I'm a person who tells it like it is, regardless of what anyone thinks of me for doing so. The last thing I want to do is blow smoke up the a** of my website viewers. Based on my own travel experiences I want to give them as realistic a view as possible of the travel destinations I write about.
While searching for a video for this article tonight I came upon the following video that tells a story you don't hear about when visiting Williamsburg. Admittedly it's been a few years since I was last at Williamsburg - one of 3 trips I've made to Colonial Williamsburg. To be honest, I could see the changes taking place in the colony that are spoken about in the video below.
Less shops open, less interpreters, fewer crowds compared to my other two visits. My sister is planning on visiting Williamsburg again next fall so I'll get the lowdown from her.
But I knew something was up when Williamsburg suddenly dropped its ticket prices in 2023, without any prior announcement they were going to do this.
Do I think Williamsburg is still worth visiting? Absolutely. It remains on the list of my 3 most favorite travel destinations - even though it's not as exciting as Busch Gardens.
But I'll leave it to you to decide whether or not to vacation at Williamsburg and I'm basing this article on my third and last visit there.
My First Visit To Williamsburg
My first visit to Williamsburg was when I'd just entered high school and was as memorable as it is due to an unfortunate incident that happened while there.
For some unknown reason the Governor's Palace was mobbed that day, a shoulder-to-shoulder crowd as far as the eye could see. I'd gotten separated from my family, had lost them in the crowd.
Suddenly I spotted them in the distance and took off at a dead run to catch up with them before they disappeared in the crowd again. Note: I was on the track team so I could move.
As I'm barreling through the throng I accidentally slam into an Indian woman, knocking her to the cement sidewalk. Suddenly four big burly guys are grabbing me, even though I'd stopped to help the woman up and apologize to her.
I reached out my hand to her to help her up, these brutes slapped my hand away as if to say "DON'T TOUCH HER!"
I'm screaming at them "LET GO OF ME!" while trying to pull away from them.
I guess they finally figured out the whole thing had been an accident, that I hadn't been out to deliberately do this Indian woman any harm.
When I finally caught up with my family, the first thing out of my dad's mouth was "Did you see the Queen of Nepal?"
OOOPS.
Yep. I'd just knocked the Queen of Nepal on her royal a**.
I have to say the Queen was very gracious about the whole thing.
Her bodyguards? Not so much!
On my second and third visits to Williamsburg I made sure no royalty was visiting - just to be on the safe side.
My List Of What To Know
Plan on spending 2-3 days in Williamsburg. You cannot thoroughly see it in 1 day.
Williamsburg comprises 301 acres in total.
Wear your best walking shoes! Even with using the shuttles, at the end of the day your feet will be the worse for wear even in your best walking shoes.
Prepare to dress in layers. The weather in Williamsburg can change very abruptly.
Make your first stop the Visitor Center.
Visitors Center
The parking fees at Colonial Williamsburg are as
follows:
Ticketed guests are encouraged to park at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center, where parking is available for $10 per day, and take advantage of the complimentary bus service to the Historic Area.
Parking lots require the use of the free Passport app but also offer free 30-minute parking in most cases (a Passport app $0.35 convenience fee may apply). Payment kiosks are also available in most locations.
Guests of Colonial Williamsburg can take advantage of complimentary bus service from the Visitor Center to stops throughout the Historic Area. Stops include the Governor’s Palace, the Capitol, the Taverns, Market House, Williamsburg Lodge, the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, and Merchants Square.
Buses leave the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center to service stops throughout the Historic Area every 15 minutes. Bus service hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 9:00AM until 9:00PM and Sunday, 9:00AM until 6:00PM. Please note that Monday through Saturday, the last bus of the evening begins service at 8:30PM to return to the Visitor Center at 9:00PM. On Sundays, the last bus of the evening begins service at 5:30PM to return to the Visitor Center at 6:00PM.
Williamsburg shuttle
If you have dining reservations or are attending an Evening Program with an end time later than 8:00PM, I suggest parking at the Tavern Parking Lot, located off of Francis Street.
Dining
Dining in Williamsburg is an experience in itself, especially feasting on traditional Colonial foods.
Williamsburg has a variety of restaurants including table service and Grab & Go restaurants. Reservations are recommended for all table service restaurants, particularly the Taverns: Chowning, Christiana Campbell's, King's Arms and Shield Taverns.
Besides the taverns there are several table service restaurants within Williamsburg:
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Terrace and Goodwin Rooms
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Sweet Tea & Barley
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Rockefellers
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Restoration Bar
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Traditions
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Gold Course Grill
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Museum Cafe
The Grab & Go establishments are:
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McKenzie Apothecary
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The Cupboard
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Dubois Grocer
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Raleigh Tavern Bakery
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Chowning's Garden Bar
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Chowning's Cider Stand
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Green Course Clubhouse Bar
Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Williamsburg & the surrounding area:
1. Chowning’s Tavern (Colonial Williamsburg)
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Offers a fun, casual colonial dining experience.
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Kids will love the 18th-century-style games and music.
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Menu includes hearty pub fare like meat pies and sandwiches.
2. King’s Arms Tavern (Colonial Williamsburg)
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Historic setting with servers in period costumes.
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Family-friendly meals, including roasted chicken and macaroni pie.
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A great way to experience dining as it was in colonial times.
