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Art Café 26

Art Café 26 is a hip cafe with great art lining the walls; it also offers breakfast, lunch, desserts, and drinks. Established in March of 2006, the café was conceptualized as a typical European café after the founder and owner, Sibila Dengs, moved to Williamsburg from Europe. With an education in art history specializing in southeast Asian Art, Dengs put her appreciation of art and feng shui to use in the café with interesting art being prominently featured throughout the café as well as the interior design based on feng shui principles. Come here to unwind and enjoy a nice cup of tea or coffee along with a treat off the menu. Each day of the week brings a different themed breakfast menu from varying European countries. Check with the café for information on the latest featured art exhibition and/or upcoming events. More »

Berkeley Plantation

The Berkeley is Virginia's most historic plantation and is a must see for any American history buff. It is where the first official Thanksgiving took place in 1619 and is also where both Benjamin Harrison (one of the Declaration of Independence signers) and President William Henry Harrison were born. Today, the private home and gardens with four centuries of history can be toured on a daily basis. Guided tours of the Georgian Mansion that was built in 1726 expose visitors to life in the 18th century with its reminiscent architecture and a large collection of antiques from that period. Beyond the historic hill-top home, there are magnificent (and old) terraced gardens leading down to the James River that pre-date the Revolutionary War. Stroll through the beautifully landscaped and historic gardens on a self-guided tour that will take you by trees hundreds of years old, farmland, gravel roads, pastures, and ponds that abound on this 1,000-acre plantation. More »

Busch Gardens Europe

Even the amusement parks in Williamsburg are geared for history buffs. Busch Gardens Europe is the sister theme park to Busch Gardens Africa located in Florida, and is a hugely popular attraction in the Williamsburg area. The park has an old European theme and feel to it with the layout, rides, attractions, and shows all being based on European places and culture. The park opened in 1975 and has been voted as the world's Most Beautiful Theme Park for over 18 years. The park is divided into six "hamlets", or different European countries: Banbury Cross, England; Heatherdowns, Scotland; Killarney, Ireland; San Marco, Italy; Festa Italia, Italy; Rhinefeld, Germany; Oktoberfest, Bavarian Germany; Aquitaine, France; and New France, French Canada. The latest attraction in the works is a European-themed Sesame Street. Here, you can travel through different cultures, ride thrilling roller coasters, and even watch Broadway style shows at one of the many performance venues throughout the park. Because the park is owned by Anheuser-Busch, you can also visit with some of the Budweiser Clydesdales who live at the park. Animal lovers and kids will also enjoy visiting Jack Hanna's Wild Reserve where endangered and exotic animals are kept on hand to teach about preservation. Busch Gardens is a full fledged theme park with amenities such as restaurants, shopping, and even a nearby resort for a thoroughly entertaining experience. More »

Christiana Campbell's Tavern

If you are looking for seafood in a traditional and historic tavern, look no further than Christiana Campbell's Tavern. Here, you'll dine in a historic tavern, so historic in fact, this tavern's claim to fame is that it was among one of George Washington's favorites. Christiana opened this tavern in 1771 in Colonial Williamsburg and it boomed as a popular spot for the likes of President George Washington as well as other important traveling men. Here, businessmen and locals alike would spend their nights eating, gambling, and sometimes sleeping over at Mrs. Campbell's tavern. The tavern has since been renovated in the traditional style. Details such as reproduction furniture, dinnerware, and interior accessories have been carefully designed to be representative of the times. Today, the tavern serves as a popular tourist attraction and seafood restaurant. Campbell's is only open for dinner and the menu offers a wide variety of seafood specialties with a traditional tavern twist. More »

College of William and Mary

The College of William and Mary is the second oldest higher education institution in the country as it was established in 1693. Located in the heart of Williamsburg, William & Mary was founded by King William III and Queen Mary II and has had a historically significant lineup of alumni including three U.S. Presidents: Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and John Tyler. Other notable alums include U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall, Speaker of the House Henry Clay, and even 16 signers of the Declaration of Independence. Today, the university is known for being on the cutting-edge with research, and it remains selective and relatively small in size, with just under 8,000 students including both undergraduate and graduate. W&M is quite prestigious and has been ranked sixth among all public universities and has also been given a highest ranking of five stars by the Fiske Guide to Colleges. W&M is a desirable college for its obvious history as well as the great education as one of eight Public Ivies in the country for an affordable price. Visit campus to tour the historic buildings where Thomas Jefferson once attended school, or stop by for a performance or sporting event. Campus is conveniently located just west of Colonial Williamsburg. More »

