Before we get into everything peppermint and Christmas, let’s enjoy the yummy flavors of fall that abound around Historic Downtown Sanford. Whether you’re in the mood to cozy up with a pumpkin spice latte or want to get boozy with a crafty cocktail that reminds you of your mom’s pumpkin or apple pie, you’ll find it as you stroll the streets of our quaint historic town. Wondering who’s open on Thanksgiving weekend in Historic Downtown Sanford? Need ideas on what to do after you’ve had your fill of turkey leftovers? Check some of these tasty items we’ve rounded up.
Seasonal Sweets in Historic Downtown Sanford
Hollerbach’s Magnolia Square Market
Let Hollerbach’s do the baking this holiday season. Indulge in Hollerbach’s take on the ever-popular classic Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte: The Black Forest Cake. Hollerbach’s signature chocolate cake and black cherries are soaked in Kirschwasser cherry liqueur, layered with whipped cream frosting and topped with Kirschwasser black cherries and chocolate shavings. Order whole cakes, bakery items, and catering online or by phone with 48 hours notice. Pick up at Magnolia Street Market by close of business on Wednesday, November 25th.
They also have Pumpkin Muffins with a cream cheese filling available through Wednesday November 25th. They happen to be Gluten Free, we won’t tell if you don’t. While you’re there, don’t forget the craft beer! There are fewer things better than watching football on Thanksgiving. Stock up on Hollerbach’s first craft beer collaboration, the Hollerbach Kolsch by Three Daughters Brewing in St. Petersburg, Florida. The traditional German beer is light and refreshing, the perfect easy drinking beer to serve with your Thanksgiving leftovers! Magnolia Street Market is closed Thanksgiving Day and resumes normal business hours Friday, 11/27 – Sunday, 11/29.
The Greenery Creamery
Looking for artisan ice cream with flavors to match your Thanksgiving table? You’ll find them at The Greenery Creamery in Henry’s Depot. For adventurous palates, try “Sweet Stuffn” which combines the flavors of rosemary, cornbread, cranberries and walnuts into a deliciously creamy surprise. Don’t miss the Pecan Pie ice cream with shortbread chunks and pecan pie filling in a creamy vanilla base. It’s “a dream come true for any pecan lover” and this one is vegan. The Greenery Creamery is closed Thanksgiving Day and resumes normal business hours Friday, 11/27 – Sunday, 11/29.
Wondermade
“Everything Pumpkin Flavored” applies to marshmallows and ice cream too! Stop by Wondermade for their handcrafted pumpkin spice artisan marshmallows, pumpkin pie and vegan pumpkin spice latte ice cream and take your Thanksgiving desserts to a whole new level. Want to give your morning latte or hot chocolate a touch of fall? Add an Apple Cinnamon marshmallow. Order marshmallows online or stop by their one and only flagship store right here in Historic Downtown Sanford. Wondermade is closed Thanksgiving Day and resumes normal business hours Friday, 11/27 – Sunday, 11/29.
Savory Treats for Fall
The Empress Table at Luisa’s
Chef Michelle from The Empress Table is ready to make your holidays hassle-free with takeout or catering. Their new seasonal Pumpkin Flatbread features a base of spiced pumpkin ricotta topped with prosciutto, parmesan, spiced pepitas and finished with a truffle balsamic glaze. Enjoy throughout the holidays and winter months.
Cheese and Charcuterie boards feature a selection of artisan cheeses, seasonal jams, house roasted nuts, mozzarella stuffed peppers and crackers curated to your tastes. Charcuterie includes prosciutto, salami, and calabrese as available. Elevate your experience by having the Luisa’s Cellar team provide the perfect wine pairings. The Empress Table at Luisa’s is closed Thanksgiving Day and taking orders via phone for your holiday catering and take out needs.
Luisa’s Cellar
Not sure what to pair with your holiday meal or need some extra wine to get through the long holiday weekend? Owner / sommelier Yellymary “Mary” Montalvo has the wines for that! Mary’s Thanksgiving Magical Wine Box has returned and is available for purchase now onsite or online. It features a selection of 6 wines hand picked by Mary and perfect for pairing with your Thanksgiving meal and leftovers. Luisa’s Cellar is closed Thanksgiving Day and resumes normal business hours Friday, 11/27 – Sunday, 11/29. Place wine orders via phone and their online shop for your holiday catering and take out needs.
