Williamsburg Lodge, Autograph Collection

The Williamsburg Lodge as well as the Williamsburg Inn earned the Forbes Travel Guide 4-Star rating in 2014. The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg was also recognized as the only 4-Star rated Spa in the state of Virginia.

http://blog.forbestravelguide.com/the-2014-forbes-travel-guide-star-award-winners

Colonial Williamsburg Resort Collection featured in 43 pages of special collector's issue of "Paula Deen's Christmas"

Colonial Christmas is the centerpiece of a special collector's issue of "Paula Deen's Christmas" due on newsstands October 14. Southern cooking maven Paula Deen, her husband, Michael Groover, and the editorial staff of the magazine "Cooking with Paula Deen" visited the Williamsburg Inn and Historic Area to experience the magic of Colonial Williamsburg and take photographs for the special issue.


A few surprised visitors came upon the sessions, and the gracious Paula Deen greeted those who recognized her with her warm "Hey, y'all" and a big hug, and was happy to pose with guests who wanted a picture of themselves with Deen taken with their personal cameras.


Colonial Williamsburg arranged for Deen to be photographed having afternoon tea with Patrick Henry in the Terrace Room at the Inn, "shopping" in the Prentis Store and the Golden Ball on Duke of Gloucester St., visiting the Anderson Blacksmith and learning from Historic Foodways interpreter Jim Gay how chocolate was made in the 18th century. Colonial Williamsburg's costume shop fitted Deen from head to toe in colonial dress a fine lady would have worn, and she took a carriage ride, shopped and visited the Margaret Hunter milliner shop, which had created a hand-made black and red changeable silk cloak muff and hat for her.


The special issue showcases Colonial Williamsburg as a destination along with its distinctive holiday dcor and cuisine. In addition to enjoying a romantic holiday dinner in the Regency Room with her husband, Paula spent a considerable amount of time with the culinary staff of the Williamsburg Inn. The unprecedented 43-page magazine feature includes many recipes from the Inn, some adapted by Deen and her own chefs. She also learned a few tricks about how the floral staff at the Inn and the foundation's nursery staff create the famous natural decorations enjoyed by guests every year inside the resort hotels and throughout the Historic Area.


Dozens of staff from throughout the foundation worked on these photo shoots to showcase what Colonial Williamsburg offers, and many Colonial Williamsburg staff members are included in the magazine photos. The resulting photography is sumptuous and presents Colonial Williamsburg to a national audience.


"We are very proud of this issue and happy to promote our country's history," said Cindy Smith Cooper, editorial director for "Cooking with Paula Deen" magazine. "I think this special edition will fly off shelves and be a popular keepsake issue!"


The special issue is sure to be a collector's item for anyone who loves the magic of Colonial Williamsburg during the Christmas season. It is available at Colonial Williamsburg retail outlets, local bookstores, on newsstands nationally or from the magazine's Web site [url]http://www.cookingwithpauladeen.com[/url].


Established in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is the not-for-profit educational institution that preserves and operates the restored 18th-century Revolutionary capital of Virginia as a town-sized living history museum, telling the inspirational stories of our nation's founding men and women. Within the restored and reconstructed buildings, historic interpreters, attired as colonial men and women from slaves to shopkeepers to soldiers, relate stories of colonial Virginia society and culture - stories of our journey to become Americans - while historic trades people research, demonstrate and preserve the 18th-century world of work and industry. As Colonial Williamsburg interprets life in the time of the American Revolution for its guests, it also invites them to interact with history. "Revolutionary City" - a dramatic live street theater presentation, is a 2008 Rand McNally Best-of-the-Road Editor's Pick. Williamsburg is located in Virginia's Tidewater region, 20 minutes from Newport News, within an hour's drive of Richmond and Norfolk, and 150 miles south of Washington, D.C., off Interstate 64. For more information about Colonial Williamsburg, call 1-800-HISTORY or visit Colonial Williamsburg's Web site at [url]www.history.org[/url].

Media Contact:
Barbara Brown
(757) 220-7280

Colonial Williamsburg Resort Collection culinary director honored by American Culinary Federation

The American Academy of Chefs, the honor society of the American Culinary Federation, honored Hans Schadler with its Chef Good Taste Award at its annual meeting and induction dinner in Las Vegas July 19.

The September issue of National Culinary Review announced the award is presented "for furthering chefs' greatest achievement - taste - and upholding the tradition of classic cuisine." Schadler is executive chef and culinary director for Colonial Williamsburg, which operates four colonial dining taverns, the Regency Room in the Williamsburg Inn, and the restaurants at the Williamsburg Lodge, the clubhouse grills at the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club, Huzzah! and catering services for its resort and conference facilities.

