Dinner in Williamsburg

I stayed in Colonial Williamsburg for two nights, so was able to dine twice on Duke of Gloucester Street, aka the main drag of the historic area. My first evening I chose Chowning's Tavern, which is a 1941 reconstruction of what historians believed to have been here during the 18th Century.



Touted as a less stuffy establishment where reservations are not needed, the interior is colonial also quite informal. A bowl of peanuts greets each diner once they are seated.



Real candlelight versus a faux electric one was a nice touch.



While the lock on the door looks old, I had to remind myself that this building's true history is 1941.



My second night began with cocktails on the back terrace of the Williamsburg Inn.



My friend Harriet who had moved from San Diego to Virginia Beach was able to join me for dinner. What a wonderful surprise!



For my last night in town, I chose King's Arm Tavern, where I had dined back in 1971 and fell in love with their Cream of Peanut Soup. The original restaurant opened in 1772, while the reconstruction where we dined was built in 1949.



The interior was more formal than Chowning's, and a reservation was definitely required here, as the snooty girl in front reminded me. Once we passed her reception area on the porch, all was well.



I repeated history by starting with the Cream of Peanut Soup. Just as good as I remembered.



A tasty Pork Chop followed.



And naturally dessert was required. A slice of Chocolate Pie with Peppermint Stick Ice Cream.



We both had a wonderful time there. I look forward to returning one day!



More Colonial Williamsburg at my main website.

The Williamsburg Inn, Pt. 2

Welcome back to the Williamsburg Inn in Colonial Williamsburg! It's just as magical at night when you return from your day of walking through the historic village.



And of course the doorman is on hand to greet you.



The backside of the hotel is just as beautiful at night.



A shot of the back of the hotel during the day. And yes...I did encounter a bit of rain during my stay.



Golf anyone? The course was very well manicured.



There are three pools on property, including two outdoor:



...and one indoor, which was perfect for laps!



I ate breakfast at the hotel in their restaurant, which was beautifully decorated. The service was impeccable.



And of course, fresh flowers. The menu had good variety and it wasn't difficult to find a tasty choice.



Beautiful event space at The Williamsburg Inn:



A lovely lobby area with plenty of couches and nooks for relaxing:



The hotel decor reminds you of the history of the area:



I can't imagine staying anywhere else when visiting this area!

More Colonial Williamsburg at my main website.

The Williamsburg Inn

My family's trip to Colonial Williamsburg back in 1971 (I still need to scan those negatives!) was like a visit to Mecca for me. As a young tot, I was a total history freak voraciously reading as much as I could about Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and all of the other people involved in the start of this nation. My last trip to Williamsburg was on a 1978 Junior High field trip. 39 years later, I made it back with camera in hand. I stayed at the Williamsburg Inn, a Colonial Revival hotel that began construction back in 1937 along with the restoration that was being done to Colonial Williamsburg itself.



For location, you just can't beat it. You are less than a block from the historic district.



For service, high marks are also earned by this resort hotel. The entire staff was very friendly and attentive. I was told by the Bellman that my room was where Mr. Rockefeller used to stay; apparently he had recently passed away (hopefully not in the room!). I'm not sure which Rockefeller it was, but that alone told me I'd probably gotten a pretty good room!



Real flowers: check!





Soaking tub: check!



Turndown service: check beyond belief!



I think I need to soak in the tub a bit more before I continue posting about the Williamsburg Inn!

More Colonial Williamsburg at my main website.

Traveling Thursdays: Vintage Williamsburg, Pt. 2

Flashing forward to the 1960's, today's Williamsburg images are from July 1963. It appears that our photographer might have been staying at the Williamsburg Inn. Built in 1937 by John D. Rockefeller Jr., its purpose was to provide the region with a world-class, European-style hotel that provided "only the finest" for its guests.

Another option is the Williamsburg Lodge, opened by Colonial Williamsburg in 1939 to provide comfortable accommodations for travelers to the Historic Area. As the sign states, "Rooms and meals at moderate prices."



By the looks of her stance, it seems this poor woman missed the last carriage back to the hotel.



The stockade...not a good place to be "hanging around."



Fun in 1963; not so fun in 1763.



Closing up today's post with two more Governor's Palace shots:



What...no fast pass?



Happy Thanksgiving dear readers - I hope you have an abundance of blessings to be thankful for this year!

See more Williamsburg, Virginia photos on my Williamsburg web page.