Planning Thanksgiving Weekend in Vegas

Food for All the Family

For many people, the highlight of Thanksgiving is the food. If you are going to Las Vegas for the weekend, the immediate advantage is that you will not have to cook. There are some fantastic options for Thanksgiving meals and all other meals. They range from buffets to world class restaurants, and there is something suitable for every style and budget.

For example, if you are going as a family, then a trip to Carmine’s in Caesars Palace may be the perfect option. You can order a Thanksgiving feast for the family that includes a huge 18-pound roast turkey with sausage and sage stuffing, cranberry sauce, numerous vegetables, sweet potatoes with marshmallows and maple syrup, mashed potatoes, gravy, desserts and more.

If that sounds a bit over the top, then why not consider a trip to Giada, based inside The Cromwell. The Thanksgiving meal begins with an antipasto platter full of Italian favourites, such as prosciutto de parma and pecorino cheese with honeycomb, and fennel crostini and caponata. This is followed by Tuscan Kale salad or roasted acorn squash soup. Of course, turkey comes next, and there is the choice of white or dark meet for the entrée. There are also sides such as green beans and cranberry mustard. Dessert is also a treat, with options for every taste.

A Romantic Getaway

While Vegas may be best known for bright lights, it doesn’t mean that you can’t escape the city for some beautiful scenery. For instance, just 20 minutes north of Vegas is Mt. Charleston, home to colourful forests, wildlife, and lovely lodges to stay in. You can enjoy amazingly scenic trails complete with beautiful views and cascading waterfalls.

Of course, there is no reason why you can’t enjoy some Thanksgiving romance in Vegas itself. Furthermore, you will find some fantastic menus for lovely meals. If you want something traditional but interesting, consider a visit to Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. The Thanksgiving meal begins with the choice of salad, house or Caesar, or the world-famous lobster bisque. You can then choose between oven-roasted turkey breast and an eight-once fillet with shrimp. The side dishes include mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, and sweet potato casserole. The meal is rounded off with an amazing pumpkin cheesecake.

Fun with Friends

Perhaps you area headed to Las Vegas with a group of friends for Thanksgiving. There is certainly no shortage of options for you all, from the casinos to the entertainment to the clubs, it is sure to be an action packed weekend. If you need somewhere to stay, consider a hotel such as Golden Gate. Not only will you be close to all of the action, but also the penthouses are ideal for group trips with amenities such as three giant televisions and a large kitchen. You will also be able to enjoy an outdoor patio with lounge seating, a gas grill, a wet bar, and more. While in Vegas, you could consider some alternative activities, such as a zipline ride or a walk under the huge Fremont Street LED canopy.

If course, if you do want to go out for a meal, then Vegas does not disappoint. If none of the aforementioned options appeal, then a place such as BLT Steak may be the perfect option. It is Bally’s version of a traditional American steakhouse, and it offers an amazing Thanksgiving meal. You will start with the choice of soup or salad, and there is an extensive drinks menu. The main course presents a variety of options. There is of course the traditional turkey, but the dry-aged prime rib may tempt you. Alternatively, you could opt for Scottish salmon, a lighter option that is packed with flavour. No matter which you choose, you will also be offered a range of side dishes, such as Brussel sprouts gratin, sweet potato puree, and chestnut-sausage stuffing. The meal is then completed with pumpkin tart or cranberry bread pudding. Best of all, it’s a highly affordable option at less than $75 per head.

Don’t Forget the Shopping

It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without the chance to indulge in competitive shopping and in Vegas, there are more than enough options for even the most enthusiastic of shoppers. After digesting your food and catching a good night’s sleep, there are plenty of places in Vegas with excellent Black Friday shopping deals. Las Vegas’ Premium Outlets has one location near Downtown and another just south of the Strip, and there you are sure to find everything you could possible ever wish to buy.

They house stores such as Michael Kors, Converse, Lucky, Perfumania, and Saks Fifth Avenue, ensuring that you will find plenty for yourself and for everybody you are expected to buy gifts for. Better yet, the stores don’t just offer Black Friday prices, they offer outlet Black Friday prices, meaning that they are even cheaper.

Even More Places to Eat

At the risk of sounding food obsessed, there are a few more places in Vegas that you should definitely be considering for your Thanksgiving meal. After all, for many it is the most important component of the holiday.

Once such venue is Triple George Grill, which is an institution favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. The restaurant is not hidden in a casino and it has become famous for offering food that will delight the taste buds without causing the wallet serious damage.

On Thanksgiving Day, you can expect to have the choice of two distinct meals. You can start with crab-stuffed squash blossoms, salmon roe, or a shrimp cocktail. The first option is then a traditional turkey and gravy plate. You will receive white and dark meat covered in homemade gravy, and it comes with by green bean casserole, apple cranberry stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce.

However, if you opt for the other meal choice then you can enjoy prime rib with mashed potatoes and broccolini with an au jus sauce. There are then some amazing desserts on offer including pecan pie or two-layer sweet potato maple cheesecake. Best of all, the entire thing should only cost you something in the region of $60 per person.

In contrast to Triple George Grill, if you are seeking something that is truly Vegas, then you should head over to The Strat to the Top of the World restaurant. It offers a four-course Thanksgiving meal that starts with heirloom squash soup, served with Applewood smoked bacon and garlic confit It is followed by roasted pear salad with baby arugula, topped with goat cheese mousse and candied walnuts. The entree is roasted turkey that is served with a truffle sausage stuffing, as well as potato puree, baby carrots, and orange cranberry relish. The meal is rounded off with an amazing pumpkin tiramisu that you won’t forget in a hurry.

Something for Everyone

While Las Vegas is best known as a gambling mecca, the truth is that the city has something for everyone, and this also applies to Thanksgiving weekend. No matter what you are looking for or whom you are travelling with, you are sure to be able to find everything you could possibly need for a Thanksgiving you will never forget.