond Magazine as both the #1 Best Food Find and the #1 place to purchase produce in Richmond and voted by the US Local Business Association as the Best Grocery Store in Glen Allen, VA.
Hours:
Daily, 9am – 8pm
Location:
4150 Tom Leonard Dr.
Glen Allen, VA 23060
(804) 364-5800
www.tomleonardsfarmersmarket.com
West End Farmer’s Market
Although this popular farmer’s market is closed for the season, they are opening for a special Thanksgiving market Saturday, November 19, 2016, from 10am – 1pm. Be sure to stop by and take advantage of their great selection of seasonal fruits, veggies, grass-fed beef, free range chicken, country sausage, GMO-free eggs, fresh bread, home-made pies, cookies, cheese, flowers and locally crafted artisan products.
Hours:
Saturday, November 19, 2016, 10am – 1pm
Additional winter markets:
December 10, 2016, January 14, 2017, February 11, 2017 and March 11, 2017
10am – 12pm
Location:
Gayton Center
12496 Gayton Rd.
Richmond, VA 23238
(804) 564-9989
[email protected]
www.westendfarmersmarket.com
Farm-Raised Turkeys and Fresh Meats
Looking for fresh meats and poultry for Thanksgiving can be a challenge this close to the holiday. There are a number of farms in the Greater Richmond Area and beyond that are still taking reservations for pre-Thanksgiving pick-up. However, if you can not find a source that works with your schedule, be sure to check sites like Eat Wild/Virginia or Local Harvest/Richmond to find other farmers that might have products to meet your needs.
Belmont Butchery
This small, specialty butcher is known for its high quality meats. During the holiday season, they take special orders for local and heritage turkeys. Supplies can be limited, especially at this time of year, so be sure to call them at (804) 422-8519 or visit them online to see what they currently have in stock or to place your specialty order.
Hours:
Monday-Friday, 9:30am – 7pm
Saturday, 9:30am – 6pm
Location:
15 N. Belmont Ave.
Richmond, VA 23221
(804) 422-8519
www.belmontbutchery.com
Briars Farmstead
Briars Farmstead offers pasture-raised turkeys that have been fed fresh grass and non-GMO feed and are free from antibiotics and hormones. Their turkeys average 10-16 lbs at $6.00/lb. Reserve yours today or visit them online to see their other fresh meat and farm food options.
Pick-up dates: Wednesday, November 22 & Thursday, November 23, 2016
Location:
2535 Pyletown Road
Boyce,VA 22620
(540) 664-8005
[email protected]
Keenbell Farm
Located in Western Hanover County, Keenbell Farm is a third-generation owned and operated farm. They specialize grass-fed beef, pasture-raised pork, free-range poultry and non-GMO grains throughout the year, but during the holiday season, they offer fresh, free-range turkeys for reserve and pick-up. To reserve yours, sign up at the Keenbell Farmhouse Farm Store, at the Ashland Farmer’s Market, or send an email with your name and phone number and they will contact you for payment. For a complete list of retailers that carry Keenbell products, click here.
Orders: Call or email anytime to order or schedule a visit to the farm.
The Farmhouse at Keenbell Farm (located at the farm):
Select Fridays, 11am – 7pm
Follow Keenbell Farm on Facebook for updated times and events.
Location:
18437 Vontay Rd
Rockville, Virginia 23146
(804) 767-0530
[email protected]
www.keenbellfarm.com
Polyface Farms
Many know Polyface products from other retailers as they are one of the area’s largest providers of top-quality, pasture raised poultry, meat and eggs. But if you would like to buy from Polyface Farms directly, you can either buy on-site at their farm in Swoope, Virginia, or through their regional Metropolitan Buying Clubs. Sign up for the club online, create your order, and after it has been assembled at the farm in Swoope, it will be delivered to your specified pick-up location. Polyface Metropolitan Buying Club is available in Midlothian and Richmond, as well as many surrounding areas. See a complete list and sign-up here.
Hours:
Monday – Friday, 9am – 12pm
Saturdays, 9am – 4pm
By appointment Monday-Friday after 12pm
Online sales (for pick-up at regional sites only) available through the Metropolitan Buying Club in Richmond and surrounding areas.
