Culinary Tour*
3 Days

Excite your taste buds and pleasure your palates with Williamsburg's very own culinary tour!  From traditaionl colonial fodder and upscale dining to cooking classes and farmer's market fare, the area's cuisine caters to all appetites.

This tour provides several options for various programs and venues.  We understand that food is a personal pleasure and should be customized for each individual's taste.

DAY ONE - The Taste is Revolutionary!

Spend the day in Colonial Williamsburg, where the history is rich and the food is richer!  Begin with a trip to the Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, which include Bassett Hall, the Williamsburg home of John D. Rockefeller, Jr.; the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum; and the Abby Aldrich Folk Art Museum.  Next, head over to Duke of Gloucester Street and immerse yourself in Williamsburg's colonial past!  In order to understand the area's traditional food, it's important to understand the area' history.  Walk the streets and witness Revolutionary City!  This amazing program breathes new life into the events that shaped our nation.  Watch as you may hear citizens talk of rebellion or war; you may even see General George Washington speak to his troops before the landmark battle of Yorktown.

Plans for revolt can work up an appetite.  For a special sweet treat, visit Christiana Campbell's Tavern and enjoy an afternoon tea with Mrs. Campbell herself!  Between March 2 and April 9 of 1772, George Washington visited Mrs. Campbell's Tavern a total of 22 times to dine, play cards and discuss the day's events with other House of Burgesses members.  What's more, one of Colonial Williamsburg's most treasured documents derives from this tavern - a note and receipt signed by Mrs. Campell and Washington for seven pounds and change for his expenses that spring.  Allow the Colonial Williamsburg interpreters to take you back a couple centuries where you can imagine yourself enjoying an afternoon tea in the setting of great historical purpose. Click here to view this tea (and dessert) menu.

In the heart of Colonial Williamsburg is Merchants Square, a superb shopping experience for any group visitor.  Give your palates a momentary rest and ignite your other senses while strolling through the delightful 18th-century inspired streets.  The Merchants Square stores offer everything from clothing and toys to folk art and Williamsburg gift items - and of course, gourmet specialty foods, including Virginia hams and peanuts, homemade candies, fine wine, cheese and other culinary goodies! 

Hundreds of years ago, the King's Arms Tavern was considered an elite dining spot where the noblest of patrons frequented.  This evening, you'll be the one to indulge in the delicious feasts and delectable treats at this influential eatery!  This King's Arms serves traditional fare including Norfolk Pottage Pye, Chopped Beefsteak and Virginia's Famous Peanut Soupe!  Stomach still grumbling for more?  In good cheer, share a plate of the King's Arms Tavern Sampler, offering seasonally inspired cuisine,  In addition to its mouth-watering food, grant yourself a sip (or two) of one of the specialty drinks offered, including the Punch and Punch Royal or the southern classic Mint Julep.  View the Tavern's appetizing menu and drink list.

DAY TWO - From Land and Sea, Straight to the Kitchen!

Come early to the Yorktown Market Days at the River!  Local farmers, watermen, bakers and artisans are featured here at the seasonal event which is held at Riverwalk Landing, a quaint waterside establishment along the river.  Stroll through the colonial styled walkways while browsing gift items and sampling fresh nibbles.  Vendors' products include intoxicating spices, cookies, cheesecake, peanuts, vegetables, sauces, flowers, candles, bath products and even homemade dog treats!  Be sure to visit Market Days website to view a calendar of scheduled dates and events.

After a beautiful morning at the Yorktown market, spend the afternoon aboard the magnificent ship, the Schooner Alliance.  The crew encourages you to help set sail off the coast of the York River; but of course, you may choose to simply sit back and enjoy the wind's cool breeze!  The Schooner Alliance offers a once in a lifetime experience combining luxury and history into one outstanding venture.  Catered by the Carrot Tree Kitchens, delight in a seafaring lunch composed of heavy hors d'oeuvres and desserts.  Pick from a long list of delectable treats, including a Savory Mexican Cheesecake (not a dessert!), Cheese Pecan Wafers, Shrimp Skewers, Old Dominion Ham Biscuits and Baked Brie.  For a full catering menu, please click here.  The Carrot Tree also offers boxed lunches and a lunch buffet for purchase.  To view this menu, go here.

