Category: Featured Articles

This Super Bowl season, we’re craving super bowls—the hearty, flavorful, picture-perfect medleys of grains, meat and veggie goodness we simply can’t get enough of! Read on to learn why food bowls have been trending so much in recent years—and how to enjoy one at Stonewood or right at home. Take a look.

Behind bowls’ big moment

What was once an afterthought—a functional container for serving dishes like soup or ice cream—has recently taken on an entirely new identity. Bowls are no longer basic serving elements, but experiences in their own right. When we hear “bowl,” we think of hearty flavor and a stylish presentation worthy of any foodie Instagram.

As Charles Spence, a psychology professor at the University of Oxford, told the BBC, part of the attraction to bowls of food may be in the physical sensation of holding one that’s warm and heavy with good food—it just makes us feel good! And since we usually need a fork and knife to eat from a plate (and thus, can’t hold it), bowls seem especially inviting.

The popularity of bowls might also be a symptom of a larger cultural fixation on nostalgia. Think about your favorite foods that are served in bowls—it’s often comfort food classics like mac n’ cheese, spaghetti and meatballs, and even mashed potatoes, all familiar, feel-good meals. So even when we try something new in a bowl, we may still be predisposed to enjoying it—because as kids and even kids at heart, many of our favorite foods (ice cream included!) were served up that way.

And of course, when so much of foodie culture revolves around taking photos of food that looks as good as it tastes, it’s only natural that bowls—which lend themselves to beautiful presentations of ingredients—would grow in popularity!

How to craft the perfect bowl

Wondering how to craft the perfect bowl at home? Layer your “foundation” ingredient—typically a grain like rice or quinoa—on the bottom of your bowl, using it as a backdrop for colorful veggies, a scoop of crema or salsa, and, of course, your meat of choice.

A look at Stonewood’s super bowls

For flavorful inspiration on bowls that look good and taste even better, Stonewood has you covered with three delicious picks!

• Our Salmon Bowl features Ponzu ginger-glazed salmon, lemon oil, a five-grain medley, baby kale, edamame, cucumbers, radishes, grape tomatoes, scallions, crispy shallots and a smooth avocado crema to tie it all together. It’s the perfect pick for protein and a heaping dose of veggie goodness!
• For a taste of the tropics, our Poke Bowl delivers color and fresh, one-of-a-kind ingredients in every bite. Enjoy sushi-grade rare tuna poke, jasmine rice, watermelon radish, cucumber, Asian slaw, edamame, carrots, sesame seeds, fresh cilantro and sriracha aioli for a warm, flavorful flourish.
• Our Southwest Chicken Bowl stars several of your favorite Tex-Mex flavors in one delicious bowl! Dig into Santa Fe-style chicken breast, poblano rice, our black bean & corn salsa, pico de gallo, tortilla strips, basil avocado aioli and jalapeño to cap off your meal with a kick.

When it comes to serving up your favorite flavors, it doesn’t get much better than a heaping bowl of something savory! Enjoy your favorite bowl here at Stonewood, then craft one of your own at home. Either way, with bowls being the dish du jour, you know you’re in good company.

Super Bowl LIV is right around the corner—but even if you didn’t score tickets to the big game, you can still enjoy a slice of the fun by exploring Miami’s one-of-a-kind culinary scene! Just read on as we embark upon a virtual tour of the Magic City, foodie style. Take a look and dig in.

Floribbean flavor

Miami, Magic City, The 305… whatever you call it, you can’t deny that this city is infused with Floribbean flavor at every turn! As an essential port of exchange between the United States, the Caribbean and South America, Miami is at the forefront of flavor characterized by island ingredients, cultural traditions and forward-thinking foodies—plus, of course, some of the freshest seafood around.

