Homesick for Thanksgiving? This Czech countryside retreat is setting the table for expats

Thanksgiving is one of the hardest holidays to get right for Americans living abroad. Finding turkey and pie is simple enough, but recreating the sense of warmth and togetherness is far more difficult. Even for expat families taking on the task of cooking it themselves, the buzz of busy kitchens, crowded tables, and that unmistakable holiday atmosphere feel noticeably absent. 

Too often, Thanksgiving abroad ends up feeling like just another Thursday. To combat this, Podhlavický mlýn, an idyllic countryside retreat in the Liberec Region of the country, is creating an experience that goes beyond the food. Inspired by international travels, its Czech-born owners knew the holiday was about warmth, gathering, and pausing everyday life. This year, their boutique escape is setting the table for a Thanksgiving to remember.

While autumn brings forest walks, mushroom foraging, and St. Martin’s feasts in Czechia, Thanksgiving is still a rare find outside of expat living rooms. That all changed when Tomáš Pochop, one of the resort’s owners, got to experience the holiday for himself.

Pochop's first taste of the American tradition occurred while traveling to the U.S., where his daughter was studying abroad. When his family joined Thanksgiving celebrations in New Jersey and Massachusetts, they discovered what makes the holiday so special. A new idea was sparked: What if Thanksgiving were hosted at Podhlavický mlýn?

The aim was not to create a copy of the expat holiday, but to capture its spirit in a place that feels both authentic and new. The property's team tested the concept last year with a smaller dinner, which was warmly received: Guests loved it, and the event confirmed a genuine appetite for celebrating Thanksgiving in Czechia.

Thanksgiving at Podhlavický mlýn offers substance, not spectacle. The heart of the celebration is the meal itself, designed by their head chef. Expect all the classics—golden roast turkey, silky gravy, and seasonal vegetables—but elevated, with modern touches and quality, local ingredients. 

The menu balances authentic American flavors with fine dining refinement, blending comfort food with fine dining touches. It’s traditional enough to satisfy homesick Americans, but still fresh and exciting for guests trying Thanksgiving for the first time. The menu is built to satisfy nostalgia, while offering something a little different.

The setting only emphasizes the feelings of togetherness and seasonal vibes. For this special event, families with children are invited to experience what Podhlavický mlýn has to offer. Celebrate with loved ones within the dining room’s carefully preserved stone walls, the soft glow of candlelight adding to the property’s natural warmth. The pace here is slower, the fireplaces are lit, and the atmosphere makes it easy to linger over a long meal with family or friends.

Outside, the forest wraps the mill in quiet. Guests can sip wine in the glasshouse lounge, walk along the stream, or simply enjoy the cozy atmosphere of the communal spaces. Set against the charm of a Bohemian countryside retreat, it’s the kind of experience that turns the holiday into more than just dinner. It becomes a proper getaway, much like the long weekend Americans enjoy back home.

For expats, it’s a chance to reconnect with a beloved tradition without the stress of pulling it all together yourself. For Czechs, it’s an invitation to experience the holiday in a way that feels genuine and welcoming. And for everyone, it’s a reminder that Thanksgiving isn’t about the work behind it, but about the people around the table you share it with.

The 2025 package includes the holiday dinner, accommodation in the boutique rooms, and access to the mill’s facilities. Reservations are required in advance.