3. Christiana Campbell’s Tavern (Colonial Williamsburg)
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Seafood-focused colonial-style restaurant.
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George Washington was a fan of this tavern!
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A fun experience with candlelit tables and live music.
4. The Cheese Shop (Merchant’s Square – Near Colonial Williamsburg)
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Famous for delicious sandwiches and homemade bread.
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Great for picnic-style lunches before or after exploring.
5. Food For Thought (Modern American – Kid-Friendly)
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Offers a mix of Southern comfort food and healthier options.
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Kids’ menu includes mac & cheese, grilled chicken, and mini burgers.
6. Mellow Mushroom (Pizza – Casual Dining)
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Colorful, laid-back atmosphere with great pizza and salads.
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Kids love the fun décor and unique toppings.
7. Captain George’s Seafood Buffet (Great for big eaters!)
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A popular all-you-can-eat seafood buffet.
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Offers crab legs, shrimp, and a variety of non-seafood options.
8. Shorty’s Diner (Classic Diner – Breakfast Favorite)
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Fun, retro-style diner with great pancakes, waffles, and omelets.
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Super affordable and great for families.
9. Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que (Casual BBQ Joint)
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A local favorite for smoked meats and Southern sides.
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Great for families who love barbecue.
10. Duck Donuts (Sweet Treat!)
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Customizable warm donuts with fun toppings.
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A must-visit for a treat after exploring Williamsburg.
Tours
Before you visit Williamsburg download this self-guided walking tour utilizing a phone app - $13.49 per adult.
Here's another for $15, that shows you the exterior of 30 Williamsburg buildings. Some of the buildings are free to enter, some select ones require a n additional admission fee. By taking the tour first, you can select which buildings you'd pay to see the interiors of.
If you have kids, then I'd recommend booking the Pirate Walking Tour with Colin.
Yes, pirate tour.
Pirates (especially Blackbeard and his crew) played a significant role in the history of Colonial Williamsburg.
This tour will appeal to adults and kids alike. Colin is a walking encyclopedia on the subject of pirates and you can get an idea of the lay of Williambsburg while the kids are entertained with true pirate stories and history.
The price is the same for adults and kids - $25 each, the standard price for about any tour. The tour lasts 105 minutes and it is wheelchair accessible.
Be sure you specifically book with Colin because he is so knowledgeable and entertaining.
Here's a walking tour video and a map to familiarize you with Williamsburg's layout:
There are 3 main streets in Williamsburg: Nicholson Street, Duke of Gloucester Street, and Francis Street. Everything lies on those 3 streets or on side streets off of those 3 streets. The shuttle makes numerous stops on the main streets and side streets. See a somewhat enlarged map here
You have 2 options when visiting Williamsburg - stay inside Williamsburg itself or stay outside of Williamsburg itself. I've done both and far prefer staying inside Williamsburg even if it does cost a bit more. It's far less hassle. Park the car once and forget it.
On Jay's and my trip originally we were going to stay at the Williamsburg Inn - until Ashley begged to come along. Jay booked us into a King suite at Williamsburg Woodlands.
There's a seasonal heated outdoor pool, a Pool & Splash Park with water cannons, slides, and mini waterfalls for children, a free 18 hole golf course, Shuffleboard, basketball, volleyball, ping pong, on‑site gym, laundry facilities.
Free breakfast included.
We got an AAA rate of $138.15 per night + $41.54 taxes and fees, booking Sunday night through the following Friday night.
With our reservation we also got 2 Length of Stay tickets to Williamsburg that included guided tours, historic trades, gardens, and staged performances.
If you elect to stay outside of Colonial Williamsburg itself, then investigate family friendly resorts like this one, $683 for 2 adults, 2 children for 5 nights in June 2026. Price includes tax and fees, book through Vrbo.
There are also the standard chain motels/hotels like Days Inn, Comfort Inn, Hampton Inn, etc. near Colonial Williamsburg if you're on a really tight budget - but be sure to check TripAdvisor and/or traveler reviews of the place before you book there.
Williamsburg Tickets
There are a variety of Williamsburg ticket options available. We added to our 5 day Length Of Stay ticket to upgrade it to an Historical Triangle ticket, then bought a Historical Triangle ticket for Ashley for $57.
The Historical Triangle ticket includes Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown. As long as we were down there I wanted Ashley to be able to see Jamestown as well.
If you intend to stay at Williamsburg then be sure to check out their Special Offers & Packages page before you book reservations. There are several limited time discount packages available, plus you can get a Coupon Book which includes up to $350 in savings - worth its weight in gold when visiting Williamsburg.
Best Places to Stay in Williamsburg with Kids
1. Williamsburg Lodge (Official Colonial Williamsburg Hotel)
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Steps away from the historic area.
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Offers family packages and discounts on attraction tickets.
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Outdoor pool and on-site dining.
2. Great Wolf Lodge
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A kid favorite with an indoor water park!
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Tons of activities, including a MagiQuest adventure game.
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Perfect for families who want extra fun after sightseeing.
3. Kingsmill Resort
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A luxury resort with pools, golf courses, and a kids’ club.
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Located along the James River with scenic views.
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Spacious suites and condos for larger families.
4. Embassy Suites Williamsburg
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Offers free breakfast and spacious family-friendly rooms.
