As we ring in a new year, our Making History team would like to extend a very special “thank you” to all of you who have made this blog such a continued success! In 2014, we interviewed our chefs, gardeners, and artisans. We took you along for a carriage ride, introduced you to our colonial animals, and provided important travel tips-all while sneaking in a little 18th-century history along the way.
In true end-of-the-year fashion, we’ve put together a “Top 10” countdown featuring the most popular posts based on you, our readers! Just click on the title and it will take you directly to the full blog.
Top 10 Posts of 2014
#10 A Modern Twist to 18th-century Chocolate
During this sweet assignment, we shared recipes for culinary amateurs and professionals alike. The not-so-secret ingredient? American Heritage Chocolate. It’s unique to Colonial Williamsburg and created using a little 18th-century inspiration.
#9 Ale for What Ails You!
It turns out our affinity for alcohol in Virginia goes way back. We learned colonists drank from dusk ’til dawn. And all in the name of staying healthy! Seriously, check it out. Then, bottoms up!
#8 Did you Know Colonial Williamsburg is Pet Friendly?
We sure didn’t! It turns out some of our hotels allow dogs so you don’t have to leave them behind when you travel. We specifically designed this guide to help you plan another Colonial Williamsburg trip that includes Fido.
#7 Trading Secrets: Meet the Real Man of Steel
This was our very first blog post and part of our series where we visit each of our historic trades. Learn all about the blacksmiths and how they work to preserve history beyond Colonial Williamsburg with some very cool projects that are in the works!
#6 The Haunted Tale of an 18th-century Love Affair
Did you know the Wythe House is supposedly haunted? Around Halloween, we brought you the legend of Lady Ann Skipwith whose lovelorn spirit is said to roam the historic hallways centuries after her death. But why?
#5 Meet Our Colonial Kitties
These four cats rule the roost in the Historic Area and are beloved by both our employees and our guests. Not only did the kitties take over our blog on National Cat Day, they also stole the spotlight on our CW social media channels!
#4 Fun Fact: George Washington’s Teeth Were Made of What?
Our myth buster about George Washington’s teeth generated quite a few smiles! Thanks to a little good old-fashioned research, we tracked down the origin of this old wives’ tale.
#3 Hot Chocolate to Help a Cold?
Forget your medicine cabinet; check your pantry! Hot chocolate was prescribed in the 18th century as a cold remedy. That wasn’t the only all-natural cure we learned during out visit to the Apothecary.
#2 Gingerbread Cookies: Raleigh Tavern Recipe
This is a post readers continue to search for every day! We took you inside the Williamsburg Lodge to learn how to bake this signature CW treat. Chef Rodney calls them gingerbread cookies. Some of you call them ginger cakes. We call them a job well done!
#1 Video: Get Fit the Colonial Way
Hands down (and arms up), our most popular post of 2014 was this colonial workout video-just in time for all of those New Year’s fitness resolutions. Be sure to watch until the very end so you don’t make the same mistake Mr. Prentis did!
Did your favorite post make our Top 10 list? What would you like to see featured in 2015? Email me directly at jross@cwf.org. I’d love to hear from you!
I absolutely love this blog and look forward to each and every edition ! My absolute favorite was the Colonial Kitties blog but all of the blogs are wonderful. i’ve just returned from Colonial Williamsburg and it is truly the most lovely, serene place in the entire world. Thank you for shedding light on this magical place and please keep writing in 2015 ! Happy New Year !!!
Thank you, Sharon! We have another fun animal post coming up this month so be on the lookout 🙂
While I have the opportunity to visit Williamsburg several times a year … MAKING HISTORY blog is exceptional putting the gaps between the miles. Thank you for ALL you do to allow Colonial Williamsburg to come alive in my home daily. Already looking forward to my next visit. In the meantime, Ginger Cakes are in the freezer from my last CW visit and the blog, along with the website brings a bit of Virginia “here”. APPLA- USE for all you do to promote what I know is a remarkable place.
Thank you so much for your feedback! I hope you get to visit us again soon and in the meantime, we’ll do our best to keep delivering a little CW magic straight to your inbox.
Making History is outstanding! I look forward to reading it every day. Thank you for all of the hard work you put in and such interesting topics. We visit Williamsburg at least once a year. When we are not in Williamsburg, we can enjoy reading your Blog. Loved the gingerbread cookies recipe and have made them several times, and who can miss the cats on any visit to Williamsburg! Thank you again and I look forward to reading your topics in 2015.
Thank you so much, Judi! We love what we do and I’m so glad that you tested the recipe. I made them after the blog shoot too and they didn’t last long at all. Happy New Year!