Now that 2018 has sprung upon us like a vast beacon of hope; I have some time to sit and reflect upon the trip I enjoyed over the holidays. A journey filled with contemplation, history, a Christmas Town and, of course, booze.
On our way to Colonial Williamsburg, we made sure to make a stop off at Gadsby’s Tavern in Old Town Alexandria. Open since 1770 and frequented by such rock stars as Washington, Adams, and Jefferson-it’s a beautiful and genteel experience. Surrounded by candlelight and antique art, you are escorted back in time.
The Surrey Co. Peanut Soup was fantastic and surprising. If you stop by for lunch and it’s on offer, it’s a must try. I’m a glutton for bread-and this loaf ain’t shabby, or maybe that’s just the 1700’s martini talking.
Gadsby’s Tavern
138 North Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
https://www.gadsbystavernrestaurant.com
Surrey Co. Peanut Soup
Cock-A-Leekie Pie
Once we arrived at Colonial Williamsburg, my mouth was watering for all eighteenth-century chow, and Christiana Campbell’s was the perfect spot to indulge all of these fantasies.
Christiana Campbell’s Tavern- George Washington’s (the OG foodie) favorite stop for seafood. After being seated, the very spirited waiter offered us an oversized napkin. When I say oversized, I MEAN oversized! It was large enough to drape the front of your entire body because….wait for it….rich people had enough cloth to “make ends meet.” Hehe.
The meat may have been slightly underdone, but the charm was endless. My favorite taste of the evening by far was the roasted corn chowder cured with ham dust.
Here we go a wassailing!
Roasted corn chowder cured with ham dust.
The Trellis Bar and Grill
403 West Duke of Gloucester Street, Williamsburg, VA 23185
http://www.thetrellis.com/#top
Clam chowder with fingerling potatoes, little neck clams, and bacon
I love The Trellis. Their pewter silverware is gorgeous to behold, and their food offers clean and inspired new flavors. I try to make a stop off every time we visit Colonial Williamsburg. I wanted to give a nod to this beautiful clam chowder featuring just enough bacon and with a light base that won’t leave you full after the soup portion.
The Williamsburg Tasting Room and Winery
427 W Duke of Gloucester Street, Williamsburg, VA 23185
757-229-0999
Located in the hub of shops at Colonial Williamsburg this wonderful offshoot of The Williamsburg Winery is a welcome escape. I opted for a flight, tasting some of the most popular blends. I highly recommend curling up in a corner and talking about your hopes and fears over a nice bottle of red.
Santa’s Fireside Feast
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Busch Gardens 1 Busch Gardens Boulevard, Williamsburg, VA 23185
THIS IS GREAT FOR KIDS but also for adult Megan Lohne. Santa’s Fireside Feast at Christmas Town is best described as an All American buffet with chicken fingers, spiral pasta, rolls, and butter for days. Listen, this is not upscale eating but if you want a fun character experience look no further. You will be guaranteed a photo with Santa. SCORE.
Santa’s Fireside Christmas Feast
Mrs. Claus straight up worked hours on these snickerdoodles
A veritable feast of spiral pasta, chicken fingers, sweet potato, mash potatoes, rolls and Paula Dean’s favorite friend: butter.
If you haven’t been, I highly recommend visiting Colonial Williamsburg and making a few stops along the way. It will be a historically memorable time.
