My dear friends, last night we had the most enjoyable evening at the EAGLE TAVERN and HOLIDAY NIGHTS in Greenfield Village (despite the rain!) If you are a foodie and a history buff, the Eagle Tavern is probably one of the most different restaurants you’ll ever experience! The warm glow of the Eagle Tavern – a stagecoach stop originally located in Clinton, Michigan – must have been a welcome sight to both traveler and local resident on a cold winter night during the 1850’s. It was moved to Greenfield Village by Henry Ford as part of his historic village which opened in 1929.
When you arrive at the tavern, you’ll be greeted by costumed tavern employees in character. The host takes you to your table which is communal. It’s a fun opportunity to talk with other history buffs and makes for interesting conversations with complete strangers! The lighting is by candlelight – no light bulbs were invented yet – and there’s a wood burning fireplace for days when there’s a chill in the air.
The hearty menu consists of authentic period food all made from recipes from about 1850. Our ‘holiday’ dinner menu began with squash soup, pork and apple pie, roasted chicken with cherry sauce, roasted rib of beef, brussels sprouts, carrots, herb roasted red potatoes, cranberry relish, applesauce and gingerbread cake for dessert. Everything is sourced from local farms and businesses, so you know it’s fresh…and oh so delicious!
A traveling merry band of entertainers have been asked by Calvin Wood, the tavern owner, to ‘sing for their supper’. They will delight you as you dine with holiday song and merriment!
Afterwards, the VILLAGE is open for touring (walking-off your dinner is a must-do!) with many holiday activities, music galore, sing-a-longs, horse-drawn wagon rides, Model Ts, ice skating, demonstrations and shopping until about 9:45 p.m. with a grand finale display of fireworks!
The Village streets are lined with the warm glow of lanterns and fire-pits for warming yourself. The historic homes and shops are decked-out in holiday finery as period-costumed ‘guides’ partake in an interactive discussion of 200-years of American holiday traditions – or NOT [such as the Puritan’s view of Christmas]!! Mummers, [a new term for me] dressed in ‘authentic’ costume, wander the streets and add to the atmosphere’s gayety!
I LOVE Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum…a little gem right here in our back-yard! Plan a family visit…you’ll be delighted!
Now, please pass the figgy-pudding!
Sheepy Hollow Farm 