Green Ridge Turkey Farm Remembrances

Ahhhh, the Green Ridge Turkey Farm. Just the mention of this restaurant brings up memories of... hmmmm...wait a minute... let's see... TURKEY!

 Located on the overly commercial Daniel Webster Highway in Nashua, N.H., dining at the Green Ridge Turkey Farm was like celebrating Thanksgiving every day with its succulent roast turkey, homemade stuffing and gravy, mashed potatoes and some guy dressed up in a John Alden outfit looking for Plymouth Rock. Just kidding on the last one.

I remember seeing from a distance that giant turkey perched on top of the restaurant sign out front, and that is when my mouth would usually start to water in anticipation of the turkey dinner, as well as a slice of homemade blueberry pie. The Green Ridge also made a terrific salad with homemade dressing. I also remember the elderly waitresses were so sweet and took the time to socialize with the families dining there. While the turkey at the Green Ridge was tremendous, I think the pleasant nature of the waitresses is what made us like the Green Ridge so much. It was almost like going to a close relative's house. The atmosphere was quite agreeable, too, with a large, carpeted dining room and historic section of the restaurant known as the Manor House.

 I shed more than a few tears when the Green Ridge Turkey Farm went out of business in the mid-90s. Seeing that building razed for a Barnes and Noble took away a New England restaurant icon, and one we happened to love. With its origins dating back to 1931, the Green Ridge Turkey farm surely was one of the region's great dining traditions.