Growing up, I’ve always been a history nut. I love visiting places that have a history – especially one that has helped shape how society was formed. America’s history although young, is fascinating. Recently, I had the opportunity to hang out in Williamsburg, VA for a brief afternoon.
If you’ve never been to Williamsburg before, I recommend going through and getting the Colonial Williamsburg pass. This pass gives you inside access to the houses and museums offered at Colonial Williamsburg. If you would like to learn more about what all is offered and ticket pricing check out the link here. A single day ticket for adults is $40.99 for adults and $20.49 for children (6-12).
If you aren’t looking to go spend a full day, Colonial Williamsburg is open to the public to walk around. Here is a breakdown on an afternoon in Colonial Williamsburg:
Start your afternoon with a nice lunch in Merchants Square, located in between the College of William and Mary and Colonial Williamsburg. This quaint square offers restaurants and shops that are perfect for lunch or dinner. I recommend starting with lunch at the Blue Talon Bistro. Yummy comfort food at an affordable price. Outdoor seating is available if the weather is nice and if you have an animal!
Up next, a nice stroll around Colonial Williamsburg! I love immersive experiences and Colonial Williamsburg is one of the best. While walking around, you will see horse drawn carriages, plantation owners, colonial shops, taverns, and beautiful cobblestone streets. Without the Colonial Williamsburg pass, you will not be able to enter the historic houses and museums that are only available to pass holders, but you will be to enter any of the taverns or shops that are lined across the streets. These taverns and shops give you a taste of the immersive experience you would receive with the paid pass. I recommend stopping at the outdoor market! This is the perfect shop for the whole family with historical toys, outfits, and gifts. You might also find some horses hanging out as well.
After walking around for a while, I’m always looking for a yummy snack. Merchants Square has some cute bakeries if you are looking for an afternoon snack. I loved spending time at Blackbird Bakery. There are assortments of homemade bread and baked goods with some seating inside. I always go for the sweets, so we enjoyed a caramel cupcake, 2 Petit Fours, a lime macaroon and a caramel macaroon. I suggest toping it off with a hot apple cider (perfect for the fall weather!).
With your hot cider in hand, check out the shops of Merchants Square. They have the cutest Christmas Shop with every ornament you could ever think of. Other shops include Chicos, The Cheese Shop, Danforth, College of Willam & Mary Bookstore, and Williamsburg at Home to name a few. My two absolute stop offs include Scotland House, Ltd and Wythe Candy and Gourmet.
Finish your afternoon off with a nice dinner at DoG St. Pub or The Trellis. If you have any spare time in your afternoon before dinner, I recommend heading across the other street lining Merchants Square to the College of William and Mary’s campus. This beautiful campus isn’t a site to miss!
It’s only a matter of time before I’m back in beautiful Colonial Williamsburg. Make sure to check out our Insider’s Guide to Providence and Boston coming soon!
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