Schadler received his culinary training in Frankfurt, Germany, and was bestowed an honorary doctorate in culinary science from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, R.I. He is a nationally recognized leader in the food industry, serving as chairperson of the renowned Resort Food Executive Committee of the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

Chef Schadler has garnered numerous accolades during his tenure with Colonial Williamsburg. He twice seized the Virginia Governor's Cup and Seafood Challenge, was awarded the American Culinary Federation's Residential Achievement Medal twice and was elected Chef of the Year three times by the Virginia Chefs Association. Schadler also reinstated a culinary apprenticeship program that offers youth participants the opportunity to receive hands-on training, workplace readiness skills and positive character building.

During his tenure in Williamsburg, Chef Schadler turned down opportunities to work at the White House under two U.S. presidents - Reagan and Clinton. "Colonial Williamsburg's hectic event schedule and sophisticated clientele allow me to constantly stretch my culinary skills," said Chef Schadler. "Our guests have high expectations, and I enjoy the challenge."

Prior to joining Colonial Williamsburg, Chef Schadler held the position of executive chef of the Caneel Bay Resort in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, where he had served in similar capacity from 1968-1974. At Caneel Bay, Chef Schadler supervised four restaurants that ranged from a casual, beachfront caf to the elegant Turtle Bay Estate House.

Established in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is the not-for-profit educational institution that preserves and operates the restored 18th-century Revolutionary capital of Virginia as the nation's largest living history museum. The Colonial Williamsburg Company, a subsidiary of the Foundation, operates a Resort Collection with more than 1,000 guest rooms among five hotels including the landmark Williamsburg Inn, four historic dining taverns and six restaurants, and 66,000 square feet of conference space centered at the Williamsburg Lodge, as well as a new 20,000-square-foot spa, and the Golden Horseshoe golf courses. Each purchase of Colonial Williamsburg products and services supports the Foundation's preservation, research, and educational programs.

Williamsburg is located in Virginia's Tidewater region, 20 minutes from Newport News, within an hour's drive of Richmond and Norfolk, and 150 miles south of Washington, D.C., off Interstate 64. For more information about Colonial Williamsburg, call 1-800-HISTORY or visit Colonial Williamsburg's Web site at [url]www.colonialwilliamsburgresort.com[/url] or [url]www.colonialwilliamsburgresort.com/golf[/url].

Media Contact:
Barbara Brown
(757) 220-7121

May 19, 2008

Journey to 18th-century Williamsburg and the American Revolution on just one tank of gas

The drama of life during the American Revolution in 18th-century Williamsburg and memorable family experiences of The Revolutionary City are just one tank of gas away. Park your vehicle on arrival and board Colonial Williamsburg's natural gas-powered buses for free transportation throughout America's Historic Triangle - Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown. A 20-bus fleet offers convenient transportation for ticketed guests every 20 minutes from the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center to the Historic Area and the Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, and provides regular service to Jamestown and Yorktown along the scenic Colonial Parkway. When you're ready to return home, your car will be waiting for you.


Embark on a family adventure in The Revolutionary City and live the life and times of the residents of 18th-century Williamsburg as they evolve from royal subjects of the British king to self-governing citizens of a new nation. Live the experience with them as they see "The Collapse of Royal Government," endure the trials and triumphs of "Citizens at War," and set about "Building a Nation."


"Get Revved!" is the newest addition to the daily, award-winning Revolutionary City interactive dramatic presentation. Geared to younger guests, "Get Revved!" prepares young citizens for their Revolutionary City experience and offers the chance to interact one-on-one with some of the People of the Past portrayed in "The Revolutionary City."


At the Brickyard in the Historic Area, youngsters stomp around - knee-deep in the clay pit -- assisting the brickmakers attain the proper mix of clay and water then transfer the molded clay to drying beds to make real bricks.


Re-fuel family energies with dinner in a colonial tavern offering historic favorites and savory dishes for today's tastes. Balladeers and other entertainers provide a rousing finish to a family meal.


Family fun continues into the evening in the Revolutionary City After Dark. Young patriots and their families will enjoy programs that include "Gambols" - lively 18th-century entertainments including balladeers and period games at Chowning's Tavern - plus "African American Music" at Great Hopes Plantation, "Dance, Our Dearest Diversion" at the Capitol, Lanthorn Tours of historic trades shops by candlelight and "Mama Said, Papa Said" - a compelling oral history experience of the enslaved - at the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum.