Because of its pivotal role as part of Latin America, Miami is home to many flavors that have been carried over from Spain, Mexico, South America and the Caribbean. These include…

• In addition to being a popular part of many meals, some avocados are actually grown in South Florida (including in local foodies’ backyards)! You can enjoy it as part of Stonewood’s avocado crema, served in our Salmon Bowl.
• Shrimp, crab, tuna and other seafood
• Lime
• Mango

Simple sandwiches with big-time flavor

Miami is famous for its sandwiches and sandwich-style tapas (or small dishes), such as montaditos. Above all, Miami’s go-to sandwich is the Cuban sandwich—a simple yet carefully crafted ham-and-cheese concoction served on Cuban bread and pressed to perfection. Many of Miami’s famous sandwiches can be enjoyed at the Cuban restaurant Versailles—a beloved gathering spot that is equal parts restaurant and cultural institution.

Another essential Miami tradition is that of a fresh fish sandwich, often made with something you caught out on the water yourself! Craving a fresh fish sandwich close to home? Stonewood’s Fresh Catch Sandwich is exactly that—a flavorful medley of grilled, blackened or fried fish, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle atop a toasted brioche bun. Served up with peach pepper aioli and French fries, it’s not far from the type of fare you’d find at the restaurants that line Calle Ocho, or your favorite South Beach joint!

The Sunshine State’s culinary heartbeat

Miami serves as a physical and figurative culinary exchange, and there’s always something new going on there—from lively food trucks to sophisticated tapas bars, many of our favorite food trends first appeared in Miami and other foodie-forward cities! In fact, without Miami, we may not have such Sunshine State traditions as our beloved House-Made Key Lime Pie: By connecting the Florida Keys to Mainland Florida via the Overseas Highway, Miami allowed niche Florida flavors to become mainstream and world-known.

What will be next? That’s up to you to discover!

Craving a trip to Miami? Swing by Stonewood for a flavorful fuel-up and then head south for the fun ahead! Whether you’re dining by the beach or enjoying a delicious dish downtown, you can’t go wrong.

It wouldn’t be the holiday season without milk and cookies—and lots of them—but what started this tradition, anyway? And how can you enjoy these flavors to the fullest at Christmas and beyond? Just read on as we share a delicious look at this sweet holiday tradition!

The meaningful roots of milk and cookies

Many of us fondly remember setting out milk and cookies for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, and perhaps even enjoy this tradition with our children today! We’d love this sweet tradition even if it were simply an excuse to enjoy flavorful food—but as it turns out, the tradition of milk and cookies at Christmastime runs a little deeper! Interestingly, it became cemented as a practice during the Great Depression—even at a time when people had to pinch pennies and could spare so little, parents used the practice of leaving milk and cookies for Santa Claus as a reminder for their children to be thankful for what they had, and to give generously even when times were tight. The tradition stuck, and nearly a century later, we enjoy sharing milk and cookies with the people we love most! (Tip: For friends, family members, neighbors, teachers and co-workers alike, you can’t go wrong with the gift of homemade cookies!)

How to indulge your Claus cravings…

Milk and cookies may be for Santa Claus—but during the holidays, aren’t we all Santa Claus in some way? After a long day of holiday shopping or hosting family and friends, treat yourself to a dreamy dessert that makes you feel just like the jolly Man in Red.

Here are a few of our favorite milk-and-cookie-style sweets to enjoy at Stonewood Grill:

Chocolate Bread Pudding

Like milk and cookies, chocolate and vanilla go hand in hand. They come together in classic, delicious fashion in our Chocolate Bread Pudding, a medley of vanilla bean ice cream and a gooey chocolate bread pudding for a flavorful fusion, all tied together by a warm bourbon sauce, vanilla bean ice cream and a house-made chocolate cookie crisp for a sweet, textured touch Santa Claus himself would love.

Chocolate Mousse Cake

Another chocolatey must-have is our Chocolate Mousse Cake, which starts with a moist, rich chocolate cake, layered with creamy milk chocolate mousse and a dark fudge icing. Topped with chocolate nibs and fresh whipped cream for a light, sweet touch, every smooth, velvety bite will sweeten up your day during the holidays—or deliver warmth and cheer well into the New Year!

Chocolate Martini

This grown-up spin on cookie goodness is a can’t-miss treat for those who have been scrambling all season long! Our Chocolate Martini features Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka and Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, topped with house-made chocolate cookie crisp crumbles for a sweet treat and textured flavor that’s sure to satisfy with every sip. It’s the perfect way to cheers to a merry Christmas, happy New Year and every just-because occasion in between.

