Giving thanks: celebrating Veterans’ Day and Thanksgiving

October 26, 2023

After the glitz and glitter of Halloween, November is a time of reflection. Join us as we celebrate our country’s heroes— and give thanks for what we have.

Raising the flag – Bridge Day

Veterans Day Celebrations In Southern West Virginia 

This month is a time for reflection. Join us as we celebrate our country’s veterans. Beckley’s annual Veterans Day Parade will occur on Friday, November 11 at 11 a.m. The parade theme is “Thanking Veterans for Their Service.” A Memory and Honor Walk section will honor veterans. Loved ones are invited to walk with a photo, sign, or memento in the parade. The City of Welch will honor veterans at its 105th Veterans Day event, which features the longest continuous parade in the nation. Fayetteville will also host a Veterans Day Parade and a Veterans Service.

Museums and memorials

  • Raleigh County Veterans Museum is  a historical museum showcasing US military history from the revolution through modern conflict
  • Veterans’ Memorial Museum (Hinton): a history lover’s delight, this museum has exhibits that range from the Revolutionary War to the Gulf Wars. Prized items include General MacArthur’s footlocker and a vintage Jeep.
  • Veterans’ Memorial (Hinton): not far from the museum is this eye-catching stone wall, which resembles a mosaic.
  • Vietnam Memorial (Princeton): the sleek, smooth monument honors veterans who served during the 1954-1975 war.
  • Mercer County War Museum (Princeton): wander through 3 floors’ worth of exhibits and artifacts, all of which date from Civil War times to today.

Thanksgiving

(Run) fast before feasting. Dine at a resort or Skip cooking entirely and pick up a Thanksgiving dinner to go instead. Whichever you choose, southern West Virginia makes Thanksgiving easy.

Thanksgiving Day Run | Paul Cline Memorial Youth Sports Complex

Beckley

With feasting on the horizon, it helps to burn off those calories in advance. Good thing there’s a race! The Thanksgiving Day Run features 2 events: a 5-mile walk-jog race and a 1-mile Family Fun Run. Both raise funds for charity and both are traditions that go back 40 years. Join the turkey trot on Nov. 23rd!

Thanksgiving Day Package and/or Buffet

Love the holiday but hate the cleanup? The Resort at Glade Springs in Daniels solves that problem.

Gather your family and friends around our table this Thanksgiving Day for one of our most popular annual buffets. Enjoy traditional items such as ham, turkey, and dressing, all the sides, as well as an iced seafood bar, crab cakes, a carving station with New York strip loin, a multitude of dessert selections, and much more!

Seatings are at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm. Adults are $64; children ages 6-12 are $25; children ages 1-5 are free. Prices do not include tax or gratuity.

Everyone is welcome to this event. To make reservations call 304-763-2000. A 72-hour cancellation period applies. Packages for overnight stays are also available.

OR THANKSGIVING TO-GO

No stress, no mess. Enjoy a delicious holiday dinner this Thanksgiving prepared by the culinary team at Glade Springs! Purchase a complete dinner or create your own feast by making selections from the menu. Orders must be placed in advance by November 17th by 5 p.m. and picked up on November 23rd between 11 a.m. in the lobby at the Inn.

Learn more about this special event.

 

“Thanksgiving to go” | Tamarack

Beckley

Are you a confident baker but a nervous cook? Tamarack, Beckley’s famous art center, can help. Its gourmet chefs prepare everything from slow-roast turkey and brisket to casseroles. Just pick what you want from the menu and order by Nov. 9th. Easy, right? And if you’d rather cook but don’t have time for pie, well, Tamarack bakes those, too. Must be picked up on Thanksgiving Day November 23rd between 11 a.m. and 12: p.m.

Trails for Thanksgiving

If you’re visiting the area— or need to entertain your relatives— why not exercise? The scenery is gorgeous and burning those calories is always a good thing.

Check out Southern West Virginia’s handy trail guide for inspiration! Dozens of wilderness trails are out there for hiking and biking.

What’s your favorite memorial or Thanksgiving tradition?