ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Sunday, June 2, 1996                   TAG: 9606030042
SECTION: VIRGINIA                 PAGE: B-4  EDITION: METRO 
DATELINE: WILLIAMSBURG
SOURCE: Associated Press 

WILLIAMSBURG COINS HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS

Officials hope Colonial currency, live congressional debates, a multimillion-dollar educational center and new tavern fare will lure more visitors to Colonial Williamsburg.

``We have to keep improving the quality of what we offer and do a better job of informing visitors of the opportunities that exist here,'' Colonial Williamsburg President Robert Wilburn said.

The nearly 70-year-old living history museum wants to grab national and worldwide attention and is launching a variety of new programs.

Wilburn said visitors to the historic area will be able to exchange cash for Colonial currency in the next few weeks, much like one would when visiting another country. Leftover currency can be traded for dollars or kept as souvenirs.

Colonial Williamsburg educators hope the currency will transport visitors deeper into the 18th century experience.

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation said the Public Broadcasting Service will transmit congressional debates live from the restored Colonial capital Sept.29.

The Williamsburg Institute, a multimillion-dollar educational center, will open this fall to offer cooking classes, behind-the-scene tours and hands-on activities for small groups. It also will offer programs in decorating, silversmithing, gardening and other areas.

There will be garden interpretations at the Colonial Nursery daily through November, and visitors can buy 18th-century period plants, including garden phlox and cardinal flowers.

Wilburn said Chowning's Tavern has a new menu. ``It's what we call `pub grub' - an 18th-century version of fast food.''

But he said old favorites such as pork ribs and Brunswick stew remain.

The King's Arms Tavern will focus on steaks and chops, retaining most of its popular dishes, including game pie. Christiana Campbell's Tavern will remain a seafood tavern, and Shield's Tavern will offer meals similar to those served in 18th-century homes.

LENGTH: Short :   46 lines