Whether you’re due for a delicious dessert after weeks of playing Santa Claus, or you want to savor some holiday sweetness long after the halls are un-decked, Stonewood Grill has you covered with these sweets and many more! Dig in, enjoy, and relish your favorite childhood flavors in an all-new way.

A new decade is almost here! As we look around the corner toward 2020, we all have unique ways of celebrating the big milestone—and today, we’re taking a look at the unique dishes and activities enjoyed in communities across the globe. Just read on and dig in, because some of these celebrations are seriously delicious.

Greece: Hang up onions for luck

Greek New Year’s tradition sees families hanging bunches of onions from their front doors—then, on the morning of Jan. 1, parents wake children up by touching the onions to their face. It may sound odd, but, like most New Year’s traditions, it’s seen as a way to promote growth and prosperity in the year ahead. Plus, after you’ve hung up your onions, they can be used to craft a delicious stew or pasta dish the next day! We call that a tradition worth sticking to.

Spain: Eat 12 grapes at midnight

In Spain and many Spanish-speaking countries, celebrants will try to eat 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight to ring in the New Year. (Just take it slowly, to be safe! Or enjoy a glass of wine at midnight to enjoy a liquid spin on this grape tradition.)

Estonia: Dig into 7 delicious meals throughout the day

Estonia’s New Year’s Eve tradition might just be one of our favorites. On this day, it is custom to eat a lucky seven meals over the course of the day (though nine and twelve meals are also accepted as lucky numbers!). This is the perfect meal for those of us who love to indulge during the holidays. Just be sure to leave a little bit leftover for your ancestors, as per tradition, and enjoy luck in the year ahead!

China: Enjoy noodles for a long life

In China, and several other Asian countries, too, noodles are associated with longevity, and thus make a deliciously symbolic staple for New Year’s celebrations. We love this tradition—and any excuse to enjoy noodles, of course! If you do, too, swing by Stonewood Grill and enjoy our Blackened Chicken Pasta for a creamy, satisfying treat that may just bring you luck in the year to come.

France: Have oysters for an elegant New Year’s celebration

You may also want to opt for some of our flavorful Oysters this New Year’s, in keeping with French tradition. This dish is undeniably elegant, and its association with pearls might just inspire images of prosperity in the year ahead!

Canada: Take a polar bear plunge

It’s easy to see why the aptly named polar bear plunge took off in Canada nearly 100 years ago—the country is cold at this time of year, and filled with opportunities for people to put their endurance to the test by rushing into frosty water! Here in the Sunshine State, you can’t take a true “polar bear plunge”—or at least, not one quite as icy—but we won’t turn down a trip to the beach!

Scotland: “First foot” your way to a prosperous year

Per Scottish tradition, the first person to cross a home’s threshold after the New Year has the power to bring good luck with them—so often, they adorn themselves accordingly with goodies and warm wishes! Some families might even choose their luckiest member to leave the home just before midnight, and come back in with gifts and good cheer for all.

Start a new tradition!

Of course, you can also start a New Year’s Eve tradition that is uniquely yours! Whether it’s a dinner with friends, sunset at the beach (followed by sunrise the next day), or a movie marathon—some viewers might even line up their movie of choice’s timing to coincide big movie moments with the stroke of midnight—this is a day for celebration! So enjoy it with the ones you love most.

How do you plan to celebrate New Year’s Eve? Whether you borrow a delicious tradition from one of these countries, or start your very own, we wish you and your family a very happy, healthy New Year and beyond!

Looking for a last-minute gift with lots of love? Give someone you care about a fun, exciting experience they’ll never forget! Just read on as we share a few of our favorite experiences worth gifting this holiday season.

Oh, SUP fun!

One of the most popular outdoor activities to enjoy on warm, sunny days in stand-up paddleboarding—an exciting hybrid mix of surfing and kayaking that’s taken the Sunshine State by storm. If you, a friend or family member haven’t tried it out yet, why not gift a stand-up paddleboarding, or SUP, experience this holiday season? From the Halifax River to the shallow shores of your favorite beach, there are plenty of places to embark upon this exciting adventure all across Florida—and the thrill of trying this activity with someone you care about is a gift all its own!

