WILLIAMSBURG — Williamsburg drew national attention this morning as Al Roker, Dylan Dreyer and actor Patton Oswalt appeared on NBC’s Today show to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary.
During the broadcast, Roker, Dreyer and Oswalt talked about Williamsburg’s history, food and local businesses.
“We all know that this place is here, but to actually come and experience it, to feel the history and to hear the stories, that’s what is so special about the Today show being here,” Dreyer said.
The segment also featured pancakes from three local restaurants. The anchors sampled offerings from Southern Pancake House, Mama Steve’s House of Pancakes and Not Another Pancake House before attempting to stack their own.
Mark Wright, owner of Mama Steve’s House of Pancakes, said it was meaningful to see his family’s restaurant featured for a national audience.
“My family and I have been in business for 60 years. Four generations have owned it. We’re grateful to be able to be here and to show the nation what we do for both the tourists and the locals,” Wright said.
Fans of NBC’s “Today” show arrived early with signs and filled the lawn at the Governor’s Palace as airtime approached. Members of William & Mary’s Class of 2026 were also on hand ahead of the university’s commencement ceremony later that day.
Returning to Williamsburg for the first time since the nation’s bicentennial, Al Roker said he was struck by how little the historic area has changed over the past 50 years.
“Having been here for the 200th anniversary, it’s good to see that nothing has changed. This is a living snapshot of American history that comes to life every day,” Roker said. “If anything has changed over 50 years, it’s the recognition that everything wasn’t perfect. There were enslaved people here, there were indentured servants. All those people came together to make this country what it is today.”
The show also highlighted several local shops, restaurants and attractions, such as Sweethaven Lavender of Williamsburg, The Peanut Shop of Williamsburg, Alewerks Brewing Company, Ryan Eure Designs, Perfectly Natural Soap, Mobjack Coffee Roasters, Jamestown Settlement, Yorktown, Steamer Wagon in Yorktown, Colonial Williamsburg, The Cheese Shop and the Jamestown Glasshouse.
Ed Harris, CEO of Visit Williamsburg, the area’s tourism marketing organization, said the broadcast puts the Historic Triangle in front of a national audience.
‘This is a great opportunity to see Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown on a national stage, as everyone is gearing up to celebrate America250,” Harris said.
A nationwide audience will return to Williamsburg on July 4, when PBS plans a live broadcast from Colonial Williamsburg as part of the Independence Day celebration.