Colonial Parkway

This 23-mile stretch of highway known as the Colonial Parkway connects the historic attractions of Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. The scenic roadway is part of the National Park Service's Colonial National Historic Park. The parkway was completed by the National Park Service in 1957 after many years of delicate planning in an effort to keep its history intact while providing a scenic and enjoyable roadway to link Virginia's historic triangle of cities. The National Park Service was also challenged to make this project as environmentally friendly as possible to preserve the surrounding nature. Today, the three-lane roadway is a great way for visitors to get a feel for Colonial Virginia by traveling on this picturesque stretch of road that links all of the area's most historic and significant sites. More »

Colonial Williamsburg

For a lesson in American history, look no further than Colonial Williamsburg--the historic district of Williamsburg, Virginia. A living history of Colonial America is found here with a great assortment of both historical sites and museums alike. Period re-enactors make history come alive and there is an impressive collection of original buildings from the period of time between 1699 and 1780, when this town was colonial Virginia's capital. The historic area consists of about 301 acres located just east of the College of William and Mary campus and is centered around Duke of Gloucester Street. This historically significant city was fully restored in the early part of the 20th century, and was one of the largest historic restorations in the country. Old buildings were restored, others were completely reconstructed, and an exhausting amount of detail went into the entire project to recreate the look and feel of Colonial Williamsburg. Today, tourists flock here to bask in the history and culture of the Historic Triangle Area consisting of Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. More »

Fort Monroe

Located in Hampton, Virginia, Fort Monroe was built in 1819 and completed in 1834 and is known as the largest stone fort in the country. The fort is located at Old Point Comfort at the tip of the Virginia Peninsula and was built at this important location to protect the entrance to Hampton Roads and the nearby port cities. Also called Fortress Monroe or Freedom's Fortress, this fort is the headquarters of the Army's Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) where soldiers are trained for war, which has been the main mission of the fort since World War II. Today, visitors can come to the historic fort at the interpretive museum, the Casemate Museum. This museum is free and open to the public to highlight the history of Fort Monroe and Old Point Comfort. Exhibits here include the Civil War, a view of Confederate President Jefferson Davis' prison cell when he was a prisoner at the fort, as well as the quarters where President Abraham Lincoln stayed at the fort when he was a guest. Walking tours of the fort are usually available in the summer months. More »

Historic Ghost Walk Tour

If you are looking for a spooky experience or simply something fun and entertaining to do at night while in Williamsburg, take the Historic Ghost Walk Tour. Follow your tour guide who will be decked out in a traditional costume through the streets of Williamsburg. The guide leads the tour by a candlelit lantern to really give a more authentic feel. Highlights of the hour and a half tour include Williamsburg ghost stories and the legend of Blackbeard from 18th century Colonial Williamsburg. Tours meet at the Cheese Shop in Colonial Williamsburg. More »

Historic Jamestowne

Jamestown is the site of the first permanent English colony in the nation. This landmark location is rich in history. The English explorers landed on the banks of the James River in 1607, establishing the first settlement. Today, Historic Jamestowne serves as a living history museum of the original site of the first settlement. There is currently no real city or permanent residents here, the area is instead a collection of historical sites operated by the National Park Service and the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiques. The attractions here tell the story of the days during the original settlement and explain how the area grew and changed over the years. Step into the past at the Jamestown Memorial Church, discover the archaeological significance of Jamestown at The Nathalie P. and Alan M. Voorhees Archaearium, and take a break from your touring by enjoying lunch along the banks of the James River at the Dale House Cafe. More »

