Dining at the Taverns is Time Well Spent Indeed

Did you ever want to dine in a tavern that has the whole nine yards of a certain period? Well, look no further because at Colonial Williamsburg, you can choose from a selection of 18th century historic taverns to dine at. And let me tell you, you will make your stomach very happy by eating there too.

There are 4 taverns in Colonial Williamsburg (that were really there back in the 18th century!) that you can dine at. They are: The Shields Tavern, The King's Arms Tavern, Chowning's Tavern, and Christina Campbell's.

Like every tavern at Colonial Williamsburg, you will experience a typical dining atmosphere like one would experience in the 18th century. Musicians will come from room to room playing songs; colonists will stop in for a conversation, and of course, the food!



Photo from Colonial Williamsburg

The Shields Tavern (my favorite!!!!) was operated by James Shields in 1745. This tavern has quite the selection of meals to choose from that are based on colonial recipes. Some of the food choices you can pick from are the Barnyard Chicken (my favorite: chicken with mashed potatoes and a vegetable) ribs, seafood, and more. There are also soups and desserts as well. My favorite dessert is the wild berry pie. It is filled with different sorts of berries topped with ice cream and drizzled with strawberry syrup.

Wild Berry Pie (candle was for my birthday)

The one time when I ate at the Shields Tavern, a colonial gentleman came in and asked me to dance. I know after reading that, some of you are thinking "Nope! I'm not going there!" But it really is not bad! Don't be shy, and don't worry. You are there to have fun, and experience what it was like in the 18th century. I really enjoyed dancing in the tavern anyway! :) Other times, colonists will come in and just strike up a conversation with you. I love talking with them because they make the experience so much better.

Photo from Colonial Williamsburg

The King's Arms Tavern was started by Jane Vobe in 1772. Food choices are from the Peanut Soup, to Tavern Sampler, to Roasted Turkey, to Colonial Game Pye. I have not yet dined at the King's Arms Tavern, but the food (this goes for any tavern) is delicious. Again, you will find musical entertainment and colonists coming in for a chat.

Photo from Colonial Williamsburg

Chowning's Tavern was started by Josiah Chowning in 1766. At Chowning's, the menu is lunch items, like sandwiches and such. They also have a dinner menu, but it is not a large selection to choose from. If you are going to Chowning's, you are most likely going for the gambols!! Gambols start in the evening and you can play 18th century games. You will encounter musical entertainment, and sometimes even magicians, as well as colonists walking about to chat as well. This place is a great atmosphere if you are looking to have some fun 18th century style.

Photo from Colonial Williamsburg

This next tavern had George Washington visiting regularly. Christina Campbell's Tavern is for the seafood lover. Some food choices are crab cakes, seafood gratin, and seafood fricassee. Seafood lovers say that Christina Campbell's food is delicious, but I can't say so for myself, for I have never acquired the taste for seafood. Again, musical entertainment, and a chat from Christina Campbell and her daughter is some of the things you will experience.

Dining at one of the taverns in Colonial Williamsburg is a must. It is a wonderful experience that you will certainly enjoy. Whether you are going for the meal, for gambols at Chowning's, or perhaps you are going to "catch up" on colonial gossip, you will definitely find yourself in a pleasent dining experience in an 18th century atmosphere.

The Comforts of Staying Close to "Home..."

When planning a trip to Colonial Williamsburg, as anywhere else, you must think about where you are going to stay. Whether it be a 5 star hotel or just something cheap, you need to stay somewhere. So why not stay in Colonial Williamsburg?

There are many hotels to choose from when planning to stay in Colonial Williamsburg: The Williamsburg Lodge, The Williamsburg Inn, The Williamsburg Woodlands, Colonial Houses, Providence Hall Guesthouses, and The Governor's Inn.

So what's so great about staying in Colonial Williamsburg you ask? Well... if you read on, I'll tell you all that you need to know.

A major bonus about staying in one of Colonial Williamsburg's hotels is that you would only pay about $30.00 for adults and $15.00 for kids/teens for the entire length of your stay. Unless you get the discounted price for staying at one of the hotels, or you have a yearly pass, you would have to pay the normal price for daily admission fees. Staying at one of the hotels in Colonial Williamsburg gives you a deal you really can't turn down. 