Location:
55 Pure Meadows Lane
Swoope, VA 24479
(540) 885-3590
[email protected]
www.polyfacefarms.com
Thanksgiving Catering
If cooking is not really your “thing,” or maybe you’d rather save your time and energy for other things this Thanksgiving, there are a number of stores in the Richmond area that offer Thanksgiving Catering. From delicious sides to fully cooked turkeys, you can simply pre-order and pick up your meal at the time of your choosing. And, of course, if you are cooking from scratch, you can find everything you need to make your meal one-of-a-kind at all of these Richmond grocery shopping favorites.
The Fresh Market
Fresh Market provides everything you need for your holidays meals – pre-cooked or otherwise. Visit Fresh Market’s online catering department to pre-order fully cooked turkeys, oven-ready turkeys, meats, sides, breads, desserts, and more. All of their turkeys are raised in Pennsylvania’s Amish country, fed a vegetarian diet free of animal by-products and antibiotic-free.
Hours: Daily, 8am – 9pm
Prices:
Turkey (pre-cooked): $3.99-$6.99/lb
Turkey (uncooked): $2.49 – $5.99/lb
Complete Meals: $79.99 (traditional, 8-10 people) or $139.99 (deluxe, 10-12 people)
See their online menu for a complete list of other items and prices.
Midlothian Locations:
1200 Hugenot Road
Midlothian, VA 23113
(804) 897-0300
4600 Commonwealth Centre Parkway
Midlothian, VA 23112
(804) 744-7535
Richmond Locations:
1527 N. Parham Road
Richmond, VA 23229
(804) 282-3823
10 N. Nansemond St.
Richmond, VA 23221
(804) 355-3190
Kroger With plenty of locations and great prices, Kroger is a go-to shopping destination for many in the Richmond area. They make it even more convenient to plan your holiday meal this year with a range of ready-made Thanksgiving dinners, including gluten-free meals, as well as a wide selection of sides, desserts and more. Visit their online deli to see the complete list of ready-made meals available at your local Kroger.
Prices:
Complete meals: $49.99 – $89.99
Other prices vary, see online for more information.
Hours, Store Locations and Contact Information:
Visit Kroger’s online store locator to find the Richmond area store nearest you.
Martin’s
This grocery chain took over Richmond-based Ukrop’s a number of years ago, but they’ve kept the ever-popular Ukrop’s Kitchen and Bakery for catering. And while Richmond stores won’t be offering complete Thanksgiving meals this year, they will be offering their regular catering options, as well as delicious holiday sides. Be sure to visit them online or call (888) 793-3663 to talk to a Martin’s food specialist and get your holiday meal planning started.
Hours, Store Locations and Contact Information:
Martin’s offers more than a dozen shopping locations in the Richmond area. To find the one nearest you, visit their online store locator.
Tom Leonard’s Farmer’s Market
Tom Leonard’s is much more than just a farmer’s market. In fact, you can get everything you need for Thanksgiving at this diverse local market. Choose from pre-brined, oven-ready turkeys, a wide range of tasty sides, fresh baked breads and desserts, as well as complete meals for anywhere from 4 to 16 people. See their full Thanksgiving menu here.
Hours: Daily, 9am – 8pm
Prices:
Turkey (pre-brined, oven-ready): $49.99 – $69.99
*Turkeys can be pre-cooked for an additional $25
Homestyle Sides: $7.99 each or 2/$14
Fresh Breads: $2.99 -$4.99
Desserts (pies): $9.99
Complete Meals: $69.99 – $119.99
Location:
4150 Tom Leonard Dr.
Glen Allen, VA 23060
(804) 364-5800
www.tomleonardsfarmersmarket.com
Wegman’s
It’s hard not to get excited about a trip to Wegman’s. Knowing that there is a full, ready-to-eat Thanksgiving feast waiting for you makes it even better. This holiday season, you can pre-order your complete Thanksgiving meal for pick-up at your nearest store and get the party started that much faster. And, of course, their full deli, hot bars and bakery items make it easy to pick-and-choose sides and desserts, as well. Select your nearest store to see their full online catering and in-store options.
Hours:
Daily, 6am to midnight
Thanksgiving Hours – Stores will close at 4pm on Thursday, November 24 and reopen Friday, November 25 at 7am.
