COLUMBUS, OH - All eight Ohio State Park resort lodges are cooking up traditional Thanksgiving feasts this year - complete with turkey and all the trimmings, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
Lodge dining rooms at Salt Fork State Park in Guernsey County; Hueston Woods State Park in Preble County; Deer Creek State Park in Pickaway County; Maumee Bay State Park in Lucas County; Punderson State Park in Geauga County; Shawnee State Park in Scioto County; Mohican State Park in Ashland County and Burr Oak State Park in Morgan County are offering Thanksgiving Day buffets where families can relax together in a quiet woodland setting and leave the cooking and dishwashing to someone else. Reservations are required; information is available through the individual park lodges.
In addition, Salt Fork, Hueston Woods, Deer Creek and Burr Oak are offering special overnight packages that allow visitors to unwind, relax and enjoy the Thanksgiving holidays with friends and family in a resort setting.
Burr Oak State Park, located near Glouster in scenic southeast Ohio, will serve a Thanksgiving Day buffet from noon to 5 p.m. in the lodge dining room which overlooks the park's 660-acre lake and surrounding forest. Prices are $12.95 for adults; $6.95 for children under age 6.
The lodge, which features a lounge, gift shop and indoor pool, is also offering a holiday lodging special November 20-23 that includes two consecutive nights in a standard room, nightly entertainment and two Thanksgiving Day buffets. The lodging special runs $185 per couple.
Hueston Woods State Park, located about an hour's drive northwest of Cincinnati near College Corner, is offering a traditional Thanksgiving Day buffet from noon to 7 p.m. Prices are $17.95 for adults; $9.95 for children age 6-12; $6.95 for children age 3-5; children under age 2 eat free.
An accompanying overnight special includes lodging for November 21 and 22 in a standard double room, two holiday buffets and a $15 voucher for the lodge's gift shop. The overnight package price is $258 per couple, tax included. Add $10 for a lakeview room. An indoor pool, snack bar and game room are among the amenities offered in the 94-room A-frame lodge.
The lodge at Salt Fork State Park in eastern Ohio near Cambridge will offer a buffet from noon to 5 p.m. on November 22. Price is $17.95 for adults; $8.95 for children age 6-12; children under age 5 eat free.
From November 21-25, the lodge also offers a package that includes three nights in a standard double room, Thanksgiving Day buffets for two, two breakfasts for two and a gift certificate for shopping the lodge gift shop. The price is $429 per couple, including tax.
Salt Fork will again host a holiday craft show with 70 to 100 vendors in the lodge lobby November 23-24. The 148-room lodge features a snack bar, coffee shop, lounge and gift shop, as well as an indoor pool and game room.
Award-winning chef Chad Lavely is preparing a special Thanksgiving Day menu at Deer Creek State Park, located about an hour's drive southwest of Columbus, near Mount Sterling. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Price is $24.95 for adults; $19.95 for children age 12 and over; children under age 12 eat free.
The popular "Thanksgiving Fest" returns to Deer Creek November 22-26, earning greater savings for longer stays. One night of lodging in a double room is $99, plus tax; two nights are $89 each; three nights are $79 each; four nights are $69 each.
Deer Creek's lodge offers a panoramic view of the 1,200-acre lake from each of its 110 rooms. Guests can swim in the indoor pool, relax in the sauna and whirlpool, play in the game and exercise rooms, browse the gift shop or socialize in the lounge.
Punderson State Park will host a Thanksgiving Day buffet in the Manor House from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Prices are $22.95 for adults; $20.95 for seniors; $9.95 for children age 4-11; children under age 3 eat free.
Shawnee State Park Lodge will serve a Thanksgiving Day buffet from noon to 4 p.m. Prices are $15.95 for adults; $9.95 for seniors; $5.95 for children age 7-12; $3.95 for children age 2 and under.
Mohican State Park Lodge will feature live musical entertainment for its buffet, served from noon to 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Prices are $19.95 for adults; $17.95 for seniors; $7.95 for children age 6-12; $5.95 for children 5 and under.
Maumee Bay State Park Lodge will serve a Thanksgiving Day buffet from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Prices are $21.95 for adults; $16.95 for seniors; $7.95 for children age 6-11; $3.95 for children age 3-5; children under age 3 eat free.
For reservations at Burr Oak, Hueston Woods and Salt Fork state park resorts, call 1-800-AT-A-PARK. Deer Creek State Park's toll-free resort reservation line is 1-877-678-DEER. Information on all fall and winter specials at Ohio State Parks is available via the Internet at www.dnr.state.oh.us