Also, staying so close to Colonial Williamsburg is extremely convenient. The Williamsburg Lodge, The Williamsburg Inn, and the Providence Hall Guest Houses are right across the street from Colonial Williamsburg's main street: The Duke of Gloucester. It's a very short walk from those hotels to Colonial Williamsburg.  And in the typical Southern heat of the summer, it's an easy escape for a break from the heat. The same goes for the colder days at Williamsburg as well... except you'd escape to warm up instead!

Another thing about staying so conveniently close to Colonial Williamsburg, is that you have easy access to Colonial Williamsburg at any time of the day. By staying so close by, you have a quick access to all the activities and events that go on during the day and night. Plus, a stroll down the Duke of Gloucester is 100000 times cooler at nighttime and in the early morning. And it's just so much easier to be right there instead of always having to pack up the family in the car and drive to and from Colonial Williamsburg. 

If you stay in one of the Colonial Houses... well, you don't have to go anywhere! Just walk out your door and Voila! You are right in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg. If you choose to stay in one of Williamsburg's offered Colonial Houses, you get to stay right in Colonial Williamsburg in a colonial style house WITH 21st century comforts inside. That way you can get the 18th century effect without having to sacrifice some 21st century comforts.

The Williamsburg Woodlands is also close by, but not as close as the previous stated hotels. The Woodlands is located next to the Visitor's Center. The Visitor's Center has a path that will take you right to Colonial Williamsburg. It is a 15-20 minute walk. The Governor's Inn is also around the same area as the Williamsburg Woodlands as well.

Another great thing about staying in Colonial Williamsburg is that the staff at the hotels are extremely nice. Whenever we go, we always stay at the Williamsburg Lodge, and will continue to go there every time. The entire staff is very nice, helpful, and welcoming. Each staff member makes your stay feel almost like home. There are usually staff members right at the main doors to welcome you inside. As they open the door, they will strike up a conversation with you: usually asking you how your day was or something like that. The Lodge also has a really cool gift shop and lounge areas.

Also, you can purchase tickets for evening programs or perhaps a carriage ride right in your hotel instead of walking to the Lumber House Ticket Office in Colonial Williamsburg. That way, you can get your tickets right from the hotel as soon as the ticket office opens to ensure your spot in popular events like Cry Witch that sell out fast.

Another advantage about staying in Colonial Williamsburg is that you don't have to worry about parking! Colonial Williamsburg has parking lots, but the parking spots fill up FAST. You can save yourself from that annoyance of never seeming to find a parking spot by staying in one of Colonial Williamsburg's hotels. You just simply keep your car in the hotel parking lot and just take the quick stroll to Colonial Williamsburg. If you want to, you can smile and wave at the people still trying to find parking spots while you get started with your day at Colonial Williamsburg. :)

Staying at one of the hotels at Colonial Williamsburg makes your 18th century vacation so much more wonderful. Plus, with all the advantages of staying in Colonial Williamsburg, why would you pick a chain hotel to stay in? It's really a no brainer.

Colonial Williamsburg Logo

March On with The Fife and Drum Corps

Ah, the Colonial Williamsburg's very own Fife and Drum Corps! One can expect to see and hear them march down Duke of Gloucester Street at least once or twice a day. Whether they are leading you to a certain place where an event will take place, or just marching to mark the day's end, you will certainly enjoy listening to the music of the Fife and Drum Corps.

The Colonial Williamsburg Fife and Drum Corps has members as young as 10 years old (age when they usually begin) through around 18 years old. They play traditional military music of the 18th century in Colonial Williamsburg. The Fife and Drum Corps has also appeared during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2008, and even a performance in Europe!

The Fife and Drum Corps is split into two groups: the Junior and Senior Corps. The Junior Corps portrays the militia musicians from around 1775, and the Senior Corps portrays the state garrison regiment that started in 1778. The uniforms that the Senior Corps wears are the reverse color of the continental soldier. They are red (no they aren't British!) so that it is easy to distinguish the difference between a soldier and the noncombatant musician on the battlefield.

The Fife and Drum Corps was used during the Revolutionary War as a method of communication with the soldiers. A certain piece of music meant something such as when to fire to when to get up in the morning.

The Fife and Drum Corps at Colonial Williamsburg plays in Revolutionary City, marching up and down the street, and during special events as well. They have extreme precision during their marches, as well as amazing talent. And whenever they come out to go on one of their marches, you will know. I remember the first time I saw the Fife and Drum Corps, everyone (including me) came rushing out of the buildings and out onto the street with their cameras at the ready. Once the Fife and Drum Corps passed them, everyone would march right with them and follow them to wherever their destination was. And that just doesn't happen once. That happens EVERY time! 