The Museums of Colonial Williamsburg offer several summer programs suited for younger guests:


"Wee Folk" explores the museum galleries with fun stories and activities (ages 3-7) ,

"Crack The Code" investigates the secret codes of the American Revolution (8 and older),

"Small Wonders" tours "A Child's Eye View" exhibition of toy trains, dolls and dollhouses, and

"Teen Tours" are self-guided audio tours of the museums that were created and recorded by local high school students and reflect their unique perspectives and interests.

"Colonial Kids Club" is a popular day camp for children of hotel guests offered from mid-June to Aug. 31. Daily supervised activities for children aged 5 - 12 include arts and crafts, 18th-century children's games, visits to kid-friendly sites in the Historic Area, lunch and the company of other children. Activities vary daily and offer parents confidence their children are safe, secure and engaged under the direction of qualified activities counselors.


While the children are engaged in activities with other youngsters, moms and dads can seize the opportunity to enjoy a few simple pleasures of their own. Whether it be a challenging round of golf on one of the Golden Horseshoe golf courses, a rejuvenating visit to The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg, shopping in the Historic Area stores and Merchants Square, or perusing the new menu for a leisurely lunch in one of the colonial taverns, when opportunity knocks, savor the moment for some personal time.


Your one-tank journey begins by calling 1-800-HISTORY for information about family vacation packages, or visit us online at www.history.org.


Established in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is the not-for-profit educational institution that preserves and operates the restored 18th-century Revolutionary capital of Virginia as a town-sized living history museum, telling the inspirational stories of our nation's founding men and women. Within the restored and reconstructed buildings, historic interpreters, attired as colonial men and women from slaves to shopkeepers to soldiers, relate stories of colonial Virginia society and culture - stories of our journey to become Americans - while historic tradespeople research, demonstrate and preserve the 18th-century world of work and industry. As Colonial Williamsburg interprets life in the time of the American Revolution for its guests, it also invites them to interact with history. "Revolutionary City" - a daily dramatic live street theater presentation - is a 2008 Rand McNally Best-of-the-Road Editor's Pick. Williamsburg is located in Virginia's Tidewater region, 20 minutes from Newport News, within an hour's drive of Richmond and Norfolk, and 150 miles south of Washington, D.C., off Interstate 64. For more information about Colonial Williamsburg, call 1-800-HISTORY or visit Colonial Williamsburg's Web site at www.history.org.

Media Contact:
Jim Bradley
(757) 220-7281

CW's Golden Horseshoe named "Best Resort for Family Foursomes" by Golf Odyssey

Colonial Williamsburg's Golden Horseshoe Golf Club has received a 2007-08 "Platinum Places" award from "Golf Odyssey: The Insider's Guide to Sophisticated Golf Travel" in the category of "Best Resorts for Family Foursomes." In bestowing the award, Golf Odyssey singled out the Golden Horseshoe for its superior golf, lodging, dining and non-golf activities.


Golf Odyssey is a subscription newsletter dedicated to golf travel and does not accept advertising from golf courses, resorts, hotels or restaurants. Its reviewers travel anonymously and pay their own expenses when reviewing a property.


"We are very pleased to be recognized as a Best Resort for Family Foursomes," said Glen Byrnes, director of golf for the Golden Horseshoe. "The Golden Horseshoe offers individual and group lessons, a junior golf program and summer golf camp, tournaments and varying levels of play on three courses. When the golf is over, families can visit the Historic Area and museums, enjoy the spa, play tennis, swim, rent bicycles, shop, walk the nature trails and enjoy a wide variety of dining and lodging options."


Opened in 1963, the Golden Horseshoe Gold Course combines panoramic views with intriguing and often-difficult shot demands; or as designer Robert Trent Jones Sr. called it, "a natural arboretum upon which a great golf course has been built. The overall result is perfection!" At 6,817 yards from the back tees, the Gold Course is an enduring example of traditional golf course architecture - walkable and free of surrounding real estate development.


The Green Course opened in 1991 and proudly claims a subtle meld of virtues. The 7,120-yard, par-72 layout has clearly established its own identity. It has achieved its goal of enhanced "playability" and tends to be the favorite among middle- and high-handicappers, compared with the somewhat more challenging Gold Course next door.


The nine-hole Spotswood is a splendid gathering place for families, while remaining both a challenge to experienced golfers and a delight for junior golfers and beginners alike. Measuring 1,865 yards at its longest, the Spotswood Course includes a 480-yard par 5, par 4s of 285 and 305 yards, and six par-3 holes that vary from 90 to 215 yards.


