An unforgettable farm-to-table experience in the heart of Charles City.
We had the absolute pleasure of attending a Sunday lunch at Peace Hill Farm in Charles City, Virginia on April 6, and it was nothing short of magical. Set outdoors behind the historic farmhouse, the setting was as perfect as the weather—sunny skies, blooming trees, and the peaceful charm of the countryside.
Chef Eric Garcia, who also happens to be the farm manager, prepared a spectacular multi-course meal that showcased the best of local ingredients. Fun fact: Chef Eric was formerly a chef at the famous Trellis Restaurant in Williamsburg, so it’s no surprise the food was incredible. We started with a beautifully arranged charcuterie board featuring Virginia artisanal cheeses and Peace Hill Farm–cured meats, perfectly paired with a 2023 Thomas Henry Pinot Noir. The butternut squash soup with rosemary and sage was a standout, followed by slow-roasted barbacoa-style beef with local oyster mushrooms and thyme potato gruyere flan—rich, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Portions were generous, and they even encouraged guests to go back for seconds—something we happily took advantage of! For dessert, the hummingbird cake with toasted pecans and mocha caramel sauce was divine, and the locally roasted coffee from Flying Kite in Williamsburg was the perfect finish. I wish I had taken photos, but everything was so delicious I dove right in without even thinking about it!
Our host, Susan Wise Bauer, welcomed everyone with warmth and grace, and her children helped serve throughout the meal, adding a personal, family touch. Susan and her husband, Peter, own Peace Hill Farm, and their roots in the property run deep. According to family records, the name “Peace Hill” dates back to a 1614 treaty signed between English settlers and the local Chickahominy tribe right on these grounds. The land has remained in Susan’s family through the generations, once owned by Luther and Amelia Morecock during the Great Depression, and later inherited by Susan’s mother, Jessie Tench Wise. In 1991, Susan and Peter moved back to the farm, and in 2009, they purchased the adjacent fifty-acre parcel—including the charming turn-of-the-century farmhouse that now serves as the Bed & Breakfast at Peace Hill.
This lovingly preserved property still bears the historic touches of its agricultural past: beadboard walls, hand-blown glass windows, random-width pine floors, and original chicken houses made from local timber. Artifacts from its late-nineteenth-century farming life remain, including feeders, nesting boxes, and even a family graveyard visible from the house. The deep sense of history adds a meaningful layer to the experience.
The lunch event itself was intimate, with about 30 guests in attendance—that’s their typical limit—and it created a cozy, communal feel. These events tend to sell out well in advance, so be sure to check their calendar early and reserve a spot through their website.
After the meal, we took a hayride tour of the 100-acre farm and were lucky enough to meet brand new baby lambs! We also visited pigs, cows, chickens, horses, and goats while learning about the family’s sustainable and regenerative farming practices. Susan raises heritage breeds like Leicester Longwool sheep (once favored by George Washington), Angora goats, and Mangalitsa pigs. The property includes mixed pastures, orchards, a vegetable garden, wooded paths, and a fishing pond—making it not just a farm, but a living, working piece of Virginia history.
Peace Hill Farm offers more than just Sunday lunches—they also host afternoon teas and seasonal events throughout the year. If you’re looking to stay longer, they offer on-site camping through Hipcamp and Harvest Hosts, a cozy Airbnb cottage, and a beautifully restored B&B.
Peace Hill Farm is located at 18401 The Glebe Lane, Charles City, VA 23030. To explore upcoming events, book a farm stay, or reserve a seat at their next lunch, visit www.peacehillfarm.com.
This place is a true hidden gem—rich in history, rooted in family, and absolutely worth a visit.
I’m John Womeldorf—also known as Mr. Williamsburg—a local realtor, community connector, and lifelong lover of all things Virginia. When I’m not helping folks buy and sell homes across the region, I’m out exploring hidden gems like Peace Hill Farm and sharing them with others who appreciate authentic, local experiences.
I believe every place has a story, and I love spotlighting the people, history, and heart behind the destinations that make this region so special. Whether it’s a scenic trail, a local festival, a tucked-away café, or a farm lunch like this one, I enjoy helping both residents and visitors discover the charm and richness of life in Greater Williamsburg and beyond.
If you know of a local business, event, or experience worth sharing—or if you’re looking for your own piece of Virginia to call home—I’d love to connect. You can reach me anytime at john@mrwilliamsburg.com or 757-254-8136. You can also find more of my stories and real estate insights at mrwilliamsburg.com.