Thanksgiving, a time for gratitude and togetherness, is fast approaching. What better way to celebrate this cherished holiday than on the stunning shores of Anna Maria Island, Florida?
With its pristine beaches, warm Gulf waters, and delightful activities, there’s nothing better than a fall vacation to Anna Maria Island, and it’s the perfect backdrop for your Thanksgiving festivities!
There is no end to the fun and festive things to do while staying at the Anna Maria Island Beach Resort. Here are just a few of our favorite spots and events that will take your Thanksgiving stay to the next level!
Thanksgiving Dinner Options
Anna Maria Beach Cafe
The Anna Maria Beach Cafe is an inviting choice for a truly unique Thanksgiving dining experience. Located right on the beach, this cafe offers more than just a meal; it offers an opportunity to dine with your toes in the sand and the gentle sounds of the Gulf waves as your background music.
The special Thanksgiving dinner menu at Anna Maria Beach Cafe is designed to delight your taste buds while you take in the breathtaking view of the Gulf of Mexico.
Their holiday feast features a mouthwatering assortment of options, including perfectly roasted turkey, succulent honey-baked ham, and all the classic sides that make Thanksgiving a cherished tradition.
Adding to the charm of Anna Maria Beach Cafe is their live entertainment, providing a delightful backdrop to your Thanksgiving dining experience. The soothing melodies of local musicians or bands create a relaxing atmosphere, making your Thanksgiving celebration even more memorable.
Pier 22
If you’re looking to simplify your Thanksgiving dinner plans and savor a scrumptious meal without the fuss of cooking, Pier 22 has you covered.
One of the top Anna Maria Island restaurants, their popular ready-to-eat Thanksgiving family meals, and individual meals will be available for pickup on Thanksgiving Day, ensuring that you can enjoy a hassle-free and delicious holiday.
You can choose from the “Family Feast,” designed to serve 4-6 people, which includes a delightful array of dishes. You’ll find roasted turkey, house-made stuffing, sweet potato casserole, broccoli casserole, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, turkey gravy, 8 dinner rolls, honey butter, a whole pumpkin pie, and a bottle of Vista Point Chardonnay to complement the meal.
For those preferring an individual serving, the “Individual Meal” is an excellent choice. This single-serving meal includes dark and white roasted turkey meat, turkey gravy, house-made stuffing, sweet potato casserole, broccoli casserole, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, a dinner roll, honey butter, and a slice of pumpkin pie.
Remember, the last day to place your order is Tuesday, 11/22, by noon, and you can pick up your Thanksgiving feast between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm during your selected time slot on Thanksgiving Day.
Grocery Store Pre-Order
Fresh Market
The Fresh Market has you covered with everything you need to make your holiday memorable and delicious. If you have already donned your favorite apron, you can explore their tried-and-true recipes, turkey carving tips, and serving guides.
But if you’re looking to spend less time in the kitchen and more time indulging in the flavors of the season, The Fresh Market offers fully prepared meals, sides, and desserts that you can conveniently order ahead.
You can choose from a variety of fully-prepared entrées, sides, and desserts, each prepared with the same attention to quality and flavor that The Fresh Market is known for. From succulent roasted turkey to mouthwatering sides like sweet potato casserole and green beans, their offerings cater to every aspect of the Thanksgiving feast.
And let’s not forget about dessert. The Fresh Market’s selection of ready-made desserts ensures that you can end your Thanksgiving meal on a sweet note without the hassle of baking. From classic pumpkin pies to other delectable treats, they have the perfect dessert to satisfy your holiday cravings.
Publix
Publix, your trusted neighborhood supermarket, is here to make your holiday season stress-free and delicious with their convenient Order Ahead services for Thanksgiving dinner and other special occasions.
When you choose Publix for your holiday meal, you’re choosing a wide variety of entrees and sides, all designed to delight your taste buds and feed anywhere from 2 to 18 people.
One of the standout features of Publix’s Order Ahead service is the flexibility it offers. You can select individual items or the whole meal. If you’re just in the mood for delicious meat and prefer to prepare all of your family’s favorite sides from scratch, you can do that, too.
When it comes to heating your holiday meal, Publix provides clear instructions for your convenience. The heating times vary depending on the items you select, but generally, it may take 2 to 3 hours for them to be ready. Publix takes the guesswork out of the equation by including detailed heating instructions with your order.
To make your holiday meal planning even more hassle-free, Publix offers an easy online ordering experience. You can place your Thanksgiving dinner order (or even plan ahead for Christmas and Easter) through their Order Ahead for In-Store Pickup service.
Plan Your Anna Maria Island Vacation
Elevate your Anna Maria Island Thanksgiving escape by booking your vacation with Anna Maria Beach Resort, where luxury meets coastal charm for an unforgettable and relaxing getaway. View all our Anna Maria Island resort rooms and start planning your Thanksgiving getaway today!
Enjoy a Turkey Trot
Bradenton Runners Club Turkey Trot
The 26th Annual Bradenton Runners Club Turkey Trot is a 3-mile fun run and walk on Thursday, November 23, 2023, at 8:00 am. The event is a Thanksgiving tradition held at Robinson Preserve’s north entrance.
Participants can register online for a nominal $10 fee, with registrations expected to be completed by 6:00 P.M. on November 22, 2023. Cash payments are accepted on the day of the race. The club invites participants to support the Food Bank of Manatee and Turning Points by making donations during registration.
Monetary donations can be made online or in person on race day. The Food Bank of Manatee and Turning Points will be on-site on Thanksgiving Day, collecting donations of canned or dry goods, new or gently used clothing, and shoes in good condition. The event promotes health and wellness, as well as spreading the spirit of giving to those in need.
Nathan Benderson Park Turkey Trot
Kick off your Thanksgiving day with a burst of energy and community spirit at the annual Florida Turkey Trot. Presented by Publix, it is a popular Thanksgiving tradition that brings together nearly 4,000 runners, joggers, and walkers from the local community.
The 5K run/walk starts at 8 am, followed by a Kids Dash at 7:15 a.m., catering to everyone, whether seasoned runners, casual joggers, or leisurely walkers. Participants receive a finisher medal and race shirt, making it a memorable experience.
After the race, participants are invited to an after-race party, where they can enjoy delicious food and drinks while celebrating the vibrant community.
The event is a partnership between Fit2Run and the Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy, promoting fitness and community. Proceeds from the event support the Big Bill Foundation, named after former NBP Conservancy board chairman and local businessman Bill Robinson, and contribute to the ongoing care and maintenance of the Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy.
Where to Stay
Now that you know all of the best dinner spots and Anna Maria Island things to do during your Thanksgiving stay, you just need the perfect home-away-from-home, and there’s no better place than Anna Maria Beach Resort!
Anna Maria Beach Resort features a range of stylish and well-appointed accommodations that are perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers. Choose from spacious suites and comfortable rooms, each thoughtfully designed with your comfort in mind. Our Anna Maria Island hotel amenities are designed to make your stay truly memorable. Take a dip in the heated beachfront pool or soak in the hot tub as you gaze out at the turquoise waters.
So, as you plan your Thanksgiving holiday, choose an Anna Maria Island resort the whole family will love by booking Anna Maria Beach Resort! View all of our stunning resort rooms and start planning your stay today!
