You can’t get a complete tour of the Revolutionary City without stopping inside the Governor’s Palace or the Getty, Randolph, and Wythe Houses. All are rich in history. And all are said to be haunted. With Halloween around the corner, we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to take the Ghosts Amongst Us tour. I can promise you, the same buildings you’ve seen during the day take on a completely different feel when you visit them under a cloak of darkness—with nothing but lanterns, candles, and your imagination to guide your way….
The Haunted Tale of an 18th-century Love Affair
The George Wythe House is one of the 88 original buildings in the Historic Area. Not only is it one of the oldest, if you believe in ghost tales, it’s also reportedly one of the most haunted. …
Seasonal Recipes: Pumpkin Cider, Flan, Ice Cream & Crostini
Earlier this week, we told you that in the 18th century, pumpkins were mainly used to flavor beer and feed livestock. However, in the 21st century, we don’t like to simply carve our pumpkins in October, we like to eat (and drink) them! …
What’s in Season: Pumpkins, Parsnips & Pomegranates
Fall is the season of flavors, including my personal favorite—pumpkin! But during my visit to the Colonial Garden, I learned that the pumpkins we enjoy so much in our Thanksgiving pies and Starbucks lattes are actually… squash. …
Trading Secrets: Hot Off the Press
How much would you be willing to pay for your favorite book? Consider this. In the 18th century, The Virginia Almanack was small enough to fit in your pocket yet it cost the same as a night’s stay in one of Williamsburg’s taverns! Pleasure reading was a luxury most colonists couldn’t afford. The print shop’s main focus was publishing those almanacs, government documents, and the weekly newspaper, The Virginia Gazette.…
5 Gingerbread Cookie Recipe Secrets Revealed!
Earlier in the week, we took you along for a private baking lesson as our Colonial Williamsburg chefs whipped up a batch of our traditional Raleigh Tavern Gingerbread Cookies. Now, we’re going to kick things up a notch and show you how to turn a good recipe into a great one….
Gingerbread Cookies: Raleigh Tavern Recipe
Have you ever noticed how certain aromas enter your nose—then waft down to the deepest nooks and crannies of your soul? They can unlock memories you didn’t even realize were buried there. Simply put: specific smells and tastes take us to our “happy place.” And that’s exactly where I ended up when we stepped into the kitchen at the Williamsburg Lodge for a private baking lesson….
Ale for What Ails You!
During the 1700s, in Colonial America, every hour was happy hour. And it didn’t matter your age, gender or status. Most people drank beer, ale, and cider all day long—with breakfast, lunch and dinner….
Why It’s Better to Ride Coach
I don’t know about you, but if it’s good enough for the queen, it’s good enough for me! When Queen Elizabeth II visited the Revolutionary City in 2007, she certainly got the royal treatment, especially from the likes of Captain & Ranger. The dynamic duo, brothers each weighing in at 1,700 pounds, are considered VIPs at the stables….
Trading Secrets: Meet the Real “Man of Steel”
In the Revolutionary City, we try to “keep it real.” No, seriously. There are almost 100 masters, apprentices, and interpreters who make up the Historic Trades Programs. And don’t let their fancy names fool you. A milliner, tailor, wigmaker, and shoemaker—they’re just your modern fashion designers. The apothecary— conveniently, that’s your doctor and your pharmacist. And the blacksmith? He (or she) is your one-stop-shop for hardware, home goods, and who you’d call if you ever got locked out of your house….