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Indoor pool and close to local attractions.
5. Bluegreen Patrick Henry Square
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Family-friendly suites with kitchenettes.
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Walking distance to Colonial Williamsburg.
6. Woodlands Hotel & Suites (Colonial Williamsburg Resort)
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Budget-friendly with free breakfast.
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Kids love the splash pool and mini-golf course on-site.
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Guests get discounts on Colonial Williamsburg attractions.
Morning: If you're staying at one of the Williamsburg hotels you'll likely have breakfast included in your stay.
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Woodlands breakfast bar and dining room
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WILLIAMSBURG WOODLANDS : The breakfast buffet is duplicated in 2 stations
to reduce wait time.
Governor's Palace & Kitchen
From the Woodlands Hotel we turn south onto North England Street, then west to the Governor's Palace and Kitchen. I wasn't that impressed with the Governor's Mansion but the kitchen is really cool. When we were there they were cooking colonial food. And the cooks have the scoop on everything colonial life.
The Palace Green
From the Governor's Palace walk straight south to the Palace Green.
For the Kids: Try Colonial Games on Palace Green
Kids can play hoop rolling, trap ball, and other 18th-century games on the Palace Green with the Colonial kids of Williamsburg.
Free and fun, these games give children a taste of colonial childhood.
Ashley had a blast rolling hoops with the kids.
Cross the Palace Green, go west on Prince George Street to the Wheelwright shop.
Wheelwright Shop
Cross Prince George Street to the Cooper shop.
Cooper
Turn south onto Nassau Street, then east on Duke of Gloucester Street to Bruton Parish Church.
The Bruton Parish Church dates back to 1674 and is the largest Colonial burial site still in existence in Virginia.
You're at the south end of the Palace Green and you'll see the Mary Dickinson Store, go north to the Geddy House, the Foundry and the Gunsmith.
Geddy House
Gunsmith
Of course since we were fighting the American Revolution, there had to be a resident gunsmith to make the guns. They were also needed for hunting to provide food and game for the colonists.
Randolph House
Continue past the Gunsmith to Nicholson Street, turn right (east) on Nicholson Street. The first building you'll come to is the Randolph House. The Brickyard is right next door to Randolph House.
Brickmaker
For the kids: There's a children's activity area between the Foundry and the Geddy House.
Afternoon: Turn back in the direction you came, go east on Duke of Gloucester Street, just past the Courthouse and have lunch at Chowning's Tavern: 109 E Duke of Gloucester Street. $
On the Williamsburg website they're now calling this Chowning's Garden Bar & Cider Stand. When I was last there you could order your food inside the tavern and then take it out to this garden patio and there was no cider bar.
Either way, this outdoor patio is a charming retreat that reflects the practical beauty of an 18th-century colonial garden. It's one of my favorite places to eat in Williamsburg and seemed to be largely undiscovered by Williamsburg visitors. You could get away from the crowd for a bit because you wouldn't have known this garden patio was there unless someone had told you about it. The food was good.
After lunch visit the Courthouse right next door.
The Courthouse
From civil disputes and local ordinances to announcements that shaped the early community, this courthouse served as the heart of civic life in eighteenth-century Williamsburg.
From the Courthouse, continue walking west on Duke of Gloucester Street. You're going to be backtracking a bit here because there's an area of things to see on the south side of Duke of Gloucester Street.
Across from Breton Church:
The Tailor
From the Tailor Shop cross Nassau Street to
The Joinery
Colonial Garden
Well, one of them anyway. There are 30 gardens in Williamsburg plus an arboretum.
If you can, take a guided tour of the gardens as they'll let the kids help them garden while teaching them colonial gardening methods.
The gardeners and farmers of Williamsburg are so interesting to watch working, using 18th century tools and gardening methods.
Plots within the garden represent provision gardens of the enslaved and American Indians, as well as the luxury gardens that ornamented the landscape of wealthy households.
The well-being of the entire colonial economy was dependent on the farmers' crops. This involves the growing and harvesting of tobacco, corn, wheat, flax, and cotton.
Lumberhouse Ticket Office
You'll also see the Lumber House Ticket Office in this area. Visit the Lumber House to purchase admission tickets, evening programs, and carriage rides.
You might want to take a break from walking and take a carriage ride if the kids feet (and yours) need a rest.
Lumberhouse Ticket Office
The Shoemaker
The Weaver
When English imports were cut off by the Revolution, local weavers came forward to fill the need for everyday items. Watch how flax, cotton, and wool are converted from tangled masses into orderly, precise fabrics—ranging from simple linens for shirts and shifts to blankets, towels, dyed wool for needlework, and stout woolens for military uniforms.
If you've ever done weaving start to finish (flax to yarn to dying to constructing a garment) it's incredibly time consuming and laborious so you can really appreciate watching these weavers at work.
Last building in that section...
African American Religion Exhibit
Evening: Have dinner at King's Arms Tavern: 416 East Duke of Gloucester Street.
This is my second favorite Tavern in Williamsburg. $$$
Originally opened by Jane Vobe in 1772, this authentic reproduction public house serves up a transporting experience for the senses in Colonial Williamsburg. Everything is true to the time period at King’s Arms Tavern, from the fashion sported by servers to the pewter candlesticks—all adding to an air of colonial elegance. Inspired by 18th-century recipes but with updates to suit 21st-century tastes, tuck into a chophouse menu featuring prime rib, pork chops, and more..