Historic Yorktown

Yorktown is part of the historically significant region known as the Historic Triangle of Yorktown, Jamestown, and Williamsburg in Virginia. This small village is nestled on the banks of the York River and is steeped in national history as it is one of the original shires of colonial Virginia from 1634. Most notably, Yorktown was the setting for the end of the American Revolutionary War with the British defeat at Yorktown. The town also played a key role in the American Civil War as a major port to supply both the Confederate and Union soldiers. The riverside city is at the most eastern point of the Colonial Parkway (which connects Yorktown to Williamsburg and Jamestown), and is a favorite for travelers and history buffs alike. The Riverfront Landing offers great shopping and dining while the Colonial National Park is home to such significant sites as the Yorktown Battlefields, the Yorktown National Cemetery, General Washington's Headquarters, and numerous battle sites and artillery parks. More »

Jamestown Settlement

Along with Historic Jamestowne, Jamestown Settlement is the site of the first permanent English settlement in the country. Dating back to May 1607, this historically significant settlement provides the setting to the beginning development of the nation. Today, the story of this historic place and the original explorers and settlers are told through a variety of educational exhibits at the museum here. Outside, visitors can visit three replicas of the original tall ships that sailed the voyage from England to Virginia in 1607. Also on display is a life-sized recreation of the original fort as well as a Powhatan village. Come here to learn about the history of the nation with interesting hands-on exhibits and life-sized displays that teach about the confluence of European, Native American, and African cultures at this most historic place. More »

Jamestown-Scotland Ferry

Sporting a fleet of four ferries, the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry crosses the James River connecting Jamestown and Scotland Wharf and is an extension of State Route 31. The ferries run at all hours of the day and night and are a free service that transports almost one million vehicles annually. The first ferry crossed the James River in 1925 and was able to carry 16 Ford Model-Ts. Since then, the ferry operation has been run by the Virginia Department of Transportation beginning in 1945. Today, you and your vehicle are able to board one of the following vessels: Pocahontas, Surry, Williamsburg, or Virginia, and cross the river, which provides great scenery. The ferry is also a great way to get to local attractions such as Historic Jamestown, Bacon's Castle, Smith's Fort, and the Chippokes Plantation and State Park. More »

Josiah Chowning's Tavern

Josiah Chowning's Tavern is one of a few historically traditional taverns in downtown Colonial Williamsburg. This one, located on Duke of Gloucester Street next to Market Square and the court house, offers traditional Carolina-style pit barbecue along with traditional tavern fare. Chowning's serves both lunch and dinner and also features an outdoor Garden Bar where you can walk up to the bar and order sandwiches and sides while enjoying your meal outside. Come dinner time, the tavern feels like a true ale house and is a great family entertainment venue with traditional food and ales served, as well as Colonial Williamsburg draft root beer. Along with the food, there is a nightly entertainment program called Gambols, which features balladeers singing while servers dressed in full costume play games with visitors. Keep in mind that after 8pm, the tavern turns into more of an adult pub atmosphere, but until then, this is a great place to take the family for a traditional food, drink, and entertainment. More »

Kimball Theatre

Located in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg in Merchants Square is the Kimball Theatre. This venue offers a variety of performances from films to Colonial Williamsburg re-enactors to music concerts. Many community activities take place here including performances by students from nearby College of William and Mary. More »

King's Arms Tavern

This historic and traditional tavern is known as one of the premier taverns in downtown Colonial Williamsburg. Centrally located and steeped in history, the King's Arms Tavern is an 18th century style chop house serving traditional tavern fare with soups, salads, and rich main dishes. The tavern dates back to the 1770s and the name dates even further back to England, where the King's Arms was a common name for taverns. After a few name changes over the years due to politics, the King's Arms Tavern remains true to its history today serving fine food and serving as a local gathering place. Today, it's a popular place for locals to glimpse into the past as the interior has been renovated complete with reproduction furniture and design details. More »

