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.