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Chamber shifts marketing efforts toward food, activities

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As the Williamsburg Taste Festival offers culinary delights through Sunday, it also marks progress toward a rebranded Greater Williamsburg area.

Karen Riordan, president and CEO of the Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance, said she envisions Williamsburg as a destination for foodies of all ages.

It’s a focus that emphasizes the myriad of established restaurants, such as the Trellis and Riverwalk Restaurant, alongside hit newcomers such as Billsburg Brewery and Amber Ox Public House.

“I just think now’s the right time to put that all together,” Riordan said. “If we can start to really emphasize that and bring that to light, we think that’s going to be a very positive thing for our area.”

Williamsburg Taste Festival patrons check out hors d'oeuvres and art during Thursday's Kick Off Party.
Williamsburg Taste Festival patrons check out hors d’oeuvres and art during Thursday’s Kick Off Party.

Riordan said similar endeavors paid off in Richmond, and she hopes to take a page from the same book. But in an area often associated with its rich history and tradition, Riordan said she believes the classic idea of Williamsburg can coexist with its new offerings.

“I think it fits. I think it all fits in some unique way,” said Debi Schaefer, executive director of the Williamsburg Area Restaurant Association. She lauded the greater variety being available throughout town, but said the taverns and other holdovers remain as much an option as ever.

Patrons sample the Williamsburg Taste Festival oyster bar inside the Stryker Center Thursday.
Patrons sample the Williamsburg Taste Festival oyster bar inside the Stryker Center Thursday.

Beyond cuisine, the chamber is also highlighting sports and outdoor activities, with soccer, field hockey, softball and other sports appealing to younger audiences, as well as running and cycling, which can also appeal to an older crowd.

“Together, you get this nice mix,” Riordan said.

In addition to sports, she said general recreation in the form of the Virginia Capital Trail are also big draws at the moment.

“People are really excited about doing something that’s recreational exercise,” Riordan said.

It’s all part of an effort to attract as many people as possible, from young professionals to families and empty nesters.

Moving forward, Riordan envisions four legs holding up the metaphorical table that is Williamsburg: history and attractions such as Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens, the food and beverage scene, the arts scene and outdoor recreation.

“These are the four categories we’re really working on to promote ourselves for the whole year,” Riordan said.

Schaefer said she was excited to see the variety available in Williamsburg in 2018 compared to 20 years prior, in terms of restaurant offerings and beyond.

“I think people, no matter what they’re doing now, whether they’re going kayaking or going to the beach, they want an experience. They want to walk away with a feeling,” she said. “I don’t think we’re departing anything. I think we’re growing into something.”

Want to go?

For a compete Williamsburg Taste Festival schedule, visit williamsburgtastefestival.com.

Guests snack and converse during the Kick Off Party Thursday.
Guests snack and converse during the Kick Off Party Thursday.

Birkenmeyer can be reached by phone at 757-790-3029.