Mariners' Museum

The Mariners' Museum in Newport News, Virginia is one of the largest maritime history museums in the U.S. and is brimming with nautical gems and artifacts. The massive museum features over 60,000 square feet of gallery space and has a sizable amount of exhibits and collections. With over 35,000 items on display, the museum lives up to its reputation as one of the best and most extensive maritime museums with ship models, figureheads, small crafts, and much more as part of both permanent collections and traveling exhibits. Permanent collections here include the recently opened and highly anticipated Civil War attraction USS Monitor Center. The International Small Craft Center showcases over 150 small craft boats from around the globe, while the Miniature Ships of August F. Crabtree collection features highly detailed miniature ships. If you have any appreciation or curiosity for all things nautical, this museum is one of the best and is a must-see for the whole family. Kids will enjoy being able to get outdoors after a visit to the inside of the museum and enjoy the adjacent 550-acre woodland park and beautiful Lake Maury. More »

Merchants Square

Located along Duke of Gloucester Street in historic Colonial Williamsburg, Merchants Square is an 18th-century style shopping village that features over 40 stores and restaurants. In fact, this shopping district is considered one of the first, if not the first, planned shopping districts in the country. Located on the western end of Colonial Williamsburg, right next to the College of William and Mary, Merchants Square was created as part of the restoration of the Williamsburg area. Today, it remains a vary popular place for visitors to shop, dine, and attend events such as farmers markets, sidewalk sales, and concerts. More »

Muscarelle Museum of Art

The Muscarelle Museum of Art houses the vast and historical collection of art at the College of William and Mary. Located on campus, this museum began when a campus visitor noticed some significant pieces of art located in different buildings on campus. The college president at the time saw a need to collect and preserve the collection of art owned by William & Mary and so the Muscarelle was established. The museum officially opened in 1983 and the building has since undergone major renovations, providing nearly twice the space to house the collection, which now consists of almost 4,000 works of art spanning many cultures and historical eras. The museum features both permanent and rotating exhibitions. Art lovers won't want to miss this museum while visiting the College of William and Mary and the surrounding city of Williamsburg. More »

New Town

Located just northwest of Colonial Williamsburg and the College of William and Mary is Williamsburg's newest shopping district, New Town, which is just off of Monticello Avenue. Encompassing over 365 acres, this area is comprised of restaurants, shops, offices, homes, entertainment venues, and more. The mixed-use neighborhood is considered a "New Urbanism" type of community where urban homes are mixed with businesses, upscale shopping, and a variety of dining and entertainment options, located just minutes from the heart of Williamsburg. More »

Old Chickahominy House

This old house off Jamestown Road was turned into a restaurant in 1955 and is still in operation as the Old Chickahominy House. This homey establishment is beloved for its ham biscuits, chicken and dumplings, a variety of homemade pies, and of course Miss Melinda's pancakes. The restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner, daily. Stop by the three-story antiques and gift shop, which offers lamps, furniture, jewelry, clothing, handbags, and much more. More »

Pirates' Cove Mini Golf

For some family fun, head over to Pirate's Cove miniature golf course. With a purely pirate theme, the kids will love putting through 18th century pirate scenes. The landscape is complete with boulders, waterfalls, bridges, caves, and houses. There are two award-winning 18-hole courses, the Captain's Course and the Blackbeard's Challenge. The courses are designed to be fun for both children and adults, making for a great day out with the family. More »

President's Park

Located just east of Williamsburg is President's Park, an educational-themed outdoor park and museum. The most prominent features of this attraction are the 42 busts of U.S. presidents. Each monument stands 18-feet tall and is spread out among the park with signs and information for visitors to meet each of the presidents on display. The park offers five choices for different themed self-guided tours where color coded signs will lead you through the park on your particular themed tour. The Constitution and The Bill of Rights tour sheds some light on the rules of the government and the key players involved in creating the country's original Constitution. The Protecting the Nation tour focuses on how presidents, as the commander-in-chief, have led the country in times of crisis and war, as well as showing which presidents have fought in war or led the country into war. The Human Rights, Civil Rights, Slavery tour focuses on these subjects and how they have affected history over time with the presidents. For those interested in religion and how that has shaped the country and presidents, take the Religion tour, which will outline issues such as separation of church and state as well as the religious beliefs of individual presidents. One subject that is always of interest about presidents is assassination. Take the Assassinations and Near Misses tour to learn more about the four presidents who were assassinated, and the five that survived assassination attempts. In addition to the outdoor monuments, President's Park features a museum, Air Force One replica, cafe, and gift shop. More »

