Editor's note: Unfortunately, most grocery stores aren't open on Thanksgiving Day. But on Thanksgiving Eve, our writer found holiday treats at a couple longstanding Southwest institutions.

It's right before the biggest eating holiday of the year and you've got to come up with an amazing meal for your family—what to do? If you live in Southwest Minneapolis, never fear, because several places still have turkeys, prepared foods and other delicious holiday entrée options.

Brian Knopik of Finer Meats on Nicollet Ave. between 37th and 38th Streets told me this morning that they still had three fresh Snowland turkeys in stock, in addition to a selection of tasty house-smoked bacon, ham and other meats. "Call ahead to make sure we still have what you want," he said.

Cub Foods at 59th St. and Nicollet Ave. is running low on the traditional fixings, but still had a few Jenny-O and Honeysuckle turkeys left. As for the prepared foods, the stuffing is gone, but there is a small selection of cooked corn, mashed potatoes and other familiar items available. 

Kowalski's on Lyndale Avenue had a few remaining local all-natural Kadejan and Ferndale Market fresh turkeys for purchase. In the deli, there were two whole turkey dinners plus a prepared turkey in stock -- orphans from people who changed their Thanksgiving orders. However a store staffer said, "We have a lot of cooked turkey breasts and all kinds of sides like cheese balls, herb-roasted potatoes, rice mixtures, two different types of cranberries, pumpkin dip and more." 

Lastly, the Linden Hills Co-op had Ferndale, Larry Schultz and Kadejan turkeys still available. Jeff Nielsen, in the meat department told me, "There's a variety of turkeys, but it's first come, first served." The deli also had lots of prepared foods in the case and is a good bet if you're hosting vegetarians or alternative eaters at your holiday feast.

So basically, you've still got time to pull together a fabulous meal with the help of these great neighborhood purveyors. Nobody will know that you waited until the last minute to procure your Thanksgiving meal—especially if you fill your table with these vendors' ready-made sides and local, all-natural meats and poultry.

Happy Thanksgiving—eat well, stay safe and keep warm!