Cooking class

For the foodie in your life (or perhaps, the person who wants to be one), you can’t go wrong with the gift of a cooking class. These classes come in a wide variety of types, for all different skill levels, so you can help a novice cook earn their kitchen stripes, or support a seasoned one’s craving for exciting culinary challenges. Either way, you get to enjoy the finished product—a delicious meal or baked good! –and keep the skills you acquired for future creations. We call that a gift that keeps on giving.

Gifts with a new perspective

There’s nothing quite as powerful as the gift of perspective—and it’s one you can give this holiday season! We’re talking about experience gifts that take you to new heights, literally, with the help of a local helicopter tour, lighthouse climb, or, perhaps, a hot-air balloon excursion! For Orlando locals and visitors, Disney Springs’ Aerophile is one exciting option, giving you the chance to fly high into the sky and see your surroundings in an entirely new way.

Sunshine State staycation

Everyone likes a getaway, but you don’t necessarily need to pack your bags, book a flight and shell out lots of money to enjoy one! A staycation is a great way to enjoy a nearby hidden gem, beautiful beach or town you’ve been meaning to explore. You can book a hotel for fun or be back home by nightfall—this is the beauty of a staycation. A few of our favorite destinations include the Florida Keys (even the Upper Keys pack plenty of beauty, sunshine and local culture into a day or weekend trip); the charming Old Florida towns of Central Florida, where you can stroll down beautiful main streets and familiarize yourself with local culture; or, for nature lovers, the lush forested expanse of Northern Florida, or perhaps the swampy Everglades to the south. You really can’t go wrong.

Dinner and a show

This classic is, well, classic for a reason! The simple elegance of dinner and a show can work well as a date night gift or something fun for the whole family. Swing by the Stonewood Grill nearest you and dine on a delicious meal together—then, head out and enjoy a local concert, live theater production or other exciting attraction. (Tip: You can give this gift with a Stonewood gift card which, through Dec. 31, comes with a $10 bonus card for every $50 you purchase! This is a great way to save for future fun, too.)

This year, the gift of quality time with someone you love might just be the best way to celebrate the season! Whether you’re enjoying a special dinner out, or fueling up before a big adventure, we here at Stonewood Grill can’t wait to be a part of your celebration.

You never need a reason to indulge your sweet tooth here at Stonewood, but here’s one anyway—it’s National Dessert Month! Our menu is filled with flavorful picks for every kind of occasion, from birthdays to holidays to just-because dinners out.

Read on as we highlight the variety of delicious desserts to enjoy, this month and all year long.

House-Made Key Lime Pie

We naturally begin with a Florida favorite, our House-Made Key Lime Pie! Every slice of this cool, creamy dessert delivers a touch of citrusy sweetness that is unique to the Sunshine State. (It is in the Florida Keys, after all, were the aromatic Key limes were naturalized and earned their famous name.) Easy to enjoy all year long, this dessert feels especially appropriate on hot days when you’re craving something cool!

Crème Brûlée

There’s a reason why Crème Brûlée is such a classic dessert! Ours follows in French tradition with a smooth, familiar vanilla bean custard and caramelized sugar topping—plus a fresh strawberry garnish for added sweetness! The dessert’s delicate touch is what makes it such a time-honored treat, and it’s sure to pair perfectly with a sweet white wine.  

Limoncello Cake

When life gives you lemons, make Limoncello Cake! That’s exactly what we’ve done, pairing a light lemon layer cake and limoncello mousse with a velvety glaze that’s sure to satisfy.

Chocolate Mousse Cake

Our Chocolate Mousse Cake offers a delicious, decadent experience—replete with all the chocolate you’re craving in a variety of textures, from moist, rich chocolate cake, to layers of creamy milk chocolate mousse and, finally, dark fudge icing, chocolate nibs and fresh whipped cream for a sweet finish.

