In 1765, Josiah Chowning opened a tavern in Williamsburg to appeal to the “ordinary sort.” A place for everyday patriots to meet, share ideas, and—of course—drink beer.
…
From Jellybeans to Lemonade: Three Fruity Cocktails
Today we are sharing three light, fruity, and appropriately pastel-colored cocktail recipes. None of them have more than three main ingredients, making them ideal for your next outdoor BBQ. If you’d rather step inside our sunny photos, that’s easy too—just stop by Sweet Tea & Barley and ask to sit on the terrace.
…
A Spring Money-Saving Edition That Will Have You Celebrating in the Streets!
Do you need a little more joy in your life? I can’t promise to file your taxes or prepare your Easter dinner for you, but I can offer you this second edition of fantastic money-saving tips for your Colonial Williamsburg spring trip. And they just might have you dancing on DoG Street. Are you ready? A special thank you to William (pictured above) and his family for the photo. This was taken during a “belated Christmas present” trip, and we love the enthusiasm. Any “insider” saving tips of your own to share? Comment below.
…
It’s Your Lucky Day: Five Festive St. Patrick’s Day Cocktails for “the Busky”
In the 18th century, many Americans believed alcohol could cure the sick, strengthen the weak, and generally make the world a better place. Many started and ended the day with a drink. Today, in true colonial fashion, we celebrate the Irish and the Irish-at-heart with five festive drinks. From glass to garnish, they almost all have a touch of green. Whether you prefer sweet and creamy, tropical, or tart—you’ll want to do as the colonists do and raise a glass to these five festive drinks. Just be wary of over-indulgence. As Ben Franklin had more than 200 terms for such behavior, from addled, afflicted, biggy, boozy, busky, buzzey, and cracked to “halfway to Concord.”
…
An 18th-Century-Inspired Valentine’s Day Gift Guide
Do you dread Valentine’s Day, unsure what to get your special someone to possibly reflect how you feel about them? Skip the roses and try one of our unique 18th-century inspired gifts with a story! We’ll even let you take all the credit.
…
History-Inspired Healing Ingredients (and Two Simple Soup Recipes!)
You’ve already learned that in the 18th-century hot chocolate was considered a popular cold remedy. But what about preventative medicine? Today we’ll explore the centuries-old healing powers of herbs and spices and serve up two delicious soup recipes from Executive Chef Rhys Lewis that will do more than just fill your belly. Whether you’re looking to boost your metabolism (cardamom), detoxify (cilantro), or soothe indigestion (mint) we have a source—straight from nature—that can help.
…
“Founding Foodie” Approved: Carrot Almond Soup & Sweet Potato Chicken Soup (Recipes & Videos)
Are the streets snow-covered where you are? We had a dusting earlier in the week, but today all that’s left are the memories. Regardless, it is still winter and for a foodie that means one thing: SOUP! But this is nothing new. Food historians describe soup as likely dating back as far as the origins of cooking itself. For our founding fathers, much like ourselves, the act of combining a variety of nutritious ingredients into a large pot for an easily digested, customizable meal just made sense. And just as we like to think of soup as a cure-all for illness, soup was also used for healing in the 18th century….
The Big List of Money-saving Tips for Your Trip: Winter 2015 Edition
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend getaway or a week-long family vacation, your Colonial Williamsburg trip does not have to break the bank. Here’s our big, official list of simple ways to save money on your trip this winter without sacrificing the fun. These special offers and deals vary seasonally, so be sure to subscribe to the blog so you won’t miss next season’s!
…
How to Tackle Your New Year’s Resolutions Colonial-Style
If you’re like most Americans, there’s a good chance you’ll have at least one New Year’s resolution this January. I mean, it’s hard not to get just a little inspired at the thought of a fresh new year—isn’t it? And statistically speaking, we tend to get inspired about similar things. Lose weight. Save Money. Manage stress. Sound familiar?
History.com tells us the idea of New Year’s resolutions isn’t very new at all. In fact, the tradition is thought to be more than 4,000 years old, originating with ancient Babylonians. And yet, despite our lengthy history and best intentions, come February most of us are back to our old, uninspired ways. Here we often ask ourselves, “What would our founding fathers do?” We can’t know for sure, but we are here to help with Colonial Williamsburg-style solutions to seven of the most popular New Year’s resolutions out there.
…
A Shimmering Purple Champagne Cocktail to Ring in the New Year (Only 2 Ingredients!)
Well, here we are—and it’s almost time to say goodbye to 2014. Can you believe it? Hope it has been a memorable one for you, as it certainly has been for us here. Whether you choose to kick off the new year in your pajamas or out with friends, our Colonial Williamsburg Chefs have a toast-worthy (two-ingredient!) champagne cocktail to share with you.
…