Gaze At The College Of William & Mary
Looking towards the end of the Colonial Williamsburg main street, you notice the the entrance to William & Mary.
The college of William & Mary, named for the reigning joint monarchs of England, King William III and Queen Mary II, was built in the late 1600s. It is the second oldest college in the United States and is still in operation today. A number of presidents and signers of the Declaration of Independence were educated there. A school of higher learning was an early goal for the Virginia colonists and they achieved it with funding through a royal decree from the King.
Muscarelle Museum Of Art
Muscarelle Museum of Art
If you need any further evidence of the College of William & Marys quality, check out the Muscarelle Museum of Art.
Part of the university, this is one of the greatest points of interest for art lovers in Virginia.
There are some absolutely phenomenal works by some of the most acclaimed artists of all time here.
Coming here is something you must do if youre into art.
Their collection has pieces going back to the 17th century.
You can also see wonderful works from the likes of Pablo Picasso and Lee Krasner, among other greats.
The Muscarelle Museum of Art is simply one of the best places to go to in Williamsburg, Virginia, whether youre an art historian or just someone who likes the visual quality.
Its open from Wednesdays to Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
There is no charge for admission.
Address: 603 Jamestown Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185, United States
Go Back In Time At Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg is the highlight of any visit to the Historic Triangle. Its impossible to see and do it all in just one visit. Most families should plan to spend one or two full days exploring the Revolutionary City at Colonial Williamsburg.
Families with younger kids will likely want to leave their days unplanned at Colonial Williamsburg and wait to see what sparks the interest of their children as they walk around town. Each familys experience at Colonial Williamsburg will be different based on which costumed storytellers they speak and interact with during their visit.
Everything, from the food available for purchase to the events on the daily calendar, changes with the seasons. In January, our tour of the Governors Palace included a chat with a musician practicing the harpsichord for the winter social season. We warmed up by sipping hot apple cider as we walked down the Duke of Gloucester Street.
Summertime visitors to Colonial Williamsburg can learn the art of making mud bricks firsthand by stomping in muddy clay at the brickyard. Visit the Great Hopes Plantation at Colonial Williamsburg to experience what life was like outside the city limits for most common Virginians of the time.
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Sample Local Williamsburg Microbreweries On The Tasting Trail
Indulge in some of the best beers, spirits, and meads in the region with a fun trip on the Williamsburg Tasting Trail. Whether you take a tour bus or visit the different wineries and breweries in Williamsburg on your own, youll enjoy sampling some of Virginias most delectable adult beverages.
There are 12 stops on the trail. Microbrew fans will enjoy the rotating daily tap at Alewerks Brewing Company, Amber Ox Public House, and Brass Cannon Brewing. When you need a break from beer, then youll be happy to know that there are a variety of meaderies, wineries, and distillers on the Tasting Trail as well.
Riverwalk Landing Shopping Mall
Located right next to Yorktown Beach, youll find the Riverwalk Landing shopping mall. This charming little area offers restaurants, local shops, and museums. Several of the restaurants have waterfront views which make for a gorgeous sunset dinner. This area is also a pickup and drop off location for the Yorktown Trolley Tours! These tours are free and will take you from the Yorktown Battlefield Visitors Center to the American Revolution Museum.
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Things To Do In Williamsburg Virginia
October 3, 2021 by Dana Zeliff
Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.
Whether youre visiting Williamsburg for the first time or live in the area, there is a abundance of activities and places to see. The city is bursting history, fun and excitement. Below are a few of my familys favorite things to do in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Take A Delicious Food Tour
One of the best things to do in Williamsburg, Virginia, for food lovers is to take a food tour of the delicious restaurants, bakeries, and candy shops in town. This walking food tour will lead you to nine different eateries, so make sure to come hungry!
With a menu featuring tapas, Southern comfort food, homemade pizza, craft beers, and gourmet desserts, there will be something to satisfy everyones appetite. The guides will teach you about Williamsburgs culinary scene and the history of some of the restaurants. In between stops, you will walk the pretty, downtown streets so make sure to bring your camera.
Book Here: Williamsburg: Epic Culinary Tour with Tastings
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Public Hospital Museum Williamsburg Virginia
The Public Hospital Museum served as a treatment center for the mentally ill during the 18th century. It was the first building of its kind in North America, and historians often describe it as part jail, part infirmary. At the museum, visitors can learn about the bizarre and macabre methods doctors used to treat patients throughout the 1700s. In addition to touring the hospital, guests can participate in the museum’s special events, which are held throughout the year.
