Illinois Thanksgiving Ideas needed

[schlepsnort]

Yes, I know, it hasn't even been Halloween yet but I'm a planner and I need suggestions.

Originally for Thanksgiving we were going to go to NJ to see family, but that has since fallen through due to new jobs/time constraints.

We live in Illinois and are looking for somewhere in Illinois to go for Thanksgiving Brunch. (i.e. I do not want to cook that day).

Normally we would go to my parents but my sister is coming and we are not speaking so I'm avoiding the whole situation.

Any suggestions from other Illinois residents? Hotel brunches that you know about? We were even thinking about getting a hotel room in Chicago to see the parade but I'm worried about it being too cold for the baby and too crowded...

We are open to any ideas! Thanks!

 

[disneymama73]

What part of IL? Do you want to go somewhere in the city?

We love brunch at Drury Lane Oak Brook.

 

[mrsv98]

Well, what part of IL? The year I was pg, we went to Galena fir the weekend and stayed at the Eagle Ridge Resort. We had a cute little house and had Thanksgiving at the hotel.

Otherwise, most large hotels will have a really nice brunch. Oh, what about Starved Rock? I bet they have something going and they have the new water park for he kiddos.

 

[schlepsnort]

Actually we live right down the road from Starved Rock. I had called Grand Bear Lodge but they aren't sure what they are doing for Thanksgiving, I was just told that they usually do 'something' but right now they aren't sure what. Found that to be a bit odd...
So upon further research I found Wildlife Praire State Park in Peoria that does a Thanksgiving Buffet in the State Park and it has a lot of fun activities for the kids to do afterwards. And it was muuuuch cheaper than Grand Bear.
So we are doing that, made my ressies today.
I told my Mom who is dreading my sister coming out and she seemed a little jealous, like she'd rather go with us than stay at home with my sis. Can't say that I blame her though!

Thanks for the suggestions though!

 

[robinb]

What about "catering" Thanksgiving into your own home from one of your local grocery stores? You can have your own family Thanksgiving and simply pick up all the pre-made food at your local store. No muss, no fuss and you have leftovers!

 

[megan4777]

I know it's not helpful but....
The year we travelled to Illinois from NY, there was a tornado....I think it was like 2003? It was a great thanksgiving, though. We had a great turkey, stuffing, etc...wine....

Yeah, a stinking tornado (dh & I are tornado magnets....ask me our history)!!!
We're not headed that way, though....you're clear!!


Good luck!!!

 

[disneymama73]

Actually we live right down the road from Starved Rock. I had called Grand Bear Lodge but they aren't sure what they are doing for Thanksgiving, I was just told that they usually do 'something' but right now they aren't sure what. Found that to be a bit odd...
So upon further research I found Wildlife Praire State Park in Peoria that does a Thanksgiving Buffet in the State Park and it has a lot of fun activities for the kids to do afterwards. And it was muuuuch cheaper than Grand Bear.
So we are doing that, made my ressies today.
I told my Mom who is dreading my sister coming out and she seemed a little jealous, like she'd rather go with us than stay at home with my sis. Can't say that I blame her though!

Thanks for the suggestions though!

Hey, we are neighbors!!!

 

[Tinks]

And I live right down the way from Wildlife Prairie Park! My 4 year old just had a field trip there today as a matter of fact! At our house, it's known as the "Wild Library Park" because that's what my oldest called it when he was a wee one.

Thanksgiving at the Wild Library Park will be neat.

 

[Minnie824]

I would try any resort....we've been to a few before in different cities. Lincolnshire Marriott, Pheasant Run in St. Charles. Most of the large resorts like that have excellent brunches.