OH Thanksgiving 2021: When To Travel, Where To Shop, Store Hours

OHIO — Thanksgiving is nearly upon us. We don't know about you, but we feel like our heads are on fire and we're running around trying to check things off our to-do list.

To keep you cool headed, we're compiling some of our best Thanksgiving tips and advice and lists for 2021. We have notes on which restaurants and shops will be open, when the best time to travel is and more.

When to Hit the Road

According to travel organization AAA, Ohio residents plan to travel by plane, train and automobile at pre-pandemic rates for Thanksgiving. Between Nov. 24 and Nov. 28, approximately 2.2 million Ohioans will leave their homes and hit the road. That's up 13 percent from 2020.

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Read more about travel volume and the best times to hit the road: Ohioans Will Travel At Pre-Pandemic Rates For Thanksgiving 2021

The worst time to be on the road will be Wednesday afternoon and evening, due to rush hour mixing with holiday traffic, and Sunday afternoon when everyone returns home.

Gas Prices

Gas prices are at a seven-year high heading into the holiday weekend, according to a recent AAA report. As of Tuesday, the average gallon of gas in the U.S. costs $3.40. Last year, gas prices hovered around $2.12 per gallon just before the Thanksgiving holiday.

In Ohio, gas prices are below the national average. Getting a gallon of gas in the Buckeye State costs $3.21 on average.

Check gas prices near you using AAA's website.

Thanksgiving Restaurants - Where to Get a Meal

If you're opting to forego the traditional Thanksgiving feast at home this year or simply want to skip the mountains of dishes, several restaurants across Ohio will be open to cook for and serve you.

Read more: Restaurants Open For Thanksgiving 2021 In Ohio

The following chains will be open: Applebee's, IHOP, Golden Corral, Cracker Barrel, Boston Market, Waffle House, and TGI Fridays, among others. See the full list at the above link.

Thanksgiving Store Hours

Need a break from all the Thanksgiving turkey eating, football watching and dish washing? Here's one idea: Gather up the family and head out for an hour or two of holiday shopping at select stores in Ohio.

Walmart and Target may be closed on Turkey Day, but there's a host of other places you can visit.

Read more: Thanksgiving Store Hours 2021: What's Open, Closed In Ohio

Here are a few that will be open: Big Lots, CVS, Family Dollar, Michaels, Old Navy, and Sears, among others. See the full list at the above link.

Black Friday Sales

Millions of Americans are now vaccinated against the coronavirus, which means many die-hard shoppers are planning a return to Black Friday normalcy.

Read more: Black Friday Sales 2021: Store Hours In Ohio

Here are some of the chains planning to open on Black Friday: Barnes & Nobles, Banana Republic, Ashley HomeStore, Ace Hardware, Best Buy, Big Lots, Dillard's, GameStop, Gap, Home Depot, KMart, Lowe's, Macy's, Sam's Club, Staples, Target, TJ Maxx, Walmart, and many more. See the full list at the link above.