The Third Hour of TODAY is ramping up for another road trip later this week.
As was announced last month, the show's hosts will be taking the one-hour TODAY after-show to Williamsburg, Virginia starting May 15.
© Getty ImagesWilliamsburg is seen as one of the most important destinations when it comes to exploring American history, the capital of the Colony and Commonwealth of Virginia and one of the Revolution's key political centers. The Declaration of Independence was, in fact, proclaimed in Williamsburg on July 25, 1776.
They'll be celebrating the coming 250 years of American independence in the spot considered the "heart of the American Revolution," with Al Roker and Dylan Dreyer leading the charge, but no Craig Melvin.
"Trust us, this is not going to be your average school field trip, we're going to walk the same streets as the founders, we're going to visit amazing restaurants, local breweries," Al explained on the show last month.
"And, as everybody must do to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country, eat pancakes," explaining that Williamsburg is indeed the pancake capital of the world. "I did not know this!"
He then, on the latest show on May 13, introduced once again that the show will in fact be co-hosted by Al, Dylan and actor and comedian Patton Oswalt, who will step in for Craig. While the latter didn't explain why he won't be able to attend, it is likely due to his responsibilities as the co-anchor of the main TODAY hours.
© Instagram"He's special," Al said of Patton, with Craig joking by his side: "I'm being phased out," to Dylan's amusement. She even noted that Patton, a William & Mary alum, will take them to his favorite local sandwich shop, too. Al introduced it as their first "celebrity buddy-up."
Dylan quipped: "Think he can hang?" and Al goes: "Oh, I've been around Patton, he can hang!" which Craig affirmed to, sharing his own approval of the choice for his Williamsburg replacement.
Last month, while introducing Patton, Dylan dubbed him someone with "serious star power," with Al, at the expense of a then-absent Craig, joking in response: "Many times mistaken for Craig Melvin."
© TODAY/NBCThe release introducing the Williamsburg special reads: "The 3rd Hour of TODAY is heading to the cobblestone streets of Virginia for Destination: Williamsburg! Now, we want TODAY fans everywhere to join us! Join Al and Dylan as they visit the best of Virginia's historic landmarks to see how the past and present come alive in one unforgettable experience."
The announcement continues: "Sponsored by Visit Williamsburg, the TODAY team will take you on an incredible tour of the city — walking the same streets as the country's founders — checking out local landmarks, restaurants, breweries and more."
The President and CEO of Visit Williamsburg, Ed Harris, supported the move, sharing in a statement of his own: "This is a great opportunity to see Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown on a national stage."
© Getty Images"As everyone is gearing up to celebrate America250, we wanted to put the full scope of the Historic Triangle front and center in the media, and the reach and influence of TODAY is unmatched."
