Thanksgiving at the Farm

For this South Carolina family, the day done right includes in-laws, outlaws, pig picking, horseshoes, and feeling downright blessed. | Story by Betsey Cribb

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Family Thanksgiving

Photo: Peter Frank Edwards

" "Come one, come all," said Uncle Duffy, the first time he hosted Thanksgiving at his family farm. And everybody came. Fifteen years later, everybody still comes: immediate family and extended family, in-laws and cousins of cousins, our second-grade teachers, even the occasional boyfriend who's here one year and not the next. Every November, our kooky band of almost 60 people bumps down the road to Uncle Duffy's 1890s farmhouse in Nesmith, South Carolina. The familiar drive promises a day full of throwing horseshoes, good-natured teasing from loud uncles, and a potluck dinner that puts you in a food coma.

"Whether we've known you for years or don't even know how you ended up at the farm, on Thanksgiving, you're part of the family." 
-Besty Cribb
 

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The Location

Photo: Peter Frank Edwards

An 1890s heart-pine farmhouse in Nesmith, South Carolina, is the home of this family's 15-year-old Thanksgiving tradition. 

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Plenty of Desserts

Photo: Peter Frank Edwards

Apple pie, pecan pie, pumpkin spice cake, and graham bars—there's never a shortage of desserts, if you have room.

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Miss Margaret's Magical Graham Bars

Photo: Peter Frank Edwards

These magically disappearing bars will be a new family favorite. 

 

Recipe: Miss Margaret's Magical Graham Bars

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Porch Sitting

Photo: Peter Frank Edwards

"You might score a seat at an outdoor table or in a rocking chair, but most of us balance our plates on our laps, legs dangling off the porch. And we stay on that porch all afternoon, eating, laughing, and telling stories of pig pickings past."
- Besty Cribb

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Horsing Around

Photo: Peter Frank Edwards

No day at the farm is really complete without a game or two of horseshoes behind the barbecue shed.

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Happy Hour

Photo: Peter

Everyone gets the chance to play bartender at the fully stocked Bloody Mary bar. This crowd likes 'em spicy. 

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Freedom of Speech

Photo: Peter Frank Edwards

Choosing the worst dish of the day is really all in good fun. Ballots are top secret—and the voting is rigged.

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Finger Food

Photo: Peter Frank Edwards

There's no need to be shy around the barbecue pit! All are encouraged to grab a bite straight off the pig.

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