Prices: Complete meals: $109 – $209
Locations:
Wegman’s Short Pump
12200 Wegmans Blvd
Henrico, VA 23233
(804) 377-4100
Wegman’s Midlothian
12501 Stone Village Way
Midlothian, VA 23113
(804) 419-9900
Whole Foods Market Short Pump
Known for their wide selection of organic and gourmet options, Whole Foods at Short Pump offers everything you need for a perfectly festive holiday feast. Choose from organic or free-range whole turkeys (pre-roasted or uncooked); game birds, including duck, goose and Cornish game hen; fresh meats, including beef, pork and lamb; a wide range of sides; baked goods; starters; or complete meals with a choice of meats for groups ranging between 2 to 16 people. Reserve online by November 22, 2016 to get $10 off your next order!
Hours: Daily, 7am – 10pm
Prices:
Turkey (uncooked): $2.69-$3.99/lb.
Turkey (pre-cooked): $39.99 – &79.99
Oven-Ready (seasoned, but uncooked): from $59.99
Complete Meals: $45 – $169
Location:
11173 West Broad Street
Glen Allen, VA 23060
(804) 364-4050
Online Grocery Ordering
With the rush of the holidays, sometimes a big trip (or in most cases, trips) to the grocery store can be hard to squeeze in amongst all of the other things on your to-do list. Fortunately, a number of options for online shopping exist in Richmond. Some stores offer online ordering, with delivery and /or in-store pick-up, or take advantage of larger sites like Amazon for your grocery needs.
Amazon PrimeNow
PrimeNow provides FREE on-demand grocery delivery in as little as two hours – and best of all, it’s now available in Richmond. There is a $20 order minimum for free delivery and and you must have an Amazon Prime account. Prime memberships cost $99/year, but with all the perks, including free two-day shipping on many items, as well as PrimeNow delivery, it might just be worth the expense.
Visit Amazon to sign up or sign in.
Kroger With Kroger’s ClickList program, you can shop at select Kroger stores for more than 40,000 grocery items, including fresh meat, produce and dairy items, then set a time and location for pick-up. ClickList is currently available at five Richmond area stores, including West Cary Street in Richmond, Tim Price Highway in North Chesterfield, Atlee Road in Mechanicsville, Staples Mill Road in Henrico and Polo Parkway in Midlothian.
Visit Kroger online to place an order at the store nearest you.
Target
While Target is a great place to pick up household necessities for the holiday season, many Target stores also offer grocery items. With an easy online search option that allows you to browse items by “buy online pick and up today,” “shipping” or “in store,” you can choose the method that best suits your needs at select stores. And with more than 400 items available for discount subscription service, you can have your favorite staples automatically shipped right to your door for less.
Visit Target online to find your nearest store and see what delivery and pick-up options are available.
Relay Foods
This online grocer features healthy, responsibly (and often, locally) sourced foods that can be delivered to your door or picked up free of charge at a Relay Foods pick-up location.
Visit Relay Foods online to place an order, find your nearest pick-up location or confirm your delivery.
WalMart
Like Kroger, select WalMart stores in the Richmond area allow you to do your grocery shopping online then select a pick-up time and location.
To find out if your local WalMart provides this time-saving service, click here.
Thanksgiving Desserts
For some the turkey is the most important part of the Thanksgiving meal – for others, it’s all about the dessert table. But if you’re finding that homemade dessert isn’t at the top of your priority list, there are still plenty of ways to serve up gourmet pies, cakes and more, while saving room in the oven for everything else on the menu.
Please note, that we’re only mentioning a few of the great places for pies and desserts in the Richmond area. Many of the resources above, including Farmer’s Markets and Richmond grocery stores, also offer an incredible selection of baked goods, including pies, cakes and other desserts. Be sure to check out all the options!
Jean Jacques Bakery and Café
This French-themed bakery brings the tastes of Paris to the streets of Richmond with their gourmet dessert offerings. Of course, if it’s traditional Pumpkin Pie you’re looking for, they have that, too! See their current in-store offerings or special order your Thanksgiving treats online. But hurry! Thanksgiving deadlines are getting close.
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 7am – 6pm
Location:
Cary Court Park & Shop
3138 West Cary Street
Richmond, VA 23221
(804) 355-0666
Proper Pie, Co.
