Thanksgiving, the tantalizingly delicious holiday we’re all looking forward to right about now, comes at a price.

Anyone who has participated in the all-day cooking marathon preceding the famous meal knows the endless amounts of foods that must be accounted for. From classic staples like turkey, stuffing, gravy, sweet potatoes, green beans and pumpkin pie to every casserole known to man, the typical Thanksgiving shopping list can be a long read. Thanksgiving is expensive, and college students who wish to treat their friends and family to a feast quickly find themselves at a loss – for money, that is.

Luckily, for the Appalachian State University student, many grocery stores and local eateries are aware of the holiday and price their foods accordingly. With a little digging, you can find great Thanksgiving deals in Boone.

Harris Teeter

For the VIC card-wielding college student who values quantity and price over organic-level quality, Harris Teeter offers one of the best Thanksgiving deals in town. For $12.99, you can purchase one eight-piece Fresh Foods Market baked or fried chicken, Bob Evans mashed potatoes, Sister Schubert’s frozen potatoes, Marie Callenders frozen pie and refrigerated or non-refrigerated Gold Peak tea. This butt-kicking bargain will save you at least $13. Don’t forget to take advantage of the Harris Teeter student discount to save even more.

Harris Teeter is located at 240 Shadowline Dr.

Earth Fare

Admittedly not the cheapest place in town, Earth Fare is known for its organic food and hip vibe. For students wishing to create a nutritious and pesticide-free meal, this is the place to shop. This month, Earth Fare is offering customers deals on Organic Jellied Cranberry Sauce at two for $5, Organic Whole Kernel Corn at three for $4, and 8 oz. Crescent Rolls at two for $6. Until Nov. 25, Earth Fare is also offering $3 off fresh baked in-house pumpkin pies – original price $9.99 – and Earth Fare Organic Broth at three for $5.

Earth Fare is located at 178 West King St.

Lowes Foods

Until Nov. 27, Lowes Foods is offering a buy-one-get-one-free on eight-count mini croissants, Birds Eye steamfresh vegetables and Mrs. Smith’s fruit pies. The store is also offering multiple deals on different kinds of turkey, such as 49 cents per pound on Jennie-O’s frozen turkeys and 97 cents per pound Butterball frozen turkeys. However, there is a catch to the too-good-to-be-true turkey deals. Consumers must spend at least $35 in order to qualify, so if you are planning to do all your holiday food shopping at Lowes, this deal may work in your favor. If you find yourself looking for items to reach the $35 quota, you may want to reconsider.

Lowes Food is located at 267 New Market Centre.

Proper

For those who prefer to eat out on Thanksgiving rather than to fester away in a kitchen, Proper, located at 142 South Waters St., is a good option. On Nov. 27, spend an afternoon enjoying homemade turkey and dressing, cornbread or a muffin and two delicious sides for $12. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, you may consider mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potato casserole or green beans as side dishes.

Story: Liz Flamming, Intern A&E Reporter