There's always live music of some kind, performed by musicians in colonial dress. The food is very good as was the service. The only drawback to King's Arms Tavern is that it can get quite noisy when it's full of diners.
There is an ADA accessible dining area but one must check in at the front desk and you will be taken to that dining room in what's called the "Purdic Kitchen". Reservations are a must.
After dinner return to your accommodations and pamper your feet.
Morning: Jay wanted to try out Williamsburg Inn's Terrace and Goodwin Rooms for breakfast. While the food here is scrumptious, it will definitely lighten your wallet.
Photo credit: Williamsburg Inn
A more budget friendly alternative is Raleigh Tavern Bakery: 413 East Duke of Gloucester Street.
Served hot each morning, their signature gingerbread biscuits are the perfect pairing with a fresh cup of coffee.
All of the bakery's baked goods are delicious!
Family Friendly and Dog Friendly
$$
After breakfast, pick up where you left off yesterday. Go to Nicholson Street and pass Prentis Field.
Stop at the Printing Office & Bindery.
Printer
Bookbinder
On the opposite side of the street...
Cabinetmaker
Afternoon: Take a break and have lunch at Brickhouse Tavern: 755 Scotland Street, Williamsburg.
Brickhouse Tavern is a casual Italian-American restaurant and bar where friends gather over world-class pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and salads.
After lunch return to Nicholson Street. Right next door to the Cabinetmaker shop is the axe throwing range.
The kids will love this!
Axe Throwing Range
The Colonial Williamsburg axe-throwing range offers a unique experience where visitors can learn about the history of axe throwing during the American Revolution.
Participants receive a safety briefing and learn about the proper technique for throwing axes, which were commonly used for chores and entertainment rather than combat.
The axe-throwing range operates daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Continue to walk west on Nicholson Street to the...
Carpenter's Yard
Carpentry was one of the most common trades in Williamsburg. From one end of town to another, houses, shops, sheds, dairies, smokehouses, kitchens, and storehouses exhibit the handiwork of carpenters. Discover how the experts use hand tools to transform trees into lumber, cut and raise heavy timber building frames, and enclose new structures with siding and roofing.
Backtrack slightly from the Carpenter, west on Nicholson Street. Turn south on Botetcourt Street, then east on Duke of Gloucester Street. Visit the Milliner & Mantua Maker, the Silversmith, the Wigmaker (across the street), then cross back across Duke of Gloucester Street to the Apothecary.
Milliner & Mantua Maker
These are the (primarily) women who made clothing, accessories and updated older fashions into the more modern 18th century fashions.
Most people knew how to sew in the 18th century. As a basic life skill, sewing was taught to boys and girls from all levels of society as part of their practical education. But knowing how to sew didn’t mean that everyone knew how to make clothing. Cutting out the shapes for garments and fitting them to a unique body was something an individual had to be trained to do through a formal apprenticeship.
Only professionals had the full range and depth of skill necessary to produce clothing. While sewing did happen at home, it was the kind of sewing that mended and maintained a wardrobe, rather than the sewing that manufactured item from start to finish.
So how much of a wardrobe did an 18th century woman have? That's actually kind of a difficult question to answer, but we have a list made out by Martha Jefferson, wife of Thomas Jefferson:
"16 gowns (18 if you count the 2 “to be made up”), 9 petticoats, 18 aprons, and 20 shifts."
I'm not sure what motivated Martha to make this list.
"Thomas, I only have 18 gowns! I simply must go shopping at the Milliner's! I have nothing to wear!"
(Some things have never changed over the course of history, eh gentlemen?)
Silversmith
Wigmaker
Routinely wearing a wig may seem strange to us, especially for men, but it communicated the wearer's elegance, his station in society, and even his occupation. With the skill of a barber and hairdresser combined, wigmakers fashioned "perukes" of quality and distinction.
The Apothecary
What was it like to be sick or injured in colonial times? Meet the apothecaries and learn how medicine, wellness, and surgical practices of the 18th century compare to today. This was one of my favorite shops. (Jay's too)
Continue to the end of the Dule of Gloucester Street where you'll find the Capitol Building.
Capitol Building
Go north on Waller Street to the Presbyterian Meeting House.
Presbyterian Meeting House
Evening: Have dinner at Christiana Campbell's Tavern: 101 South Waller Street.
This is my favorite Williamsburg Tavern. It was George Washington's and Thomas Jefferson's favorite hang out as well, Washington having eaten over 100 meals there.
When we think of our Founding Fathers we don't normally picture them hanging out in a "bar", knocking back a few brews. Then again, maybe that's how they originally came up with the idea of revolting against and separating from England and writing the Declaration of Independence?
The woman above does a fantastic job of portraying Christiana Campbell. She was very entertaining, especially telling the tale of the arguments that finally lead to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
In her words, "They couldn't agree on anything!"
Christiana's is known for its seafood so enjoy the historically inspired, locally acquired menu of shrimp, scallops, and fish, and of course their world-renowned crab cakes and spoon bread.
