If you want something different and don't mind crowds and some driving, you could head up to Plimouth Plantation in Plymouth Mass and have the Thanksgiving buffet where it all started.

Did you try GW Tavern? It is lovely, but I'n not sure if it's open for Thanksgiving dinner. I know that the Fife and Drum in Kent serves Thanksgiving dinner, and it is wonderful. It is maybe a 20 minute drive from the depot. Bulls Bridge Inn in Kent may be open also. If you need me to check let me know.

from the Hartford Courant, 11/10/05

(partial listing):

The Tollgate Hill Inn, 571 Torrington Road, Litchfield. Open noon to 4 p.m. Slow-roasted turkey with sausage-cornbread stuffing, braised short ribs or pan-seared filet of wild salmon. 860-567-1233.

Avon Old Farms Inn, 1 Nod Road, Avon. Belle Terrace Ballroom, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., brunch buffet including roasted turkey, beef sirloin and baked Virginia ham, $32.95 per person, $19.95 per child under 12. $12.95 per child, ages 3 to 6. Restaurant, noon to 4:30 p.m., sit-down dinner menu, $28.95 to $37.95, and children's menu. 860-677-2818.

Dandy Lions Restaurant, 8 Wilcox St., Simsbury. Open noon-8 p.m. Roast turkey dinner and side dishes, $17.95, or a limited version of the dinner menu. 860-658-0658

Apricots, Farmington Avenue, Farmington. Open noon to 6 p.m. Three-course turkey dinner, $23.50, or a la carte menu, plus children's menu. 860-673-5405

Grants Restaurant and Bar, 977 Farmington Ave., West Hartford. Open 1 to 8 p.m. Four-course turkey dinner, $35, a la carte turkey entrée or regular menu. 860-236-1930

River City Grille at the Hartford/Windsor Marriott Airport, 28 Day Hill Road, Windsor. Buffet with seatings at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. $27.95 for adults, $12.95 for children ages 3 to 12. 860-847-5037