The Carrot Tree in Williamsburg, VA
The Carrot Tree Williamsburg, 1782 Jamestown Rd Williamsburg VA
757- 229- 0957
I was inspired to write about the Carrot Tree earlier this week as I was eating left over wedding cake for the third day in a row. It was all I had eaten all day, coffee and cake! I simply refused to throw it away because it was so first-rate. My sister’s wedding reception was August 1st and the cake was provided by the Carrot Tree. It was beautiful and bridal and every thing a wedding cake should be for those “cut the cake” pictures. It was also appetizing. Really. Not dried out or tasting like somebody baked it a week ago like some wedding cakes I’ve tasted. This cake was yummy. My sister picked out an almond cake but as my son has allergies to nuts she asked for the very top of the cake to be chocolate instead for the kids. I was lucky enough to get a taste of that too. Yum!
According to the website the Carrot Tree has been in Williamsburg since 1984. Some how it seems like it has always been there. I have over the years ordered lemon bars, brownies and other tasty goodies for various events from office parties to baptisms and have never been the least bit disappointed. Their reputation for the best place in Williamsburg to buy baked goods is well founded
In addition the Carrot Tree includes a sit down restaurant. I don’t possess I’ve ever eaten any thing but sweets at the Carrot Tree and so in preparation for this article the kids and I drive over for lunch. There is a bulky lunch menu with appetizers, salads, sandwiches and more. Check the website. I opt for a salad, Debi’s Summer Salad and the kids go for sandwiches. As I am placing my order the young lady at the counter asks me if I want chips or apples with the sandwiches. I opt for apples. “Safe choice” says a woman coming out of the kitchen. She turns out to be the owner. She is not only passionate about grand food and certainly good cake, but about real food and nutrition. We have an entire discussion about food choices and menu options and people choosing apples over chips and families who leave because she doesn’t serve chicken nuggets and French fries. Honestly. How could you leave the Carrot Tree over a lack of fried foods? There are so many other options?
We have our black Labrador with us (that is a long tale in itself) and so we choose to sit outside on the back deck. Our meals are brought to us. Both grilled cheese sandwiches disappear entirely and the two turkey and cheese on whole grain/multi grain bread are eaten up as well. The apples are not only better for you than chips they are fresh, crisp and juicy. My salad has lovely fresh baby greens, Brie, strawberries, almonds and dressing on the side. They carry lemonade by Nantucket Nectars and water bottled locally in Williamsburg. I will have to look into this!
The Carrot Tree is an excellent choice for a meal, a desert or both. The food is beneficial and it is novel and made with wholesome ingredients. It is the kind of food we don’t make anymore, but wish we did. The atmosphere is casual and fun, with room for dining in and room for dining outside. The baked goods are legendary and more than worth a stop.
How to find it: if you are visiting Williamsburg you will find most of the Colonial Area runs along Rte 60 also called Richmond Rd. From Merchants Square, take Jamestown Rd. with the college on your right, and continue along Jamestown Rd towards Jamestown and the Ferry. You will see the Carrot Tree on your left before Cook’s Greenhouse. It is a hike from the Colonial Area, but worth it. Of course if you are visiting Jamestown anyway then plan a stop to the Carrot Tree on your way.
If you are on the 199 loop turn onto Jamestown Road away from Williamsburg and towards Jamestown and the Ferry. Continue as above, for some time along Jamestown Rd. You will stare the Carrot Tree on your left before you reach Cook’s Greenhouse.
