Though the dishes atop the dinner table may differ as you travel across the United States on Thanksgiving, there is a universal feeling of thanks that you will find everywhere (that, and a good football game).

Whether you spend your Turkey Day in Plymouth, Massachusetts, San Diego or New Orleans, gathering with family and friends to enjoy a bountiful meal brings the spirit of the season to all of us. We should remember as we indulge in more mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie than our stomachs can handle that the first Thanksgiving in 1621 did not include such dishes due to the scarcity of certain ingredients. It is likely that roast venison, stewed or boiled fowl, fish, breads, stewed dried fruits and possibly a vegetable or two made up their harvest meal.

Even today, Thanksgiving in New England is celebrated with an abundance of thanks. Because colonists arrived in their area first, New Englanders take extra pride in gathering ‘round their tables each November and celebrating the harvest-time bounty just as settlers did centuries ago. On New Englanders’ menus?  “Traditional” holiday dishes such as creamy mashed potatoes, all-American apple pie, anything with native cranberries and white bread rolls.

Heading west, you’ll find Americans still savor rustic American cowboy cooking with hearty stews and tasty chilis. But also served are lighter, fresher dishes such as citrus-sparked salads and apple-cherry pie.

Down south, it’s all about sweet southern charm and hospitality, and it shows on the dinner table even on Thanksgiving Day. From Louisiana’s jambalayas to Georgia’s peaches, the cuisine is quite unique.  You’re likely to find everything from corn and grits to sweet potato pie to peach chutney being served by Southerners come Turkey Day. Oh, and don’t forget the cornbread.

Out in the Midwest, America’s heartland, comfort food prevails as hardworking Americans look forward to sitting down to give thanks for a hearty home-cooked meal. Known for it’s rich flavors, the Midwest harvests an abundance of vegetables along with ingredients such as wild rice, cheeses from local dairies and a variety of specialty meats (bratwursts, kielbasa and pork chops). It’s no wonder that many Thanksgiving dinners in the Heartland are made up of heartwarming fare such as chicken and wild rice soup and country pumpkin pie.

No matter where the holiday takes you this November, be sure to bring an offering of thanks and appreciation to the dinner table.