Prime Outlets Williamsburg

If you need to fill your need for shopping, you won't want to miss Prime Outlets Williamsburg. This outlet shopping center has 120 stores and has been ranked within the outlet industry in the top ten. If you have a favorite brand, chances are there is an outlet store here. Some of the stores include: Burberry, Converse, Calvin Klein, Gap, Kate Spade, and J. Crew. In addition to high end fashion brands, there are a variety of children's apparel, family apparel, health and beauty, home furnishings, accessories, and even food stores here. Since the outlets are pet friendly, gather up the family and even the family dog for a day of shopping just north of Williamsburg off Route 60. More »

Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

Ripley's Believe It or Not is perfect for those who love everything wacky and weird. The popular franchise has a location in Williamsburg and is a fun diversion from the more formal history lessons learned in the many attractions in Colonial Williamsburg. As with all of the other Ripley's Believe It or Not! museums, they focus on the oddities in the "odditorium tradition" with each museum exhibiting the strange, the shocking, and the beautiful. Here you'll encounter life size replicas of extraordinary people, an illusion of Robert Ripley's Ghost, bizarre wonders of nature such as a two-headed bird, and many more strange things to keep you scratching your head and left wondering how it's all real. Beyond the gallery of exhibits, this Ripley's features a 4-D theater with adventurous films that are fun for the family. More »

Riverwalk Landing

Riverwalk Landing is the relatively new waterfront shopping and dining district in Historic Yorktown. This charming area is a very popular place to go while visiting Yorktown, as the complex includes many shops, a beach area, as well as restaurants, a performance area, parking lots, and two piers where boats and tall ships regularly dock. Businesses that call Riverwalk Landing home include unique crafts shops, art studios, jewelry, cafes, and clothing stores. Come stroll around this lovely harbor area and imagine the days when this area was a bustling seaport for people arriving from Europe and the other colonies. Today, the piers here are open to the public, so if you plan on sailing in the area, feel free to tie up at the docks and explore both Riverwalk Landing and Historic Yorktown. More »

Schooner Alliance

Explore the Chesapeake Bay waters aboard the Schooner Alliance. This 105-foot tall ship docks at Yorktown's Riverwalk Landing Pier from April through October, offering daily two-hour sails around the bay. During the winter, the ship heads down to the Caribbean on chartered trips. But, while she's in Yorktown, you'll have the chance to set sail on a traditional three-masted schooner that was built in 1995 and has been operating tour sails in Yorktown since 2005. The name of the ship is representative of the alliance between France and America during the 1781 War of Independence. Daily sails set out three times a day, including a romantic sunset sail. The ship can also be chartered for private parties and events. More »

Sherwood Forest Plantation

Home of the 10th U.S. President John Tyler, the Sherwood Forest Plantation has been the private residence of the Tyler family since 1842. John Tyler himself lived here from 1842 until his death in 1862. Located just about 30 minutes outside of Williamsburg, this sprawling estate stretches across 27 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens. The house is known as the longest frame house in America and can be toured by appointment only. The estate is open to the public for self-guided tours of the grounds, which are registered as a National Historic Landmark and a Virginia Historic Landmark, and are on the National Register of Historic Places. More »

Shields Tavern

As one of Colonial Williamsburg's notable taverns, Shields Tavern is open all day long and serves a variety of traditional tavern fare. The menu recently expanded and includes everything from buttermilk-fried oysters to catfish BLT to buffalo meatloaf to Mr. Shields's seafood gumbo. Reservations aren't required as they are at some of Colonial Williamsburg's other taverns and the atmosphere here will feel a bit more casual. Kids will enjoy the entertainment with rotating visits from a cast of 18th century characters that give an authentic colony feel to the experience. More »

