Questions about traveling/eating/staying during Thanksgiving.

[sweetlowcountry]

Sailing out of Fort Lauderdale on Friday, Nov. 26th, the day after Thanksgiving for 10 days on the Equinox. We are splitting our trip up due to traffic during this time of year. Here is our plan and questions:

 

1. Planning to stay somewhere between Jacksonville and Daytona on Wednesday, Nov 24th. Would like to find a hotel, at least 3 stars, under $100. We are flexible with the town we stay in... Given that it is the night before Thanksgiving Day, where do we need to stay, eat and hang out?

 

2. We will drive to FLL on Thanksgiving morning. We need a hotel on the beach, at least 3 stars, under $150. Where should we stay, eat lunch and supper and hang out on Thanksgiving day/night? We will probably stay on the beach during the day and make our way out at night.

 

As foodies and cookbook writers, our major concern is finding good food on Thanksgiving day...

 

Looking forward to getting your help!

[eandj]

Can't comment on which restaurants will be open on Thanksgiving night, but you might want to raise your budget a bit if you want a beach hotel. Big time weekend in Florida. Or use priceline, hotwire or easyclicktravel to look for some deals on the beach.

Moderate on the beach could be Bahia Mar. Directly across the street from the beach with walkway. If in the tower, a great view.

 

But I believe your choices for restaurants, shopping and entertainment will be fewer on that day.

[royalcruz]

I think the only 3 star at the beach in that price range might be Bahia Mar.

[JohninDC]

Between Jax and Daytona I'd suggest St. Augustine - everything else will just be a wide spot in the road with chain hotels and chain dining options. Good luck!:)

[RuthlessBunny]

There's a wide spot in the road just south of St. Augustine that has a HUGE selection of mid and low priced motels. Perfect for a nice night's sleep.

 

Check out this awesome website, it gives hotel info by exit on I-95!

 

http://www.i95exitguide.com/lodging/florida.php

 

You can also get restaurant info.

 

As for dining on Thanksgiving in Ft. Lauderdale, there are a few places you could try, definitely call ahead to see what's on:

 

1. Ruth's Chris Steakhouse-They have a traditional Thanksgiving meal in addition to their regular menu. It's expensive, but you know it's good.

 

2. Ritz-Carlton-I treated my family to the RC on Manalapan one year, not exactly a great experience. The food was good, but it was so bizzare! Just turkey on the menu, but with non-traditional sides. No one in my family was happy. My mother did not get her lamb chops! (didn't have them on the menu.) BUT, they comped the entire dinner. There's a Ritz-Carlton in FLL now.

 

3. Cheesecake Factory-Hate to say it, I'm not fond of it as a destination on vacation, but you know what it is and you know that it's going to be at least okay.

 

4. Lester's Diner-A complete long shot. At great diner, known for a giant cup of terrible coffee. But great diner food and they should do a completely competent Turkey Dinner. They are open on Thanksgiving. If you don't want turkey you could have an omelet or pancakes!

 

5. Bimini Boatyard-in the Quay shopping center on 17th ST. Lovely setting, really good food, call ahead to see if they'll be open and if they have a special menu.

 

6. Aruba-You have a car. Go to Commercial Blvd and the beach. There it is! Absolutely terrific food. Not over the river and through the woods, but you won't be sorry. A place to try if you don't want turkey, or maybe even if you do~!

 

7. Hard Rock Casino and Resort-they MUST have some kind of holiday thing going on.

 

I wish I knew you, I'd send you to my Cuban family on Miami Beach! That's where I like to spend Thanksgiving!

 

As for lunch, either go to La Spada for a sandwich to take to the beach with you, or try Primanti Brothers, home of the famous Pittsburgh sandwich! Both are in Ft. Lauderdale, right by the beach.

[sweetlowcountry]

Ruthless Bunny -

Thanks so much for the wonderful suggestions and that awesome website! I really appreciate it!

 

There's a wide spot in the road just south of St. Augustine that has a HUGE selection of mid and low priced motels. Perfect for a nice night's sleep.

 

Check out this awesome website, it gives hotel info by exit on I-95!

 

http://www.i95exitguide.com/lodging/florida.php

 

You can also get restaurant info.

 

As for dining on Thanksgiving in Ft. Lauderdale, there are a few places you could try, definitely call ahead to see what's on:

 

1. Ruth's Chris Steakhouse-They have a traditional Thanksgiving meal in addition to their regular menu. It's expensive, but you know it's good.

 

2. Ritz-Carlton-I treated my family to the RC on Manalapan one year, not exactly a great experience. The food was good, but it was so bizzare! Just turkey on the menu, but with non-traditional sides. No one in my family was happy. My mother did not get her lamb chops! (didn't have them on the menu.) BUT, they comped the entire dinner. There's a Ritz-Carlton in FLL now.

 

3. Cheesecake Factory-Hate to say it, I'm not fond of it as a destination on vacation, but you know what it is and you know that it's going to be at least okay.

 

4. Lester's Diner-A complete long shot. At great diner, known for a giant cup of terrible coffee. But great diner food and they should do a completely competent Turkey Dinner. They are open on Thanksgiving. If you don't want turkey you could have an omelet or pancakes!

 

5. Bimini Boatyard-in the Quay shopping center on 17th ST. Lovely setting, really good food, call ahead to see if they'll be open and if they have a special menu.

 

6. Aruba-You have a car. Go to Commercial Blvd and the beach. There it is! Absolutely terrific food. Not over the river and through the woods, but you won't be sorry. A place to try if you don't want turkey, or maybe even if you do~!

 

7. Hard Rock Casino and Resort-they MUST have some kind of holiday thing going on.

 

I wish I knew you, I'd send you to my Cuban family on Miami Beach! That's where I like to spend Thanksgiving!

 

As for lunch, either go to La Spada for a sandwich to take to the beach with you, or try Primanti Brothers, home of the famous Pittsburgh sandwich! Both are in Ft. Lauderdale, right by the beach.