As the weather cools down in Florida and the humidity drops into much more comfortable levels, you know that means the holidays are on their way. We’ve touched on some Christmas-related events (such as Luminary) in recent posts, but Thanksgiving is big on Sanibel and Captiva, which is pretty impressive when you don’t have any native wild turkeys.
For those looking to visit Southwest Florida for Thanksgiving (and there are still several condos available to rent at the lowest rates of the year), please note there is plenty to do on Turkey Day. Now, despite our condos having fully-applianced kitchens and beautiful dining rooms, we realize that some visitors came here because they DIDN’T want to cook or prepare a massive feast. And that’s all right.
As you may be aware, Sanibel has two full-service supermarkets, Bailey’s General Store and Jerry’s Foods. Both will have limited hours on Thanksgiving Day, but are also offering fully-prepared meals to take to your home or condo. Heat, serve, and take full credit (that last one’s optional). Be sure to check out the ads on their respective websites to take full advatage.
If you don’t feel like sitting at home or cooking, there are several restaurants that *will* be open that day. Some appear open for their regular menu (Dante’s Pizza, Blue Rendezvous Bistro, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille on CAPTIVA, Sanddollar Restaurant), but others will be offering turkey specials or an extravagant Thanksgiving buffet. Reservations are required in many cases, highly suggested regardless. See a short list that we put together below.
But wait…there’s more in store for the weekend. Black Friday becomes holly-er and jollier at the Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva with their annual Tree Lighting Celebration. The event is free to the public and will feature decorations throughout the resort (including Santa on a palm tree), sing-a-longs and live holiday music, cash bars, snacks, a visit from the North Pole’s most famous couple (Mr. & Mrs. Kringle), laser shows, SNOW (yes, really!), culminating in the lighting of the Resort’s always-fantastic 30-foot Christmas tree and awesome fireworks display on the beach! Though parking options are to be announced, we have found in recent years that hiring a cab to drop off and pick up may be best. There are three island-based taxi companies to call to arrange transportation; Sanibel Taxi (sanibeltaxi.com 888-527-7806), Island Taxi (islandtaxi.com 239-472-4888) and Sanibel Double D Taxi (sanibeldoubled.com 239-472-3458). Proper footwear is recommended for this “winter weather” (flip-flops are acceptable), and guests are encouraged to decorate themselves (especially if they light up) for this illuminating experience!
The weather for Thanksgiving weekend (according to WINKNews.com) will be very comfortable with highs in the mid-80s and lows in the mid-to-lower 60s. We at Sanibel Holiday would like to extend our warmest holiday wishes to you!
Thanksgiving
Restaurant Hours
Bailey’s Supermarket
239-472-1516
Thanksgiving: 7a.m. - noon
Pre-order Thanksgiving Dinner starting at $139.99
Jerry’s Supermarket
239-472-9300
Thanksgiving: 6 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Pre-order Thanksgiving Dinner starting at $99.99
Bleu Rendez Vous
239-565-1608
5p.m. ~ 8 p.m.
Reservations Required
Timbers
239-395-2722
4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Turkey Dinner Specials
Reservations requested
Sundial Beach Resort & Spa.
239-395-6013
Buffet 1p.m. - 7 p.m.
Adults: $58 Kids 4-12: $29 Under 3: free
George & Wendy’s Seafood Grille
239-395-1263
Dinner starting at 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. (reservations suggested)
Thanksgiving special: $20 Kids: 5-10 $7 4 or under: free
Entertainment: Buckeye Ken 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Doc Ford’s Captiva
239-312-4275
11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Old Captiva House
239-472-5161 x423
12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Buffet reservation needed
Adults: $59 Children 10 & under: $19.95
Thistle Lodge
239-472-9200
11 a.m. -7 p.m.
Thanksgiving Day Buffet
Reservations Required
Adults: $54.95 Children under 10: $19.95
South Seas Resort
Captiva Ballroom
239-579-1483
11:30a.m. ~ 6:30p.m.
Reservations Required
$75 adults, $35 kids 5-12 under4 free
Dante’s Pizza
239-558-4429
5 p.m. ~ 10 p.m.
Sand Dollar
239-395-4101
Buffet 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Dinner 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Crow’s Nest
239-472-5161 x4
Buffet 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Reservations Required
Adults: $49 Children 10 & under: $14.95