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THANKSGIVING ACTIVITIES FOR ORLANDO VISITORS
Was America’s First Thanksgiving In Florida?

KISSIMMEE, FL  – While New Englanders boast about their ancestor’s role in the America's first Thanksgiving, visitors to Gaylord Palms Resort in Florida are tossing out this traditional story in favor of a new version of history.

“The history books don’t agree on the location or date of America’s first Thanksgiving,” said Keith Salwoski, public relations manager.  “In 1565, settlers of the Spanish colony of St. Augustine, Fla. shared a meal with the Timucuan Indians.  In the eyes of many, Thanksgiving was born.”

This revised version of history is shared by some historians who point out that St. Augustine had a thriving city for three generations before the Pilgrims ever arrived in The New World.   One such historian is Dr. Michael Gannon, a history professor at the University of Florida, who detailed the first Thanksgiving in his book “The Cross in the Sand.” Other historians contend that another "Thanksgiving" was held one year earlier in 1564, when French Huguenot colonists celebrated in a settlement near Jacksonville, Florida. 

Regardless of the historic location, visitors who choose to make a “pilgrimage” to the state of the first Thanksgiving feast will find a place to celebrate in Orlando.  As part of the Gaylord Palms Resort “Best of Florida LIVE!” program, visitors at the resort will be able to commemorate the Floridian Thanksgiving celebration.

Thanksgiving Brunch at Villa de Flora

Just like a meal at grandma’s house, Chef Edwin Martinez and his staff at Villa de Flora make Thanksgiving Brunch a day-long feast.  

This "European market" will feature chefs stationed at six kitchens, featuring a seasonal market-inspired menu of more than 100 items.   No matter what you would like, you’ll find a kitchen ready to meet your need:  Antipastos, Mediterranean salads, Brunch entrees, carved meats, “kiddie korner,” and even the dolceria, featuring hand-made holiday desserts.

Morning highlights include traditional Eggs Benedict; fresh Belgian waffles and omelets and crepes made to order; as well as a frittata kitchen bar, smoked bacon and Italian breafkast sausage. 

Afternoon menu additions include banana-crusted salmon with fresh herbs, feta cheese and saffron fish veloute; veal and vegetable stew with fresh green beans; pasta bar, rotisserie chicken and gnocchi a la Romana.  

Traditional Thanksgiving favorites include a sage-rubbed roasted turkey breast, traditional herb and apple stuffing, roasted shallots mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, Mediterranean rubbed prime rib of beef, honey glazed ham, and oven-hot cornbread.

The dolceria will include a chocolate fondue with fresh fruit,  traditional pumpkin and pecan pies, house-made tiramisu, baklava, caramel flan, tres leches, warm rice pudding, and Haagen-Dazs ice cream.

See the entire menu here.

Orlando's Thanksgiving Brunch at Villa de Flora requires advance reservations (and is nearly sold out). It will be served from noon until 10 p.m.  Prices are $45 per person (plus tax and gratuity) for adults, and $19.94 (plus tax and gratuity) for children ages 3-12. 

Brunch at Villa de Flora, named top in the state by readers of Florida Monthly, is also available Thanksgiving weekend, with visits by Mrs. Claus.  For reservation, call 407-586-1114.

Thanksgiving Events in Orlando

Other Thanksgiving weekend activities at Gaylord Palms Resort include:

• Best of Florida Christmas: A holiday wonderland with fun-filled Christmas activities and entertainment for the family, including special attractions, live stage shows, and holiday decor!
  
• ICE! at Gaylord Palms:  A walk-through attraction hand carved from nearly two million pounds of ice (presented by Coca-Cola and Papa John's Pizza).  Special ticket required.
  
• Hidden Holiday Gnome Hunt: Families can hunt throughout the Gaylord Palms atriums to spot cleverly hidden gnomes.
  
• Visits with Santa Claus: Kids can take an opportunity to share their special Christmas wishes with Santa Claus…in person, or via email.
  

For more information about Best of Florida Christmas or ICE!, visit www.gaylordpalms.com/ice.  

A new website, ChristmasInOrlando.com, offers a “one-stop shop” for information about special events, theme park activities, shopping, and worship.  The site is presented by Gaylord Palms Resort, the “headquarters” of the holiday season in Central Florida.

About Gaylord Palms Resort

Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center has gained the attention of the meeting and convention industry by providing world-class convention and leisure-focused amenities – all in one place. The award-winning Gaylord Palms is a Gaylord Hotels-branded property owned by Gaylord Entertainment (NYSE: GET), a leading hospitality and entertainment company based in Nashville, Tenn. For more information, visit www.gaylordpalms.com or www.gaylordentertainment.com.

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