Williamsburg Nightlife

The Green Leafe has amazing food, atmosphere and beer selection! It is a nonsmoking establishment until 10pm everyday, and they have daily specials for lunch and dinner! There are 30 beers on draft, with a new seasonal beer premiering every Friday, over 150 microbrews in bottle, and great bartenders!

Green Leafe is great for dinner with the family, and a fun place for the adults to go out after the kids are in bed!

Of all the times I have shown my friends through the governor's palace at Colonial Williamsburg, there has never been live entertainment. Matt, Urszula, and I lucked into a rendition by this fellow in the picture who was playing an instrument akin to a cello or a bass violin.

Dress Code: Back in the day, if you were invited to the governor's palace for a wingding, I figure you came dressed to the nines (really formally).

Paul's Deli, College Deli, and the Green Leaf are the only bars within walking sidtance from Colonial Williamsburg. They are all packed with College kids during the school year, and each have some fun happy hour specials each night.

Dress Code: Casual...But the people that go out around here really don't wear jeans too often (Guys). Girls just need to dress cute :)... A pair of kakis and a polo is always a good combination (for guys).

A reconstructed 18th-century alehouse, Chowning's serves casual quick fare for lunch, including traditional pit-style BBQ ordered from the new walk-up service area in the tavern garden. You can eat either inside the tavern or under an garden arbor. After 5 PM, Chownings becomes a true 18th-century tavern and Gambol's (a lively nighttime program presented for 25 years) operates throughout the evening. Costumed balladeers lead family sing-alongs, and costumed servers play popular games of the day. From 8 PM until closing, Chowning's caters to a more mature audience.

Reservations are not accepted.

Dress Code: Casual

As I said under the George Wythe House entry, Allan and I loved the play that we "experienced" at the George Wythe House.

You buy tickets at the Visitor's Center, and then after dark, the play begins. You are divided into groups of six (there were four groups). The groups move from place to place to see what's going on in the house and outside the house in the slave quarters.

It's almost like viewing a "soap" on television. Of course, the slave/master relationships are the central theme of the play.

Only candles and torches were used, which gave an authentic aura tot he play. I must say, we loved it.

Dress Code: We saw the play in October, so it was cool but not cold. We wore sweathers and warm slacks and a hat.

It would not be too "cool" to wear jeans and a sweatshirt to such a performance. Somehow, it would take away from the ambience of the moment.

2I did not take a camera, so I do not have a photo of the play, but I do have a photo of the inside of the George Wythe house

This is an absolute must see!!!!!!!!!!

At Chowning's Tavern in the Historic District of Williamsburg they have a side tavern called Gambol's which comes alive every night at 5pm, and runs until closing.

This is one of our family's favorite spots! As you stroll down the historic Duke of Glouchester's brick paved street you know you have found Gambol's when you see a tavern lit in the distance with music, and laugh's eminating onto the street.

As you enter the 250 year or so tavern, you are directed towards a booth, or community table with a bench to share with others. These new aquaintances may be strangers at first, but not for long. Our table has included guests from England, South America, France and beyond.

Musician's roam the tables with violins playing the music of the time in colonial dress, as the waiters bring you grog and colonial fare. Possibly a crock of cheese with sippets, and some of Josiah's Ale.

Watch out, there are period actors who may just slide in the seat next to you and start arguing about how there should be independance for the colonies, and can you believe that there was an attack on the Magazine just last eve? "Must've been the English," the gentleman mutters beside me as he slams down his silver stein.

Before long, you are transported by the candlelight conversation back to 1775, and feel the energy of the beginnings of something special about to happen.

No reservations possible. Seating is first come first serve. Get there at least half hour before opening or there are long waits. Another good time is if you arive late, like 9pm or after.

Dress Code: Casual.

Coming Soon...

Dress Code: Totally Casual

Well, it's not exactly nightlife because most of the Williamsburg restaurants close fairly early. I guess you could call it "evening life."
Here I am tasting a cold Colonial ale.