Yukon Gold mashed potatoes get their own build-your-own station at one Thanksgiving buffet this year. That means your potato pile can finally look exactly the way you want it.
The spread also brings herb-roasted turkey, glazed ham, and Old Bay poached shrimp.
Then come three kinds of pie, plus bread pudding and chocolate mousse cups. I can’t imagine leaving that table without a slow, happy sigh.
The whole feast happens inside a hotel ballroom in central Ohio. Nobody at your house has to peel a single potato or scrub one roasting pan.
I like how that frees up the whole day for family, football, or a well-earned nap.
So how high will you stack your potatoes? Seats come in two time slots, and holiday plans fill up fast.
A Potato Bar Is Stealing The Spotlight From The Turkey
Mashed potatoes usually play backup to the turkey. At Crafstman Kitchen & Terrace, they get a whole station on Thanksgiving Day.
The restaurant’s holiday buffet features a mashed potato bar built around creamy Yukon Gold potatoes. You scoop your base, then customize it with toppings set out at the station.
That small twist changes the whole buffet line. Instead of one plain spoonful, your plate becomes a little art project.
Kids love building their own food. Grown-ups secretly love it even more, so expect some friendly competition at the table.
Yukon Golds are a smart pick for this job. They’re known for their buttery color and smooth texture once mashed.
Fun fact for the table: Yukon Gold potatoes were developed in Canada and introduced in the early 1980s. Now you have something to share between bites.
A good plan is to visit the potato bar early. Then you can return later with a fresh idea after tasting everything else.
Leave some room on your plate, though. The carving station and dessert table are waiting just a few steps away.
Pacing yourself is the real holiday skill here. Your future self will thank you around pie time.
Mark Your Calendar For Two Easy Seating Times
Timing matters on Thanksgiving. The buffet takes place on Thursday, November 26, 2026, inside the Cherry Valley Hotel ballroom.
Two seatings make planning simple. One starts at 11 AM, and the other begins at 1 PM.
The early slot works great for families with more stops later. You can eat here, then still visit relatives in the evening.
The 1 PM seating suits a slower morning. Watch the parade, sip some coffee, and head over when you’re good and hungry.
A ballroom setting gives the meal a festive feel. It feels like a real occasion without anyone at home running the show.
Reservations are open online for parties of up to eight guests. Bigger groups of nine to twelve should call the restaurant directly.
That detail is handy for those huge family gatherings. Grandma, cousins, and the uncle with strong opinions can all sit together.
Booking early is wise for any holiday meal. Popular time slots can disappear quickly as November gets closer.
Taxes and gratuity are added on top of the buffet cost. Kids under five eat free, which helps with budgeting.
Children ages five to eleven get a lower price than adults. Families of all sizes can make it work.
The Carving Station Brings Two Holiday Heavyweights
Turkey and ham in one line? Yes, and nobody has to pick a side this year.
The carving station serves herb-roasted turkey alongside a brown sugar-mustard glazed ham. Both are classic holiday mains, and both show up on the same buffet.
That combo solves a common family debate. Turkey fans and ham fans can finally share a table in peace.
Sweet and tangy glazes pair nicely with savory sides. A slice of ham next to a mound of mashed potatoes just makes sense.
The herb-roasted turkey keeps things traditional. It’s the centerpiece most people expect when they think of Thanksgiving.
Here’s a tip for buffet lines. Grab a smaller portion of each meat first, then go back for more of your favorite.
Gravy questions are always on everyone’s mind. Since the menu doesn’t spell out every sauce, ask staff about options when you arrive.
Carving stations also add a little show to the meal. Watching fresh slices land on your plate feels extra special.
It’s the kind of detail that makes a buffet feel like a holiday dinner. No one in your family had to wrestle a giant bird this morning.
Your oven gets the day off too. That alone deserves a toast with cider.
Seafood Lovers Get A Surprise Station Of Their Own
Shrimp at Thanksgiving might sound unexpected. Still, it fits right into this generous holiday spread.
A dedicated seafood station features Old Bay poached shrimp. Next to it sits a smoked salmon display for anyone craving something lighter.
Old Bay seasoning has a long history. It was created in Baltimore in 1939 and is famous for its zesty blend of spices.
That bold flavor gives the shrimp a fun kick. It’s a nice break between rich bites of stuffing and casserole.
Smoked salmon adds an elegant touch. It feels fancy without being complicated, which suits a holiday meal well.
The entrée line also includes roasted salmon. So fish fans have more than one way to enjoy their favorite.
Those who don’t eat much turkey will appreciate the variety. Picky eaters and adventurous eaters both get choices.
A smart strategy is to start with seafood. Lighter bites first leave room for heavier dishes later.
It also makes a great conversation starter at the table. Somebody always has a strong take on shrimp before turkey.
Either way, this station shows the buffet thinks beyond the basics. Holiday tradition gets a little extra splash here.
Every Classic Side Dish Shows Up For The Party
Sides are where Thanksgiving really shines. This buffet brings a full lineup that would make any family cook proud.
Roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potato casserole, and traditional herb stuffing all make the list. Green bean almondine, mac and cheese, and corn succotash round it out.