Visitors following the Fife and Drum Corps to the Courthouse Backyard



Something that is really special to see is the Drummer's Call that Colonial Williamsburg has every year in May. They host a major Fife and Drum Corps production of military music to celebrate Armed Forces Day. Fife and Drum Corps from all over the United States and Canada come to perform a weekend long celebration.

If you really enjoy listening to the Fife and Drum Corps, you can even purchase CD's! I have one titled "The World Turned Upside Down" and I love listening to it! There isn't a better cure for Colonial Williamsburg Deprivation than to listen to the Fife and Drum Corps.

The Fife and Drum Corps is a big part of Colonial Williamsburg. You will see performances from them many times during your visit. The music they play will get stuck in your head, and you will find yourself humming or whistling a tune from the Fife and Drum Corps at least once during your stay at Colonial Williamsburg. The Fife and Drum Corps represents an important piece of our history, and it is captured right in Williamsburg.

And trust me, you will find yourself marching right along with the Fife and Drum Corps.

The Fun Continues Throughout the Day (And Night!!)

Some of you who have not yet been to Colonial Williamsburg (I hope you are planning to change that statement soon) might be thinking that all this place has to offer is a street theater program, and a town filled with historic buildings that you can visit. Well I declare to you here this day that you are wrong! There are plenty of things to do throughout the day and night that you might not even realize. This blog will be about some of the many activities you can do at Colonial Williamsburg.

First off, I would like to stress that Colonial Williamsburg is a living history museum. It is a real working town just like it would have been in the 18th Century. That in itself makes this completely different from your "typical museum."

Carriage Rides

A very popular thing to do during the day at Colonial Williamsburg is to take a carriage ride. There are many carriages (both open and closed) to take a ride on. For about 15-20 minutes, your carriage driver will take you about the town, and tell you stories and information about the town. Feel free to ask the drivers questions too, for they love to hear and answer them for you.

There are many different tours you can take throughout the day as well. Tours of the Governor's Palace and the Capitol (around 30-40 minutes) will take you throughout each building and bring to life the events that happened or simply just some interesting information about each room. Also, there are some tours of other buildings such as the George Wythe House, the Randolph House, R. Charlton's Coffeehouse and much more.

If you are completely new and have no clue what Colonial Williamsburg has to offer, there are Orientation Walks where a tour guide will take you about the town and give you insider information about how to get around, and information on events and dining.

Also, there is quite the selection of trade shops that you can visit. (Detailed information about each shop in blogs to come!) Inside, you will find tradesmen who are working on their projects. They will give you loads of information on what they are doing, how they make their product, and just about the job itself and the importance of it during the 18th Century. Just a few of the trade shops you will find are the Shoemaker, the Gunsmith & Foundry, the Blacksmith, the Post Office, the Print Shop, the Silversmith, the Wigmaker, the Milliner and Tailor, the Brickyard, and the Cabinetmaker. (And yes, there are a lot more trade shops than that!)

The Shoemaker

There are also Public Audiences either in the Coffeehouse Backyard, or behind the Governor's Palace with historical figures. There, for 45 minutes a historical figure will talk to you about their life and important events that are going on presently (remember you're in the 18th Century.) They will discuss matters and leave time out at the end for you to ask any questions you may have for them. Some historical figures that give Public Audiences are the Marquis de Lafayette, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, and Martha Washington.

The Marquis de Lafayette during a Public Audience

There are also many activities for little children as well. They can learn popular 18th Century games and lifestyle in the many different activities designed especially for youngsters.

You can also participate in a trial at the Courthouse. In, "Order in the Court" you can participate in a reenactment of a few cases that actually happened right there in Williamsburg. You may even get to be in the Jury, or perhaps be the victim of the case!

At the Play Booth, there are little skits throughout the day about many different things that will surely entertain you. Also, you can find musical entertainment around other places such as the Kimball Theater, and the DeWitt Wallace Museum to name a few.

So you think Colonial Williamsburg closes down for the night? Think again! There is still much more to do during the night.

One of my personal favorites, "Dance, Our Dearest Diversion" is a dance program that takes place either in the Governor's Palace or the Capitol. In this program, dancers will show you many different dances, and even invite you to join in to learn the dance. Don't be afraid to get up and dance either. It is a lot of fun, and I'm telling you, you WILL enjoy yourself.