Chocolate Bread Pudding

Another decadent dessert, our Chocolate Bread Pudding is rich, gooey and sweet—not to mention the perfect way to satisfy your chocolate fix! We’ve paired our Chocolate Bread Pudding with a warm bourbon sauce, vanilla ice cream and a house-made chocolate cookie crisp for a truly soothing dessert.

Tip: Can’t get enough chocolate? Double up with both a Chocolate Mousse Cake and Chocolate Bread Pudding, and share with the whole table!

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Whether enjoyed solo or alongside your favorite dessert, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream is an all-time classic! Its cool, sweet flavor seems to make everything a little better.

Florida Orange Cake

Florida is known for its oranges, and our Florida Orange Cake celebrates this sweet, citrusy tradition to the fullest! Enjoy a decadent four-layer cake with orange Bavarian cream, shaved white chocolate and house-made blood orange whipped cream for the ultimate fruity treat.

Liquid Desserts

Of course, we can’t forget about Liquid Desserts! These sweet, decadent martinis are for grown-ups, but their playful flavors are sure to bring out the kid in you.

Our Espresso Martini features the flavorful appeal of your favorite coffee treat, with a Kahlua kick. Enjoy it alongside Van Gogh Double Espresso Vodka, Baileys and a hint of vanilla for a truly delicious dessert.

Craving something fruity and sweet? Opt for our White Chocolate Raspberry Martini, whose Godiva Raspberry Vodka, Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur and a touch of Chambord combine to create a flavorful digestif you’re sure to remember.

Of course, when many of us think “dessert” we think “chocolate,” so feel free to indulge your cocoa cravings with a Chocolate Martini! We’ve paired Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka and Godiva Chocolate Liqueur with house-made chocolate cookie crisp crumbles for a liquid dessert that’s playful, flavorful and fun.

This National Dessert Month and all throughout the year, Stonewood is here to satisfy your sweet tooth! Come by to enjoy your favorite flavors or discover a new dessert go-to soon.

The holidays are finally here! For many of us, the most wonderful time of the year is also the busiest—but there are plenty of delicious ways to slow down and savor the season with those who matter most.

Just read on as we share a few of our favorite tips!

Prime Rib

When you think “slow-roasted,” your mind might just jump to this classically decadent dish. Our Prime Rib is cooked slowly to ensure the best possible flavor and texture—so that every bite is as moist, tender and mouthwatering as you remember. Lots of love and time go into crafting our Prime Rib’s delicate flavor, so spend some time enjoying it, too! This dish is your invitation to kick back, relax and indulge in a truly satisfying meal that’s fit for both holiday feasts and just-because celebrations alike.

Prime Rib French Dip

Your favorite Prime Rib flavor in sandwich form? Yes, please! Alongside gooey imported Swiss and au jus for dipping, this handheld spin on a deluxe dinner classic offers a new yet equally enjoyable way to dig in—to slow down and savor the dish before you and take a break from the holiday scramble, even if just for an hour or two!

Steak

The slow, leisurely pace is perfect for enjoying the holiday season without feeling frantic—as it turns out, it is also the perfect approach to creating a delicious steak! Our steaks are all aged to perfection, as the passage of time allows for the meat’s muscles to break down and make for the more tender, concentrated flavor that you associate with Stonewood steaks! Whether you’re enjoying a Ribeye, Sirloin, New York Strip or Filet Mignon, you can count on a truly soothing, satisfying experience in every bite—a reminder to relax and enjoy the moment, and every moment throughout the season ahead, too.

For slow, savory goodness at home…

In addition to enjoying slow-roasted and perfectly aged flavors here at Stonewood, you can carry on the philosophy at home! A slow cooker is your friend when it comes to prepping rich stews and tender meat that falls apart with every forkful—plus, not only will the texture be perfectly moist, but the warm, welcoming aroma will slowly build up and fill your space with the truly unmistakable scent of home. (Tip: On cold days, your slow cooker can also be used to whip up a deliciously creamy hot cocoa. Add some marshmallows for serving and you’re good to go!)

Another slow, simmering favorite can be prepped on the stovetop—but in this case, it’s not for eating! Simply simmer water, orange rinds, apple cores, cinnamon and other fall spices in a saucepan and let your home be filled with the aroma of festive goodness. Later on this season, you might even consider concocting mixes with peppermint extract and other seasonal ingredients to really embrace the holiday spirit.