Starters set the stage before the main event. Autumn crudités with dips and a warm bread and butter board kick things off.
Salads bring some crunch to the table. Choose a harvest greens salad or a classic Caesar.
A butternut squash bisque adds cozy fall flavor. It’s a gentle way to warm up on a chilly November day.
More entrées join the turkey and ham too. A spinach three-cheese baked ziti offers a hearty meatless option.
Kids get their own section called Kids’ Picks. Chicken tenders and mac and cheese keep younger guests happy.
That variety helps mixed groups a lot. Vegetarians, picky eaters, and big appetites can all find something.
Plate planning is honestly half the fun. Try a little of everything before deciding on your seconds.
Nobody will judge a second scoop of stuffing. It’s Thanksgiving, after all.
Save Room, Because Three Pies Are Waiting
Apple, pecan, and pumpkin pies all share one table. Choosing just one feels like an impossible job.
The dessert spread doesn’t stop at pie. Bread pudding, mini cheesecakes, and chocolate mousse cups join the party.
Mini desserts are a buffet secret weapon. Small sizes let you sample several treats without feeling stuffed.
Pumpkin pie is the classic choice for many families. Pecan brings nutty sweetness, while apple keeps things cozy and familiar.
Chocolate mousse cups are perfect for kids. They’re also great for grown-ups who think pie season needs more chocolate.
Bread pudding deserves a special mention. Crafstman Kitchen & Terrace has offered bread pudding on its regular dessert menu too.
Here’s a sneaky strategy that works. Take a short break after dinner, then return to desserts with fresh energy.
Sharing plates also helps. Grab a few treats and split them with your table so everyone tastes more.
A sweet ending makes the whole meal feel complete. It’s the last memory of the day, so make it a good one.
And remember, nobody has to wash the pie dishes afterward. That might be the sweetest part of all.
Garden Views Make Any Meal Feel Like A Getaway
Ponds, waterfalls, and botanical gardens sit right outside the windows. That’s quite a backdrop for an everyday dinner.
Crafstman Kitchen & Terrace is located inside the Cherry Valley Hotel at 2299 Cherry Valley Rd SE #2, Newark, OH 43055. Its dining area overlooks the hotel’s gardens.
The restaurant serves casual American cuisine in a stylish space. It aims to feel polished without being stuffy.
That balance works for many occasions. Date nights, birthdays, and relaxed family dinners all fit here.
The kitchen focuses on seasonal ingredients. Many come from Ohio farms and producers, which gives the menu a local touch.
The terrace in the restaurant’s name is a big clue. Outdoor dining space lets guests enjoy the gardens up close in nice weather.
Hotel guests have easy access too. The restaurant even offers Crafted Carryout, a takeout option for people staying on site.
Breakfast, brunch, and dinner each have their own schedule. Checking hours before visiting is a smart move.
Newark sits just east of Columbus in central Ohio. That makes it an easy drive for a holiday meal or weekend escape.
Those views might make you linger longer than planned. Honestly, that’s not a bad problem.
Breakfast Buffets And Weekend Brunch Keep Things Busy
Mornings start early here. Craftsman Kitchen & Terrace serves breakfast every day of the week.
Weekdays bring an à la carte menu. You order exactly what you want and enjoy a calm start to the day.
Weekends switch things up with a full hot breakfast buffet. If you already love the Thanksgiving buffet idea, this one will feel familiar.
Weekend brunch runs on Saturdays and Sundays too. It’s a fun way to slow down after a busy week.
Dinner is available Wednesday through Saturday. Hours can change, so it pays to look ahead before driving over.
The hotel also includes a separate casual dining venue. It serves elevated American favorites for a more laid-back meal.
So one building covers nearly every kind of outing. Coffee and eggs in the morning, comfort food later on.
This flexibility is handy for travelers staying at the hotel. They can grab every meal without leaving the property.
Locals benefit as well. It’s a nice option when you want a treat without heading into a big city.
Breakfast buffets and holiday buffets clearly share the same generous spirit. Plates fill up quickly either way.
Heated Igloos And Glowing Lights Take Over The Season
Dinner inside a heated igloo sounds like something from a storybook. Here, it’s a real seasonal tradition.
Through November 25, 2026, Autumn Lights fills the botanical gardens with illumination. Guests can reserve heated igloos for dining during the event.
The fun continues right after Thanksgiving. Winter Glow Igloo Dining runs from November 27, 2026, to March 28, 2027.
That second event features a winter light display. Cozy igloos plus sparkling gardens make a memorable night out.
The timing works nicely with the holiday buffet. You could enjoy turkey on Thursday and book an igloo dinner later in the season.
Igloo dining has become one of the restaurant’s best-known seasonal offerings. Reservations are a good idea since spots are limited.
Anniversaries and date nights feel extra special in this setting. Families looking for a new tradition might love it too.
Ohio winters can be chilly and gray. Glowing lights and warm igloos help brighten those long evenings.
It’s a creative way to enjoy the gardens all year long. Spring blooms are great, but twinkling lights have their own charm.
Bundle up for the walk outside. Once you’re in the igloo, cozy takes over.