Shirley Plantation

The Shirley Plantation is Virginia's oldest and first plantation, established in 1613, just six years after the settlement of Jamestown. This plantation has been owned by 11 generations of the same family who still operates the plantation to this day, making it in the running the oldest family-owned business in North America. Guided tours of the home are offered daily where visitors can view furniture, art, and accessories on display from the original family. After following a guide through the Great House, take a self-guided tour of the grounds and gardens. Kids will love the animals at the plantation too. Stop by the gift shop where the Carter family is famous for celebrating the holidays with a great array of gifts. You can find family-made local products as well as educational gifts for children. A visit to this plantation is sure to be educational because of the estate's grand history, as well as a pleasant getaway for touring the beautiful home and grounds, which are located about 35 miles west of Williamsburg and 10 miles east of Richmond. More »

This Century Art Gallery

This Century Art Gallery, also known as the Williamsburg Visual Arts Center, is a partner of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. This gallery mostly features local contemporary art including paintings, sculptures, and crafts. Located in historical Colonial Williamsburg near Merchants Square, this gallery is easy to find and is a great place to visit for anyone who has an appreciation for modern art and interest in local artists. Architecture buffs will appreciate that the gallery is housed in a traditional 1920s Sears Roebuck house, which was later refurbished and modernized in the 1980s. More »

TransAmerica Trail

Spanning across ten U.S. states, the TransAmerica Trail stretches a whopping 4,247.5 miles (6,836 kilometers). The trail begins in Astoria, Oregon passing through Oregon, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, Illinois, and Kentucky before making its way through Virginia ending in Yorktown, Virgina. The sizable trail was established by the Adventure Cycling Association in celebration of the U.S. bicentennial in 1976. Since then, this route has been the most popular way to cross the nation by bike. Also commonly referred to by its original name, the Bikecentennial, the crossing will take cyclists through a beautiful array of scenery. Starting from the Pacific coastline, crossing through forests, the high desert, the snow-capped Rocky Mountains, and through the western plains and farmlands stretching to the Atlantic. The established trail has many options for the adventuresome cyclists with camping grounds and amenities at many state and national parks along the way. Whether you decide to make the epic trek from coast to coast, or just enjoy a more doable piece of the trail while staying visiting the Williamsburg area, the trail makes for a beautiful and practical way to tour the country by cycle. More »

U.S. Army Transportation Museum

Located at Fort Eustis, just eleven miles south of Williamsburg, is the U.S. Army Transportation Museum. This educational museum focuses on the history of Army transportation going back to the colonial days. This is a must-see for any military or history buff to get a chance to visit historic machinery and exhibits that cover the significance of Army transportation vehicles such as aircraft, amphibians, and tugboats. The museum is located in Besson Hall and is dedicated to General Frank S. Besson, who was the first Army transporter to receive the ranking of Four-Star General. Come here for an interesting glimpse of U.S. military history. Stop by the gift shop for some unique souvenirs and military transportation-related gifts. Tours of the museum are available for groups of 10 or more. More »

Virginia Living Museum

Beyond the historical attractions, take some time to marvel in Virginia's natural wonders at the Virginia Living Museum. Located in Newport News, Virginia, this outdoor museum consists of an extensive aquarium, an aviary, a planetarium, botanical preserve, and science center. The museum focuses on the wide variety of natural life from the different ecosystems within the state of Virginia, stretching from the mountains to the ocean. Kids and adults alike will be entertained by the sea life and other living exhibits within the aquarium, which explores life in the Chesapeake Bay. In the Piedmont and Mountains Gallery, you'll get up close to many animals as well as aquatic creatures of the James River in Richmond. The Underground Gallery exposes children to fossils from Virginia's history while the Appalachian Cove and Cypress Swamp recreate the endangered wetland habitats of Virginia and are home to alligators, birds, and turtles. Step outside and enjoy the Coastal Plain Aviary to view over 16 different species of birds and then enjoy a stroll along the Outdoor Boardwalk, which crosses a lake and meanders through the woods and a wetlands area. The Living Museum is a great place to take the kids to learn all about nature, and specifically the wild and plant life found in Virginia. More »

