My Weekend Guide to Williamsburg VA
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Williamsburg VA?
Many people mistakenly assume that this little town outside of Richmond only serves as a rich history lesson to tourists inside the popular Colonial Williamsburg attraction. After all, Williamsburg was founded as the capital of the Virginia Colony in 1699. The original capital, Jamestown was the first permanent English-speaking settlement in the New World founded in 1607.
However, there is much more to Williamsburg, Virginia than meets the eye (or Google search, in this case). Sam and I moved here almost 6 months ago from the bustling city of Baltimore, Maryland.
I had only visited once as an adult and the trip consisted of a quick 30 minute in-and-out drive to sign our current lease. I told Sam that I would gladly move wherever he needed me to for his job (and I meant it). I can work from anywhere and it’s no secret that I love a good adventure.
I trusted that he was right when he told me that I would fall in love with Williamsburg. On that rainy, gloomy day passing through the town on our way back to Baltimore, I already knew that I would happily call it home.
Williamsburg has a way of sucking you in almost immediately. Sam and I have been calling it our “secret slice of heaven” since we arrived (although, now I suppose it isn’t so secret).
Every Saturday and Sunday morning as we stroll through Merchant’s Square with our signature Aromas coffee order in hand, we smile and appreciate the simple fact that we get to live here. To be honest, it still feels a little bit like we’re on vacation exploring a new city.
There are so many things to do in Williamsburg, although today’s post is going to cover my top recommendations that you can hit over the course of a weekend. Scroll down for our favorite restaurants and cafes, places to explore, and boutiques to shop at!
Eat/Drink
Amber Ox
Favorites: Ricotta Gnocchi, Sweet Potato Donuts
Old City Barbecue
Favorites: Cheese Fries with Bacon and all the toppings, Fried Green Tomatoes, Pork Belly Tacos
Aromas
Favorite: Chai latte with almond milk
Blue Talon Bistro
Favorites: Chicken and Mushroom crepes, Fresh Brie and Croissant, Steak Frites
Blaze Pizza
Favorites: Cauliflower Crust White Top Signature Pizza with Artichoke Hearts added
Craft 31
Favorites: Crab Dip with Spinach and Artichoke Hearts, Tuna Poke, Lone Star Burger
Wythe Candy & Gourmet Shop
Favorites: Sea Salt Caramels, Chocolate Truffles
The Cheese Shop
Favorite: Custom Charcuterie Board
SnoMania Island
Favorites: Natural Mango Shaved Ice, Apple Avalanche
Jose Tequilas Mexican Bar And Grill
Favorites: Frozen Pina Colada, Prickly Pear Margarita on the Rocks, Cabo Fajitas, Fresh Guacamole
Explore
Merchant’s Square
Tip: This is our personal favorite and most-visited spot in Williamsburg by far. We have a weekend tradition of grabbing coffee at Aromas and walking through the Farmers Market, William & Mary campus, and sometimes even grabbing a couple of homemade chocolate truffles on our way back to the car.
The Farmers Market is open on Saturdays and showcases about 40 vendors each weekend. They usually have live music playing and all pets are welcome.
Winter Market – Second Saturday of February
Regular Season – Saturdays, April through October
Seasonal Markets – Saturdays in March and November
Holiday Markets – December 8, 15 and 22
There is also an art and music festival called “Second Sundays” that happens every 2nd Sunday of each month from March through December. They have everything from face painting and craft projects for kids and adults to artwork and handcrafts, local authors, and live music.
There is free parking on Francis Street (lot P6) on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. until Noon. Prince George Street Garage is open for $1/hour. All other lots are posted as one hour or two hour parking and are patrolled from 8:00 a.m.
Governor’s Palace and Colonial Williamsburg
Tip: You do not need to purchase a ticket to walk around Colonial Williamsburg (it is open and free). However, you do need a ticket if you want to go inside the historic buildings or enjoy a tour. We have not done either of these yet and are content with our decision, but if you are only visiting once and are into the history of Williamsburg, I would recommend it.
The Governor’s Palace is surrounded by the most beautiful trees (especially in the Fall) and is the perfect place for a photo op.
Busch Gardens
Tip: I would recommend visiting on a weekday if possible, but if you are only here Saturday-Sunday, try to arrive at the park at 10am when they open to take full advantage of short rollercoaster lines. Purchase your tickets online to take advantage of any sale going on (we got BOGO free last time), plus you get to skip the long line to purchase tickets.
The food and drinks are quite expensive, but we enjoyed the pretzel wrapped hot dogs and Angry Orchard Cider inside of their Germany-themed area. Apparently you are allowed to bring in a cooler as well, but make sure you check online for any specifics!
Movie Tavern
Tip: If it rains while visiting and you’re looking for more of a “chill” afternoon, I highly recommend this cute and cozy movie theatre. They have a full menu to serve during your movie, the chairs are super comfy, and it’s a great alternative to your typical dinner date night!
Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf
Tip: We took my parents here when they visited one Saturday night and it was so much fun! I highly recommend this place for a group activity or date night. The crowd was primarily families and the mini golf course was high quality. I definitely recommend trying the “most difficult” course they have available because it wasn't much of a crazy challenge, so I can’t imagine doing the “easy” course.
This is also located right across the street from the SnoMania Island stand, so I recommend grabbing a shaved ice or ice cream treat on your way out!
Shop
Three Sisters
Tip: This Women’s clothing boutique is essentially the only one I’ve found in the area that carries trendy pieces and designers like Free People, Sam Edelman, Quay, and more. The items range in price, but they always seem to have a sale going on, so I’d say it’s definitely worth checking out if you want to do some shopping!
Blink
Tip: Admitedly it looks very strange when you first walk in and you go up the empty staircase, but once you reach the top I promise you’ll thank me. They have a few gorgeously designed rooms (like, Instagram-worthy), unique gifts for weddings and friends, and even some travel luggage I’m obsessed with at a great price.
R. Bryant Ltd.
Tip: This is definitely more of a high-end recommendation for men; ideal for holiday gifts or special occasions. The suits, sport coats, vests, trousers, and accessories are high quality and unique. We recently purchased a beautiful suede vest for Sam at this shop as an early Christmas gift (although I knew he would be wearing it non-stop this Fall already). At the very least, it is somewhere to window shop and get an idea of what your man likes for the holiday season (even if you search for a less expensive dupe online afterwards!)
Have you visited Williamsburg, VA? Comment on my latest Instagram post and let me know, or tag me in your travels with the hashtag #HerBlushingStyle!
Want more lifestyle inspiration? Read How to Decorate Your Front Porch for Fall on a Budget and 6 Things I Do Everyday for My Mental and Physical Health.
Lastly, do you want some inbox love? Get the special treatment: exclusive content, sales I'm loving, new blog posts, social media, & more. Join our email list now!
xo Anna Elizabeth