As the autumn leaves deepen in color and the air turns crisp in the Hocking Hills, Thanksgiving in Hocking Hills becomes more than a holiday; it becomes an experience. For families, couples, and cozy getaways, this region delivers both vibrant landscapes and delicious food.
Whether you’re staying in a cabin and want to pull together a feast, or prefer someone else does the cooking while you focus on the memories, here are the top restaurants and markets in the Hocking Hills area that make Thanksgiving easy, special, and unforgettable.
Why Dining & Shopping Locally Makes Thanksgiving Better
Before we dive into the list, let’s talk about why this matters. Choosing local restaurants and markets around Hocking Hills for Thanksgiving means you’re:
- Supporting small businesses and local farms
- Getting fresher, more authentic regional ingredients
- Freeing yourself from the full burden of hosting, so you can be present with your family
- Combining a nature-rich escape with serious comfort food; Thanksgiving done right
Top Restaurants for Your Thanksgiving Feast
1. Rock House Restaurant (at Hocking Hills State Park Lodge)
- Located inside the Hocking Hills State Park Lodge, this restaurant offers a beautiful setting and convenience. Their Thanksgiving buffet (usually 11 a.m.–4 p.m.) features turkey, ham, classic sides, and decadent desserts.
- http://hockinghillsparklodge.com/dining/thanksgiving
- Why it’s great: You don’t have to cook, and you’ll enjoy a scenic meal with sweeping forest views
- Tip: Reservations fill quickly. Call ahead to secure your table and mention dietary needs.
2. Kindred Spirits (at The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls)
- For a more intimate, gourmet experience, Kindred Spirits is a local favorite. Their chef-driven Thanksgiving dinner features seasonal, locally sourced ingredients served fireside in a cozy log cabin setting.
- http://innatcedarfalls.com/restaurant
- Why it’s great: Perfect for couples or smaller groups who want a peaceful, elevated meal during Thanksgiving in Hocking Hills.
- Tip: Dress up a little and book early. This is one of the most romantic dining spots in Hocking Hills.
3. The Olde Dutch Restaurant (Logan, OH)
- The Olde Dutch Restaurant offers hearty, family-style meals and a legendary buffet, think fried chicken, turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, and an endless pie bar.
- http://theoldedutchrestaurant.com
- Why it’s great: Traditional comfort food with all the fixings.
- Tip: Save room for dessert, especially their famous pumpkin pie!
Best Local Markets & Grocery Stops
If you’d rather prepare your own Thanksgiving dinner (or just want some local goodies to supplement your feast), these Hocking Hills markets are worth a stop.
1. Keller Market House (Lancaster, OH)
- 📍 134 S Columbus St, Lancaster, OH 43130
- This bustling marketplace features multiple vendors selling meats, cheeses, baked goods, produce, and unique Ohio-made gifts, perfect for building your Thanksgiving menu in Hocking Hills.
- https://kellermarkethouse.org/
- Why it’s great: You can pick up farm-fresh sides, desserts, or handmade gifts all in one stop.
- Tip: Arrive early for the best selection and bring a cooler if you’re picking up perishable items.
2. Laurel Springs Farm Market
- 📍 17100 Sam Carr Road, Laurelville, OH
- This local gem offers pasture-raised eggs and baked goods ideal for adding local sides to your Hocking Hills Thanksgiving dinner.
- http://laurelspringsfarm.com
- Why it’s great: True farm-to-table experience with warm, small-town hospitality.
- Tip: Pre-order your baked goods early, they sell out fast during the holidays.
Eat Out or Cook In?
Eat Out:
- Perfect if you want to fully relax and avoid the dishes.
- Make reservations weeks in advance. Thanksgiving weekend fills up fast.
- Pair your meal with a scenic hike before or after dinner.
Cook In:
- Ideal for families who enjoy gathering around the kitchen.
- Grab ingredients from local farms and markets.
- Set a cozy table near the fire and share what you’re thankful for.
Best of Both Worlds: Eat out for dinner, shop local for breakfast pastries and desserts!
Thanksgiving Week Planning Tips
- Book early: Cabins and restaurants fill up fast.
- Check event listings: Some shops close on Thanksgiving Day but reopen on Friday.
- Pack layers: Evenings can drop into the 30s.
- Bring reusable bags: Perfect for farmers’ market finds.
- Slow down: Watch the sunrise, take a hike, and savor the quiet.
Sample Thanksgiving Itinerary
- Morning: Coffee and breakfast from a local bakery → Hike Ash Cave or Cedar Falls
- Afternoon: Pick up sides or desserts from Hocking Hills Market → Relax by the fire
- Evening: Dinner at Rock House Restaurant or Kindred Spirits
- Night: S’mores, cocoa, and stargazing from your cabin deck
Stay in the Heart of the Action
Make The Woodlands at Hocking Hills your cozy home base this Thanksgiving in Hocking Hills. Our cabins feature fully equipped kitchens, firepits for family gatherings, and hot tubs under the stars, everything you need for a memorable holiday getaway.
- 📍 Just minutes from scenic trails, local markets, and top restaurants.
- 📅 Book your Thanksgiving stay early to secure your favorite cabin!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re reserving a table for a chef-prepared feast or filling your basket with local farm ingredients, Thanksgiving in Hocking Hills is the perfect blend of flavor, gratitude, and adventure.
Here, the forest provides the backdrop, the food offers the comfort, and the moments together give the meaning.
Come hungry. Leave grateful.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at The Woodlands at Hocking Hills! 🦃🍁