The crab cakes and fried chicken are my personal favorites. The food is great as was the service. Again, a bit on the pricier side but not quite as expensive as the Terrace Room at Williamsburg Inn and you'll get more than enough to eat as the portions are large. Christiana's is only open from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday for dinner. Reservations are a must.
Please note: Campbell’s Tavern is not ADA-accessible and Cellar experience is exclusively walk-up only. Seating is limited, so be sure to arrive early to secure your place.
Relax after dinner. I was glad Jay had booked the Woodlands as there was plenty to keep Ashley entertained in the evenings. On this evening they decided to play a game of miniature golf together.
Morning: Have breakfast at Traditions: 310 South England Street, Williamsburg.
Join Traditions daily from 7 am to 11 am for a carefully curated breakfast menu that blends traditional American cuisine with contemporary Southern influences.
Each dish is crafted to surprise and satisfy your palate, offering a perfect start to your day.
They offer a different menu every day of the week.
Family friendly. $$ Reservations are recommended.
Start your day of touring Williamsburg at the Powell House, just past Christiana Campbell's Tavern.
Powell House
(Great for Hands-On Fun for kids!)
This 18th-century home offers interactive activities like gardening, cooking, and colonial games. Kids can try simple chores from the past, like fetching water and washing laundry.
From Powell House walk west on Nicholson Street to the Public Gaol. (Pronounced "jail")
This was my favorite building in Williamsburg, having worked as a Corrections Officer. If inmates today think they have it rough, they should spend a few days shackled in the gaol!
Yes, if you were facing execution they put your coffin right in your cell with you and at least one of the cells had a view of the gallows where the prisoner would be hung. They didn't mess around in those days. There were 10 days before trial and execution. No plea bargains or endless appeals. 10 days start to finish, over and done with. SCHWIIIIIIING! Next prisoner please!
And if that wasn't enough to give you a sufficient attitude adjustment, they'd publicly humiliate you by throwing you in the stocks in front of the entire town or whip you at the whipping post.
Travel west down Nicholson Street to Colonial Street. Go south on Colonial Street across Duke of Gloucester Street and walk to the Public Armoury, then the Blacksmith, and the Tin shop.
Public Armoury
Blacksmith
Blacksmiths begin their day by lighting fires in the forges outfitted with bellows and a hood to carry away smoke. Once the fires are roaring, they heat bars of iron and use sledges weighing up to 12 pounds to hammer the heated bars into various shapes. The Blacksmiths work with other trades to make tools and other materials, such as nails for the Carpenters.
Tinsmith
Head back toward the Visitor Center to the military encampment at 101A Visitor Center Drive, Williamsburg.
Military Encampment
For the Kids: The Children's Military Drill at Colonial Williamsburg is a unique and engaging activity for young visitors. During this event, children can "enlist" in the colonial army and learn basic marching drills. Led by costumed interpreters, this activity is both educational and fun, allowing children to participate in a historical and interactive way. The event takes place on Tuesdays through Thursdays, June through August and is free and open to the public. It is a great opportunity for families to witness the military maneuvers and musket firing on Market Square Green, all to the lively tunes of the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums. View the schedule for this event here
Visit the military encampment. Soldiers in the Virginia State Garrison Regiment enlisted for three years, and garrison duty was year-round. This is an active military camp where you'll be encouraged to enlist and be given your first instruction in the manual of arms by your drill sergeant. Take part in drill practice and watch a musket being fired.
From the military encampment head south on Nassau Street to the Public Hospital of 1773 and the Museums.
Afternoon: Have lunch at the Museum Cafe: 326 Francis St W.
Their thoughtfully curated menu offers something for everyone—from hearty soups and fresh salads to satisfying sandwiches and classic entrees.
Start with a light, crisp salad or a flavorful wrap, perfect for a quick and satisfying bite. For those seeking something heartier, the mains range from classic comfort foods to inventive seasonal dishes that celebrate the best of the region's flavors.
Pair your meal with a refreshing glass of tavern beer or wine, or keep it light with one of their
signature dishes. Families will find kid-friendly options.
Try the Ham & Cheddar Melt! $$
Tour the museums after breakfast, then move on to visit the Public Hospital of 1773.
Public Hospital
The Public Hospital of 1773 was the first mental institution in the U.S.
On your way out, stop at the Merchants Square Ticket Office. Purchase tickets to Merchants Square for tomorrow's itinerary.
Evening: Have dinner at Sweet Tea & Barley: 310 South England Street, Williamsburg.
Merchant's Square ticket office
Sweet Tea & Barley
incorporate modern techniques and fresh, seasonal ingredients.
They offer an all day menu, a dinner specials menu and a kids menu. Enjoy a diverse menu, from crisp salads to indulgent pub bites and hearty sandwiches
Sweet Tea & Barley comes alive every Friday and Saturday evening with live music performances.
Hours:
Sunday 12:00pm - 10:00pm
Monday - Wednesday 4:00pm - 10:00pm
Thursday 12:00pm-10:00pm
Friday - Saturday 12:00pm - 11:00pm
After dinner consider taking one of Williamsburg's Ghost Tours. Even if you don't believe in ghosts, these tours are fun.
Williamsburg Ghost Tours
Photo credit: Colonial Williamsburg
There are multiple different ghost tours you can take at Williamsburg. Book early because they fill up fast!
