Alone on Thanksgiving in Tampa
 

Okay, so this title is NOT meant to make people feel sorry for me. I'm in the Navy and just moved across the entire country (Hawaii to Florida - so now I KNOW you don't feel sorry for me!), and on my own for Thanksgiving this year since I really don't know anyone yet and can't travel back home for that day this year. Blah, story told, I'm trying to figure out something to do on Thanksgiving Day. I really wanted to volunteer, but everything I've searched from local Catholic churches, Salvation Army, other local volunteer organizations, etc. are already booked with volunteers. Any recommendations on restaurants to get a decent Thanksgiving meal in the Tampa Bay area? Or maybe some sort of event going on that day? Thanks in advance!

Welcome to Tampa, Michelle_Belle! Have you checked with Metropolitan Ministries regarding volunteering on T'giving Day? They are a very big local church-based charity. I salute your impulse to volunteer, btw--good on you!

If it were me, I would gather or cook food for myself and take it to the beach. Not many areas can boast of beach weather on turkey day, so I think that would be a cool outing to take.

Is there anything going on at MacDill AFB that day? I guess you've thought of that...

If I think of any restaurants that are fun and open that day, I'll post; good luck in the meantime!

I did look into Metropolitan Ministries, and they were completely booked. It's so great that so many people are volunteering! Too bad I didn't get on the ball sooner. I may just have to make myself a turkey sandwich (I LOVE cooking...but I'm used to cooking for big parties of people), and take it to the beach, as recommended. I'll look into MacDill, as well. Thank you!

Welcome. The VA Hospital can use volunteers. They have a volunteer coordinator, I'm sure. Moffitt Cancer Center has a great volunteer program, but getting involved takes a little time.

As for restaurants, what kind of food do you like? Are you looking for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner or...?

My husband is retired USN - Go Navy!

I am looking for something more traditional. I know that the MacDill Officer's Club has a traditional Thanksgiving Lunch Buffet, which might be good. I'm still open to other suggestions!

I can't think of any "traditional" turkey dinner restaurants right now, but if I see something, I'll post it. What part of Tampa are you looking in. This area is so spread out, that it helps to know where you are looking.

Good luck. Maybe someday we'll have a GTG here and get to meet. Ther was one a few years ago in Naples - a little far. And, there may have been one since then. We could not go to either one, but...

When I read the title I thought you were looking for a day trip. I was going to suggest Tarpon Springs -
http://www.spongedocks.net/things-to-do.htm

Eat some Greek food on Turkey Day :-)

But, paris has a good idea. Maybe Tarpon Springs needs volunteers. Moving out a bit in the Tampa area may get you what you are looking for.

I would think that any big hotel would be serving a nice traditional Thanksgiving meal. I'm not familiar with Tampa, but I have been a traveler on Thanksgiving before and had some very nice dinners at big hotels with decent dining rooms.

swaymock, she wants to volunteer.

Yes, starrs, I read that.

She also said, "Any recommendations on restaurants to get a decent Thanksgiving meal in the Tampa Bay area?"

Sorry. My mistake.

Thanks to all the recommendations. I might consider a day trip, and it looks like Mac Dill offers two Thanksgiving Dinners, so that is another good option. Happy Holidays and Happy Thanksgiving!

What ever you end up doing I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!! :)

I'm a long way from you in Tampa (retired in Montana) but just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving and thanks for serving our country.

From today's Tampa Tribune:

Check United Way's Volunteer Resource Guide at www.unitedwaytampabay.com.

The article did mention that Thanksgiving volunteer options are pretty much filled up, although financial help is always needed.

Enjoy your first Florida Thanksgiving!

Hi, I'm going through a similar situation. I just moved back to Tampa after living in Dallas for a year. My family is all in Tennessee and most of my friends are going out of town. My family always has tons of food and its my favorite holiday but I can't imagine sitting in a car for another 10 hours after driving 18 straight hours from Dallas last week. I wanted to volunteer so I could at least feel like it was Thanksgiving but since you can't find anywhere to volunteer, I'm sure I won't be able to do much better. There's a place in Disney World that I always thought would be fun to go to for thanksgiving but its probably booked...who knows...but still its not really something i would want to do by myself. Well, if you find anywhere to volunteer please let me know!!!

Michelle, we are a former navy family who just moved to the area and find ourselves in a similar situation. No volunteer opportunities. I will be cooking and would like to invite you over for a meal. Be warned there are three kids, three dogs and a cat or four - so it would almost be like volunteering at a shelter!

If you would like, you can email me!

lsimpson - a nice offer, but when you reply to posts always be sure to check dates. This was first posted in 2008.

That is a sweet post isimpson, but it is 5 years ago!

and how would he email you if he doesn't have your email address?