Thanksgiving

Economists say Thanksgiving is going to cost you more this year. Everything from air travel, gas prices, and food costs are all up this year. But AAA says more Americans will still be traveling this year, than last year.

Gas prices are up about 50 cents a gallon from last year. Airfares are up more than 10 percent from last year. Hotel prices are up nearly five percent from last year. The Farm Bureau estimates the cost of the classic Thanksgiving dinner is up 13 percent from last year.

AAA says more Americans are expected to choose family over finances resulting in the first significant increase in any holiday travel this year. AAA estimates that 42.5 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. That is a four percent increase from the 40.9 million people who traveled one year ago. The Thanksgiving holiday travel period is defined as Wednesday, Nov. 23rd to Sunday, Nov. 27th.

Here at home AAA says 17.7 percent or 144,109 South Dakotans will travel over the holiday. That is a 3.6 percent jump from last year and the first time holiday travel has increased among South Dakotans this year.

AAA says while the economy has shown slight signs of improvement from one year ago, growth levels are not high enough to support a quick return to pre-recession levels of holiday travel. Instead, a slow climb back is expected from 2008, which was a decade-low year for Thanksgiving travel with only 37.8 million Americans taking a trip. With volumes still below historical averages, AAA says pent-up demand will be a contributing factor in increased holiday travel, despite current economic conditions.

AAA says approximately 38.2 million people or 90 percent of holiday travelers plan to take to the nation's roadways this Thanksgiving holiday weekend, a four percent increase compared to Thanksgiving 2010 when auto travelers totaled 36.8 million. AAA says automobile travel remains the preferred choice of transportation for holiday travelers as it is often more affordable, convenient and flexible.

The current national average price for regular unleaded gasoline is approximately $3.340 per gallon, about 50 cents more than one year ago. However, the national average price is about 59 cents less than this year's peak price of $3.98 on May 5th.

Nationally, almost 3.4 million travelers will fly during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, a 1.8 percent increase from 2010. AAA projects 1.2 percent more South Dakotans will fly this year compared to last year. Fuel costs, combined with steady air travel demand and capacity cuts have resulted in rising airfares over the past year. According to AAA's Leisure Travel Index, Thanksgiving airfares are expected to be 20 percent higher than last year with an average lowest round-trip rate of $212 for the top 40 U.S. air routes. If you are flying on Wednesday it is a good idea to check in early. There are major storms on the west and east coasts which could make some big time delays at several airports.

According to a survey of traveler intentions, the average distance traveled by Americans during the Thanksgiving holiday is expected to be 706 miles, which is a decline of 13.5 percent from last year when travelers planned to log an average of 816 miles. Median spending is expected to be $554, which is a 12 percent increase from $495 last year.

Don't feel like cooking a big turkey dinner? Many area restaurants are serving Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings on Thursday. Most require reservations, but you can always check for last-minute cancellations.

Aspen Restaurant & Bar: Thanksgiving grand buffet has roasted turkey, glazed ham, sage stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, candied yams, green been medley, corn O'Brien, macaroni and cheese, cranberry sauce, garden salad, bread, dessert table. Chicken strips available for children 10 and younger, noon-6 p.m. 20333 Hall, Macomb Twp. 586-226-8838. $17.99, $8.99 children 6-10, free for 5 and younger and 90 and older.

Bavarian Inn: Thanksgiving entrées include ultimate family-style Bavarian combination, all-you-can-eat Frankenmuth-style chicken dinner and roast turkey dinner. Other menu items available, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. 713 S. Main, Frankenmuth. 800-228-2742. Prices vary.

Bavarian Inn Lodge: Thanksgiving Day Harvest Buffet menu has scrambled eggs, buttermilk pancakes, Frankenmuth chicken, carved roast tom turkey, roast beef, red-skin potatoes, whipped potatoes, Frankenmuth dressing, fruit bowl, Black Forest torte, chocolate mousse and more, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 1 Covered Bridge Lane, Frankenmuth. 989-652-7200. $20.95; $11.50 for children 9-12, $9.50 for 5-8, free ages 4 and younger. Tax and gratuity not included.

Best Western Sterling Inn Banquet and Conference Center: Thanksgiving dinner features Mayflower's Bounty appetizers, salad, carving stations, side dishes. Entrées are baked salmon, roasted free-range chicken, smoked beef brisket, buttermilk fried chicken; sides are macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, butternut squash and cheddar bread pudding; dessert buffet, noon-5 p.m. 34911 Van Dyke, Sterling Heights. 586-979-1400. $24.95, $9.95 children 4-10, 3 and younger free.

