Thanksgiving in Highlands is a time to gather with family and friends and enjoy good food. Many spots offer ready-made Thanksgiving meals to go if you want to relax and skip the cooking. Or choose from an array of cozy restaurants serving classic holiday meals to charming cafes adding unique twists to seasonal favorites, there's something for everyone.

 

Thanksgiving Meals To-Go
 

Highlands Smokehouse 
55 Franklin Road, Highlands, NC

Highlands Smokehouse, located at 595 Franklin Road in Highlands, NC, is making Thanksgiving easy this year with a special holiday menu. The menu includes smoked turkey from Joyce Farms, known for its quality and humanely raised poultry. Guests can also enjoy collard greens, cranberry sauce, creamed mashed potatoes, fresh rolls, and tasty pies. Orders can be picked up on November 27th, offering a hassle-free option for the holiday since the restaurant will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. To place an order, customers can call (828) 526-3554 or email catering@highlandssmokehouse.com. Reheating instructions will be included to ensure everything is perfect. 
 

Mountain Fresh  
521 E. Main Street, Highlands, NC 

Mountain Fresh, is offering a Thanksgiving dinner that you can pick up on Thanksgiving Day. This dinner serves six people and includes your choice of butter-basted turkey or honey spiral glazed ham. It also comes with "mountain fresh" dressing, traditional green bean casserole, cranberry relish, Yukon gold mashed potatoes, a dozen yeast rolls, and turkey herb gravy. For dessert, you can choose from a selection of pies, including apple, pumpkin, or pecan.  
 

The Ugly Dog
294 S. 4th Street, Highlands, NC 

The Ugly Dog, is here to make Thanksgiving easier this year. They are offering a complete turkey dinner that includes one breast, one thigh, and one wing. Alongside the turkey, diners will receive one quart each of gravy, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, stuffing, and macaroni and cheese, plus two cups of cranberry sauce and six dinner rolls. For dessert, an apple pie will be included. To order a Thanksgiving dinner, customers can call the pub directly or place an order online at theuglydogpub.com. There is a limited supply, so orders will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. All orders need to be made by November 14, and pickup is set for November 28 between 10am and 12pm. 

The Kitchen Carry Away and Catering
350 S. 5th Street, Highlands NC

The Kitchen Carry Away & Catering is offering a variety of Thanksgiving dishes, perfect for making your holiday meal easier. Their menu includes classic turkey gravy and cornbread dressing. Side options include sweet potato soufflé, sautéed green beans, spinach madeleine, mashed potatoes, and fresh cranberry sauce. To round out the meal, they have homemade buttermilk biscuits and herb cheese biscuits. For dessert, you can choose from their pecan pie or pumpkin pie, both great options to finish the meal.  Place your Thanksgiving orders by Wednesday, November 20, at 5pm. Orders will be available for pickup on Wednesday, November 27, by 2pm at the Peggy Crosby Center, 350 S. 5th Street, Lower Level.

Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving 

Thanksgiving in Highlands offers a variety of dining options for those looking to enjoy a special meal without the hassle of cooking. Here’s a list of places where you can celebrate the holiday with delicious food and great company. Be sure to check each restaurant's hours and make reservations where required to ensure a memorable Thanksgiving experience.

Four65 
465 Main Street
No reservation required.
4-10pm serving their regular menu. 

 

On the Verandah
1536 Frankin Road
Book a reservation by calling 828-526-2338. 
11am-5pm 

 

Oak Steakhouse at Skyline Lodge
470 Skyline Lodge Road
Book a reservation by calling 828-482-4720
5-9pm

 

Madison's 
445 Main Street
Call 828-787-2525 to make a reservation. 
12-6pm

 

The Ruffed Grouse
270 Main Street
Call 828-526-2590 to make a reservation.
11am-4pm

 

Wolfgang’s 
474 Main Street
To make a reservation, call 828-526-3807
11:30am-2pm Thanksgiving Brunch

Places to Get a Turkey  


Rosewood Market
117 Franklin Road

Located in the heart of Highlands, NC, this family-run gourmet takeout market, wine shop, and catering company has been serving the community since 1999. Along with a curated selection of wines and gourmet meals to-go, they also offer Thanksgiving turkeys for pre-order. Orders Due November 8. Call 929-526-0383 to order. 
 

Whole Life Market
680 N. 4th Street

This charming natural products store in Highlands, NC, not only offers a range of goods but also features the Nectar Juice Bar, serving up fresh, organic smoothies and juices. For the holiday season, they also offer Thanksgiving turkeys for pre-order, providing a convenient and high-quality option for your holiday meal. Call 828-526-5999 to order an organic or natural Turkey from Mary's Turkeys.