Americans traditionally view Thanksgiving as a time for family, friends and food – but not all students take part in this tradition.

Some out-of-state students simply cannot afford the flight or drive back home.

“The price to go home for one short weekend, and then have to pay to go home weeks later again for winter break is just not worth it,” said Tyler Reese, a junior who is staying in Columbus for Thanksgiving. “It’s just easier to hang out on campus with other kids who are staying and make the best of the situation.”

Ohio State offers a Thanksgiving dinner in the Tom W. Davis Special Events Gym at the Recreation and Physical Activity Center 1 to 4 p.m.on Nov. 27. It is open to students, scholars and families not able to go home for the holidays. OSU faculty, staff and families host the dinner. Tickets for the event are available at the Frank W. Hale Jr. Black Cultural Center.

Many Columbus restaurants also offer full-course traditional meals, and while many charge a hefty price, some can fit into a college budget. Shaw’s Restaurant and Inn and Plaza Inn Casual Family Restaurant are two of these places that will be open on Thanksgiving.

And for those not inclined toward the hustle and bustle of eating out, a group of friends can split the cost of a traditional meal.

“If we all split it five or six ways it can’t be too bad,” said Tyler Reese, a junior in business who is leaning toward the take-out approach.

For others who take this approach, Mary’s Catering and Carryout offers a 10-pound turkey dinner with trimmings for $51.99 and a 20-pound version for $61.99. They also offer a variety of homemade deep-dish pies.

You must order in advance and Mary’s can be reached at 614-340-6279.

Thanksgiving Alternatives:

Shaw’s Restaurant and Inn• 123 N. Broad St., Lancaster• 740-654-1842• 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.• Will be offering a sugar-baked salmon, half duckling, char-grilled filet with béarnaise sauce, leg of lamb, turkey and baked ham. Meal prices range from $18-$29.

Plaza Inn Casual Family Restaurant• 491 S. Main St., Mt. Victory• 937-354-2851• 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.• A Thanksgiving buffet will be offered in the Coach Room for $13.95. A turkey and ham buffet will be served in the restaurant for $8.95.

Chris Centeno can be reached at [email protected].