As the chill of winter gave way to warmer days, spring was a season of great anticipation in colonial Virginia. After months of enduring harsh weather, short days, and limited food supplies, colonists welcomed the return of sunshine, longer daylight, and the first signs of new life with open arms.

For farmers, spring marked the beginning of the planting season. Fields that had lain dormant through the winter were tilled and seeded with hopes of a bountiful harvest. Communities rallied together for the hard work of spring planting, often turning labor into social gatherings, complete with food, drink, and the promise of warmer days ahead.

In towns and villages, springtime brought a renewed sense of community. People who had kept to their homes through the colder months began to venture out again, and taverns quickly became central to that revival. These local hubs weren’t just for meals and drinks—they were the heart of the social scene. Travelers, tradesmen, and townsfolk alike would gather to exchange news, swap stories, and reconnect after winter’s long quiet.

With the new season came fresh ingredients. Colonial cooks and tavernkeepers made the most of what was sprouting—wild greens, early herbs like mint and lemon balm, and the occasional early berry or root. Recipes shifted from heavy, preserved winter fare to lighter, brighter offerings. Ales and ciders were infused with seasonal botanicals, and if you were fortunate, imported citrus might find its way into a punch or tonic, offering a rare but welcome zing of flavor.

Evenings at the tavern in spring were filled with music, laughter, and maybe even a little dancing by candlelight. It was a time for celebration—not just of the changing weather, but of resilience, of making it through another winter, and of the simple joys that came with gathering together once more.

So as we step into our own version of spring, we invite you to imagine what this season meant to our colonial neighbors. And maybe, as they did, take a moment to raise a glass—honoring the beauty of new beginnings and the enduring spirit of community that has always lived within these tavern walls.