Aristocracy Never Dies
The King's Arms Tavern stands as Colonial Williamsburg's most prestigious dining establishment, where only the gentry could afford to dine in the 18th century. Mrs. Jane Vobe's tavern hosted governors, burgesses, and wealthy planters - many of whom continue to attend dinner parties that ended centuries ago. Unlike common alehouses, the King's Arms attracted those who shaped colonial Virginia's destiny. Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, and George Washington all dined here, and some say their spirits occasionally return for meals they can no longer taste but seemingly still enjoy.
Where Power Dined and Died
Mrs. Vobe's Domain
Jane Vobe ran the King's Arms with iron determination, creating the colony's most exclusive dining experience. When she died in the building in 1786, her dedication to hospitality apparently transcended death. Her spirit never left, continuing to oversee service with the same exacting standards she demanded in life.
Revolutionary Gatherings
Before the Revolution, the King's Arms hosted secret meetings where Virginia's leaders planned independence. Several conspirators were later executed for treason, their ghosts returning to the last place they felt safe. These phantom patriots still debate liberty, unaware their revolution succeeded.
The Duel's Aftermath
In 1778, two young gentlemen fought a duel over a woman who dined at the King's Arms. The loser died in the tavern's parlor, his blood staining floorboards that refuse to stay clean. His spirit remains, forever waiting for a love who never returned.
The Eternal Dinner Party
Mrs. Jane Vobe
The proprietress appears in period dress, checking table settings and supervising invisible staff. Diners report feeling scrutinized, place settings mysteriously correcting themselves, and hearing a woman's voice saying 'That's not proper.' She's particularly active when modern service falls below her colonial standards.
The Gentleman Duelist
A young man in bloodstained colonial attire haunts the parlor, eternally dying from his duel wounds. He appears at sunset, the time of his death, clutching his chest and calling for someone named Catherine. Guests report feeling overwhelming sadness in his presence.
The Phantom Diners
Full dinner parties manifest after closing, with transparent figures in powdered wigs dining on invisible meals. Staff arriving early report finding chairs moved into conversation circles and the lingering smell of colonial delicacies no longer served.
Fine Dining with the Dead
The Service Phenomena
Plates move on their own, silverware rearranges itself into proper settings, and napkins fold themselves. Some diners report their food tasting different than expected - modern dishes suddenly having colonial flavors. Wine glasses refill mysteriously, though charged customers insist they didn't order more.
The Colonial Overlap
During certain atmospheric conditions, the entire tavern shifts temporally. Modern diners report briefly seeing the room as it was in 1775 - different decorations, candles instead of electric lights, and fellow diners in colonial attire who vanish when directly observed.
An Appointment with History
The King's Arms Tavern operates as Colonial Williamsburg's finest restaurant, maintaining Mrs. Vobe's high standards - perhaps because she's still watching. Reservations are essential, as both living and dead seem to compete for tables. Evening dining offers the most paranormal activity, particularly in the parlor where the duel victim died. Staff, while maintaining professional discretion, acknowledge their ghostly colleagues with careful respect. They've learned that acknowledging Mrs. Vobe's presence ensures smoother service. For the full haunted experience, order period-appropriate dishes and maintain proper colonial etiquette - Mrs. Vobe's ghost responds favorably to good manners. And if your place setting suddenly improves or your wine glass mysteriously refills, just nod politely. You're dining with history, and at the King's Arms, history has very particular standards.
