Thanksgiving in Northern Michigan: Your Guide to Dining Out, Take-Home Meals, Turkey Trots & Ways to Give Back

Thanksgiving arrives next Thursday, and if you’re in Grand Traverse Region, you don’t have to scramble for plans. Northern Michigan offers plenty of ways to celebrate the holiday, whether you’re looking to dine out, pick up a ready-made feast, start your morning with a Turkey Trot, or volunteer your time to help local families.

Here’s your complete guide to making the most of Thanksgiving in our beautiful corner of Michigan.

Where to Dine Out or Take Home on Thanksgiving Day

If cooking isn’t on your agenda this year, these local restaurants are offering festive meals so you can relax and enjoy the holiday.

1. Aerie Restaurant & Lounge | Traverse City | Dine-in Buffet

At Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, offering a buffet on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.. The buffet features a turkey carving station, classic sides, and pumpkin pie.

• Location: 100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd, Acme
• Price: Adults: $58++; Children ages 5–12: $18.00++; Children under 4 are complimentary.
• Contact: (231) 534-6800 or aerie@gtresort.com

2. Boathouse Restaurant | Traverse City | Take Home

Offering a Thanksgiving To-Go menu for two or four people for pick-up on Wednesday, November 26. Heating instructions are included with your purchase.

• Location: 14039 Peninsula Drive, Traverse City
• Menu and Price:
  • Two People ($199): Black Truffle Turkey Galantine, Apple/Walnut Stuffing, White Truffle and Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce, Dinner Rolls, Berkshire Ham, Caviar Deviled Eggs, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Pumpkin Pie, and a bottle of wine.
  • Four People ($279): The same options as the two-person meal but with Pecan Pie and a different vintage wine.
• Contact: (231) 223-4030 or boathouseonwestbay.com

3. Minerva’s | Traverse City | Dine-in Buffet

Will host a Thanksgiving buffet on Thursday, November 27, starting at 11 a.m.. Reservations are recommended.

• Location: 300 East State Street, Traverse City
• Price: $32 adults; $30 seniors; $15 kids
• Contact: (231) 946-5093

4. Artisan Restaurant | Traverse City Area | Dine-in Fixed Menu

Hosting “An Artisan Thanksgiving” on Thursday, November 27, featuring a holiday meal created by their culinary team.

• Location: At the Delamar – 615 East Front Street, Traverse City
• Price: $75 adults; $35 kids
• Contact: (231) 421-2150

5. VI Grill | Suttons Bay | Take Home

Offering take-home selections.

• Location: 201 n St. Joseph St, Suttons Bay
• Price: 2 person $95; 4 people $180
• Contact: (231) 271-3300

6. Artisan | Traverse City | Dine-in Fixed Menu

Known for a refined, “prix fix” holiday dinner.

• Location: The Delamar Hotel at 615 E Front St, Traverse city
• Price: $75 adults; $35 kids – Reservations Required
• Contact: (231) 421-2150

7. Wild Tomato | Thompsonville | Dine-in Buffet

Part of Crystal Mountain’s Thanksgiving Reconnect weekend.

• Location: Crystal Mountain – 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr, Thompsonville
• Price: Adults $48.95; Kids 7-12 $19.95; Kids under 6 $12.95
• Contact: (888)581-9891 – Reservations Required

8. The Kitchen | Traverse City | Take Home

Known for their elevated comfort food and locally inspired flavors, The Kitchen offers a thoughtfully curated holiday menu that brings warmth and elegance to your table without the prep. 

• Location: 1249 Woodmere Ave, Traverse City
• Price: Thanksgiving Feast for 8 $300; The Basic for 8 $200; Sides Only for 8 $160
• Contact: (231) 947-8646 or info@thekitchentc.com

9. Perks Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner | Frankfort | Dine-in or Take Home

This event is open to everyone! Come enjoy a warm meal and great company this Thanksgiving.

• Location: Petals & Perks – 429 Main St, Frankfort
• Price: FREE
• Contact: You must register by 11/26 – (231) 882-5144 or email mekasmarketingevents@gmail.com

Turkey Trots: Start the Day with a Fun Run

For those who love a good foot race, how about a Turkey Trot? There are several in our area. Sign-up links included.

Up North Media Traverse City Turkey Trot | Downtown Traverse City

Date: Thanksgiving Day
5 Mile Flier: Starts 8:45 AM
5K Run/Walk: Starts 9:00 AM
Sign-up: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/TraverseCity/TraverseCityTurkeyTrot

Turkey Vulture Trot | Crystal Mountain | Thompsonville

5K: Starts 9:00 AM
1-Mile Fun Run: Starts 10:00 AM
Supports the North Sky Raptor Sanctuary.
Sign-up: https://www.crystalmountain.com/events-activities/events/event-calendar/turkey-vulture-trot

5 Ways to Volunteer This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a perfect moment for generosity and community support. If you’re looking to volunteer or give back, here are some local opportunities:

1. The Salvation Army — Traverse City Corps

Serving Benzie, Leelanau, and Grand Traverse counties
Looking for volunteers for meal service and holiday support.

2. Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA)

Opportunities for individuals and groups including food programs.

3. Goodwill Northern Michigan

Volunteer at the Goodwill Inn or assist with food rescue/repacking.

4. Father Fred Foundation — Traverse City

Supports families in Benzie, Leelanau, Antrim, and Grand Traverse counties.

5. Northwest Food Coalition

Help serve meals or support local pantry efforts across the region.

Wrapping Up: Your Thanksgiving, Your Way

Whether you’re booking a table, picking up a beautifully prepared feast, lacing up for a Turkey Trot, or giving back to the community, Northern Michigan offers something for every style of celebration.

Take a moment this holiday to reflect on gratitude, enjoy the season’s warmth, and soak in the charm of our beautiful region, whether at home or exploring everything in our region.