Thanksgiving is here, and everyone at Limon is ready for mashed potatoes, pumpkin spice, and everything nice! This holiday season is the perfect time to create memories with your friends and family while discovering new places. There’s so much to be thankful for this year and so much to celebrate! We’ve put together a guide to celebrating this Thanksgiving in Orange County, full of different experiences and moments sure to last a lifetime!

Tanaka Farms

One of the best places for all of the Fall vibes is Tanaka Farms, a family-owned farm located in Irvine! Tanaka Farms aims to grow the best produce for visitors while educating them on the process of growing and why eating fresh is essential. One of the best things about Tanaka is their ‘U-Pick’ aspect of the farm! Take a bumpy ride on a tractor into the farmland to pick out the perfect fruits and vegetables to your liking. Picking your own produce for your Thanksgiving feast will impress your dinner party and will make for the best-tasting meal! Some of the crops being harvested this November to include in your meal are butternut squash, zucchini, tomatoes, bell peppers. Pick up something sweet as well, like grapefruits, navel oranges, or fuji apples!

You’ve probably worked up an appetite after fruit and vegetable picking, so head to the Tanaka Grill for lunch! Enjoy farm classics such as roasted corn, pulled pork sandwiches, or hot dogs! Be sure to also satisfy your sweet tooth with kettle corn or churros. Before you head out, stop at the produce stand to pick up anything other than fresh produce! There are also products from other local farmers, such as honey, jams, and baked goods! 

Turkey Trot Irvine

Get your heart pumping with a classic Thanksgiving Turkey Trot run! Whether this is a tradition for you or a new experience, it is the perfect way to get active and have fun with friends and family! The race takes place on Thanksgiving Day, with start times ranging from 6-9:30 am. There’s something for everyone at the Turkey Trot, with races ranging from a relaxed mile-long one to professionally chip-timed 5k races! 

After your race, relax and enjoy a well-deserved slice of pumpkin pie! The turkey trot is the perfect way to get your day started before a cozy night inside with friends and family!

Thanksgiving Dinner at The Winery 

It’s been a long year for everyone, so this year might be the time to treat yourself to a nice Thanksgiving dinner out. No cleaning, cooking, or messes will have you feeling extra thankful! 

For a sophisticated and relaxed experience, head to The Winery in Newport Beach. Located right on the water, this is the perfect place to enjoy a festive dinner and enjoy the company of loved ones. The Winery’s chef has created a pre-prepared specialty menu for Thanksgiving dinner, with a unique twist on all of the classics! 

Start by choosing from a roasted butternut squash bisque or Scottish smoked salmon. Entrees range from traditional maple-glazed turkey to scallops & shrimp. You can also choose between side dishes such as roasted brussel sprouts, maple-steamed yams, or mashed potato casserole. Share a few desserts with the table to end the night on a sweet note, including pumpkin cheesecake or classic pumpkin pie! 

Giving Back to The Community

This past year has been reflective for everyone, and there has been so much to be grateful for. We’ve learned about the importance of community and being hopeful for the future. This holiday season, start it off right by giving back to your community!

We Give Thanks is a non-profit organization based in Southern California that hosts Thanksgiving Dinner for families in need. We Give Thanks aims to better the lives of the less fortunate through different events and activities throughout the whole year. Despite Covid regulations last year, they were able to safely provide almost 20,000 meals for families!

You can help in different ways, whether you would rather donate or volunteer on Thanksgiving Day! Volunteers are always needed for distributing food or for helping to lead the various events going on. 

No matter how you choose to help, this is an excellent opportunity to feel good about helping others in your community!