The Night Watchman’s Ghost Tour and Colonial Ghosts Tour are excellent family-friendly options for kids in Colonial Williamsburg, offering engaging storytelling and historical insights. They won't scare the kids.
The 7 Best Ghost Tours in Williamsburg
With all its important history, it is not surprising that Williamsburg has had its share of ghost sightings.
Whether people believe in ghosts or not, ghost tours are a fun way of touring and getting to know a city and one of the entertaining and educational things to do in Williamsburg.
Colonial Ghosts has been ranked among America's top ten ghost tours. A guide leads the tour on a nightly walk through the city’s historical sectors, with a special tour including the College of William and Mary.
The Original Ghost Tour is Virginia’s oldest ghost tour. Visitors can take an hour and a half of walking tour through Colonial Williamsburg and learn many of its secrets.
The tour begins at 8:00 p.m. and is $19.00 per person. Visitors can include a pub crawl to meet both ghosts and great pubs. The cost for the pub crawl is $46.00.
The Original Ghost Tour begins at 345 W Duke of Gloucester St.
The Dead Of Night Ghost Tour is a don't miss. Renowned for its authenticity and research, this tour is often regarded as one of the best ghost tours in the country. It'll leave you looking over your shoulder when it's done.
Guided by lantern light, you’ll wander through ancient streets, uncovering tales of ghosts and legends that linger in the shadows. Each story is a blend of historical facts and spine-tingling lore, making the past come alive in a chillingly unique way.
Your expert guides will use paranormal equipment to summon the ghostly spirits!!!
This is the most popular ghost tour at Williamsburg and sells out FAST so you need to make your reservations early.
Ages 12-99, max of 25 per group. Price of tour is currently $30 per person. Tours last 1 hour and 45 minutes and starts after dark, usually 9 to 10 p.m. Check the link above for more details.
The tour is completely wheelchair accessible.
Colonial Williamsburg best ghost tour for kids
For families looking for a ghost tour in Colonial Williamsburg that is suitable for kids, the Night Watchman’s Ghost Tour is highly recommended. This tour is designed to be spooky but appropriate for all ages, making it a great option for families visiting with children. The tour features compelling storytelling, historic backdrops, and a sense of mystery that keeps guests engaged.
Morning: Have breakfast at Colonial Pancake House
301 Page St, Williamsburg, VA
One of the highest-rated pancake houses in Williamsburg. They have a nice menu selection and you’ll find some rare items, such as scrapple.
What’s scrapple you ask? It’s a mixture of pork trimmings and scraps combined with spices, cornmeal, and wheat flour which
is then fried.
Their home fries, served more like scalloped potatoes, are a cult favorite.
Get your tickets out that you purchased yesterday and visit Williamsburg Merchant's Square, adjoining Colonial Williamsburg.
Merchant's Square
Merchant's Square is an odd mix of modern and colonial that somehow all works together. You can still even see musket holes in the sides of some of the buildings.
It's great to hit the Square up in the day time but it's also a place for nightlife with live entertainment, restaurants, etc. It has the same colonial flavor as Colonial Williamsburg does with its cobblestone streets and architecture.
There are so many cool shops and stores here that it's easy to spend the day just browsing the shops alone.
I absolutely love the Cheese Shop with cheeses from all over the world - especially the Champagne Cheese and Herb Crusted Goat's Cheese.
Whythe Candy Shop is another must stop. Williamsburg’s beloved candy store for 50+ years. Offering freshly made fudge, hand-dipped
chocolates, caramel apples and the region’s largest selection of candy.
Check out the Peanut Shop as well. Locally grown and roasted in the heart of peanut farmland south of the James River. A favorite with locals and visitors for over 50 years, the
Peanut Shop of Williamsburg also features regional specialty foods, confections and gifts for entertaining.
Money $aving Tip: On Wednesdays, seniors get 15% off at the Peanut Shop of Williamsburg.
There's even a toy store for kids featuring colonial toys.
Money $aving Tip: Currently save over 60% off the regular price on our exclusive plush costumed dolls. These dolls were developed in partnership with Historic Area interpreters and make great gifts for kids. $15 each.
Offer includes only the styles shown.
These seemed to be a popular doll as I saw a few little girls carrying one around and Ashley got one as a souvenir of her Williamsburg trip.
Merchants Square is also home to the Kimball Theater.
The Kimball Theatre has been owned and operated by The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation for 90 years. Originally called the Williamsburg Theatre, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. opened it in 1933 as an official Radio-Keith-Orpheum (RKO) theatre along with Radio City Music Hall and The Roxy Theatre in New York City. Today, the Kimball is a cornerstone of Williamsburg's performing arts
community, home to stage productions, musical performances, film screenings, speakers, and more.
If there's an event being held at the Kimball Theater during your visit it would be worth your time to see it.
Afternoon: Have lunch at your choice of one of the many restaurants in Market Square. DoG Street Pub had excellent hand-tossed, stone-baked pizzas if that interests you. They have a nice assortment of other menu items as well. $$
After lunch continue to explore Market Square. It had a nightlife of its own so it's worth your while to stick around for the nightly live entertainment.
Evening: Have dinner at Blue Talon Bistro: 420 Prince George Street, Williamsburg.
Photo credit: Blue Talon Restaurant
Celebrated chef David Everett offers relaxed “bistro” dining serving up comfort food with flair. The attention to the consistency and quality of menu items, wine list, and cocktails combines with the casual atmosphere to transform your experience into one of relaxation and fun.
