Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, and I am planning on getting the most out of it by relying on local businesses for as much of it as possible. Here’s how to plan the perfect Thanksgiving in Dayton.
Think Dessert First
Baking can be a great way to unwind, but for a day already full of other things to cook, I’m so happy to leave the pies to the professionals. Pre-order pies from these Dayton bakeries:
Ghostlight
Need vegan pumpkin pie? Ghostlight has you covered! They also have cookies, pie crusts, and more available. Here’s where to pre-order.
Partial to Pie
Thanksgiving pre-orders are closed at Partial to Pie, however if you’re having a Friendsgiving or other event at another time this season, you may be able to place a special order for that!
Baker Benji’s
Pre-order pies, breads, and more from Baker Benji’s before Saturday, November 23.
Bring Some Extra Cheer
The Parlor
Not sure what wine to get? The Parlor has a convenient Thanksgiving wine section on their website to help point you in the right direction.
Plus, they’re hosting a Thanksgiving Wine Tasting on November 22!
Joui
Joui has a fantastic wine selection including NA wines and drinks for your guests who don’t partake.
Check out wines to get you through all of the upcoming holidays at Joui’s Holiday Wine Show on Tuesday, November 19.
Barrel House
If you want to make sure to have plenty of great options on hand for everyone, you can get it all in one place at Barrel House. They have craft beer, cider, and seltzers. You can also find some fantastic wine and more.
Find your perfect Thanksgiving wine using my Dayton Fall Wine Guide.
Brew Locally Roasted Coffee
Or grab a few bags for hostess gifts! In my family, we always brew some coffee when the desserts come out. And as someone who gets up semi-early to start cooking the vegan side of my family’s Thanksgiving, starting my day with a special blend of local coffee makes it feel much more holiday-ish to me.
Twisted River Coffee Roaster
Twisted River offers several single-origin coffees as well as unique blends. I am partial to the Holiday Blend!
Pettibone Coffee
The coffees from Pettibone are delicious. Stop in to pick up a few bags and while you’re there, enjoy a latte or snack.
Namesake Coffee
Namesake’s coffee tastes as amazing as the bag looks on the shelf.
Check out more Dayton coffee roasters here.
Breakfast is Served
Who wants to cook breakfast when there’s so much cooking to do already? These Dayton-area places have so many ways to start your Thanksgiving day.
Bodega Market in Tipp City has quiche, cinnamon rolls, and more available for pre-order.
Val’s Bakery has croissants and pop tarts available for pre-order.
Don’t Forget the Bread
Being in charge of bringing the rolls or bread doesn’t have to be boring. Check out these local options and give the King’s Hawaiian rolls a year off.
Focaccia from Val’s Bakery
Their focaccia is vegan! Here’s how to pre-order: Go to Val’s Bakery website, select Current Menu off of their main nav, then Order Online has a section for Thanksgiving Preorder where they have focaccia, their famous butter croissants, and pumpkin meringue pop tarts.
Rolls from Baker Benji’s
Check out Baker Benji’s and take your pick from plain, potato, wheat, and butterflake – plus order loaves of challah and brioche.
Need Some Sides?
Bodega Market in Tipp City has green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, and mac and cheese available for pre-order.
Get Your Outfit Together
You should absolutely show up to dinner wearing a green bean casserole sweatshirt from Heart Mercantile.
See a Thanksgiving Play
TheatreLab has your Thanksgiving entertainment covered with Not Another Thanksgiving Play. Get tickets for November 21-24, 2024.
Treat Your Hostess
One of the best things you can bring for Thanksgiving when you’re not hosting is a gift for the person who cleaned, prepped, and decorated for the occasion. My favorite hostess gifts are consumable: coffee, wine, candles, or chocolates. See above for coffee and wine gifts. Here are a few other ideas.
Candles from Desert Roots and Ciao bel Fiore.
Chocolates from Esther Price and Winans.
Something funny from Heart Mercantile.