325 W Francis St W, Williamsburg, VA 23185, VA 23185, 888-965-7254
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Immerse Yourself In The Historical Triangle
The triangle formed by Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown can be considered one of the most historically important areas in the United States. It was here that the British created their first permanent settlement, Jamestown, bringing together Britains, Native Americans, and Africans together to form a whole new society. The entire area is part of the Colonial National Historical Park and is connected via the Colonial Parkway, a 23-mile scenic roadway stretching from the York River to the James River.
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Is Yorktown Beach Open To The Public
Due to COVID-19 precautions, Yorktown Beach was closed to the public from March 30, 2020, and began reopening on May 15, 2020. The beach has since fully reopened however, there are certain restrictions in place. For example, group sports, alcohol, and tents are not allowed at Yorktown Beach. Be sure to check out the full list of prohibited items and actions before you head to the beach!
Practice Shooting At The Musket Range
If you have ever wanted to shoot a flintlock rifle like they did in the Revolutionary War now is your chance! Drive south of the city to find the Colonial Williamsburg Musket Range. Anyone fourteen and older will have the opportunity to fire reproduction 18th-century firearms. This is clearly one of the most unique things to do in Williamsburg.
You will learn all about safety and proper handling before you start shooting. Along with blasting live rounds at targets, you will also learn about the weapons history, use in hunting, and significance during the war. History buffs will love the feeling of stepping into the shoes of a Revolutionary soldier. This is such a great idea if you are traveling with teenagers who like to complain that history is boring. The thrill of firing an antique-styled gun is sure to change their minds.
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Christmas Market On Main
While Christmas is all about tradition, family and celebration, it’s also about plenty of good cheer shopping, and Williamsburg certainly doesn’t disappoint, as Yorktown’s Christmas Market on Main serves as a one-stop location for all of your holiday shopping needs. This event runs December 4-6 and is one of Yorktown’s biggest annual events.
Over 100 local vendors and artisans line up along Main Street and offer everything from handmade soaps, holiday ornaments and much more. The market gets rung in by the town crier at 10 am, followed by a fife and drum performance, and then Kris Kringle shows up to personally greet everyone.
On Sunday, there’s also an ice sculpture carving exhibition set up to further enhance the atmosphere, so bring the whole family and prepare to spend the day.
10Best is a part of the USA TODAY Network, providing an authentically local point of view on destinations around the world, in addition to travel and lifestyle advice.
The Virginia Beer Company
The Virginia Beer Company
The Virginia Beer Company is another one of the best places to learn about and drink beer.
Their beer selection is amazing, and so is the experience of seeing it made.
During a nice day, theres hardly a better place to be but in their beer garden, sipping some of their finest products.
On tap at The Virginia Beer Co. are plenty of beers that sound intriguing and which taste absolutely wonderful.
Theres the Home Stretch IPA, the Saving Daylight Citrus Wheat, and the Elbow Patches Oatmeal Stout.
You can also bring home six-and four-packs of their beer.
You might want to stock up, given how great these beers are.
The Virginia Beer Companys name might seem rather bold, but its a pretty great brewery.
Theyve shown they can make beers that are accessible but also exciting.
Its open from Mondays to Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Address: 401 2nd St, Williamsburg, VA 23185, United States
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Staying At Colonial Williamsburg Resorts
There are plenty of family-friendly accommodations in Williamsburg like Great Wolf Lodge. But you can also stay in style at the Autograph Collection properties, including one where Queen Elizabeth herself stayed. The Williamsburg Inn was built in 1937 and has luxury themed suites and the famous Rockefeller Room.
Across the street, Williamsburg Lodge has rooms and suites with artisan furniture, free WiFi, coffee makers, and designer toiletries. Kingsmill Resort is another great alternative, a AAA Four Diamond resort with condominiums and golf courses.
Adults have other things to do in Williamsburg within these hotel properties. Across from the street from the Lodge is the Spa of Colonial Williamsburg, which offers incredible treatments. The resorts are also home to one of Americas top public golf resorts at the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club.