Brookshire Restaurant at Royal Park Hotel: Thanksgiving dinner menu of traditional and house specialties, including roasted tom turkey with sage and onion stuffing, maple-glazed Atlantic salmon, roast prime rib. Salads, cold foods, seafood and dessert included, 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. $45, $25 children 5-12, 4 and younger free. 600 E. University Drive, Rochester. 248-453-8732.

Claddagh Irish Pub: All-day brunch buffet has made-to-order Belgian waffles, fresh-baked breads, muffins and croissants, fruit, carved turkey and ham, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, candied yams, mac and cheese, cornbread stuffing, seasonal vegetables, mashed potatoes, salad bar, chicken breast, seafood pasta, shepherd's pie and assorted house made desserts, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 17800 Haggerty, Livonia. 734-542-8141. $22.95, $9.95 children 5-10, 4 and younger free.

Dearborn Inn: Edison's Thanksgiving Day brunch features omelet, waffle and carving stations; veal scaloppini with gnocchi, grilled salmon, quiche, hot appetizers, salads, antipasto and dessert station. 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 20301 Oakwood, Dearborn. 313-271-2700. Edison's Brunch: $55, $27.50 ages 6-12, ages 5 and younger free. The Ten Eyck Tavern Breakfast Buffet will be available from 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m. $16, $8 ages 6-12, ages 5 and younger free; dinner 4-10 p.m.

Ernie's: Thanksgiving Day grand buffet. More than 65 items prepared by chef Joe, 12:30-7 p.m. $23.95, $9.95 ages 6-11, free for 5 and younger. 16655 Nineteen Mile Rd., Clinton Twp. 586-286-8435.

Fratello's: Thanksgiving buffet, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., last seating at 5:30 p.m. 4501 Fort, Trenton. 734-692-1730. $19.95, $18.95 seniors, $9.95 ages 10 and younger, ages 2 and younger free.

Gino's Surf Banquet Center and Luna Kai Bar & Grill: Thanksgiving buffet. Omelet station orders will be taken from noon-2 p.m. Traditional Thanksgiving fare, with salad table and sweets table, noon-6 p.m. $20.95, $10.95 ages 4-10. 37400 Jefferson, Harrison Twp. 586-468-2611.

Herc's Prime Beef & Seafood: Thanksgiving dinner menu has turkey, bone-in ham, potato or veggies, soup or salad bar, homemade rolls, cheesecake, pumpkin or apple pie, noon-9 p.m. 36685 Plymouth, Livonia. 734-425-1830. $13.95, $8.95 children 4-12, 3 and younger free.

The Hill Seafood and Chop House: Turkey dinner with choice of soup or salad, baked sweet potatoes, sour cream and chive potatoes, sausage dressing and cranberry sauce. Additional menu items available, 2-7 p.m. 123 Kercheval, Grosse Pointe Farms. 313-886-8101.

Holly Hotel Comedy Club: A Victorian Thanksgiving dinner. Special menu offers soup, salad, choice of entrée including turkey, roasted pork shank and native trout and dessert, noon-7 p.m. 110 Battle Alley, Holly. 248-634-5208. $32, $25.50 club member; $15 ages 8-12, 6 and younger free.

J. Baldwin's Restaurant: Thanksgiving buffet menu has smoked salmon, calamari, fruit salad, Caesar salad, roast turkey, ham, homemade stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes, green beans amandine, cranberry relish, orange-glazed carrots, and choice of dessert including bourbon pecan pie, chocolate mousse cake and pumpkin cheesecake, noon-6 p.m. $24.99, $12.99 ages 5-11, 4 and younger free. 16981 Eighteen Mile, Clinton Twp. 586-416-3500.

Juliano's Restaurant: Thanksgiving Day buffet has roast turkey, ham, candied yams, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie and other traditional favorites, or you may order from a select menu featuring lake perch, New York strip steak, slow-roasted prime rib, 1-6 p.m. 27380 Van Dyke, Warren. 586-754-8383. $15.99, half-price for children under 10. Entrée prices on the select menu vary.

Lily's Seafood: Thanksgiving dinner menu has Southern deep-fried turkey, honey-cured ham, house-smoked salmon, garlic mashed potatoes, seasoned vegetables, homemade cranberry sauce and dessert buffet, noon-8 p.m. 410 S. Washington, Royal Oak. 248-591-5459. Family-style. $22.99, $10.99 ages 6-12, 5 and younger free.

Loon River Cafe: Thanksgiving dinner platter. The menu has turkey and ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetable medley, yams, stuffing and pumpkin pie, noon-8 p.m. 34911 Van Dyke, Sterling Heights. 586-979-1400. $13.99, $5.99 ages 10 and younger. Additional cost for beverage.

