The Trip That Inspired It All: A Week in Colonial Williamsburg
More than a destination—an invitation. That’s the phrase I keep coming back to as I reflect on my week-long trip to Colonial Williamsburg in April 2024. What started as a carefully planned getaway became the inspiration for The Welcome Effect—not because of the itinerary (though I made sure to leave no stone unturned), but because of the people who transformed my experience.
The Decision to Go
As someone who works in student ministry, I learned the hard way what happens when you save all your PTO until the end of the year. Determined to change that, I set aside time early in the year—during spring break when my students would be off—to take a much-needed breath before the sprint to summer.
After months of meticulous planning, I packed my bags and set out on a solo road trip to Williamsburg, VA, arriving on Good Friday. My goal? To experience everything. I had a schedule that would allow me to visit every tavern and restaurant, attend every evening program, and even take a carriage ride through the historic streets. But there was one thing I didn’t plan for—the way this place would make me feel.
The People Who Made History Come Alive
From the moment I stepped onto the property, I was met with an unexpected warmth. Every person I encountered—from the hosts and waitstaff to the historical interpreters and skilled tradespeople—exuded a sense of purpose and joy. It wasn’t just about playing a role or doing a job. It was about creating an experience, an invitation to step fully into another time.
One of the greatest surprises of the trip was the Nation Builders—a group of dedicated actor-historians who portray real figures from the 18th century. These individuals don’t just memorize speeches or perform scripted presentations. They embody the people they represent, engaging with guests in character, answering questions, and bringing context and nuance to history in a way that no textbook ever could.
I remember one particular conversation with Martha Washington—or rather, the woman portraying her. In a world that often reduces women of history to homemakers, she stood as a reminder of strength, influence, and leadership. She was graceful yet firm, engaging yet unshaken, and I found myself drawn to every event where she was featured. She, like so many others in Williamsburg, wasn’t just telling history—she was inviting us to understand it.
The Power of a Familiar Face… and cheesecake
The warmth of Williamsburg didn’t stop with the interpreters. It extended to the waitstaff, the hosts, and the everyday employees who made my stay feel like more than just a vacation—it felt like a return to somewhere familiar.
That feeling was embodied perfectly in Robert, a member of the waitstaff at The Terrace Room at the Williamsburg Inn. I first met him on Easter Sunday during brunch, where he wasn’t even my server, yet made a point to engage in conversation every time he passed my table. Sitting alone at a meal can be intimidating, but Robert’s kindness and attentiveness made the experience feel warm and effortless. He recommended the chocolate cheesecake, which became one of the many standout food experiences of my trip.
The cheesecake that started it all!
Later in the week, I returned for dinner, and Robert immediately recognized me. With the warmth of an old friend, he seated me in the section of a lovely waitress and struck up another conversation—this time, about all the experiences I’d been having that week. That small moment—of someone remembering me, making space for connection, and turning what could have been just another meal into a memory—became a shining example of what The Welcome Effect is all about.
The Unexpected Joy of Being Seen
Another memorable interaction came from the rhythm I unknowingly built into my seven-day stay.
Each morning, I started my day with a chocolate croissant and an herbal tea from McKenzie Apothecary before heading down to check on the baby calf, born just four months before my visit. Afterward, I would weave through the day’s schedule—visiting trades, exploring historical buildings, and attending various performances or talks.
Somewhere along the way, I started recognizing a familiar face among the staff. Mandy, a guide who rotated through different sites, would often be stationed at the houses I visited. Because I was there for a full week, we naturally began to acknowledge each other in passing.
One slow morning, after my usual visit with the calf, we struck up a conversation outside the Peyton Randolph House. We talked about work, training, and what it takes to be part of Colonial Williamsburg’s staff, but more than that, it was simply a genuine human connection. There was no agenda, no service exchange—just two people sharing stories.
That moment, like so many others, reminded me why The Welcome Effect matters. Hospitality isn’t just about serving a guest—it’s about seeing them. And for a solo traveler like me, feeling seen made all the difference.
What I Took Home With Me
I left Williamsburg with stories, inspiration, and a new perspective. I had gone expecting to be entertained, to eat good food, and to experience history firsthand. I left having felt welcomed into something bigger—a place where the past and present coexist, where history isn’t just preserved but lived.
As I start this journey with The Welcome Effect, my hope is to capture and share this feeling—the way a well-crafted welcome can transform an experience. It’s about more than just travel. It’s about the people behind the places, the ones who create the kind of warmth that makes a guest feel at home, no matter how far they’ve come.
Because in the end, the greatest journeys aren’t just about where you go. They’re about who welcomes you when you get there.
