On May 23, 2015, Ma Margaret’s House Culinary Service, in partnership with the Rice’s Hotel/Hughlett’s Tavern Foundation, celebrated the re-opening of “The Tavern” in Heathsville.
The Tavern now offers a unique and authentic food experience, designed to touch all five of the human senses: taste, smell, sight, sound, and touch. Patrons can enjoy food with a focus on local sourcing and recipes indigenous of the Chesapeake Bay region. “We want to honor this rich history by providing a taste of the past with a modern twist,” said Alva Jackson, owner of Ma Margaret’s House Culinary Services. Imagine a delicious slice of Country Ham raised in God’s country on a homemade sweet potato biscuit. That is just one of the many delectable offerings. Or why not have a cup of the House Blend Waterman’s coffee?
Rice’s Hotel / Hughlett’s Tavern is a historical treasure that has literally supported the foundation of our county, state, and country since the colonial period as a “gathering place.” It was the place to meet old friends, family, and conduct business.
The Tavern serves not only as a restaurant but a destination for the thousands of tourists who visit Heathsville. Next door is the Heritage Arts Center, which includes working artist studios, a gallery, and a splendid shop selling locally-crafted artisan wares.
The Tavern will be open on Fridays and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and it looks forward to expanding its hours to include more days and a Saturday brunch. The Heritage Arts Center is open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Rice’s Hotel / Hughlett’s Tavern is located at 73 Monument Place in Heathsville, just off Route 360 behind the old Northumberland Courthouse.