The secret to a good Thanksgiving resides somewhere in the magic of a not-dry turkey, the perfect stuffing, and an uneasy truce between the lovers and haters of canned cranberry sauce. But here are a few more ideas to make your Thanksgiving on the Hill the best one you’ve ever had– whether it’s your first one or your 45th. Read on.
The turkey
In news that is pretty sweet, Medium Rare is doing their 10th (!) annual Free Turkey Fry on Thanksgiving day. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 515 8th Street SE, you can bring your FULLY THAWED 8-10 lb turkey and the friendly, generous folks at Medium Rare will deep-fry it for you, so you can have a delightful turkey, no oven necessary. If you want to get out of there soon, we recommend showing up a little before they open at 11 a.m. You know what else is thawing here? My heart.
Ok listen. If you’ve got turkeys cooking on two ovens and by the time you read this, you’ve already tackled two office Thanksgivings, a Friendsgiving and are planning to host friends and family and volunteer at a soup kitchen, consider inviting me over to one of your feasts. The rest of you, follow me. Whole Foods has your back for Thanksgiving: You can order online through this portal and the prices are pretty legit. At about $25-$26 per person in their 12-person feast, you really cannot beat that. It’s cheaper than anything else you’ll ever buy at Whole Foods. I’ll give thanks for that.
If you want something a whole lot fancier, why not dine on crab for Thanksgiving? The turkeys will be ever so thankful and everyone knows crabs don’t have any feelings. Through Sunday, November 24, you can order carryout from Joe’s Stone Crab. Check out their menu here or give them a call at 202-489-0140. Mmm… mini crab cakes.
The fixin’s
Wine is a fixin’ as much as green beans or sweet potatoes are. If you need help picking out the perfect bottle for your Thanksgiving table, City Winery has a class this upcoming Tuesday, November 26, that should be very helpful. The event is $45/person and could be a fun activity to get some relatives out of the house for a couple of hours. Link.
The last-minute stuff
There is always something you forgot. From soup tureens to new pots and pans to the perfectly prim and adorable hostess gift, Hill’s Kitchen WILL BE OPEN ON THANKSGIVING DAY until 2 p.m. After the clock strikes two, some exuvial magic will take place and the store will magically be ready for Black Friday and Christmas the following day. (Thankful I got to use “exuvial magic” in this paragraph.)
Turkey Day Shenanigans
Swing by the United States Botanic Garden starting on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, to catch a beautiful display in homage to public gardens across the country. “Season’s Greenings: American Garden” will be on view 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day excluding Chrismas and New Year’s Day, through January 5, 2020. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, there will be special performances at the Conservatory until 8 p.m. More info here.
If you want to support a good local charity and work up an appetite, the So Others Might Eat (SOME) Turkey Trot is the activity for your Thanksgiving Day. You can sign up here via this link and get yourself and your running shoes lined up at Freedom Plaza starting at 8:30 a.m. for the little turkey trot.
Looking for a little church with your turkey? Christ Church, 620 G St SE, will host a service of gratitude at 11 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day followed by a community dinner at noon. Bring a side or dessert. Please speak with or e-mail Raiford Gaffney to sign up with the number of attendees and what you are bringing.
If you’re looking for excitement and Northeast Vs. Southeast shenanigans, there WILL be a kickball game at X park on Thanksgiving day, 10 a.m. And, let’s be honest: Northeast will win again. Bring coffee or doughnuts and you’ll be an MVP.
The Out-a-towners
You may be embarking on a 10+ hour journey to visit your family, and if you are, I want to wish you the best and godspeed and all that. For those of you who are hosting family at home, here are a few reminders:
- You can renew your visitor parking permits starting now. Click on this DDOT portal and get that errand done. If you need temporary passes, walk down to the First District substation on 5th and E Streets SE (across from Marion park) and have the license plate and your proof of DC residency handy. More information here.
- If the visitors came by plane or train but you’d like them to take your car… but you still need a car to run errands… get yourself a Free 2 Move membership. There is a coupon in this post, just for you.
Dessert
BIG GEORGE’S LIGHTING IS HAPPENING AND WE LOVE IT. Never mind that I’ve gotten into fights with and have lost my children more than once at this heartwarming community event, I still love it. And I’m always glad it comes around just when you need an injection of sugar and good will: This year, it’s Saturday, November 30, starting at 5:30 p.m.– a time in which we will already be in the throes of darkness, which is why we need the light. More info.
Cheese Plate?
On Sunday, December 1, visit Dio Wine Bar, 904 H Street NE, for their second annual Latinx Holiday Market. More details and RSVP here.
On Monday, December 2, get yourself a little noontime peace with one of the incredible Washington Bach Consort concerts. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, noon. More info.
The Union Station Christmas tree will be officially lit on Tuesday, December 3, at a ceremony starting at 6 p.m. Even the biggest Grinches amongst us like the tall, festive tree that is a gift of friendship and good will from the people of Norway. God jul, you guys!
Put it on your calendar: CHAMPS’ HOLIDAY SIP AND SHOP IS HAPPENING MONDAY, DECEMBER 9! We will be there selling our The Hill is Home mugs and #CapitolHillBingo t-shirts! Come see us! More info here.