Having trouble sleeping? You aren’t the only one. It’s Halloween and it’s midnight—officially the “witching hour.” …
Legends of a Colonial Insane Asylum
Michael Myers famously escaped Smith’s Grove Sanitarium in 1978’s Halloween, a classic horror movie I must watch annually on Halloween night. It’s a tradition I’ve continued for many years.
In 1773, the Public Hospital opened in Williamsburg. I visited the hospital and spoke with Jan Gilliam, Manager of Exhibit Planning for Colonial Williamsburg….
Legends of 18th-century Vampires, Ghosts, and Villains
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. …
Colonial Ghosts, Witches & More: 6 Spooky Ways to Celebrate Halloween with Us
How do you celebrate Halloween colonial-style? With witches, ghosts, serial killers, and sing-a-longs! Whether you live for goose bump-inducing stories or have been known to hide your eyes during the “scary scenes,” we’ve got you covered with a week full of supernatural activities. Take your pick with our Colonial Williamsburg-approved top six spooky Halloween must-sees….
Colonial Williamsburg-ize Your Pumpkins and Win
“You didn’t tell me you were going to kill it!” Linus cried at his sister in It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. The famous line comes as Lucy cuts open the pumpkin and begins pulling out its innards….
DIY Kids Colonial Halloween Costumes
Are you searching for a kids costume idea for Halloween? You’re in luck! Get ready for a simple and adorable DIY costume, perfect for a last-minute project. Here’s how to make your very own 18th-century hat for the boys and a cap and apron for the girls—a “casual” look straight from 1776….
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….