Thanksgiving Adventures in Bradenton

BRADENTON – Thanksgiving is here and there's plenty to do. Don't want to cook? No problem. There are multiple ways to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving feast without lifting a finger, beyond driving your car. It's also "Big Wednesday" – the premier "going out" night of the year. Grab your drumstick and break out your fat pants, it's time for a special Thanksgiving Adventure in Bradenton!

Night Life

Tonight is "Big Wednesday," which is how people in the bar industry refer to the eve of Thanksgiving. It's their single biggest night of the year with the exception of New Year's Eve. The reason? For starters, Thanksgiving is the number one holiday of the year in terms of people visiting the town where they grew up, even more so than Christmas. Hitting the local hot spot is the best way to run into as many old friends as possible.

Family gatherings also breed the kind of stress that only an ice cold martini is known to cure and everyone knows that turkey tastes better on a lazy day when you're recovering from a long night out with your buds. Have no fear, the local watering holes have got you covered.

Old Main Street will be hosting a Turkey Crawl for Hunger with most businesses collecting canned goods for those less fortunate this holiday season. So get over to Cork, the Roo and all of the other downtown establishments for what's sure to be a regular block party.

Up the street just a bit, the Distillery is sure to be rocking. This old school Florida honky tonk has become Big Wednesday central over the years and is always packed for this nightlife lover's holiday. On Wednesday, there'll be no cover, music by Rafferdy & the Street Team Girls, and ladies drink free from 9:30 – 10:30.

Over in Lakewood Ranch, Ed's is putting on a massive beer pong tournament with $2 Coronas to help you concentrate. While you're there, stop by Trattoria Italian, a new hotspot with great outdoor seating and tasty, gourmet wood oven pizzas.

On the other side of LWR, Bonefish, Lee Roy Selmon's and Linkster's will also be a buzz with nightlife activity. Have fun, but don't forget to be responsible and pick a designated driver.

Thanksgiving Day

The Polo Grill has the best Thanksgiving deal I've seen this year. The Lakewood Ranch Main Street anchor is offering a gourmet buffet for only $29.95 for adults and $14.95 for kids 12 and under. This isn't your average smšrgŒsbord.

In addition to upscale versions of traditional favorites, you'll get a full selection of appetizers like chilled shrimp, mussels and smoked seafood, plus a killer selection of decadent desserts to top it off (click here for menu).

Mattison's Riverside is offering a similar spread and a truly amazing deal if you just want to pick up your feast to go. Available to feed either four ($75) or 8 ($145), Mattison's will prepare a fresh turkey and all the trimmings right down to the pumpkin pie, so you can kick back and enjoy a work free holiday.

The cost of turkey has reportedly gone up $.78 per pound this year, followed by sharp increases in corn and potatoes as well – all the more reason to consider outsourcing your annual meal. The downside is less leftovers, but the upshot might be being able to get through this Thanksgiving without breaking out those fat pants afterall!