America itself will be celebrating a milestone birthday later this year, marking 250 years of independence in July. And celebrating it in true stately fashion will be the 3rd Hour of TODAY.
The morning show, usually hosted by Al Roker, Dylan Dreyer and Craig Melvin, will be switching gears this May as they take the show down to Williamsburg, Virginia.
© TODAY/NBCThe move was announced on the latest iteration of the show, airing on April 15, with Kaylee Hartung subbing in for Craig. And while Craig won't be joining them in their quest to learn about the history of the United States, they have a special guest co-host to do it with them.
"We have an exciting announcement to share," Dylan, 44, began, sharing that the show will tape special episodes in "the heart of the American revolution," which cued the fife and drums in the background, which Al, 71, quickly began to mime.
"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 continued. "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!"
Dylan then promised some "serious star power," revealing that actor and comedian Patton Oswalt will be a special guest co-host on May 15. Al had to throw in a jibe during his friend Craig's absence, of course, joking of Patton: "Many times mistaken for Craig Melvin," leaving his co-anchors in hysterics.
He then quipped that they'll be wearing "powdered wigs," which also left Dylan giggling, and she herself retorted that she's looking forward to seeing Al with hair. "Well…it's frightening. It is frightening," he coolly replied.
© Getty ImagesFans can now register to join the hosts in Williamsburg on May 15, with the release reading: "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."
Meanwhile, while Al, Dylan and Kaylee hold down the fort in New York City, Craig, 46, is enjoying a well-earned vacation after holding down the fort on TODAY with a rotating slate of guest hosts during Savannah Guthrie's absence amid her mom Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.
© Getty ImagesHoda Kotb, who left TODAY in January 2025, returned to co-host the main show for the week beside Savannah. Craig is enjoying a beach staycation with his family, sharing a pair of updates from beside the water, including time spent reading Sheinelle Jones' new book, Through Mom's Eyes.
"She's written a beautiful new chapter, and I could not be more proud of her," Craig gushed with snippets of himself and the book on social media. "Sheinelle Jones' new book is out, and watching her pour her heart, wisdom, and light into these pages has been so special."
© Instagram"She's truly like a big sister to me, and I know this book is going to bless so many people the way she blesses everyone around her. Please go support her and grab a copy. You're going to love it."