This season, slow down and savor the flavor! A perfectly aged steak, slow-roasted prime rib or homemade stew is sure to help you unwind and enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle of holiday season.

Thanksgiving is known for delicious food, quality company and time-honored traditions—including, of course, the beloved post-turkey nap! But what is it about Thanksgiving that makes us want to curl up and snooze? And is there a way to perfect your annual siesta?

Just read on as we share the science behind Thanksgiving naps, and how to achieve ultimate relaxation. Take a look.

What makes us nap on Thanksgiving?

Have you ever wondered what makes you so sleepy after a delicious Thanksgiving meal? Tryptophan, an amino acid found in turkey, is often considered the culprit. It is an essential component to the creation of serotonin, which the body uses to ensure mood stability and sound sleep, so we see where the link between turkey and sleep comes in! However, turkey is not the only tryptophan-rich food; others we eat every day include chicken, oats and soy—and we don’t always feel particularly sleepy after eating those foods during the course of our days.

Experts suggest that the actual reason behind the post-turkey snooze is a little easier to explain—we’re full! After one of the heartiest meals of the day, it’s only natural that we feel like winding down instead of running around. Many of us may be tired from traveling or working to whip up the delicious meal in the first place—plus, surrounded by family and the promise of leftovers in the fridge, we feel content and comfortable enough to relax and sink into a snooze.

But how do you make it a really good snooze—not just your run-of-the-mill nap? Here are a few of our top tips!

Plan ahead for ultimate comfort

Many of us slip into our naps by accident—one minute, we’re watching football or a holiday movie and the next, we’re sound asleep! By planning ahead for the possibility of a nap, though, you can achieve an even more comfortable experience. Bring out a cozy throw blanket or two to keep by the sofa, and turn on a familiar favorite movie—perhaps a go-to holiday flick—that you enjoy watching but won’t feel too bad about missing if you fall asleep halfway through.

If you have a four-legged friend…

There’s nothing better than a nap with your four-legged friend—however, if there’s still food out on the table, they may be tempted to ditch the nap and opt for a chance to enjoy some “off-limits” treats! Do yourself and your pet a favor by tidying up before your nap, at least by placing open food containers out of reach or in the fridge so that you can have a stress-free snooze. (Tip: Enjoy Thanksgiving dinner at Stonewood and you won’t need to worry about lifting a finger when it comes to cleanup!)

Make it a coffee nap

Don’t want to sleep too long? Whether you want to wake up for dessert, or to get a head-start on Black Friday shopping, you may want to make it a power nap. Fortunately, coffee can help! While caffeine seems counterintuitive when planning the perfect nap, it can actually make your siesta even better. This is because caffeine takes about 20 minutes to be absorbed by your body. Incidentally, 20 minutes is about the recommended limit for a quick nap before your body falls into a deeper slumber. So have a cup of coffee right before you lie down for some quick shut-eye. By the time you wake up, you will feel refreshed, recharged and ready to take on the rest of your Thanksgiving festivities!

This year, swing by Stonewood to enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings—no cleanup required! –then, cap off the day than with some quality snooze time. We hope that these tips help you enjoy a truly relaxing holiday.

This year, get a head-start on holiday gifting so that you can unwind and enjoy the season with ease—minus the last-minute mall runs and overnight shipping! Fortunately, the perfect gifts might be closer than you think. Just read on as we share a few of our favorite ideas.  

Get crafty

The best gifts are the ones with a personal touch, so why not consider gifting friends and family some of your handmade creations? This is a great way for kids to get involved in the gift-giving process, or for you to embrace your creative side with beautiful artwork or designs.

Make a culinary keepsake

Do you have a family recipe you swear by during the holiday season? A great gift is a custom-carved cutting board featuring that recipe for a practical (and sentimental) touch for anyone who loves to cook.