Colonial Williamsburg's Resort Collection, which includes the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club, provides guests a choice of more than 1,000 guest rooms among five distinctive hotel properties surrounding Colonial Williamsburg's renowned Historic Area. The Resort Collection is owned by The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, the private, not-for-profit educational institution that preserves and operates the restored 18th-century Revolutionary capital of Virginia. Purchase of Colonial Williamsburg resort services and products supports the Foundation's preservation, research, and educational programs.


More information about Colonial Williamsburg is available online at www.ColonialWilliamsburg.com or www.GoldenHorsehoeGolf.com or by calling toll-free 1-800-HISTORY (447-8679). Williamsburg, Va., is located within an hour's drive of Richmond or Norfolk, 150 miles south of Washington, D.C., just off Interstate 64.

Media Contact:
Barbara Brown
(757) 220-7280

May 6, 2008

The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg named to Conde Nast Hot List

The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg is named in the May issue of Cond Nast Traveler as one of nine spas in the United States to make the magazine's 12th annual list of the hottest new hotels, restaurants, spas and clubs all over the globe. To develop the list, the magazine's editors evaluate hundreds of new properties around the world, rigorously evaluating each one on a standard set of criteria. Correspondents visit the properties anonymously to ensure their evaluations are fair and untainted.


The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg opened in the spring of 2007 in the Georgian Revival building that formerly housed the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, which moved to new and expanded exhibit space in the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum location in early 2007.


Treatments in the 20,000-square-foot spa provide a 21st-century interpretation of five centuries of relaxation and wellness practices from European, African and American Indian cultures. The spa's signature scent of lavender lemongrass wafts through the three-story former museum which reflects Colonial Williamsburg's Historic Area with the use of brick, hand-crafted furnishings and light fixtures and the soothing blue color reminiscent of water. Natural light flows into nearly every area of the spa through the large mullioned windows that overlook formal gardens. Framed photographs of historic Virginia gardens from the Library of Virginia are displayed throughout the spa, furthering the sense of place the spa provides.


"From the very beginning, the team that created our spa had a vision of a spa that would reflect the educational mission of the foundation while providing a rejuvenating guest experience in a serene, private, beautiful setting," said Kate Mearns, spa director and former chairman of the International Spa Association (ISPA). "The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg is the result of the passion and creativity of some phenomenal people - architects, historians, craftsmen, internationally known spa professionals and Colonial Williamsburg's leadership. By incorporating historically interpreted wellness treatments in a 21st-century setting, we have created a spa that meets all those criteria. And the dedicated and hard-working staff provides service and professionalism that our guests appreciate. After 16 years of working in the spa industry, I am well aware that accolades such as this are not easily earned."


The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg includes men's and women's changing rooms with lockers and private showers, steam room and whirlpool baths; an indoor lap pool, 12 treatment rooms, including one for couples, three relaxation lounges, a full fitness center, conservatory salon and retail sales of spa products. A fully trained staff is on the premises daily. The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg is located at 307 S. England St. and is open to hotel guests and day visitors. For more information, call (757) 220-7720 or (800) 688-6479 or visit www.TheSpaOfColonialWilliamsburg.com


In addition to The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg, the eight other American spas named on the Hot List are Spa Solage, Calistoga, Calif.; Voda Spa, Los Angeles, Calif.; Spa Desert Springs, Palm Desert, Calif.; Spa at Grand Del Mar, San Diego, Calif.; Drift Spa, Las Vegas, Nev.; Spa at Four Seasons, Austin, Texas; Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, Texas; and Solitude Spa, Jackson Hole, Wyo.


Established in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is the not-for-profit educational institution that preserves and operates the restored 18th-century Revolutionary capital of Virginia as the nation's largest living history museum. The Colonial Williamsburg Company, a subsidiary of the Foundation, operates a Resort Collection with more than 1,000 guest rooms among five hotels including the landmark Williamsburg Inn, four historic dining taverns and six restaurants, and 66,000 square feet of conference space centered at the Williamsburg Lodge, as well as a new 20,000-square-foot spa, and the Golden Horseshoe golf courses. Each purchase of Colonial Williamsburg products and services supports the Foundation's preservation, research, and educational programs.


Williamsburg is located in Virginia's Tidewater region, 20 minutes from Newport News, within an hour's drive of Richmond and Norfolk, and 150 miles south of Washington, D.C., off Interstate 64. For more information about Colonial Williamsburg, call 1-800-HISTORY or visit Colonial Williamsburg's Web site at www.ColonialWilliamsburg.com or www.goldenhorsehoegolf.com.

Media Contact:
Barbara Brown
(757) 220-7280