This relative newcomer to the Richmond scene took no time in becoming a local favorite. Known for their delicious pies (and especially their pastry-perfect crusts), Proper Pie Co. is a great place to find holiday treats. Visit their Facebook page for more information.
Hours:
Wednesday – Saturday, 12pm – 7pm
Sunday, 12pm – 6pm
Location:
2505 E Broad St, # 100
Richmond, Virginia 23223
(804) 343-7437
For pie orders:
Email [email protected] or call (804) 343-7437. For email orders, please include your name, phone number, date of pick-up, time of pick-up and types of pies needed.
Shyndigz
Known for their insanely good cakes and café desserts, a cake or pie from Shyndigz will more than impress your holiday guests this year. See their complete Thanksgiving Desserts Menu – and good luck narrowing down the choices!
Hours:
Wednesday and Thursdaym 6pm – 11pm
Friday, 6pm -12am
Saturday, 1pm-12am
Location:
1903 W Cary St
Richmond, VA 23220
(804) 938-DIGZ (3449)
[email protected]
WPA Bakery
Cakes, pies, cupcakes…whatever you want, WPA has it. This local bakery and special order shop is a no-brainer for Thanksgiving goodies. Check out their menu, then call them at (804) 716-9797 or email [email protected] to get your order started. Just be sure to allow at least 48 hours for completion!
Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday, 7am – 8pm
Sunday and Monday, 7am – 2pm
Location:
2707 East Marshall Street
Richmond, VA 23223
(804) 716-9797
[email protected]
Restaurants Serving Thanksgiving Dinner
And last but not least, if hosting a Thanksgiving dinner at your home just isn’t in the cards this year, Richmond offers a wide range of restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving Day. From traditional Thanksgiving dinners to menu options that might not include your standard turkey, stuffing and gravy, you’ll have no shortage of ways to celebrate with friends, family and great food – whether you’re at home or not.
Anokha
4015 Lauderdale Drive
Richmond, VA 23233
(804) 360-8686
Bistro 27
27 W Broad St
Richmond, VA 23220
(804) 780-0098
Bistro Bobette
1209 E Cary Street
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 225-9116
Bookbinders
2306 East Cary Street
Richmond, VA 23223
(804) 643-6900
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
(at the Westin-Richmond)
11792 West Broad St
Richmond, VA 23233
(804) 461-2244
Crossings Restaurant, Bar & Lounge 6631 West Broad St
Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 282-8444
Fleming’s Steakhouse 9200 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 131
Richmond, VA 23235
(804) 272-7755
Keagans Irish Restaurant &Tavern
2251 Old Brick Rd
Glen Allen, VA 23060
(804) 360-9240
Maggiano’s
(at Short Pump Towne Center)
11800 West Broad St.
Richmond, VA 23233
(804) 253-0900
Maple and Pine
(at The Quirk Hotel)
201-07 West Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23220
(804) 340-6050
Max’s on Broad 305 Brook Rd
Richmond, VA 23220
(804) 225-0400
Morton’s The Steakhouse
111 Virginia Street
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 648-1662
Sam Miller’s
1210 E.Cary St.
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 644-5470
Shula’s Steakhouse
(at the Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa)
12042 West Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23233
(804) 565-7000
Spoonbread Bistro
2526 Floyd Ave
Richmond, VA 23220-4412
(804) 359-8000
Tarrant’s Café
1 West Broad St.
Richmond, VA 23220
(804) 225-0035
Tarrant’s West 11129 Three Chopt Road
Henrico, VA 23233
(804) 205-9009
Texas de Brazil 11800 W. Broad Street
Suite 1092
Richmond, VA 23233
(804) 750-2003
The Boathouse
@ Short Pump Town Center:
11800 W Broad St., Unit 950
Richmond, VA 23233
(804) 360-7200
@ Rockett’s Landing:
4708 Old Main St
Richmond, VA 23231
(804) 622-2628
@ Sunday Park:
4602 Millridge Parkway
Midlothian, VA 23112
(804) 744-2545
The Tobacco Company 1201 East Cary Street
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 782-9555
We hope that we’ve given you everything you need to ensure the best Thanksgiving holiday yet – at least when it comes to the feast! In the meantime, from our family to yours, we wish you a happy, safe holiday and hope that you know that we are grateful for readers like you – not just at Thanksgiving, but all year round.
