Take your Thanksgiving appetite on the road

By Greg Johnson

Are you looking to get away  for your holiday meal this Thanksgiving? You might want to consider one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier destinations.

Edgewater Hotel

Splurge on the Edgewater Hotel in Seattle, which offers views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains. The hotel hosts a family-style Thanksgiving feast from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a 24-hour-brined roast turkey, brioche stuffing, and the classic sides. Cost is $62, and accommodations start at $300 a night. For information, visit www.theedgewater.com or call 608-535-8200.

Kalama Harbor Lodge

Closer to home, peek into hidden secret rooms, peruse local artwork and marvel at Deadhead memorabilia while dining on traditional holiday fare at the Kalama Harbor Lodge in Kalama. The Thanks-giving dinner, available from noon to 5 p.m., will feature roasted turkey, cider-glazed ham, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. You can also pre-order a hot feast for four people to go (order by Nov. 24). Reservations are required and can be made by calling 360-673-6970. For information, visit www.mcmenamins.com.

Skamania Lodge

Take a one-hour trip up the scenic Columbia Gorge to dine from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on a classic Thanksgiving buffet with a “Skamania twist.” The buffet is available for overnight guests only, and the cost is $80. The 175-acre mountain resort features a nine-hole short golf course and an adventure center with zipline tours and e-bike rentals, along with a full-service spa, indoor swimming pool and hot tubs. Accommodations comprise 254 guestrooms and suites as well as cabins. For reservations, call 509-427-2508.

Riverhouse Lodge

Riverhouse Lodge, on the banks of the Deschutes River in Bend, Oregon, will serve a lavish Thanksgiving grand buffet from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Riverhouse Lodge Conference and Event Center. The event will include live music by the Abluestics and a kids corner. The menu features slow-roasted turkey, herb-crusted and smoked prime rib, brown sugar and maple-   crusted ham, seasonal dishes and “decadent desserts.” Cost is $91,and $69 for veterans. For information, call 541-389-3111 or go to www.riverhouse.com.

Elizabeth Oceanfront Suites

Enjoy panoramic private views  of the Pacific Ocean at Elizabeth Oceanfront Suites In Newport, Oregon. The hotel does not have an on-site restaurant serving Thanks-giving dinner; however, several holiday dining options are within easy walking distance. They include a homestyle Thanksgiving experience at Chalet Restaurant & Bakery, a holiday menu and waterfront views at Clearwater Restaurant and classic dishes with a “coastal flair” at Georgie’s Beachside Grill. The hotel offers many perks, including complimentary a grab-and-go breakfast, salmon chowder (in colder months) and fresh-baked cookies. It also has a heated pool and hot tub. For information, call 541-265-9400 or go to www.elizabethoceanfrontsuites.com.

Check ahead with the destinations to confirm information, as conditions may change, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Greg Johnson is a travel writer for The Messenger