My husband and I, and the pooch, are driving from Charlotte to DC for the long Thanksgiving holiday. We should arrive around noon on Thanksgiving day. I presume very little will be open so we plan on just strolling around with dog. I'm looking for recommendations on places that will be open on Thanksgiving evening for dinner. We aren't foodies and it doesn't necessarily have to be the typical Thanksgiving day feast so I am open to suggestions.

Thanks!
Tracy

I would start by checking Opentable.com and narrowing it down for recommendations.

The Smithsonian museums are open on Thanksgiving (closed only on Dec. 25). Some local families have the tradition of sending Dad, Grandpa and the youngsters to Air and Space to get them out from underfoot while Mom and Grandma fix the feast.

We really enjoyed the Old Ebbitt Grill two Thanksgivings. To my recollection, they offered traditional Thanksgiving dinner, but we opted for oyster stew and crab cakes. Wonderful!

Lots of things are open, and plenty of restaurants. That's actually a big restaurant day, I think. I suppose some stores won't be open, but that's probably not what you want to do, anyway.

oh, I'd suggest the Tabard Inn for dinner that day. It's just south of Dupont Circle, and is in an old townhouse and would be a homey atmosphere. It has a fireplace, also, although I don't know if it's working then. They were open that day last year, anyway.

Thank you all so very much! You've given me places to start researching.

Best wishes,
Tracy

Make reservations for dinner. Thanksgiving dinner out is very popular at least in the DC suburbs (not sure about downtown). Also the day after Thanksgiving is a big museum day in DC so plan accordingly (all the out-of-town guests and kids out of school).

Tabard Inn was going to be my choice as well. It is such a cozy place, with the fireplace roaring, and they have excellent food (I will confess to having a soft spot for it in part because my husband and I got married there!).

Ditto make reservations asap! Have a great time.