Boozy Fall Flavors Around Sanford
The Basin
Stop into Henry’s Depot for the Loggerhead Rum Butter Shot at The Basin. It’s part of the Loggerhead Cocktail Crawl made with their Blonde Rum, bourbon cream, housemade chai infused simple syrup, pineapple and luxardo cherry. It tastes like a pineapple upsidedown cake with lovely spiced notes. The Basin is closed Thanksgiving Day and resumes normal business hours Friday, 11/27 – Sunday, 11/29 but Dixie Dharma inside of Henry’s Depot will be open.
The District
Leave the fork at home and enjoy sipping The District’s Pumpkin Pie Martini instead. Owner Brad Plummer calls this seasonal cocktail “Pumpkin Pie in a glass.” Made with Crop Organic Pumpkin Vodka, pumpkin liqueur, creme anglaise & pumpkin puree base with spices and a Graham cracker crust rim. This nicely balanced drink tastes like dessert with just the right amount of pumpkin pie flavor and a pleasing boozy kick. One sip and we were hooked! It’s only available for a limited time! Enjoy some extra holiday cheer from 4PM-7PM Monday-Friday during the new Happy Hour at The District featuring especially prices drinks and light bites. The District is closed Thanksgiving Day and resumes normal business hours Friday, 11/27 – Sunday, 11/29.
Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Café
Stop by Willow Tree Cafe German Restaurant or Bar for their Autumn Cocktail. It’s only available by request. Ask your bartender or server for details! They will be closed Thanksgiving Day and resume normal business hours Friday, 11/27 – Sunday, 11/29.
Celery City Craft
This popular Sanford hangout is kicking up the fall flavors a notch with two seasonal cocktails. Take a sip of The Basic Bitch Brew-Hoo! A pumpkin spiced latte with a seasonal blend of Espresso Vodka, Turnbull Spiced Rum, Whopped Vodka & Yoo-Hoo for a fun cocktail. Oh yes they did! You won’t need a bucket or a mop for this Old Fashioned WAP (Warm Apple Pie Old Fashioned). Like a slice of warm apple pie; a seasonal blend of Loggerhead Apple Pie Moonshine, Belle Meade Bourbon & Jerry Thomas Bitters. Celery City Craft is closed Thanksgiving Day and resumes normal business hours Friday, 11/27 – Sunday, 11/29.
Loggerhead Distillery
Looking for something a bit stronger to survive this fall? There is still time to participate in the Loggerhead Cocktail Crawl! Prefer to get crafty at home? The Apple Pie Moonshine from Loggerhead Distillery is a smooth sipper on its own or use it to replace apple brandy or schnapps in your favorite fall and holiday cocktails! Order it at Loggerhead Distillery or online. Loggerhead Distillery is closed Thanksgiving Day and resumes normal business hours Friday, 11/27 – Sunday, 11/29.
Fall Flavored Coffee and Tea
Caffeinate seasonally with a tea latte from The Rosie Lee Co. Their Apple Crumble Latte feels like a warm hug. If coffee is your preference, put a pep in your step at Mahogany Coffee inside Henry’s Depot with their caramel pumpkin latte dusted with cinnamon. Or visit Palate Coffee Brewery for one of their many fall drinks including the Sweet Maple Latte, Fall Spiced Cream Cold Brew, Sappy Cream Cold Brew, Pumpkin Spice and Pumpkin Pie Matcha.
Visit your favorite shops, restaurants, and breweries as you soak in the fall vibes during a weekend to remember in Historic Downtown Sanford. Starting with Sanford Small Business Saturday and ending with “Mini Sanford Indie Market ” on Sunday the 29th! Sanfording this fall holiday season never tasted so good!
Authors: Local digital marketing consultants, freelance food writers and bloggers Lisa Wilk of TasteCookSip.com and Christina Thomas of GoEpicurista.com love to explore the culinary scene everywhere they go. Follow their foodie adventures on Instagram @TasteCookSip and @GoEpicurista.