Brooke & Sean
Things To Do
Favorite Restaurants
Here are some of our favorite local spots! For more options check out our yelp list (linked) Blue Talon Bistro (recommend reservations) (757) 476-2583 Dog Street Pub (757) 293-6478 Fat Canary (757) 229-3333 Berrets Seafood Restaurant and Taphouse Grill (757) 253-1847 Amber Ox Public House (757) 790-2299 Rockefeller Room (Reservations Required) (855) 318-0835 The Social Terrace (Located at the Willimsburg Inn) (855) 318-3996 Second St Bistro (757) 220-2286
Cafe's, Coffee Shops, & Breakfast Spots
Here are a few of our favorites! Check the Yelp Link for a filler list of great spots to start your day! Aromas Coffeehouse Bakery & Cafe (757) 221-6676 Blackbird Bakery (757) 229-8610 Culture Cafe (757) 378-2556 Secret Garden (757) 808-5318 Illy Caffe (757) 208-0006 The Bake Shop (757) 808-7056 Astronomical Pancake House (757) 253-6565
Explore DoG Street & Merchants Square
"Walk down the principal street of Williamsburg and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of what Franklin D. Roosevelt described as "the most historic avenue in all America." Duke of Gloucester Street (or DoG St) is essentially split into two parts: the New and the old. The new end features restaurants, cafe's and unique shops shops, while the old end is all about the history. More on that below...
Historic DoG Street
Spend the day exploring what makes this place so immersive and interesting. for the history buff's, this is paradise. For our fiends who are into health and fitness, this is great way to get your steps in. And for everyone else, it's just a really fin way to spend a day. Buy a day pass and use the link for a full list of what will be going on while your there. Highly recommend: The Active Archeology Sites The Courthouse The Milliner African American Religion Presentation The Copper House The Colonial Bakery (so yum!)
Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum
Spend an afternoon wandering around the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum. In the galleries of the folk art museum, you'll discover an amazing variety of paintings, sculptures, and other objects created by talented, self-trained artists and craftsmen. In fact, it's one of the largest collections of American folk art. Brooke has a personal tie to this museum - The museum's previous location which holds a special place in our hearts because Brooke's mum actually worked as a preservationist for the museum in the 1970s. Our Welcome party will be held in the gardens of that original building which is now the Spa.
Wander around William & Mary
The college is stunning and unique and historical. Book a formal tour or take yourself for a walk around this incredible special place.
Have a Cheese Shop Picnic
Okay, I'm craving Cheese Shop as I write this...Best way to enjoy the Cheese Shop is to grab a blanket, get a sandwich and bottle of wine to go and walk to Palace Lawn or the Sunken Gardens (on campus) and have yourself a little picnic. Fair warning, if you eat at one of the tables on the patio, you will likely be joined by a shameless (and harmless) squirrel who will expect you to share your snacks.
Experience a Colonial Tavern
Highly suggest making reservations in advance for this very unique dining experience. (Highly recommend the Shrub and the Peanut Soup) Kings Arms Tavern (855)-240-3278 Chownings Tavern (855) 270 5114 Shields Tavern (855) 268-7220 Christina Campbell's Tavern (855) 263-1746
Old Chickahominy House
I don't have enough good things to say about this place. Our family has been going to brunch at Old Chickahominy House for nearly 50 years. The owners and staff are like family. The food is low key, simple and delicious! Stop in early because there is always a wait to get in and while your waiting to be seated, shop the trinkets and antiques. There is a family rule though - you can't leave without getting a slice of pie. Seriously it's the best.
Copper Fox Distillery Williamsburg
This one is special. Copper Fox Distillery is located in what used to be a beautiful hotel that opened it's doors in the 40's. Brooke's grandmother started staying there around that time and over the years, all the way into the early 2000's, Brooke's family would stay there until it closed. It would sadly sit abandoned for a few years until Copper Fox came in and lovingly restored it. We love that they even set up a small museum of sorts for the many families like Brooke's who returned year after year. There are a million memories here, including Brooke's first memory ever eating breakfast with her Aunt in the cafe, which is now the tasting room. It is a very very special place for us. Copper Fox is a fantastic local whisky distillery who "is the only distillery on the planet to mature their whisky with toasted applewood. This process further develops and enhances the flavor of the smoky malt, resulting in a complex and singular flavor experience"
Williamsburg Winery
The Williamsburg Winery is a gorgeous little spot to spend an afternoon. Explore the vines, enjoy a tasting, the restaurant, "Gabriel Archer Tavern" is fabulous (and the patio is gorgeous!) and definitely get a bottle to to take with you back to your hotel. If you're a serious Wino, consider booking the "Extensive Tour and Reserve Wine Tasting" which is available by reservation only in our private wine cellar. You will sample and compare some of the reserve wines produced at the winery with selected vintages from our library collection. A country sampler of assorted cheese and crackers will complement your personalized tasting, and you will take home an oversized etched reserve wine glass to remember your tasting." Fun Fact: The winery was one of the location we considered as a wedding venue!
Williamsburg Breweries
Williamsburg is home to now many new breweries and micro-breweries! "THE WILLIAMSBURG TASTING TRAIL IS NOW HOME TO FIVE LOCAL BREWERIES! The Williamsburg Tasting Trail is now home to five local breweries." -Alewerks, the first Williamsburg brewery -Brass Cannon and sip your choice of seasonal or special release beer -W&M alum’s Virginia Beer Company -Billsburg Brewery, overlooking the Jamestown Marina -Amber Ox, a micro-brew house and pub
Busch Gardens
If history isn't your thing then maybe thrills are! It's been a few years but I would say this is one of the best Busch Gardens campuses out there. Plus because it s October, you'll be there just in time for "Howl-O-Screem" the park's signature Halloween event.
Visit Yorktown
Take the gorgeous 20 min drive down the Colonial Parkway to Historic Yorktown. Yorktown is a sleepy little waterside town and the site of the final battle of the Revolutionary War, Today it is home to American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, Colonial National Historical Park, Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center, Yorktown Beach, Nelson House, among others. It's a beautiful place to spend a day by the water. If you head to Yorktown, make sure you stop by Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters and Petite Cafe - it's worth the drive!
Historic Jamestown
Another unique historical site located about 25 min away from downtown Williamsburg is Jamestown. You can explore active archeological digs, wander around reenactment area and original settlement, explore the museum, and learn about some of the first settlers. Highly recommend the glassblowing exhibit. It's mesmerizing!
The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg
If your looking to truly relax, consider booking a massage at the The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg. This full service spa offers traditional massages and more unique treatments such as "18th Century Inspired Colonial Herbal Massage" If you are interested in having your hair blown out or down for any of the events, The Spa is an easy place to book. Our guests will be receiving 10% off all services when booked in advance. Please check out our FAQs page for details on booking at the discounted rate
The Golden Horseshoe Golf Club
The Williamsburg Inn is home to the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club which is comprised of three courses: The Gold Course The Green Course The Spotswood Course To book a tee time click the link below.
Colonel Home & Plantation Tours
Some of our recommendations are: -The Berkeley Plantation -The Governor's Palace -The Peyton Randolph House -Bassett Hall -The Shirley Plantation -
For more idea's on what to do in Williamsburg...
Check out my Pinboard for more idea's on what to do while your in Williamsburg!