If you’re reading this, it’s time to start planning your turkey-time festivities! Thanksgiving is a time best-spent bonding with loved ones over great food and thankfulness, and we here in Waynesville want you to have just that. So, rather than working to prepare the perfect meal this year, grab your folks and your stretchy pants for a stress-free Thanksgiving feast! We’ve concocted a delicious challenge to bring you and your loved ones closer together while feasting on the best grub that Waynesville has to offer. And the best part is you won’t have to lift a finger (other than to take pictures)!
Here’s the challenge:
Embark on a restaurant-hoppin’ Thanksgiving journey to these nine local Waynesville restaurants to snap a picture of – and of course devour – our favorite menu items to win yourself bragging rights!
Make sure to take ALL photos in Waynesville, North Carolina, and post them with the #WaynesvilleRestaurantHoppinChallenge hashtag to participate. No cheating!
*Disclaimer: Waynesville restaurant hours are subject to change during the holiday season. This challenge is intended to be completed throughout the duration of the holiday season. Please see individual restaurants for details.*
Third Bay Filling Station
Are your tastebuds tingling for a southwestern sensation this Thanksgiving? Head on over to Third Bay Filling Station for the Southwestern Chicken Sandwich, loaded with deli-sliced rotisserie chicken, guacamole, tomatoes, and pepper jack cheese, topped with house-made Apple Chipotle Aioli, and all toasted with chipotle olive oil on sourdough bread.
The Patio Bistro
Want to spice up the way you eat your turkey this year? Next stop is The Patio Bistro, where turkey, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and homemade Thousand Island dressing come together between two slices of grilled marble rye bread to craft their famous Turkey Reuben. We recommend pairing this delicious sandwich with either their pasta or potato salad.
The Sweet Onion
Digging a light but refined lunch so you can keep moving through our restaurant-hoppin’ Turkey Day itinerary? The Sweet Onion has the meal for you! With panko-fried mozzarella served with fresh basil over romaine lettuce and drizzled with honey balsamic reduction, the Crispy Mozzarella Tomato Salad will re-invigorate your taste buds.
Frog Level Brewing Co.
If you’re feeling snack-ish between meals, you’ll have to stop for this Waynesville staple. Frog Level Brewing Company’s Soft Pretzel with beer cheese is a show-stopping snack best paired with on-tap brew. Looking for an even more laid-back, chill foodie experience? Take it on the back porch overlooking the river and enjoy the crisp fall weather.
Birchwood Hall Southern Kitchen
Fishing for another delicious fall meal? Just keep swimming to Birchwood Hall Southern Kitchen for their Pan-Seared Sunburst Trout. This tasty trout features a fall succotash and apple butter jam, so if you’re enjoying this in November, you’re truly in for a final fall treat before the holidays!
Bocelli’s Italian Eatery
Looking to go international this Thanksgiving season? Get ready for this savory selection from Bocelli’s Italian Eatery. A house-seasoned ground beef, mirepoix (carrots, celery, and onion), and sausage mixture sautéed and deglazed with red wine, tossed with fettuccini, and finished with marinara makeup their scrumptious Fettuccine Bolognese. This is a menu item you won’t want to forget about.
Watami Sushi and Noodles
If you aren’t the turkey-eating type, spice up your Thanksgiving food journey with a sushi roll that is out of this world. The UFO Roll from Watami Sushi and Noodles features tempura-smoked salmon, eel, crab, avocado, and cream cheese, all topped with tobiko and eel sauce and a side of wasabi.
Boojum Brewery
You’ll want to visit Boojum Brewery to crunch this challenge – and on some Korean BBQ Tacos. Inside of two tortillas, you’ll find fresh pork from local Hickory Nut Gap Farm, Carolina kimchi, crispy wonton strips, and cucumbers drizzled over with sweet chili mayo. Plus, you get a side of chips and salsa.
Bosu’s Wine Shop
Looking to cap off the night? If you’re visiting on a Friday, Bosu’s Wine Shop & Gourmet Retailer has a “secret” wine bar where they serve small plates and wine on their patio. Make sure to click a picture of your Friday treat! Just look at this Baked Brie with wine-soaked berries!
Whether you embark on the full challenge or simply test out a few, the time you spend exploring and capturing memories in Waynesville this Thanksgiving holiday will last a lifetime. Be sure to add #WaynesvilleRestaurantHoppinChallenge and tag @VisitNCSmokies in your post for a chance to be featured in our social media and marketing.
