Michie Tavern

The original tavern is on the VA Historic landmarks register, where tours take you back to the days of stagecoach travel. The Ordinary serves an old fashioned southern style buffet between 11:30 and 3:00, and there is shopping galore in reconstructed period buildings. The Metal Smith has products made of copper, tin, brass, cast iron and pewter, while the Clothier carries handmade period clothing, civil war items, table and bed linens and new this year will be a line of modern clothing and accessories. The Tavern Gift Shop carries reproductions and small gifts. Established in 1927. Except for a few moments in history, Michie Tavern has served food to weary travelers . . . be it when it was an 18th century Tavern or a “new” 1920s tourist attraction. Soon after Mrs. J. Henderson relocated Michie Tavern to Monticello Mountain, she opened up a Tea Room and served light fare. This was during the 1930s and she served sandwiches as well as chicken. The second owner, Mrs. V. Thomas, tried her hand in the “restaurant business”. She served fried chicken, too. Neither lady was very successful. In the 1960s the current ownership created a southern buffet based on 18th century recipes. Yes, fried chicken was the staple; along with buttermilk biscuits and a variety of such southern delicacies as stewed tomatoes and black-eyed peas. This time the endeavor focused on “taste, quality, consistency, hospitality and history.” These remain the hallmarks of Michie Tavern’s midday fare. By the way, fried chicken has been a staple since the 18th century!