Thanksgiving is often a traditional holiday, filled with the comforting rituals of family, football, and food. While tradition is great, so is mixing it up. If you’re looking for a unique way to spend the holiday, Boulder has a lot to offer. From a festive afternoon tea to volunteering at a holiday feast, here are some creative ways to spend your Thanksgiving in Boulder County this year.
Holiday Tea at the Dushanbe Tea House
When: Monday, November 24th– Sunday, January 4th from 3-5 p.m. daily
Where: Boulder Dushanbe Tea House, 1770 13th Street
If you want to shake up your holiday traditions, consider making a date for Holiday afternoon tea at the Boulder Dushanbe Tea House. The afternoon tea includes a three-tiered stand laden with an assortment of scratch-baked pastries. Think sweet and savory scones, cucumber tea sandwiches, and mini cakes. All that baked goodness comes with a pot of premium tea. Dushanbe is the only authentic Persian Tea House around, and the stunningly adorned space is the perfect venue to create a new tradition with your friends and family. Reservations for afternoon tea are required 24 hours in advance.
Louisville Turkey Trot
When: Thursday, November 27th at 9 and 11 a.m.
Where: The corner of Front and Spruce Street, Downtown Louisville
While turkey trots are nothing new, Louisville does the 5K justice by making sure that the entire event benefits charity. Unlike other turkey trots, the only entry fee to run this race is a donation of canned food or some warm winter clothing. Getting some exercise as you run or walk downtown Louisville is a nice way to offset a heavy Thanksgiving dinner. As an added bonus, pets are welcome, so bring your pup along for some Thanksgiving exercise, too.
Volunteer at Attention Homes’ Holiday Feast
When: Thursday, November 27th 12-5 p.m.
Where: 3080 Broadway Avenue, Boulder
Attention Homes is a Boulder organization that provides services such as shelter, meals, and teaching of life skills for at-risk youth. Their mission, to change the lives of youth in crisis, is exemplified by the work they do to help homeless youth in the community. For a change, why not spend your Thanksgiving giving back to the less fortunate? You can be a part of Attention Homes’ Holiday Feast by either bringing by a prepared dish, or filling one of the various positions for holiday volunteers listed on the website. This is a great opportunity to support the local Boulder community on a holiday that is all about giving thanks.
Thanksgiving Day Brunch at Jill’s Restaurant
When: Thanksgiving Day at 11 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Where: Jill’s Restaurant in the St Julien Hotel, 900 Walnut Street
Never thought of brunch as a Thanksgiving activity? Jill’s Restaurant has crafted a decadent Thanksgiving brunch menu that’s sure to change your mind. The full breakfast bar includes baked goods, made-to-order pancakes and omelets, and house-smoked salmon—and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The spread also features chilled seafood, turkey and prime rib, and a full complement of sinful desserts. Jill’s holiday brunch menu has struck a nice balance that offers a few Thanksgiving classics alongside some unorthodox (but equally delicious) options. The cost is $57.95 per adult, and that includes all the sparkling wine, mimosas, or Bloody Marys you can drink. For a more traditional Thanksgiving meal option, The Hotel Boulderado’s annual buffet is a superb way to leave the cooking to someone else.
Thanksgiving at L’atelier
When: Thursday, November 27th 12-8 p.m.
Where: 1739 Pearl Street
L’atelier is one of the few restaurants on Thanksgiving Day offering an extensive, a-la-carte menu. Chef Radek Cerny’s artful take on French food is sure to please the most discerning foodie. With appetizers like Prosciutto Carpaccio and entrees including Rack of Lamb Dijonaise, L’atelier is offering a decidedly gourmet rendition of the classic Thanksgiving meal.
While Thanksgiving traditions are great, thinking outside the box and trying a different activity on turkey day can be, too. Who knows? Perhaps you’ll create a new holiday tradition along the way.