Photo Diary: Greater Williamsburg, VA
This post was created in partnership with Visit Williamsburg, but all opinions are my own.
I recently returned from an amazing weekend exploring the history, culture, and architecture of Williamsburg, Virginia, a beautiful area just 2.5 hours south of D.C.
More than four centuries of history come to life here. We had the opportunity to see some of the locations where America’s first days were forged: Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown.
Jamestown, founded by the British in 1607, was the original capital of the Virginia Colony and the first permanent English-speaking settlement in the New World.
Williamsburg is one of America’s first planned cities. Initially laid out in 1699, it became a center of activity in colonial Virginia.
Yorktown was the site of a crucial battle in the American Revolution, where the British surrendered in 1781, allowing the United States to seal its victory and become an independent nation.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at the Williamsburg Inn, a 5-star resort located within walking distance of Colonial Williamsburg, Merchants Square, and many other attractions. From the moment we arrived and were welcomed inside, the wonderful staff made our trip magical. We felt very safe throughout the entire weekend, and it is clear they are taking every precaution, including frequent sanitization of common areas and requiring masks inside the building.
Our room was gorgeous, and I appreciated the spa-like bathroom, temperature-controlled shower, and plush robes. I couldn’t help but admire their collection of Audubon’s Birds of North America hanging in the hallways and lobbies.
What We Did
Our 2.5 days were filled to the brim with exploring and sight-seeing. There is so much to see and do in this remarkable area! Here’s everything we managed to fit in during our stay – which makes a great itinerary for history lovers.
Wandered through the Williamsburg Botanical Garden
Thanks to my interest in photography, I’ve become somewhat knowledgeable about the trees and plants that grow in our area. I enjoyed walking through this “demonstration garden” and learning more about the plants known to grow well in Williamsburg’s climate.
Explored architecture of Colonial Williamsburg
I was blown away by the amazing assortment of architecture in this living history museum, which encompasses more than 300 acres. There are hundreds of original and reconstructed houses, shops, public buildings, and outbuildings. One of the most breath-taking buildings is the Governor's Palace, which once was the official residence of the Virginia colony’s royal governor. The Capitol stands at one end of Duke of Gloucester Street, encouraging you to keep exploring.
Admired architecture and historical homes of Yorktown Village
On Saturday morning, we drove through the mist on the Colonial Parkway to Historic Yorktown. Several 18th-century buildings in this location tell the story of its influential residents. On Main Street, we admired the homes of many important people, including the Georgian Manor style home of Thomas Nelson, Jr. and the Dudley Digges House, built in the mid-18th century by Yorktown lawyer Dudley Digges.
Traveled back in time at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
In need of a refresher on the American Revolutionary War, we visited this wonderful museum located in Yorktown. The moment we stepped inside, we were immersed in the story of America’s founding through period artifacts and immersive galleries. Definitely a must-see during your trip to Yorktown.
Learned about the exciting history of Jamestowne in a guided tour
I highly recommend hearing about the complex story of Historic Jamestowne in one of the guided tours offered there. This location features several outdoor living-history experiences for visitors to enjoy. It acts as a prism for learning about what was going on in England during this time.
Shopped and bopped through over 42 shops and restaurants in Merchants Square, in the heart of downtown Williamsburg
In this shopping village, you can find everything from souvenirs to home goods, and there are several cafes and restaurants to fuel you as you go.
Where We Ate
Williamsburg is home to a lively food and dining scene. Here are a few places we enjoyed on our trip:
The Social Terrace at the Williamsburg Inn – We had dinner outside here on our first night, and it was such a lovely experience. There was live music and several fires to ward off the November chill as we enjoyed a great meal and amazing service. On our final day, we had a relaxed brunch while watching golfers tee off in the morning sunshine – a great way to end the weekend.
Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters – I was eager to visit this quaint café, located inside the Cole Diggs house in the Historic Yorktown Village. When I mentioned I was an architecture lover, the café owner was eager to give me an overview of the spots I needed to check out nearby. The coffee and pastries we had were fantastic.
Water Street Grille – We had an amazing lunch at this lively restaurant located in Yorktown’s Riverwalk Landing area. We both enjoyed seafood dishes, inspired by the beautiful views of the York River.
La Tienda – We loved trying out the delicious small plates and paella at this tapas-style restaurant, conveniently located less than 10 minutes from Colonial Williamsburg and the Williamsburg Inn.
We had a wonderful time and would highly recommend a long weekend getaway of exploring here. My husband and I can’t wait to bring friends and family on a return trip. It’s clearly a great place to bring young kids, with lots of learning opportunities and fun for the entire family.
Thank you again to the Visit Williamsburg team for hosting us! If you’re interested in visiting, check out the Visit Williamsburg website to start planning your trip.
