A Cozy Thanksgiving at Ruby’s Inn

It was snowing during our Thanksgiving trip to Ruby's Inn

(Bryce Canyon) There’s something magical about celebrating Thanksgiving somewhere other than your home. Since Kylie and I don't have children (unless you count our dog!), we like to go somewhere different for our Thanksgiving meals. It gives us something to look forward to each November. This year, we packed up my new Jeep and headed to Ruby’s Inn, right outside of Bryce Canyon National Park, for a snowy overnight stay and their famous Thanksgiving buffet.

There are several buildings with rooms to stay in at Ruby's Inn

Spending Thanksgiving on the road is a tradition we have started doing in recent years. We usually have a 4-day weekend started that holiday Thursday, so as soon as we get off of work on Wednesday, we hit the road. Heading out to go somewhere beautiful is something we plan on ahead of time. Kylie loves it because the only cooking we have to do is warming up the car. We have been to several places all throughout Utah that offer a Thanksgiving buffet. This was our second time going to Ruby's Inn for it.

Thanksgiving is my favorite meal of the year

Ruby’s Inn feels like a place that’s been there forever. There’s a charm to it, with its rustic wood interior, the old photographs on the walls, and the fireplace that's usually crackling during Thanksgiving. I love the smell of a good wood fire. Best of all, the buffet didn’t disappoint. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, dinner rolls, etc. Everything I love about a Thanksgiving meal. There were also sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie, but I don't like those. I'm pretty picky :) Kylie and I found a quiet table and just enjoyed the moment. No cooking. No dishes to do. No chaos. Just good, warm food and feeling grateful we're able to do things like this.

The snow might've kept people away

The snow was coming down softly that morning, adding a fresh layer to everything. Since Bryce Canyon isn't the easiest place to get to, I'm guessing it kept a few people away. It made the whole day feel calm and peaceful, which I think is exactly what Thanksgiving should be. Of course, I always bring some extra food out on a napkin so our dog can have Thanksgiving, too.

Timber eating some of her Thanksgiving meal in bed with Kylie

After we finished eating, we took a nap and eventually drove into Bryce Canyon National Park for a bit to walk off the meal. It had stopped snowing by then. We have been to Bryce Canyon several times in the past, so we kind of just drove the main road to the end and stopped by some of the overlooks we know we liked to see.

Timber loved having her picture taken at National Park entrance signs

There are a bunch of overlooks along the way. We typically drive to the very end of the road to Rainbow Point, get out and have a look, and then stop at some of the overlooks on our way back. It's a nice, slow drive and during the off-season, there aren't a lot of people at the park.

Kylie and I at the Bryce Natural Bridge overlook

Timber wanted to see the natural bridge, too

One thing I can't do in a blog is tell you how Bryce Canyon National Park smells. There’s something about it that stays with you long after you leave. It’s subtle, but unforgettable... kind of a crisp, clean scent that blends pine needles, dry grasses, a bit of campfire smoke, and the cold stone itself (if that makes sense). It’s the kind of smell that makes you breathe in a little deeper, like your lungs are grateful on this Thanksgiving as well. I wish there was a candle that smelled just like this I could bring home with me.

Bryce Canyon National Park

After our drive, and a visit to the gift shop (for me, of course!), we hit the road to get to St. George for the rest of our Thanksgiving holiday weekend. We love Bryce Canyon and Ruby's Inn is a perfect place to spend the night. I know there are some people who don't want to visit during Thanksgiving because they feel like the workers have to work to make the meal instead of being with their families. I understand that. I really do. I have asked workers about that at a few of our stops in the past, and I remember one young man telling me it's a not a full day of work, so he could still be with his family later. Plus, he loves the holiday pay he gets and says the tips during the holidays are amazing. So, I always tip above and beyond for our Thanksgiving tradition. I appreciate all the workers who make it so Kylie and I can continue this tradition. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and I love being able to do trips like this one.

The sites and sounds at the Ponderosa Canyon overlook

Elk herd in Bryce Canyon National Park

Amazing view at Bryce Canyon National Park

The formations from erosion are eerie and awesome

Sign for Black Birch Canyon

The hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park