Culinary Tour
3 Days*
Excite your taste buds and pleasure your palates with Williamsburg's very own Culinary Tour! From traditional 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 understandthe are's traditional food, it's important to understand the area's history. Walk the streets and witness Revolutionary City! This amazing program breathes new life into the events that shaped this nation. Watch as you may hear citizens talk of rebellion and war; you may even see General George Washington speak to his troops before the landmark battle at Yorktown!
Plans for revolt can really work up an appetite. For a special sweet treat, visit Christiana Campbell's Tavern and en joy an afternoon tea with Mrs. Campbell herself! Between March 2 and April 9 or 1772, George Washington visited Mrs's Cambell's Tavern a total 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 my Mrs. Cambell and Washington for seven pounds and change for his expenses that spring. Allow the Colonial Williamsburg interpreters to take you back a couple centures, where you can imagine yourself enjoying your tea in the setting of great historical purpose.
In the heart of Colonial Williamsburg's Historic Area 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 offers 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 can indulge in the delicious feasts and delectable treats at this once influential eatery! The King's Arms serves traditional fare including Norfolk Pottage Pye, Chopped Beefsteak and Virginia's Famous Peanue Soupe! Stomach still grumbling for more? In good cheer, share a plate of the King's Arms Sampler, offering seasonally inspired cuisine. In addition to its mouth-watering food, grant yourself a sip (or two) of one of the speciality drinks offered, including the Punch and Punch Royal or the southern classic Mint Julep.
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 this seasonal event which is held at Riverwalk Landing - a quaint waterside establishment along the York River. Stroll through the colonial inspired walkways while browsing gift items and sampling nibbles. Vendors' products include intoxicating spices, cookies, cheesecake, peanuts, vegetables, sauces, flowers, candles, bath products and even homemade dog treats! Be sure to visit the Market Days website to view a full calendar of market dates and scheduled 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 of combining luxury and history into one outstanding venture. Catered by Carrot Tree Kitchens, delight in a seafaring lunch composed of heavy hors d'oeuvres and desserts. Pick from a long list of delectable foods, including a Savory Mexican Cheesecake (not a dessert!), Cheese Pecan Wafers, Shrimp Skewers, Old Dominion Ham Biscuits and Baked Brie.
The Kingsmill Resort & Spa offers upscale catering encounters through its Flavors of Kingsmill Culinary Academy. Impressive chef demonstrations include fun lectures, food presentations 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."
In the ecenting, enjoy an exceptional dinner at the Williamsburg Hospitality House, one of the area's most distinguished hotels, located just a few steps from Colonial Williamsburg's Historic Area. The hotel's professional chefs offer the freshes food of the highes 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 invigrate your taste buds, harmonizing wine and beer selections will be explained for you tableside.
Another option for a more ahnds-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 and cooking fresh seafood dishes with ingredients including oysters, clams, shrimp, squid and whole fish! At the end of the meal, you will receive recipes to take home where you can recreate this wonderful food!
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 early morning fare, Mama Steve's serves both full breakfasts and lunches in their Dutch Colonial dining room. Breakfast items (served all day) include an amazing variety of pancakes, eggs, omelets, plantation platters, corned bef hash and more! Both hearty and heartwarming, it's no 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 styled village, the Williamsburg Winery will undoubtedly whisk you away to another world! Encompassing more than 50 acres, the Winery offers tours and tastings, focusing on the dedication and passion behind oenology (winemaking). From grap to glass, vinyard to vino, your winery tour may include visiting the barrel cellar and production areas, wine samples and a complimentary wine glass for you 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 to be 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 gardens offer breathtaking views of the James River. Enjoy delightful refreshments on the lawn by the Chippendale Gazebo. Immersed in historical beauty, Berkeley Plantation is the perfect finishing touch to your culinary tour to the Williamsburg area!
*This itinerary is only suggestions. For a more customized tour to match your group's wants and needs, feel free to browse the Group Tour section of this website. Should you have any questions or comments about this itinerary or simply want to start planning your trip, please contact one of our group tour specialists, Jo Slack or Vivian Bunting, via email 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.