Sunday, Monday, & Thursday
Breakfast 8:00AM - 10:30AM
All-Day Menu 11:30 - 3:00 / 4:00 - 8:00
Sunday Brunch 11:30AM - 3:00PM
Friday & Saturday
Breakfast 8:00AM - 10:30AM
All-Day Menu 11:30 - 3:00 / 4:00 - 9:00
Closed Tuesday & Wednesday
This is your last day in Williamsburg so you can choose your own itinerary.
Some suggestions on other things Williamsburg has to offer that we haven't covered yet:
Fife & Drum Corps
You've probably seen them marching in the streets while touring Williamsburg,
One of these Corps is comprised entirely of kids! You'll usually see them parading in late afternoon. Take a few minutes to stop and watch them. They've performed all over the world!
Take A Carriage Ride
If you haven't done so yet, take a carriage ride.
With their motto “see our city differently,” Colonial Williamsburg’s 15-30 minute carriage rides – which they’ve been doing daily for over 75 years now – offer a way to see the historic area from the same vantage point as you would have hundreds of years ago. Your ride will have an interpreter lead the horses and guide you through the historical sites along Duke of Gloucester Street and around the Palace Green as you approach the historic Governor’s Palace, a symbol of British dominance that spurred the Revolution.
Tickets can be purchased in person at the Lumber House Ticket Office. The ticket office opens daily at 8:45 am. You can also purchase a Colonial Williamsburg admission ticket, which provides access to all the trade shops, art museums, and various tours and performances. Helpful hint: an adult annual pass is only $25 more than a daily adult pass, and a child annual pass is just $13 more than a daily child pass, so if you plan to visit Colonial Williamsburg more than one day, it’s a great deal.
Their historically accurate carriages are wood-carved, beautiful to look at, smooth to ride, and can accommodate whatever size group you have. The yellow-hued Romantic Wythe seats two and is perfect for a romantic ride with your special someone. If you have a bigger group, the Madison, Red, and Spraggins sociable carriages have two sets of seats facing each other and can fit four adults (or up to 6 people if you have kids in your group). Lastly, the stage wagon is a carriage with a covering overhead, providing shade during the heat of summer and with forward-facing row seats.
The Benjamin Lewis Spraggins, Sr. sociable carriage tells a unique story as it honors the African-American carriage couriers who were both incredible horsemen and expert tour guides throughout the many chapters of Williamsburg’s past. If you ride that carriage, check out the “BLS” monogram on the wagon's side, an intricate and artistic homage to these men who played an essential role in Williamsburg's daily rhythm of life.
Although Colonial Williamsburg aims to offer carriage rides every day of the year, sometimes the weather can get in the way, especially on the hottest days of midsummer or the coldest days of winter. With the summer days ahead, their team of animal caretakers pays close attention to the heat index, which considers both temperature and humidity. When the combined heat index gets near 100 degrees, the horses take a break between every other ride, and when it gets above 105 degrees, carriage rides shut down for the day. When you visit the Lumber House, their helpful staff will update you on whether the heat will affect that day’s carriage schedule.
For the Kids: After your carriage ride, plan to do the stables behind-the-scenes tour (offered daily at 1 pm with an extra $8 charge for the one-hour tour), where you’ll get a fascinating look at all that goes into caring for the stable of horses and oxen and the daily upkeep of the wooden carriages. This tour is $8 in addition to the daily historic area ticket. The Coach and Livestock team at Colonial Williamsburg is esteemed for preserving “rare breeds” of horses and cattle, Leicester longwool sheep, and three types of chickens. On your carriage ride, you’ll be up close with one of several majestic animals: the Cleveland Bay horse, England’s oldest breed and prized for its gorgeous reddish tint and easy temperament; the American Cream Draft horse, which has a distinctive white coloring, weighs up to 1,800 pounds and is one of the rarest horse breeds in the country; Red Devon Cows, impressive for their quality of milk and oxen, known for their strength in wagon-pulling.
If you plan to visit over the upcoming July 4th holiday, take advantage of Colonial Williamsburg’s free admission tickets on July 4th. Take a carriage ride, listen to the live reading of the Declaration of Independence (appropriate on our country’s birthday), and stick around for the spectacular fireworks show over the Palace Green at 9:30 pm.
Watch A Musket Firing
Visit the military encampment. Soldiers in the Virginia State Garrison Regiment enlisted for three years, and garrison duty was year-round. This is an active military camp where you'll be encouraged to enlist and be given your first instruction in the manual of arms by your drill sergeant. Take part in drill practice and watch a musket being fired.
But you don't have to just watch a musket being fired. You can fire one yourself!
You don't have to be a gun enthusiast for this one...It was fun just firing a musket for the experience.
Fire live rounds at a target from two different reproduction 18th-century flintlock firearms commonly used during the Revolutionary War, and learn about the history of the weapons.
Book your time: 9:30 am; 11:00 am:
1:30 pm; 3:00 pm Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday (with some exceptions see their calendar) Closed Monday, Wednesday and Thursday)
Tour the Gardens & Arboretum
More than 30 carefully maintained gardens adorn Williamsburg.