Water Country USA

To beat the heat for summer fun in Williamsburg, head to Water Country USA. This water theme park is considered the mid-Atlantic's largest water park and is a great way to cool off while having fun as the park offers a variety of rides, slides, attractions, and shows. The entire park has a 1950s and'60s surf theme and is located near and affiliated with Busch Gardens Europe. For those looking for a little adventure, try the Big Daddy Falls with the whole family in one big raft or Jet Scream where you'll slide down 415 feet at 25 miles per hour! For something a bit more mellow, take a cruise down the Hubba-Hubba Highway, where you can free float down a 1,500-long river. When not drenched and submerged, you can catch a show, the Island Quest dive show features acrobats, divers, and trampoline artists, making for an entertaining 20 minute diversion from the pools. The park also has five different dining options from a full grill to a market where you can pick up snacks and drinks. More »

Watermen's Museum

Located right on the York River in Yorktown, Virginia, the Watermen's Museum is dedicated to the historical significance of the watermen of the local region. "Watermen" is an old term for those who work the water and was traditionally only used for those who worked on the Thames River in London and the Chesapeake Bay here in Virginia. Today the term is used for all those who work on the river, such as fishermen. Founded in 1981, the museum has exhibits showcasing boat models, historic tools, artifacts from the men who worked on the Chesapeake Bay, and much more. Be sure to stop by the gift shop, which offers great gifts and nautical-themed souvenirs. More »

Williamsburg AleWerks

To get a taste of a regional microbrewery, you'll want to head over to Williamsburg AleWerks. The brewery and store are open for the public to drop in and visit and AleWerks also offers a daily (except Sundays) tour of the brewery itself where you'll be able to tour the interesting facility and learn all about the art of brewing and how beer makes it to the bottle. As part of the tour, you'll get to not only taste a variety of the AleWerks ales, but you'll also get a souvenir imprinted brewery tasting glass. Established in 2006, the brewery is relatively new, but has created a name for itself in the local community with a line-up of tasty brews. With Colonial Williamsburg in mind, many of the signature year-round beers pay tribute to the local region and its history. Stop by the gift shop on your way out to pick up a souvenir shirt or pint glass. You can even bring home a growler of your favorite beer, whether its Chesapeake Pale Ale, Colonial Wheat Ale, Washington's Porter, or one of the seasonal or brewmaster reserve blends. More »

Williamsburg Antique Mall

The Williamsburg Antique Mall is considered the largest of its kind in Eastern Virginia with about 45,000 square feet of antiques and over 400 different booths and showcases. Here, you'll find a little bit of everything, as with most antique shops, but you may stumble upon some regional gems considering the area's history. The mall opened in 1997 and has since been a popular stop for treasure hunters. If you get worn out by the overwhelming amount of antiques and shopping, stop in at La Petite Tea Room, which is a nice place to grab some lunch, a quick bite, or a rejuvenating cup of tea. More »

Williamsburg Players

Williamsburg Players has been the area's community theater since 1957. The group puts on a number of productions throughout the play season, which usually is from September through June. The small theater provides an intimate experience as the entire audience is quite close to the actors on stage. Beyond the regular plays, the theater has a Reader's Theatre where a chosen literary work is read by actors without the use of a decorated set, props, or even costumes. This style is meant to give more meaning to the words and characters and is an interesting way to watch a story unfold. Be sure to call the theater or check online to see which performances are on during your visit to Williamsburg. More »

Williamsburg Pottery

Williamsburg Pottery is not simply a small individual pottery shop, but rather a massive sprawling complex of over 32 buildings brimming with pottery and other goods from around the globe. Williamsburg Pottery was certainly not always such a large business. It all began back in 1938 with artist James E. Maloney making 18th-century style reproductions for very low prices. Slowly, word spread of the great pieces for great prices that Maloney was making and selling and the business soared to what it is today. Now, the Pottery is a top tourist attraction in Virginia and visited by nearly five million visitors per year. Besides local pottery and pieces, many of the goods available here span the globe coming from places such as Asia, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, Europe, and India. Beyond actual ceramic pottery, shoppers will be able to browse silk and dried flower arrangements, custom prints and framing options, lamps, furniture, Christmas decor and crafts, greenhouse plants, and much more. If you plan on making an extended visit to the Pottery, there is even an adjacent campground. Williamsburg Pottery Campground is located nearby and if you spend a certain amount of money over at the Pottery, you can gain a free night's stay at the campground. The Pottery is located just five miles west of Williamsburg and is easily accessible from neighboring cities. More »

