We have my In-Laws family visiting from the UK and think it might be nice to go to Sturbridge or Plimoth on Thanksgiving - 6 adults and a 16yr old.

If we visit Plimoth we can still get reservations for the Thanksgiving Buffet $56pp, the cost includes entrance to the Plantation and Mayflower.
Or a ‘first come first served buffet’ with fewer choices for $17 and museum entrance extra.

If we visit OSV we would have to eat offsite since they are not offering Thanksgiving Dinner this year – strange because I looked a while ago and they were

Obviously the weather could be an issue and am wondering if its worth booking the PP buffet (is it that good) or just turning up on the day if it’s not raining (or snowing ), has anybody tried this?

We’ve never visited the Plantation but would think that Thanksgiving is ‘the day’ to visit, we have been to Plymouth quite a few times.

OSV if we decide to visit here (I’ve been 3 times but at different times of the year – so I do know what to expect) any recommendations of restaurants in the area? Would I need to book?

Thanks in advance.

You would be very unlikely to get seating for a party of 7 at Plimoth (or, indeed anyplace else) if you wait for the day of, and for good weather.

I've had their meals at a private event onsite and was very pleased with both the food and the service. They made an impressive effort at authenticity and helping everyone understand the backgrounds of the dishes.

I can't compare the two... But, in general, holiday meals at restaurants are not particularly good. Therefore, I'd go with the unique presentation at Plimouth. I wouldn't plan on going w/o a reservation, either. Sounds fun!
The Plantation and Mayflower are worth a visit, but bundle up.

Anon,

Yes, I have to admit the seating together at the 'first-come, first-served' buffet was one of my concerns, which is why I'll probably end up pre-booking. Thanks most of all for the reply about the quality of the food and service.

Plymouth and Sturbridge (especially at Thanksgiving) seem to be the type of places that people recommend but haven’t necessarily visited.

Dreamer, perhaps I should be hoping for bad weather to keep everyone else away, I am concerned about the crowds on Thanksgiving, especially the tour of the Mayflower.

BTW there was a typo in my post - It's my In-laws (as in DH parents), not that it makes a difference but I hope it's a bit clearer

Arrgh, does anyone else hate when you think you’ve had a good idea then you go round in circles trying to work out the pros/cons?

To be honest if it was just us then we’d probably order in Pizza and hope for good weather to spend the weekend in the yard, after all as a crowd of Brits is really just another day to us

I would take the relatives to Plimouth Plantation with a reservation. Our out of state relatives have enjoyed this day in the past. It's a good day to visit the plantation, everyone is in top form. Food at these events certainly is never 4 star, but is still good and the camaraderie and experience is fun. There is much to see in Plymouth, don't know how long you would stay, but Jenny Grist Mill, the harbor area, (rock and mayflower) etc, - some good sites aer www.visit-plymouth.com and www.plymouthguide.com to help you choose. Just wear layers and who knows, Thanksgivings have run the gamut from warm to cool here, so be prepared for it all and have fun. I know it may be just any other day for the "brits" but it is a fun option for the day while here!

On the Old Sturbridge Village website are recipes and I picked up one for Marlborough Pudding a couple of years ago, it's kind of like a pie, and I make it with berry apple sauce or peach apple sauce and it's great. It was served at the earliest Thanksgiving dinners, as part of the meal and it is very easy to make. I have been getting rave reviews on it the last couple of years.

escargot, We're 'locals' 45 minutes at the most for the journey and then home again. I think that's why I'm not really leaning towards OSV - it's twice as far also there's the "Where to eat issue?"

As to the weather - We Brits are used to traveling with umbrellas (even in the Summer - it didn't take me long to get out of that habit though) and I've already got the winter clothes out of the loft

One question - Was it very crowded when you went?

I've run this idea past my friends/neighbors and they looked at me as though I'd fallen off another planet and said there was no way they'd visit anywhere on Thanksgiving - It's all about family and traditions.

The last few years we've spent with DH's brother and his family - the kids are American so it made sense to celebrate with them but now they've moved to another state - This year we're kind of lost!

if you can't eat at OSV, there is a restaurant out that way called The Swan which is quite lovely if they are taking rezzies. OSV is also a lovely trip on thanksgiving, we have done that having relatives in that area. or you can all have fun in your kitchen and make a small thaknsgiving dinner and cook together and that could be fun too ! crowded yes, but still fun.

If you cannot get a reservation at the plantation,which would be the best solution,try HEARTH & KETTLE-JOHN CARVER INN 25 Summer street Plymouth. We had a great meal last year.Paul

I probably have no business responding to this as I've never spent Thanksgiving at either place and haven't been to Surbridge since 1970! But I can never resist a chance to put in a good word for Plimoth Plantation.We were there the summer of '03 and loved it. They do such a fantastic job of recreating the period. I have to think that Thanksgiving there would be wonderful.

FWIW, we also had an enjoyable meal at the Hearth & Kettle.

Visted Plimoth Plantation a few years ago, driving from near Albany NY to a Fairfield Inn (Middleboro?) about 20 mi from Plymouth the night before. It was a quiet but beautiful sunny day. We enjoyed the Mayflower, laughed at the hokey "Rock" and I would have like to have walked around the village more.

At Plimoth, I was fascinated by what sticklers the reenactors were about staying in period. Very interesting place.

We ended up having made reservations at the Hearth & Kettle up in Weymouth, as we would not have been able to get seated @ John Carver until 8pm. It was a pretty good meal; Having put in more than enough holidays working in restaurants during former careers, I'm no fan of holiday dinners, but they did a good job.

Thanks guys!

I have booked the PP and we are to be seated at 6pm! I know it's a bit late but I think it'll work for us. If the weather is good we can explore the museums and Plymouth without having to leave home too early.

If they get restless I will sit the In-laws in front of the TV and make them watch Macy's Parade

If the weather is bad - and if I have to be serious then this is my major concern - the tickets are valid through the Sunday so we can visit the buffet -I have good friend who would use the term 'Chew and Screw' and then visit PP on the Fri/Sat/ or Sunday.

Seems like a good plan to me - Lost no more, will post and let you know how it goes.

Thank you for everyone help - whether you replied on this post or another - You know who you are!