In the waning years of the 20th century, Timothy Ace Holleran wrote (with possible deletions): > If you could be so kind. . . > > My wife and I will be visiting Williamsburg VA this spring. Like you, I > HATE the hit-or-misscrapshoot of local- restaurant scouting, but love > eating. > Tim in CT We have spent three separate trips in Williamsburg (and I mean that literally). You miss half the fun and color of the area, if you don't become a part of the old colonial days. We bought year passes each time and spent at least a full week on each trip. We normally stay in one of the Williamsburg hotel in the old colonial area or wooded area. If you are a member of AAA they can help you with that information, or call the visitors center for the area. I always love to try the unusual. And don't discount some of the odd sounding dishes or daytime and evening classes offered in Colonial Williamsburg. We took classes in how to ballroom dance, curtsey, make tussey mussies, candlelight walks etc.; as well as attending an concert at the church. We had pure fun. Be sure and see any of the sites being excavated or dug and get some stone ground corn meal. Now about the places to eat, as you can already imagine we ate inside of Colonial Williamsburg (yet we had a vehicle for our use each time). The closest thing to outside of Williamsburg was the sandwich shop located near the William and Mary college campus (which you should also visit). Most of the restaurants require advance reservations and depending on the time of the year, it is good to make them even before you arrive. Some of my favorite's are: King's Arm Tavern serving Sally Lunn (bread), Cherry Trifle (for desert), Cream of Peanut Soup (A MUST - even little children enjoy this unusual delight), Creamed Celery with pecans, pecan pie, they also have a game pie (consisting of venison, duck, rabbit, mushrooms, bacon, onions & potatoes) Christiana Campbell's Tavern serving Salmagundi (which is the Old English version of a chef salad), spoon bread Chowning's Tavern serving Brunswick Stew (chicken based with lima beans, okra, corn, potatoes etc.), virgina ham and brandied peaches (the ham has a flavor unlike any other I have tried), Plum Ice Cream, Brussels Sprouts with Chestnuts, Scalloped Tomatoes and Artichoke Hearts, Apple pie made with lemon flavoring and Black Walnut Ice Cream. Sandwiches are made from hand sliced fresh bread resulting in some sandwiches being slightly thicker or thinner than others (their bread is served in loaf sized rounds - and students from the College of William and Mary go there just for that treat). They also serve Welsh Rabbit with Surry County Ham (never tried it there, only at Lawry's Great Scott in CA). Of course the traditional Roast Prim Ribs of Beef. If you are interested in the menu's or viewing the recipes be sure and check out "The Williamsburg Cookbook" (available in hard and softback, of which I own two copies, due to different publishing dates). Wish I could be a church mouse on your trip, makes me want to suggest the trip to my husband, who hasn't had the experience yet. If you have a car be sure and check out all the other historical locations, Bush Gardens and the Potomac Mills (just north of Williamsburg via the freeway - for Discount shopping delights). Love that part of the countryside. Have a wonderful trip, but expect humidity (wear cotton). Barbara Lull
Virginia