A Day for History & Food Lovers

Colonial Williamsburg Holiday

A DAY FOR HISTORY & FOOD LOVERS

By Team DW&S

Sometimes you just need a break from the season and a relaxing day of holiday cheer. Imagine a day of strolling the streets of Colonial Williamsburg as you enjoy warm gingerbread, hot cider, and historic decorations for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. As we are writing this, Colonial Williamsburg is open, with COVID precautions in place.

Team DW&S has a few tips for enjoying the day.

Did you know that you can walk around Colonial Williamsburg at no charge? The three- hundred- acre interactive living history museum includes roads and paths that are all walkable. Browse all the paths, many gardens, and enjoy the holiday decorations at your leisure.

Or purchase a Colonial Williamsburg Pass. The pass allows you to fully become part of the story. You can visit the inside of homes, workshops and even the Royal Palace.

A Colonial Lunch for VA History Fans and Foodies One of our favorite stops was at King’s Arms Tavern. (Visitors do not need a Colonial Williamsburg Pass to visit this famous tavern.) King’s Arms Tavern is located in the heart of the historic district at 416 East Duke of Gloucester Street and is open Thursday through Monday, 11:30AM2:30PM for lunch. We suggest arriving early.

Here is a list of Team DW&S favorites from the lunch menu: • Peanut Soup: This is a Southern favorite and is garnished with Virginia peanuts • Norfolk Pottage Pie: Tender chicken and vegetables in a creamy stew, baked under a flaky pastry Southern Pecan Pie: A Southern favorite, topped with Bourbon laced whipped cream

Raleigh Tavern Bakery Stop by the Raleigh Tavern Bakery, also on Duke of Gloucester Street, and purchase a steaming hot cup of cider. During the holiday season, the bakery also adds fresh-baked pies to their menu. Or pick up a gingerbread cookie to eat while strolling along.

Historic Hot Chocolate Historians at Colonial Williamsburg strive to ensure that the living museum depicts an accurate glimpse into period life. That includes the hot chocolate served and enjoyed during the holiday season. Colonial hot chocolate was not sweet; so, the chocolate served today is not. Colonial hot chocolate was blended with nutmeg, hot chilies, and cinnamon. The hot drink was mixed with full-fat milk for a more vibrant, intense, and creamy experience. The Colonial version was delicious, and we urge you to give it a try.

Have a Beer If craft beer is a favorite, you may want to include a stop by Josiah Chowning’s Tavern while in the historic district. The tavern is in a 1766 reconstructed tavern and also has a Southern menu of pub fare. Our favorite was a Shepherd’s Pie with a craft beer or some Tavern Ale Potato & Cheddar Soup.

We have to admit that we ate and drank our way through the colonial site. This was a day full of holiday cheer for history and food lovers. n

FARM TO FAMILY: Pumpkin Spice & Cider Flights

Fall in Virginia is the most spectacular

time of year, and the Shenandoah Valley is home to some of the greatest fall traditions. From apple picking at dozens of orchards to spending the weekends visiting farm markets and pumpkin patches, families gather around fall festivities more than ever as the season turns from warm summer nights to crisp mornings, perfect for warm pumpkin spice chai.

Perhaps the greatest tradition of the fall season is Virginia hard cider, freshly made from locally grown apples in the Shenandoah Valley. Hard ciders are increasingly popular among fall gatherings, from tailgates to bonfires and Thanksgiving family dinners. With incredible local and unique ciders like Farmhouse Dry from Potter’s Craft, Betwixt

from Old Hill Cider, and Gold Rush from Albemarle Ciderworks, there is a cider for every occasion, and these cideries are the perfect fall afternoon destination for hard cider flights with friends. Grab a bottle as a hostess gift to share at the next family meal, or stock up ahead of time to enjoy during Sunday football or to pair with your Thanksgiving spread! From sweet hard ciders to crisp and dry hard ciders, Virginia’s growing cider industry is meant to be enjoyed during this beautiful season!