Williamsburg Winery

Williamsburg Winery is Virginia's largest winery and sits among 50+ lovely acres of vineyards, just south of Colonial Williamsburg and the Williamsburg Airport. The winery was established in 1985 by the Duffeler family and has since become an award-winning winery featuring the prized Governor's White, which won a Gold Medal award within two weeks of its release just two years after the winery's opening. Governor's White has proven to be the winery's most popular and a true favorite while the other wines made here also have historical references. The vineyard produces different grape varieties including Cayuga, Petite Verdot, Merlot, Traiminette, Vidal Blanc, and Cabernet Franc. The winery was built with 17th and 18th century style elements to complement the land and the area's historical past. Tours of the winery are offered daily and include a video on viticulture and wine making as well as a guided walk through the barrel cellar and the production area. Visit the winery's museum, which showcases a collection of vintage wine bottles. As part of the tour, you will have the chance to taste seven of the wines made here in an etched wine glass that you can keep as a souvenir of your time at the winery. The property also features a great restaurant, the Gabriel Archer Tavern, which overlooks the beautiful vineyards and offers delicious French lunch options. More »

Yorktown Battlefield

Yorktown Battlefield is part of the larger Colonial National Historic Park in Yorktown, VA. Here, history buffs will get the chance to see where America won independence and tour the significant battlefields of the area. The Battlefield Tour is a self-guided driving tour that covers seven miles; you will be directed to the British Inner Defense Line, the Allied siege lines, the Moore House, and the Surrender Field. Look for the red arrow signs to see the Battlefield Tour sites. The second tour offered is the Allied Encampment Tour. Follow the yellow arrow signs on this nine-mile tour, which takes you through the areas where the American and French encampments were located. Each tour takes approximately 45 minutes, but because they are self-guided, you can feel free to linger at certain sites or choose to move along more quickly. Begin your visit at the Visitors Center to pick up maps and more information on this park, which is part of the US National Park Service. The park also offers Park Ranger guided tours that begin in the Visitor Center. Families will appreciate the many kids programs offered here, from the Junior Ranger Program to the Jamestown and Yorktown Park Packs to the Young Soldiers Program. A visit to Yorktown Battlefield is sure to be an important educational stop while visiting the historical region. More »

Yorktown Trolley

This trolley is free and stops at nine different locations throughout historic Yorktown. Riding the trolley in between visiting the attractions of Yorktown is both a convenient way of getting around town and a fun way to explore. The trolley arrives at each stop about every 20-25 minutes and only runs between mid-March through October. You can pick up the trolley as far west as the Yorktown Victory Center, then there are stops in town near the Watermen's Museum, Riverwalk Landing, and down Ballard Street at the York County Historical Museum. Other stops east of town are the Yorktown Victory Monument and then at the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center. Most of the trolley stops are near public parking areas, where you can easily ditch the car and hop aboard the trolley. More »

Yorktown Victory Center

The Yorktown Victory Center is a museum dedicated to the American Revolution, exploring the country's fight for independence throughout history. The museum is like stepping into 18th century America with exhibits focusing on how people lived during the Revolutionary era. Also on display are artifacts, maps, furnishings, and other items from Revolutionary times. Leading up to the museum is the Road to Revolution, which is the start of the museum's exhibits that chronicle the nation's progression from colonial times to nationhood through an interesting array of educational exhibits. Beyond the exhibits inside, take a step outside to the living-history portion of the museum. Here, there is a re-creation of a Continental Army encampment where you can see how soldiers lived their daily lives. There is also a 1780s-themed farm where re-enactors in full costume interpret the day-to-day life on the farm during and after the Revolution, making for an up-close and more interactive history lesson for the whole family. More »

Yorktown Victory Monument

This monument is located in the heart of Yorktown, in a beautiful park setting along the York River. The monument itself was commissioned by the Continental Congress in 1781 to celebrate and honor the great victory at Yorktown in the American Revolutionary War. The monument was built between 1881 and 1884 and remains a lasting monument to Independence and victory. More »