The Thanksgiving holiday is upon us, meaning it's time to find your stretchy pants and to think about what you're thankful for this year.
Whether you'll be feasting with family and friends or doing something unrelated to overeating, we've got a roundup of Thanksgiving-themed things to do (and get) in preparation for the big day. From grocery stores to bakeries, Hoodline crunched the numbers to find Somerville's top go-tos for the holiday, using both Yelp data and our own methodology to produce a curated list of where to head.
1. Market Basket
Topping the list is Market Basket. Located at 400 Somerville Ave. in Union Square, the grocery store is the highest rated grocery store in Somerville, boasting four stars out of 432 reviews on Yelp.
The family-owned grocery chain offers a wide selection of meats, organic and non-organic produce, frozen and refrigerated goods, dairy, pantry staples and international ingredients, as well as plants and flowers.
Offering the store five stars, Yelper Union S. said, "The cashiers and managers are always professional, listen to concerns and respectful to shoppers like me. Best prices and freshest vegetables outside a farmers market."
2. Trader Joe's
Assembly Row's Trader Joe's, located at 145 Middlesex Ave., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the grocery store four stars out of 24 reviews.
Expect to find meat, seasonal produce, herbs, ethnic and specialty food items. If you're stocking up for the holidays, look for its large selection of wine and beer as well as holiday specialties, including peppermint candies, chocolate, flavored honey and more.
Singing the shop's praise, Yelper Nikk S. noted, "The staff here is very friendly, and they are always smiling and offering to help you find something. Although the store is very crowded, it is always fully stocked. Checkout goes very quickly as well."
3. Petsi Pies
And for dessert, there's Spring Hill's Petsi Pies, situated at 285 Beacon St. With 4.5 stars out of 333 reviews on Yelp, the bakery and coffee bar has proven to be a local favorite.
Petsi Pies offers a selection of sweet and savory handmade pies and pastries. On the menu, expect to find apple crumb, bourbon chocolate pecan pie and other seasonal delicacies. If you're looking for something savory to supplement your feast, you'll find chicken pot pie or the seasonal trio of mushrooms with potatoes and gruyère cheese. There's also grab-and-go items, like scones, muffins, cookies and cupcakes.
"It's gourmet bakery meets grandma's kitchen meets old-town country store," said Yelper Karson E. "Piles and piles of pastries, breads, pies — everything you could ever need to satisfy your sweet tooth or home sickness."
