For anyone who has ever wondered what it would be like to sit back and enjoy a great meal in an 18th century tavern, Michie Tavern is the place to visit. Once you enter this large white tavern, you will instantly be greeted with over two hundred years of courteous service and history.
The hostess and servers at Michie Tavern are adorned with period costumes and invite travelers in to enjoy amazing homemade meals, which are based on period recipes. The elaborate southern buffet typically includes fried chicken, hickory pork barbeque, black eyed peas, and the mouth-watering southern staple–fresh cornbread.
Aside from providing guests with an unforgettable meal, the staff and atmosphere of Michie Tavern takes visitors back in time to the taverns beginnings. Taverns around the time of 1784 were also community centers or town hall type establishments. Guests can tour the upstairs where a multipurpose assembly room awaits them. The tavern assembly room served the purpose of school room, ballroom, worship hall and even a place for weary travelers to stay overnight. There is also a lady’s parlor.
The outer grounds of Michie Tavern offer interesting insights into early American culture and goods. The path outside takes visitors to a clothier shop, market place, metal shop and general store. The shops sell everything from local wines, colonial toys and games, jewelry, pewter, collectibles, apparel, history books and pottery. The swords, documents, dolls and period clothing are all a history buffs dream.
The tours do more than show guests the tavern. You’ll learn a lot about how 18th century life was really lived. Games and dancing are taught and children are encouraged to take part in the lessons and festivities.
The tavern tours and buffet are year round events and reasonably priced. Local residents can tour the tavern for free. For parties of 15 or more for the meal and tour, reservations are recommended.
Michie Tavern is one local attraction anyone interested in tavern life and early American history should take the time to see. The meal and tour leave a lasting impression while educating visitors about the realities of 18th century American life