Jone's Family Cemetery

There are also Ghost Tours you can take as well. You can partake in either a Tavern Ghost Tour (more suitable for children) or "Ghosts Among Us" (not so suitable for children.)  There you will walk about the town with your tour guide and learn of some ghost stories of strange happenings that occurred there. Along with "Ghosts Among Us" there is also "Pirates Among Us" where you will meet ghosts of Blackbeard's Crew.

Palace and Capitol Concerts provide musical entertainment for you.

"Cry Witch" is a court trial that takes place in the Capitol where you can participate as the jury to determine the "Virginia Witch's" fate. Another court trial you can partake in is "Courage or Cowardice" where you question the witnesses and make your decision on a reenactment of a military court inquiry.

"In Defense of Our Liberty" takes place at the Magazine. There, you can experience the life of a soldier. (If you go, you must participate due to safety reasons)

You can also go to hear stories like in "Listen My Children: Legends, Myths, and Fables for Families" at the Coffeehouse Backyard, or "Papa Said, Mama Said" where slaves will share their stories passed down to them.

Although it seems like I have listed a lot of things to do at Colonial Williamsburg, I really have only scraped the surface. Along with all these things to do, there are colonial citizens just around the streets all during the day that you can strike up a conversation with. They have a lot to tell you if you are willing to listen. When you visit Colonial Williamsburg, no matter what time of day (or night) there will always be so much in store for you to experience.

The Governor's Palace

The Governor's Palace

Out of the many historic buildings that are at Colonial Williamsburg, there is one that has always been my absolute favorite: The Governor's Palace. The Governor's Palace caught my attention from the very first time I ever laid eyes upon it. As I learned more about the Governor's Palace, I grew to love the building even more. So this blog will be dedicated to giving you some information on my favorite historic building at Colonial Williamsburg.

The construction of the Governor's Palace started in the summer of 1706 after Governor Edward Nott had convinced the General Assembly to allow it to be built in 1705. It took 16 years (and a lot of money) for the Governor's Palace to be completed.

The term "Palace" was not officially used until around 1714. If you look at palaces throughout Europe, the Governor's Palace really does not compare. But it truly is a magnificent building.  The gate you walk through to the Palace has a stone unicorn and lion on either side. Inside, each of the Palace's three floors is about 3, 380 square feet. There is even a balcony on the center upper window. Out behind the Governor's Palace, you will find the gardens (where you could spend a whole lot of time just wandering through the beautiful layout.) Other things that are outside of the Governor's Palace is a stable, kitchen, carriage house, advance buildings and more.

Each Governor that lived in the Palace would make his own attributions. He would make improvements where he saw fit. There was, however a time when the colony's council ordered that there be major repairs to the building in 1749. Governor Dinwiddie had to wait until 1752 until he could move into the Governor's Palace after its repairs were completed.

The Governor's Palace was not just where the Governor of Virginia would reside. After the government moved from Williamsburg to Richmond, the Palace was used as a hospital for wounded American soldiers from the Battle of Yorktown. Some of the wounded that died were buried in the garden.

Unfortunately, on December 22, 1781, the Governor's Palace caught on fire. It burned completely to the ground.

From the 1930's until 1980, the Governor's Palace was rebuilt almost exactaly like the original building on the same location it stood many years ago. Inside, it was decorated with both British and American antiques. There are a few things in the Governor's Palace now from the original building, one of them being a fireplace that simply fell to the bottom floor during the fire. 

Just one side of the weapon display in the entrance hall

What you see now if you go to the Governor's Palace is what the Palace would have looked like when Lord Dunmore lived there. Some things that you will find that reflect Lord Dunmore's residence at the Governor's Palace is the replication of the weapon display in the entrance hall, Lady Dunmore's dressing room, and rooms for Lord and Lady Dunmore's children. 

Also, the decorations of the Governor's Palace are only the finest fashion you would fine during Lord Dunmore's time spent in the palace. For example, the green walls of the supper room, and the fine detail that you can see in any room.



