Imagine an American harvest celebration in the place that started in all in 1607—as in garden-to-table, river-to-plate and wine-to-palate. It exists!
Eat award-winning food; drink award-winning beer, wine and spirits; and celebrate America’s history at the second annual Williamsburg Harvest Celebration from November 4–13 in Williamsburg, Virginia. Enjoy the place that also brewed the first American beer—and is still at it—and held the first documented Thanksgiving.
The Williamsburg Harvest Celebration takes culinary adventurers not only on a gastronomic journey, but also on a trip through history to experience the area’s significant role in the evolution of the regional food and beverage trend sweeping the nation. Did you know that at Colonial Williamsburg, some of the original gardens are still being tended and are growing the original crops that still make their way to modern-day tables? Now that’s authentic.
More than 30 culinary food events will blanket Greater Williamsburg (Yorktown, Williamsburg and Jamestown) over a period of two weeks. The focus, of course, is on Virginia-grown and Virginia-made products, with renowned Virginia chefs, local purveyors and local farms, foragers and artisans.
To whet one’s appetite and quench one’s thirst, the booming beverage scene—including Williamsburg Tasting Trail partners offering beer, wine, distilled spirits and mead—will also join in the celebration.
Providing a literal taste of what the region has to offer, events during the Williamsburg Harvest Celebration will include tastings, pairing dinners, cooking demos and an oyster roast to help commemorate November as oyster month. Tickets for the various events range from free to $125. Some events are limited, so make your reservations early.
The celebration will benefit local area Meals on Wheels programs; FISH, Inc. of Williamsburg, Virginia; the Fresh Food Fund, created by the Williamsburg Farmers Market; and the Southern Foodways Alliance.
For more information on this year’s events, including a full schedule, list of participating restaurants/vendors and how to purchase tickets, visit the Williamsburg Harvest Celebration website.
- Photos: Keith Lanpher