The Masters Restaurant: Menu has traditional turkey dinner, and limited menu including New York strip steak, butterfly gulf shrimp and chicken piccata, noon-8 p.m. 1775 E. Thirteen Mile, Madison Heights. 248-588-0915. Turkey dinner: $13.95, $7.95 for children 12 and younger. Gratuity extra. Other menu item prices vary.

MGM Grand Detroit: 1777 Third, Detroit. 313-465-1777.

• Bourbon Steak: Thanksgiving dinner tasting menu has three-course meal with potato leek soup, pumpkin salad, traditional turkey dinner and dessert, 5-10 p.m. 313-465-1644. $50.

• Palette Dining Studio: Thanksgiving menu includes roasted whole turkey with giblet gravy, pineapple glazed bone-in ham, cranberry and walnut stuffing, sweet potato bake, grilled snapper, spinach salad, lobster ravioli and pecan and sweet potato pie, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. 313-465-1777. $32.

• Wolfgang Puck Grille: Thanksgiving prix fixe menu. Choose among three appetizers; entrées of roasted turkey breast, sautéed salmon, grilled rib-eye steak; desserts offered are triple-layer pumpkin pie, cranberry compote and Chantilly cream, 3-8 p.m. 313-465-1648. $40 food, $21 wine pairing.

Rocky's of Northville: Thanksgiving dinner menu has slow-roasted turkey, traditional dressing, whipped sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, fresh vegetables, cranberry orange relish. Also offering marinated roasted free-range chicken, roasted pork loin, grilled Norwegian salmon, braised short ribs of beef, and shrimp and lobster fettuccine, noon-8 p.m. 41122 Seven Mile, Northville. 248-349-4434. Turkey dinner: $16.95, $7.95 ages 10 and younger.

Roger's Roost: All-you-can-eat turkey dinner has slow-roasted turkey, bread stuffing, mashed potatoes and giblet gravy, assorted salads, green beans and baked breadsticks, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 33626 Schoenherr, Sterling Heights. 586-979-7550. $16.99, $8.99 ages 5-10, 4 and younger free.

Rugby Grille: Thanksgiving lunch and dinner entrée selections include choice of pan-seared Norwegian salmon, applewood-smoked prime rib or traditional roast turkey with chestnut and brioche stuffing, noon. 100 Townsend, Birmingham. 248-642-5999. $65.

Sportsmen's Den Restaurant and Lounge: Thanksgiving dinner buffet has roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, baked chicken, mostaccioli, stuffing, green beans amandine, buttered sweet corn, candied sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and gravy, garden salad, fruit and pumpkin pie, noon-7 p.m. 15001 Sibley, Riverview. 734-479-4800. $14.99, $7.99 ages 2-10. Limited menu also available.

Steve & Rocky's: Thanksgiving dinner menu has roast turkey with all the fixings, glazed baked ham, slow-roasted prime rib of beef, stuffed squash, baked rainbow trout, Maine lobster bouillabaisse, pork scallopini sauté and filet mignon, noon-8 p.m. 43150 Grand River, Novi. 248-374-0688. Menu prices vary.

Sweet Lorraine's Cafe: Thanksgiving Day feast menu offers whole roasted turkey, slow-roasted prime rib, omelet station, salads, soups, variety of side dishes; mini buffet for kids has chicken fingers and macaroni and cheese, and a large selection of sweets. 1-6 p.m. 17100 N. Laurel Park Dr., Livonia. 734-953-7480. $32.95, $9.95 ages 5-12, 4 and younger free. Regular menu available 7:30-11 p.m.

Toasted Oak Grill & Market: Thanksgiving family-style dinner features Michigan salad, butternut squash soup, traditional cranberry stuffing, buttered turnips and green beans, roast turkey and sawmill gravy and Chef Steven's famous spiced pumpkin bread pudding, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Baronette Renaissance Hotel, 27790 Novi Rd., Novi. 248-227-6000. $35 per person.

TRIA -- An American Brasserie: Family-style Thanksgiving dinner has slow-roasted turkey, herb-crusted prime rib of beef, garlic whipped potatoes, sage stuffing, habanero cranberry sauce, candied yams, fried green beans with marinated grape tomatoes, baby carrots, Michigan salad, Caesar salad, rolls and dessert, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 300 Town Center, Dearborn. 313-253-4475. $35, $20 ages 6-12, 5 and younger free. Tax and gratuity extra.

Waves Chill & Grill: Thanksgiving Dinner buffet has herb-roasted turkey, shrimp and crab Alfredo, prime rib, sautéed pork, herb-encrusted cod, whipped potatoes, apple cranberry relish, vegetables, salads and dessert, noon-6 p.m. 24223 Jefferson, St. Clair Shores. 586-773-3840. $19.95, $8.95 children 5-10, 4 and younger free.