While the summer months are considered peak season for tourism here in Williamsburg, many savvy vacationers have discovered the special magic this town holds during the holidays. You'll fall in love with our fruit wreaths, evergreen garland, and pineapple centerpieces. You'll be taken back in time by the historic setting at Berkeley Plantation, site of the very first Thanksgiving dinner. And, of course, there's the hospitality one comes to expect when visiting Virginia (and the south in general) that'll charm you and keep you coming back again and again. If you're considering Williamsburg for your Thanksgiving holiday, here's a list of ideas to make yours a visit to remember. Virginia Thanksgiving Festival - Located at Berkeley Plantation in Charles City, VA, this festival takes place early in the holiday season on November 6, 2016. It costs just a $10 donation per vehicle. The festival hours are noon-4pm, but the formal portion of the program begins at 3 o'clock, which will include music and a reenactment of the 1st Thanksgiving, followed by interactive tribal dancing. You'll have the opportunity to partake of various food and craft vendors, children's games, and activities for the whole family. There's also a corn maze, encampments, candle dipping and more. This is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon! Foods & Feast of Colonial Virginia -- Explore 17th & 18th Century food and food preparation of colonists, Powhatan Indians, and soldiers during this 3-day event, beginning on Thanksgiving Day. Demonstrations take place at Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Special holiday combo tickets are available for purchase. Turkey Pardon -- See live turkeys up close and learn more about these fascinating birds on November 23rd at the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News. The town mayor will be joining the festivities to "pardon" the 3 resident turkeys, honoring a beloved holiday tradition since our nation's first presidential turkey pardon in 1947. Breads and Spreads -- Show off some new bread recipes this holiday season! CW chefs will prepeare some delicious breads and spreads for you to sample, and they'll also share the recipes. This 2 hour event takes place on November 19th and is open to the public, meaning general admission tickets to Colonial Williamsburg are not required. However, you will need to purchase a soecial event ticket for $39.95. Turkey Trot -- This just might be the prettiest 5K you've ever run. Dash your way down the lovely, historic streets of Colonial Williamsburg and the distinguished campus of William & Mary Thanksgiving morning to burn off that pumpkin pie in advance, and to benefit a local charity. The run starts at 8:30am. Carriage Ride -- Take a leisurely horse-drawn ride around Colonial Williamsburg with your family, or enjoy a romantic ride for two. Carriages are available for Thanksgiving Day, but you'll want to make reservations. And don't forget to ask your driver about your horses and for whom they've pulled carriages. Ours gave rides to the Queen of England...and Betty White! A few more ideas... Black Friday shopping at the Premium Outlets Thanksgiving vacation package at Kingsmill Some of the area restaurants serving Thanksgiving dinner: Captain George's Williamsburg Lodge Regency Room King's Arms Tavern Shield's Tavern Keep up with current events and happenings around Williamsburg with the Virginia Gazette.
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So, you're visiting Williamsburg and want to know where's a good place to eat. A quick drive down Richmond Road and you'll be convinced that this small town has more restaurants than residents. There's definitely no lack of choices.
Most visitors tend to focus more on dinner, and we do have plenty of wonderful options for evening dining. However, do yourself a favor and skip the fast food for lunch and try one (or all) of these local establishments for sandwiches that you'll crave long after your vacation is over. Pierce's Pitt Bar-B-Que – Ask anyone in town and their #1 recommendation for lunch will 9-times-out-of-10 be Pierce's. It's a long-time favorite, and it's always busy for good reason. Their unique Virginia BBQ is unlike any BBQ you'll taste anywhere, and I'm willing to bet that once you try it, you'll be back! They sell bottles of their "secret" sauce, which is pretty darn tasty although not an exact match to the real thing. For families with picky eaters, they do serve other items on the menu, so there's something for everyone. NY Deli – You can't beat a hot sub from NY Deli. Everyone in town has their own personal favorite – a hot Gringo, a hot Holly, a cold Italian, etc. Go ahead, ask someone. But this place isn't just sandwiches. They have a fantastic Greek salad, and their pan-style pizza is another favorite. And those desserts! I recommend calling in your order ahead of time. This restaurant gets packed! The Cheese Shop – Located in Merchant's Square on Duke of Gloucester Street, the Cheese Shop is a lovely little place for lunch. Don't be surprised to see a line outside the door if you go right at lunchtime. This is one popular spot for a sandwich! It's the fresh-baked bread and delicious house dressing – you'll want to pick up a few jars on the way out for you and your friends—that makes these simple sandwiches so special. You can also enjoy a glass of Virginia wine with your meal to complete your local-flavor experience. **Header photo is of a Cheese Shop sandwich, from the Cheese Shop website** |
The Williamsburg Tourist30-something, homeschooling mom and writer chronicles her family's adventures in and around Williamsburg, Virginia. Archives
June 2017
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