I grew up in a place that is so indelibly etched in my soul, that despite living all across the United States, I still call it home. Williamsburg, Virigina, together with Jamestown and Yorktown, are known as The Historic Triangle the birthplace of our country, and from 1699 to 1780, it was the center of colonial life in America. The town has grown significantly since my childhood, but its spirit remains the same. I’ve worked in its theme park, eaten in its restaurants, and experienced my first love amidst its colonial buildings. As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, I want to share with you the things that I love most about the area. I know that after a visit, Williamsburg will also hold a special place in your heart.
What I Love To Do
Colonial Williamsburg is the world’s largest living history museum. It brings the 18th century to life through a restored 301-acre historic area where costumed interpreters, working blacksmiths, and historical re-enactors walk the same streets as America’s founding fathers. You can walk the streets for free or you can buy a pass to into the buildings and private grounds.
Yorktown, most famous as the site where, in 1781, the British surrendered to General George Washington. This crucial victory secured America’s independence and effectively ended the Revolutionary War. Today, you can tour the battlefield and the museum. Be warned, do not sit on the grass on the battle field. It is loaded with cockleburs, placed there to keep troops from falling asleep.
The Colonial Parkway is a scenic, 23-mile roadway that connects Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. It is a peaceful, wooded drive with many places to pull off and enjoy the scenery. It is also the site of a series of unsolved homicides and disappearances involving at least eight young people between 1986 and 1989. As a youth I wasn’t allowed on the Parkway after dark and even today, I would avoid it at night. Not for fear of crime, but for fear of hitting a deer.
Jamestown, founded 13 years before Plymouth, it is the birthplace of English-speaking North America. Today, you can tour life-sized replicas of the original three ships (Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery), walk through a recreation of a Powhatan Indian village, and explore the 1610 fort. I especially enjoy the glassblowing exhibit.
The Jamestown-Scotland Ferry will take you from Jamestown to Surry County. My family would take the 15-minute ride every couple of months to visit a restaurant that no longer exists, but you can still grab a bite at The Edwards Ham Shop or The Surry Seafood Company. Visit Bacon’s Castle, the oldest brick structure in North America or Smith’s Fort Plantation which has an 18th century manor house that still has much of its original woodwork and provides examples of early American and English period furnishings from the late 16th through the early 18th centuries.
Waller Mill Park is one of my favorite parks in the US and I’ve been visiting since before I could walk. Overlooking a 360-acre lake, the park provides a variety of outdoor activities including boating, hiking, fishing, disc golf, picnicking, and playgrounds. It’s beautiful any time of the year and has something for everyone. I love to hike the trails, motor around the lake on a boat, which you can rent on-site, and fish.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is frequently voted one of the world’s most beautiful theme parks. For many years, I spent almost every summer night, riding roller coasters, flirting with boys, and eating junk food. The park boasts 9 seriously intense roller coasters and is a destination for coaster enthusiasts. It also hosts seasonal events like the Food & Wine Festival, Howl-O-Scream, and Christmas Town.
What I Love To Eat
Folks from “The Burg” panicked when, in 2022, The Cheese Shop stopped making sandwiches and reduced operating hours due to a staffing shortage. But fear not, they are back to running a full capacity. As a teen, I would order bread ends and dressing for a snack. You can still do that, or you can also order sandwiches on fresh baked bread for lunch, then stock up on specialty cheeses, meats, beer, and wine — and don’t forget a few jars of the original House Dressing.
The Blue Talon Bistro opened in 2004 and has become a local favorite. The restaurant mixes a French flare with slow food feel. After sampling many of the menu items, I now only get the Chicken and Mushroom Crepes, Duck Confit Salad, or Caramelized Onion Tart. They also have one of the best wine lists in the city.
My mom took me to The Carrot Tree, shortly after it opened in 1995, to get its signature dish, carrot cake. Since then, it has expanded from a simple bakery on the outskirts of town, to a full-service restaurant with two locations. I love their cold salad combo, called the 1607 Sampler, and I still order the carrot cake to go.
I remember eating at Pierce’s BBQ when it was just a smokehouse, one walk-up order window, and some picnic benches in a horse pasture. Today, it is a restaurant, with people traveling hours just to get a taste of their BBQ. I get the JC Special, with slaw and hot sauce. If you have space in your suitcase, take some of their famous sauce home.
Colonial Williamsburg has multiple historic taverns I which you can dine. I’ve tried them all, but the one with the most interesting menu is The King’s Arms. Try the peanut soup, because you won’t find it anywhere else. I also really like the salmon with crab. Reservations are required and should, if possible, be made months in advance.
My Travel Tips
Williamsburg is best visited April – December. If you have seasonal allergies, avoid it in the spring. My favorite time to visit is the summer. Yes, it’s hot and humid, but you can boat on the river, eat Chesapeake Blue Crabs (worthy of their own separate blog), and enjoy afternoon thunderstorms. The town is surrounded by water, so bring bug spray in summer months. Early winter is also a great time to visit. Grand Illumination, the traditional lighting of Colonial Williamsburg for the Christmas season, is a highlight of my year. I look forward to walking Duke of Gloucester Street (DOG Street to us locals), listening to the carolers, and enjoying gingerbread cookies with hot apple cider. Williamsburg has limited public transportation, so renting a car is a must.
