Restaurants and community organizations across the Commonwealth are opening their doors to make sure no one goes hungry this Thanksgiving.
On Thanksgiving Day, family and friends will gather together across Kentucky to give thanks and celebrate good company, food and fellowship. But not everyone can or wants to enjoy a traditional holiday feast.
Many people end up alone during the holidays, perhaps due to a lack of transportation or funds, no family nearby, a disability or multiple other reasons. And some folks just don't have the time or inclination to prepare an elaborate home-cooked meal.
No one has to go without food or companionship on Thanksgiving if they don't want to, however. All across our state restaurants are choosing to stay open and serve traditional turkey dinners with all the trimmings for those that cannot or would rather not cook themselves, or who don't have access to friends or family. And for those who lack the means, many Kentuckians are opening their doors and their hearts to serve or deliver a Thanksgiving meal and some warm company.
Here's a look at several restaurants throughout the state serving up Thanksgiving meals, as well as several community organizations offering meals to anyone in need. We've just covered a few areas here, so check your local listing for community dinners and open restaurants near you.
In Lexington
Country Cookin' By George, 1801 Alexandria Drive, offers an old-fashioned southern Thanksgiving dinner served buffet-style. The meal includes traditional turkey and dressing and all the fixings, as well as roast beef, barbecue ribs and baked ham. Prices start at $22.95 for adults, and children ages 6 to 12 eat for $14.50. Takeout is also available. Call 859-276-0001.
Don't feel like getting out early on Thanksgiving? The evening buffet at Cheapside Bar and Grill, 131 Cheapside, is a perfect place for a late turkey dinner. They'll serve up slow-roasted turkey, dressing, potatoes, gravy, smoked beef brisket, Cuban roasted pork, tangy coleslaw, pumpkin cheesecake and other favorites from 6 p.m. until 2:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving.
Lundy's Catering will serve a Thanksgiving meal from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday at the Salvation Army at 736 W Main Street. No reservations are required.
Central Christian Church will host faith and community Thanksgiving meal from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in its Fellowship Hall, 205 East Short Street. Volunteers are needed and can sign up via Godsnet.info or by emailing caclex2000@gmail.com.
In Louisville
If you're looking to escape the muss and fuss of Thanksgiving at home, Captain's Quarters, 5700 Captain's Quarters Road, offers a traditional turkey dinner with all the fixings served buffet style. Adults eat for $24.95, and children ages 4 to 12 dine for $12.95. You can even take a river cruise on The CQ Princess. Cruise prices, inclusive of a meal, are $53 for adults, $32 for children 4 to 12 and $16.50 for ages 4 and younger.
St. Vincent de Paul, 1026 S Jackson Street, will serve a full Thanksgiving meal from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday. You can contact them at 502-584-2480.
In Bowling Green
Teresa's Restaurant, 509 Gordon Avenue, has been opening on Thanksgiving Day and serving up turkey with all the fixings for more than seven years. The restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday and expects to serve between 400 and 800 people. Those who are unable to drive or otherwise attend can call Teresa Blair at 270-782-6540 and ask to have dinner delivered. This is a free service she provides to the elderly, disabled and needy individuals in the community, and she stresses that she's there to feed anyone who's hungry.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Bowling Green, 2033 Nashville Road, will host its annual volunteer potluck dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday. Email questions to hospitality@uubgky.
State Street United Methodist Church, 1101 State St., will again join with The First Christian Church to serve a Community Thanksgiving Dinner from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday at State Street United Methodist. Meals are also available for pickup or delivery, and drivers are needed. Anyone who wants to drive is asked to arrive between 10:30 and 11:00 a.m. to get directions and load the meals.
Near Paducah
Patti's 1880's Settlement, 1793 JH O'Bryan Avenue in Grand Rapids, offers a fantastic all-you-care-to-eat Thanksgiving buffet. Pricing is $16.99 for adults; $7.99 for children 6 to 12; $3.99 for ages 3 to 6; and children under the age of 3 eat for free. The buffet includes all your turkey day favorites, including fresh-carved turkey, ham and roast beef. To-go meals are also available. Call 270-362-8844.
Happy Thanksgiving, y'all! Head on over to the shop for fresh Kentucky gear, and come on down and visit us at the Fun Mall! We're serving up a buy-three-get-one-free deal on Southern Socks for Black Friday!