Head to local farmers markets and fairs

To find something truly one-of-a-kind, head to local farmers markets and fairs before hitting the store for sales. You might just find something really special for the people on your list, like handcrafted gifts and artisanal treasures. At this time of year, there are many such events to visit—one coming up is New Smyrna Beach’s Coastal Christmas Market on Canal Street, held the Saturday after Thanksgiving!

Give the gift of good food

In our book, one of the greatest gifts you can give is that of delicious food! It’s not just the flavors you’re gifting, but the promise of quality time spent enjoying a meaningful meal—ideally with some equally great company, too!

For foodie gifters, one flavorful option is a recipe-in-a-jar. If you have a favorite recipe, perhaps a famous cookie or go-to brownie, you can assemble the dry ingredients for it in a jar, add a ribbon and recipe tag, and give it to someone you love! This way, they can simply add it to a bowl, mix it with the right ingredients and enjoy homemade goodness wherever they may be.

Feeling ambitious? You can also create a homemade cookbook featuring your favorite recipes. This is an especially sweet gift for children and loved ones who no longer live at home—because they can still feel at home by preparing and enjoying warm, delicious flavors.

Another delicious gift that requires a little less prep work? A Stonewood Grill gift card! This go-to gift provides the recipient with a satisfying meal in a warm, welcoming environment they are sure to love. It’s perfect for family, friends, coworkers and, well, just about everyone on your list—in fact, if you do pick out a gift card for everyone on your list, you’ll receive something special, too! Now through Dec. 31, you will receive $20 in bonus cards for every $100 gift card purchase. In our book, that’s holiday shopping done right.

These meaningful gifts are sure to deliver smiles, laughs and lots of memories! From our family to yours, we hope you have a very happy start to your holiday season.

Happy Thanksgiving! The most delicious day of the year is right around the corner, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy the holiday with family. Take a look below as we share our guide to Thanksgiving Day fun.

Participate in a Thanksgiving Day 5k

What is it about Thanksgiving Day 5k runs that pair so perfectly with a hearty meal? Maybe it’s that all the exercise works up an appetite for the delicious feast ahead—or that running for a good cause helps us appreciate the true meaning of Thanksgiving, all while spending quality time with the people we love! (Of course, here in Florida, these runs are often a great way to enjoy beautiful fall weather, too.) Whatever your reason may be, there are plenty of Thanksgiving Day 5k runs to enjoy across the state, from Tampa’s Goody Goody Turkey Gobble, to the Seniors First Turkey 5k Trot through Downtown Orlando. Find an event near you and enjoy a brisk, invigorating start to your day of fun.

Spend time in nature

Even if you’re not participating in an organized event, Thanksgiving is still a great time to spend some quality time outdoors. Head to the beach and build sand “snowmen,” take a walk by the water or enjoy a family bike ride.

Give back

Thanksgiving is always a great opportunity to give thanks for what you have, and give back to those who have less. Local churches and food banks are good places to start, as many organizations will be hosting dinners for the community on Thanksgiving and you may be able to help with preparing or serving food. You can also use Thanksgiving as an opportunity to assemble your own gift baskets or care packages with the family! Plus, many of the events you might have already planned on attending (such as those fun Thanksgiving races) are already geared to benefit the community, so you can have some fun and feel good about doing it.

Start a new tradition

Thanksgiving is all about traditions, so add to the celebration by starting your own! A few fun ideas include…

• A Thanksgiving dessert contest (all in friendly fun, of course)
• Gathering kids together for Thanksgiving crafts (the perfect way to pass time as they wonder when dinner will be ready)
• Starting a “gratitude jar,” which can be filled throughout the year with notes of people, moments and memories you are thankful for. Then, open it every Thanksgiving and relish in the gratitude of the day.

Enjoy a delicious dinner—no prep required

With so many fun activities to enjoy on Thanksgiving, you may not want to spend all day preparing food! Fortunately, you don’t have to. Here at Stonewood, you can book a table to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal (featuring hand-carved turkey and all the trimmings) for the ultimate holiday celebration—plus, the perfect atmosphere for enjoying time with family, sharing what you’re thankful for, and savoring the spirit of the holiday.

We hope that you and your family enjoy a fun, delicious Thanksgiving filled with plenty of meaningful memories!