From flowering backyard pleasure gardens to the grand Governor’s Palace Gardens and Grounds, these gardens can offer insight into how the colonists lived and worked as a community.
The Colonial Williamsburg Arboretum is a Level 2 Certified Arboretum comprised of 18th-century tree and woody shrub varieties as well as modern cultivars on our Hotel and Museum properties. The collection features 25 period species of oak trees and more than 30 historic gardens.
Guided tours are offered. Check this calendar for dates and times.
Take A Foodie Tour
Indulge yourself with the Williamsburg’s Food Tours like the Modern Gastronomy Walk or the Historic Taverns Taste Tour. They're a blend of colonial history and modern - the Historic Taverns Taste Tour being the colonial era fare.
Visit the Play House Stage
Visit the Play House Stage and see a performance: 208 Palace Green Street, Williamsburg.
Photo credit: Play House Stage
The American colonies' first purpose-built theater opened on this site before 1720. Today, you can take in a lively performance by the Play House Players on an open-air stage.
See the calendar of events for a schedule of musical and theatrical entertainment.
Admission requires a separate admission ticket. Shows run during the course of a day and in the evening. Wheelchair accessible.
We saw To Hang A Pirate which was very well done and well worth the $19 per ticket.
In late 1718, a Royal Navy expedition was dispatched from Virginia. The pirate Blackbeard was killed off the coast of North Carolina, and 15 members of his crew were captured and brought to the Public Gaol in Williamsburg. They were tried for piracy at the Capitol by Virginia Governor Alexander Spotswood in early 1719. This show is a recreation of the actual trial of Israel Hands, a member of Blackbeard's crew.
While our 5 days at Williamsburg had come to an end we still had 2 days left on our trip because we wanted Ashley to be able to see Jamestown.
I'll include a brief look at Jamestown here for anyone interested.
No need to change your accommodations. Jamestown is only about a 15 minute drive from Colonial Williamsburg and most accommodations are in Williamsburg anyway.
The Jamestown settlement in the Colony of Virginia was the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. It was established on May 4, 1607 and served as the capital of the colony for 83 years, from 1616 until 1699. This is where John Smith, Pocahantas, and John Rolfe’s famous stories are based.
Explore expansive gallery exhibits and an introductory film that describe the cultures of the Powhatan Indians, English and West Central Africans who converged in 1600s Virginia. Trace Jamestown’s beginnings in England through the first century of Virginia colony life. Gallery exhibits incorporate new historical research and technology plus rare artifacts, interactive displays, short films and an experiential theater.
Take a step back in time in the outdoor living-history areas where historical interpreters describe and demonstrate daily life in early Jamestown. Explore life-size re-creations of a 1610-14 fort and Paspahegh Town, or climb aboard a re-creation of one of the three ships that sailed from England to Virginia in 1607.
James Fort
Venture inside the walls of the re-created 1610-14 fort and discover how the colonists would have lived. Explore thatched roof structures, as well as an Anglican church, a court of guard, a storehouse and a governor’s house.
Inside the fort, you may see interpreters making wood and leather products using 17th-century-style tools, sewing or preparing meals. Outside the fort, interpreters seasonally grow heirloom vegetables and herbs as well as crops of tobacco and corn.
Watch historical interpreters forge and repair metal objects in a blacksmith’s forge or enjoy one of our daily matchlock musket demonstrations.
Paspahegh Town
The Paspahegh were one of the 30-plus Algonquian-speaking tribal groups that belonged to the Powhatan paramount chiefdom. We have based our re-creation on archaeological findings at a nearby site along the James River, oral tradition from Virginia's state and federally recognized tribes, and descriptions and illustrations recorded by English colonists in the 17th century.
Among a wooded clearing of reed-covered houses dotted with cooking areas, fields and a ceremonial circle of carved wooden posts, learn about the traditional culture of Indigenous men, women and children in Tsenacommacah, the Powhatan name for this land. Inside expansive exhibition galleries, you can view a scale model of Paspahegh along with a collection of artifacts donated by the Governor’s Land Association.
In Paspahegh Town, historical interpreters discuss and demonstrate traditional Powhatan cultural activities, such as hunting, fishing, gathering, growing and preparing food, processing animal hides, crafting a dugout canoe, making pottery and weaving with natural fibers.
Ships: Susan Constant, Godspeed & Discovery
The Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery were part of the fleet organized by the Virginia Company of London to establish the Jamestown colony in Virginia. They departed from London on December 20, 1606, carrying 105 passengers and 39 crew members on a four-month transatlantic voyage, arriving at the James River in April 1607. The ships carried only men and boys on the initial voyage, with no women aboard.
At Jamestown Settlement, come aboard re-creations of the three ships that brought America’s first permanent English colonists to Virginia in 1607.
Put yourself in the shoes of the original colonists and sailors to learn about the ships’ square-rigged masts, tonnage and cargo, as well as what shipboard life was like for the first 104 men and boys.
Whether on the pier or on the main deck, historical interpreters share the four-and-a-half-month voyage from England in December 1606 to Jamestown in May 1607, and periodically demonstrate knot-tying, sail-raising and 17th-century piloting and navigation.
These ships look large when moored at the dock but when you get aboard them you see how incredibly small they really are. That they made a months long voyage across the ocean with its unpredictable storms is nothing short of a miracle.
