Colonial ThanksgivingBy Laura Hampton

Photos courtesy of Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

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easants in coarse linen aprons andhead kerchiefs bend to daily tasks.Gentry with powdered wigs, cockedhats and walking sticks gather in

public houses to ponder the latest newsfrom England. Fifers and drummers playauthentic patriotic tunes in daily parades.Aged oak sizzles and crackles in thefireplaces of cozy taverns, and the aroma ofsucculent turkey and dressing compete withbaked apples and cinnamon for the mosttantalizing scent wafting from the kitchen.The sights, sounds and smells of earlyAmericana make Thanksgiving in ColonialWilliamsburg a feast for the senses.

Travelling north on Interstate 95,Williamsburg is 150 miles south ofWashington D.C. and 50 miles east ofRichmond. Although a 10-hour drive fromdowntown Jacksonville, roaming throughthis 300-acre living-history museum in thecrisp Virginia autumn more than makes upfor the drive. With historical attractions andprograms meticulously recreated toduplicate life in Colonial America, it is easyto imagine yourself celebrating the “day ofnational thanksgiving” suggested by theContinental Congress in the late 1770s.

Although always geared toward tourism,Colonial Williamsburg steps up the charmduring the holiday season. Each evening,more than 1,200 electric candles glow inmulti-pane glass windows, musicians strolldown tree-lined walkways playing theseason’s favorites and wreaths made frompine cones, fresh fruit and oyster shells hangon every door.

Holiday concerts, pageants, children’sactivities and 18th-century dances bycandlelight set an idyllic American scene inwhich to celebrate a quintessential Americanholiday. colonialwilliamsburg.com.

Fantasy FeastAs grand as our modern Thanksgiving

dinners are, they pale in comparison toan authentic Colonial fall harvest feastwhen food was garden fresh and tablepresentation was regal. Several taverns inColonial Williamsburg offer three-courseThanksgiving dinners that feature historicallyaccurate dishes taken from Colonial-erarecords and cookbooks.Chowning’s Tavern

Originally opened in 1766 by JosiahChowning who wanted to appeal to the“ordinary sort,” Chowning’s is a one-of-a-kind 18th-century alehouse.

Campbell’s TavernReportedly George Washington’s

favorite for seafood, Christina Campbell’sTavern transports visitors to the 18th centurythrough décor. Pewter candlesticks, brasssconces and reproduction chairs set the stagefor an Early American experience.Shield’s Tavern

Good music, authentic eats and great funare always on the menu at this lively tavernestablished in 1745. Order a “sipping drink,”while you wait for your feast. House favoritesinclude the “rummer” made of dark rummixed with apricot and peach brandies, and“Primm’s cup” made with spiced gin andginger ale.King’s Arms Tavern

Established in 1772 by Jane Vobe, whoonce described King’s Arms Tavern as the sortof place “where the best people resorted,” the

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rustic reproduction establishment is knownfor hearty fare and sumptuous desserts.Thanksgiving Day Hoursand Prices for all Taverns

11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. • Adults $60.95 andchildren $24.95 • Reservations Required

Sweet SlumberWilliamsburg Woodlands

Located within walking distance of thehistoric district, Woodlands is a convenient,family-friendly choice for visitors to ColonialWilliamsburg. After a day of exploring in theold city, families can visit the “fun zone” forkids and enjoy activities such as miniaturegolf, table tennis and shuffleboard. Averagenightly room price is $200.Providence Hall Guesthouses

No need to leave four-legged familymembers home alone for the holidays;Providence allows pets for a fee of $50 pernight. Spacious rooms and close proximity tothe old city make this inn a good bet.Average nightly room price is $425.

Guests at Colonial Williamsburg Hotelsreceive discounted tickets to the ColonialWilliamsburg Historical District. $29 foradults, $14.50 for children. Good for each day ofyour stay.

Delightful DiversionsChildren’s Orientation Walk

Listen to tales of childhood andfamily life in the 18th century inaddition to information on the latestprogramming, dining and shoppingoptions to help you plan your visit.Tours at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., Nov.22–24. Tickets: Included in cost ofadmission to Colonial WilliamsburgHistorical District.

A Kid’s Holiday Memories TourMake a holiday decoration and

play Colonial games with acostumed guide, as you learn abouta real Colonial Christmas. Eachchild receives a bag to hold their decorationand other treasures. Recommended forchildren age 6 through 12. One tour availableon the weekend of Thanksgiving. 9:40–11:10a.m., Nov. 24. Tickets: Adults $15, children$7.50.

Hands-On History at the Powell HouseChildren learn about seasonality, chores,

food preparation, diversion and music in18th-century America in this hands-onhistory experience set in the restored originalhome of Williamsburg’s most famous

carpenter and contractor, Benjamin Powell.Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nov. 22–24. Tickets:Included in cost of admission to ColonialWilliamsburg Historical District.

Lanthorn TourExplore the lives of masters, journeymen

and apprentices by candlelight as you visitthe shops of four tradesmen who helpedshape the 18th-century Virginian economy.7 p.m., Nov. 23. Tickets: Adults $15, $7.50 forchildren under 6.

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