Governor’s Palace Williamsburg Va
Built in 1706, the Governors Palace served as a residence to seven royal governors and the first two Virginia elected governors. Everything about the palace was meant to impress and convey British wealth and power. The original palace burned down in 1781 and was meticulously reconstructed in 1930, including its grand ballroom, elegant furniture, and the huge display of period swords.
Visit the buildings behind the palace they are original and house an elaborate kitchen and scullery. Watch the demonstration on the old way of cooking, brewing beer, or making chocolate. Reconstructed original formal gardens make for a delightful space to rest and relax from the tour of the palace.
300 Palace Green St, Williamsburg, VA 23185, 800-447-8679
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Bassett Hall Williamsburg Va
Bassett Hall was the home of John D. Rockefeller, Jr. and his wife Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, and visitors can take a guided tour of this classic home and its surrounding gardens. In the home, guests can view the Rockefeller’s personal collection of ornate furniture, art, and figurines. The Bassett House also holds regular events where guests can learn about specific types of art and then make their own creations to take home.
Tour availability and scheduled events vary depending on the time of the year. Paying for admission to Bassett Hall also gives guests access to other nearby attractions.
522 Francis Street E, Williamsburg, VA 23185, 757-220-7453
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How Much Does Yorktown Beach Cost
Yorktown Beach is perfect for the budget traveler or family looking for something free to do! This public beach is open to locals and tourists and is free of charge! Parking lots can be found throughout the area, and most are free to the public. So if youre looking for free things to do in Yorktown, Yorktown Beach is the perfect destination.
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Water Country Usa Williamsburg Va
Water Country USA, open from the end of May to the beginning of September, is a waterpark in Williamsburg, Virginia. The park has a variety of fast slides, pools, and lounging areas, making it an inviting spot for the entire family. Water Country currently has 11 main waterslides as well as four slides specifically for children. The wave pool and the floating river are open to all ages. Water Country USA also offers special family passes that are valid for a year.
Multi-park passes that give visitors access to Water Country USA as well as a nearby park called Busch Gardens are also available.
176 Water Country Parkway, Williamsburg, VA 23185, 757-229-4386
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Dine In Colonial Taverns
In colonial Virginia, taverns were where local people and travelers gathered for news, food, and sociability. Some of those in Williamsburg are still active dining places where you can get a feel for 18th-century social life and taste authentic dishes that Jefferson or Washington might have enjoyed here.
Raleigh Tavern was a social hot spot favored by members of the House of Burgesses, and equally popular was Wetherburn’s Tavern, right across the street. Balls and banquets were held at both taverns, and during restoration, nearly 200,000 artifacts were found on the site of Wetherburn’s.
King’s Arms Tavern opened in 1722 and catered to the gentry with the finest furnishings and service. Today, it continues that standard as the premier dining room in the historic area, with 18th-century musical entertainment.
Much more informal is Chowning’s Tavern, which first opened in 1766 catering to a less lofty clientele. Today, the restaurant retains this spirit, serving traditional English fare, and featuring evening Gambols, with colonial games and music. George Washington’s favorite was Christiana Campbell’s Tavern, and you can still enjoy Christiana’s special seafood dish here as he did. Shields Tavern serves a varied home-style menu in a casual atmosphere.
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Historic Virginia: History-lovers have plenty to explore in this part of Virginia, and two major historic centers are within an hour’s drive of Williamsburg. Coastal Norfolk, known for its naval base and military history, is full of related attractions including the Battleship Wisconsin. Inland, the vibrant city of Richmond was first an important colonial city with strong ties to the independence movement and later ravaged by war as the Confederacy tried to keep it out of Union hands for over five years during the Civil War.
Virginia’s Neighbors: The District of Columbia sits just over the border between the states of Virginia and Maryland. Washington, DC is home to some of the most iconic American landmarks and the most popular tourist attractions in the country, from the Lincoln Memorial to the massive collections of the Smithsonian Institution. Just beyond, Baltimore, Maryland is home to even more museums, ranging from fine art to cryptology, as well as many family attractions like the National Aquarium and the Maryland Science Center.
Romantic Getaways: One of the top Virginia destinations for younger couples is Virginia Beach, loved for its festive atmosphere and multitude of things to do. Those looking for a different vacation experience might want to look just a little farther south to find romantic getaways in North Carolina.
