Once again, the Wakulla Springs Lodge serves a world-class Thanksgiving Buffet in a world-class setting. One of the most peaceful hotels in the South, the Lodge features a nostalgic touch of "Old Florida", with the grand elegance of Mediterranean styling. The Lodge faces the deepest freshwater spring in the world.
The buffet featured the requisite Turkey with gravy, oyster dressing, and cranberry sauce. Fried shrimp with cocktail sauce were on the buffet table next to the turkey, plus a large pan of "Coca-Cola Ham". There was a Prime Rib carving station (with renowned Chef Reshard himself serving the prime rib). Other goodies included Southern staples like mashed red potatoes, collards, green bean casserole, and squash. Plus the fruit bar and salad bar. One interesting addition this year was a classic Waldorf salad!
Main plate, clockwise from top: oyster dressing, prime rib, Coca-Cola ham, mashed red potatoes, turkey with dressing, fried shrimp, collard greens. Secondary plate: Waldorf Salad, fruits.
My wife and I are frequent diners at Wakulla Springs. It was nice to be greeted by Chef Reshard, by Sous Chef Lek, and by server Lindsay.
Sous Chef "Lek" with my wife, just before the Thanksgiving Buffet is served
Chef Reshard takes a final look before summoning guests to the buffet
What a Thanksgiving Day treat! The Lodge is a brief drive from our house in northeast Tallahassee (18 miles, about 30 minutes). Upon arriving at Wakulla Springs State Park, the Park Ranger at the front gate asked if we were having Thanksgiving Dinner. When we replied "Yes", he waved us through. (Visitors to the Park are charged a $6.00 entry fee, that fee is waived for hotel guests and dining room guests).
Best of all? I got to be first in line at the buffet! My wife and I got the nod from the Chef that the buffet was ready. We were walking toward the plates; someone stopped my wife to have a word. Excuse me, but a virgin buffet, untouched by anyone except the kitchen staff, was before me. My wife can catch up! Okay, I did grab an extra plate for my wife. When she came to the line, I asked the couple behind me if she could cut in. "Of course!".
Server "Cay" took good care of us, topping off our beverages, promptly removing plates, and attending to our needs.
After lunch, we walked the grounds and enjoyed the view of Wakulla Spring. I had swimming shorts and a mask in the trunk (I always do; I live in Florida). There were three swimmers on the beach. But the weather is just a little too cold and gray today, so I passed on taking a dive from the tower. Definitely next time!
When you are in Tallahassee, I recommend that you stay at the Wakulla Springs Lodge. Rooms are affordable, albeit quaint and "period". The Dining Room serves all day; there is also a sandwich shop for people who are enjoying a swim and don't want to get dressed to come into the main hotel.
Be sure to join us for lunch at Wakulla Springs, in Thanksgiving 2019!
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