boykin's tavern

We had a wonderful visit to this lovely eighteenth century tavern, having wanted to come for a few years. We were very disappointed to learn that it is closing permanently as a tourist attraction due to lack of public interest, so many of the previously displayed items were already moved out of the tavern. The building is being converted to administrative use by the county government by the end of June 2014. Shame on Isle of Wight County for not promoting it better! At least it is not falling back into disrepair!

This is an old colonial era building that was once a Tavern/Inn and then a private residence that is now a museum so don't be looking for alcohol refreshments! The building has been restored to the Colonial era. Admission is free and the guided tours last 1.5 hours. The tour is full of local history and the building has several of its rooms appointed with period antiques. The coolest room is the basement room, which back in the colonial days was the warming kitchen. Mary, our tour guide was very cordial and gave us a complete tour of all three floors that are open to the public, the top floor is not open to the public because it has not been restored yet.

This former tavern and home was owned by Boykin, who served with Patrick Henry and was at Valley Forge with Washington. It has been made into a small museum that houses some very beautiful antiques from the Revolutionary War era. It's been set up as it would have been during that time and they've done an excellent job of it. Would definitely recommend visiting this and then taking a short drive over to smithfield to see the beautiful old houses there.