5 Out-of-the-Box Ways to Celebrate Thanksgiving in Oxford County with Your Bubble

This Thanksgiving, break bread in an unconventional way that is responsible and safe. Grab your bubble and get together to do something a little out of the box and against the grain of a traditional Thanksgiving. Who knows? It may be the start of a new tradition.

Hike & a Picnic

Forget that turkey fatigue this year. Strap on your sneakers and do something that won’t have you slogging around the house for days after your massive feast.Oxford County is home to a number of trails that have lovely picnic spots along the way.

In Embro, the Embro Pond Conservation Area makes for a great, easy walk so you can bring young kids along with you if you’d like! A number of roadside markets make it easy to stop and pick up some picnic goodies on the way or ahead of time (be aware that there will be closures on Thanksgiving Day).

In Tillsonburg, Participark offers up some scenic stretches along a babbling creek, swing sets and picnic benches for munching at. Pick up some local produce, apples and treats at the Tillsonburg Farmers Market on Saturday morning and head on down. If you have kids, it’s a  great place for them to ride their bikes while you kick back and relax.

If you want something a bit more extensive, Pittock Conservation Area and Wildwood Conservation Area both offer up a well-maintained and scenic network of trails and spots to saddle up for a picnic.

Really want to kick things up a bit? Consider getting the family in on the Oxford County Trails badge program which allows you to earn badges for kms hiked on Oxford County trails! 

Please remember to leave nothing behind and to stay on all trails! You can help all these trails be enjoyed for years to come.

Let Somebody Else Cook

Love Thanksgiving dinner but hate the mess? We get it! Why not plan an early or belated Thanksgiving dinner with your bubble at an Oxford County restaurant. There are so many choices to decide between that you can choose anything from a traditional turkey dinner (shout out to Quehl’s of Tavistock!) to French fries and a burger, arancini balls and even extreme tater tots! Oxford County is your oyster.

Of course, if you prefer to celebrate Thanksgiving on the day of, we understand that too. We know it looks different this year since big gatherings won’t be happening but you could take your bubble out to The Elm Hurst Inn for a dinner on the patio or in the dining room. They have both brunch and dinner options for Sunday and Monday.

Embrace What’s in Season with an Outdoor Gathering

Of course, one of the popular options this year will be to have a physically distanced outdoor gathering with family. Whether you’re keeping it spread out or keeping it quite small, you can enjoy a dinner prepared with local food that’s in season. Check out our list of things to enjoy on your plate this Thanksgiving.

Deliver a Little Love

We know that this Thanksgiving will seem different than last year. If you have a loved one you’re unable to see, consider having a Thanksgiving Subscription box from The Olde Bakery Café delivered to them or some carefully selected goodies from  Blue Cow Delivery. Want to spoil them with cheesy goodness? Order some cheese from Gunn's Hill Artisan Cheese! 

Experience Something New Together

Where: At an Oxford Experience Partner

Craft artisan truffles with your bubble. Discover a Carolinian forest and then hit the woodshop to create your own artisan charcuterie board. Huddle around a pre-lit campfire at a pit for just you and your bubble complete with gourmet s'mores and freshly baked pizza. Learn the art of roasting coffee and create your dream beans. Churn butter with your kiddos to help them learn a little bit about our food systems (after all, what better time of year for that?). There are so many creative ways to get hands on in Oxford County in the comfort of an experience for just you and your small group of peeps. Check out the experiences that are bookable now.