The Kingsmill Resort & Spa offers upscale catering encounters through its Flavors of Kingsmill Culinary Academy.  Impressive chef demonstrations include fun lectures, food presentation and samplings.  Choose from an array of subjects from "Cooking 101" to the "Basics of Breads."  Throughout this experience, you will receive recipes and reference materials all about the foods the chefs prepare for you.  Next, learn the fundamentals of balancing great food with harmonizing wines and beers in "Stop Wining, Start Dining."  Check out other class options here. 

In the evening, enjoy an exceptional dinner at the Williamsburg Hospitality House, one of the most distinguished hotels in the area, located just a few steps from the Historic Area of Colonial Williamsburg.  The hotel's professional chefs offer the freshest food of the highest quality with a slice of southern hospitality on the side.  For this four-course meal, choose one of several cultural themes, including Japanese, Moroccan, Indian, Argentinean, Native American or Swedish.  To complement your meal and invigorate your taste buds, harmonizing wine or beer selections will be explained for you tableside.

Another option for a more hands-on event at the Hospitality House is a seafood preparation demonstration.  Watch and learn as the chefs prepare a four-course seafood dinner for you right before your eyes!  Learn the nuances of preparing, seasoning anc cooking fresh seafood dishes with ingredients including oysters, clam, shrimp, squid and whole fish.  At the end of the meal, recipes are distributed for you to take home to your kitchen!  Click here for menus and additional options. 

DAY THREE - Historical Fare, Local Flare!

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  Why not start your last day in the Historic Triangle with some local flavor and spice at Mama Steve's House of Pancakes?  Celebrating over 40 years of business, Mama Steve's serves both breakfast and lunch in the Dutch Colonial dining room.  Breakfast items (served all day) include an amazing variety of pancakes, eggs, omelets, plantation platters, corned beef hash and more!  Hearty and heartwarming, it's not wonder Mama Steve's has been around since 1968.

It's time for a traditional lesson in winemaking.  Set in the backdrop of a quaint European inspired village, the Williamsburg Winery will undoubtedly whisk you away to another world.  Encompassing over 320 acres, the Winery offers tours and Reserve Tastings, focusing on the dedication and passion behind oenology (winemaking).  From grape to glass, vineyard to vino, winery tours may include visiting the barrel cellar and production area, wine samples and a complimentary wine glass to take home!  The Winery offers a couple different tours; please click here for more information.

Cap off your visit by spending the afternoon at Berkeley Plantation in Charles City!  Considered the most historic plantation in Virginia, Berkeley was host to the first observed Thanksgiving in 1619!  The Georgian mansion is furnished with an extraordinary collection of 18th-century antiques and the flower garden offers breathtaking views of the James River.  Enjoy delightful refreshments on the lawn by the Chippendale Gazeo.  Immersed in historical beauty, Berkeley Plantation is the perfect finishing touch to your culinary tour in America's Historic Triangle!

Please visit our Point of Contact directory for names, phone numbers and/or email addresses for the above attractions' personnel.

*The above itinerary is only suggestion.  For a more customized tour to match your group's wants and needs, feel free to browse our group tour attractions, shopping, dining and lodging options OR contact one of our local tour operators - no one knows the ins and outs of the Historic Triangle better than they do!  Should you have any questions or comments about this itinerary or simply want to start planning your trip, please contact our group tour specialists via email at Jo Slack or Vivian Bunting, or call 800-368-6511.

We strive to keep all information accurate and updated.  If you notice any mistakes or changes, please contact Joanna Old, Tourism Information Specialist, via email or call 800-368-6511.