The Supper Room



The ballroom is a large room with a very showy appearance. Meant to hold around 200 people, this room was made to awe the Governor's guests. Some of its features include a high arched ceiling and two beautiful chandeliers, blue walls with gold trim, and of course the two large portraits of King George III and Queen Charlotte. The portraits of the King and Queen are at the far end of the ballroom, so that when you enter, their portraits are the first things you will see. These portraits are not just a small little picture either. They are huge, and practically cover the whole wall. It was meant to remind visitors that the Royal Governor was the representative of King George III.

The Ballroom

The Governor's Palace has an extremely interesting history along with its exquisite beauty. I hope you all get a chance to visit this beautiful place to see for yourself the breath-taking building of the Governor's Palace.

The Governor's Palace

Revolutionary City



"The Next Disagreeable Thing"

Revolutionary City is a popular 2 1/2 hour street theater program that happens daily starting in mid-March, and ending in mid-November. This program started on March 20, 2006, and has been going ever since. Important events that happened during the 18th century unfold before your eyes as you see firsthand the struggles, turning points, and triumphs of our quest for independence.



In this program, there are historical figures that everyone knows such as General George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette, Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, and General Benedict Arnold. There are also figures that may not be known by people who are not too familiar with our American history like Lord Dunmore, the Randolph's, Mann Page, Gowan Pamphlet, and George Mercer. And these are only a few of the people you will meet as you yourself become a citizen during this time period in Revolutionary City.



Throughout Revolutionary City, you will experience the contrasting viewpoints between the patriots and the loyalists, the struggles of the slaves, angry mobs complaining about the stamp act, the "dissolve" of the House of Burgesses by Lord Dunmore, and the occupation of the town by the "lobster-backs" just to name a few. 



The Marquis de Lafayette in "On to Yorktown & Victory!"



Revolutionary City is broken up into three acts:
Act I- The Collapse of the Royal Government: Takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays and follows events from May of 1774 to May of 1776. During this act, you will see events that made most citizens want to break ties of the British monarchy and become a free and independent nation.



Act II- Citizens at War: Takes place on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays and follows events July 26, 1776 (the news of Declaration of Independence comes to Williamsburg) to September 28, 1781 (when George Washington along with the French and American armies leave Williamsburg to head for Yorktown.) During this act, you will see major events of the Revolutionary War that happened right in Williamsburg.

Act III- Building a Nation: Takes place on Mondays, and is filled with stories of regular citizens that made a big impact on the nation.



What is also special about Revolutionary City, is that when possible, direct quotes from historical documents are said in the program.

The historical interpreters/actors really make this program a major hit. Each person brings to life the history of our American Revolution extremely well in their own way. There is absolutely NO WAY you could not see and feel the hardships and the triumphs through the way each one of the interpreters portrays each person. They make everything feel so real, and you will definitely get caught up in that moment. Revolutionary City is certainly an experience everyone should encounter... and let me tell you, you will have nothing but raving reviews about this program.



The Reading of The Declaration of Independence



Do not expect to be left out during Revolutionary City either. Although the historical interpreters are the ones acting out these events for the audience, you are encouraged to take part. You can cheer or boo at things you like or dislike. You may even get carried away as I always do and shout out (loudly) a big ol'  "HUZZAH!"

Hopefully you will all get to partake in the wonderful program, Revolutionary City, where you can see firsthand some of the major events of our American Revolution.

I only have one thing to ask you.... Are you ready for a Revolution??????







General Benedict Arnold in "The Town is Taken"









 














The Construction of the Anderson Blacksmith Shop's Kitchen



The Anderson Blacksmith Shop's Kitchen, July 2010

On a visit to Colonial Williamsburg in July 2010, archaeologists were just uncovering the Anderson Blacksmith Shop's kitchen.  As months went by, I ended up visiting Colonial Williamsburg once again just a week before the construction of the kitchen in November. As one can only imagine, it was absoultly wonderful to see the progress in person. While unlocking a piece of 18th century history, archaeologists and tradespeople alike discovered many interesting things such as dog burial sites and even a wig curler. Now the walls are up and tradespeople in the brickyard are working on putting the chimney/fireplace in place! It seems with just a blink of an eye, the Anderson Blacksmith Shop's kitchen went from a new discovery, to on the road to being almost finished. But mind you, there still is quite a few more things to be done until it is completely done. Hopefully you, just like I am, are very excited to see the finished product of the kitchen. Updates on the construction of the kitchen will be posted later on!!



Anderson Blacksmith Shop's Kitchen, late December 2010
(Picture courtasy of Colonial Williamsburg's Brickyard)