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19 Top Favorite Local Spots in Williamsburg

scene of body of water from sandy shore

Do you have a bit of extra time planned during your stay with us? Why not take some advice from the locals? Here are our top picks, from places to shop to things to do, that every Williamsburg local is familiar with, and for a good reason! You know what they say – when in Rome, do as the Romans do.

Restaurants

To watch the big game: Paul’s Deli/College Deli

To pick up a fantastic, yet affordable bottle of wine: A Chef’s Kitchen

To indulge in dessert: Extraordinary Cupcakes

To feed the family: a TIE between Retro’s Good Eats and The Cheese Shop

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Activities

DoG St Pub Running Club

Summer Movie Nights on Prince George

Saturday Williamsburg Farmers Market

Pick all-you-can-eat crabs at Oceans and Ale (ok, so this is an activity AND a meal)

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Outdoor Spots

To spend a day at the river: College Creek (the Williamsburg Parkway)

To watch a sunset: College Landing Park

To have a picnic: the Sunken Garden (William & Mary)

To go exploring: the College Woods/Lake Matoaka Amphitheater

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Family Fun

Busch Gardens / Water Country (everyone with a family has a season’s pass!)

AMF Bowling

Pirate’s Cove Mini Golf

Movie Tavern (High Street) 

Shopping – You can find anything between these three golden locations! 

Williamsburg Premium Outlets

Newtown

Monticello Shopping Center

Questions? Feel free to ask! 

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Stay in the Heart of Downtown Williamsburg on Your Next Visit

yellow and white daisies in front of buildings

Welcome to our Bed and Breakfast in Williamsburg VA

The Fife and Drum Inn, located right in the heart of downtown Williamsburg, offers not only stunning rooms and top quality guest experience, but it couldn’t be in a more convenient location for enjoying all that historic Williamsburg has to offer.

Most guests enjoy taking advantage of the inn’s proximity to Colonial Williamsburg and the picturesque College of William and Mary campus, opting forgo driving from place to place and navigate the city on foot. But the inn’s prime location may make it hard to get anywhere too quickly. No, not because of traffic, but because there is so much to see and do along the way.

You’re greeted with a plethora of dining and shopping options the second you step out the front door and onto quaint Prince George Street. Venture just a few blocks further and the options increase rapidly. From fast casual burgers and sandwiches to formal dining, fashion boutiques to tourism-centered shops, there’s something for everyone in bustling Merchants Square.

Retros Good Eats facade

A few of our favorite local restaurants include:

Aromas – calling all coffee lovers, sandwich lovers, mac and cheese lovers… basically, food lovers in general. Aromas has a little bit of everything and is the perfect spot to unwind after a long day of exploring.

Berret’s Seafood Restaurant and Taphouse Grill – what’s not to like about a place that that serves oysters on the half shell, she crab soup and fresh caught seafood dishes? Berret’s offers the best of both worlds with a fine dining experience inside and a more casual bar and grill setting outdoors.

The Blue Talon Bistro – there’s so much to love on this menu, make sure to go hungry and get ready to indulge. Their daily specials are always popular.

The Cheese Shop – a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Be sure to try the famous house dressing on your sandwich!Retros – a great place for families to grab a quick – and delicious – meal.

Retros – will make your 1950s diner dreams come true with their burgers, hot dogs, milkshakes and more.

The Trellis – one of the city’s more upscale dining options, their Death by Chocolate cake is famous for very good reason.

Once past the incredible restaurants and storefronts, the streets of Williamsburg are yours to roam. To the left of the inn, Historic Duke of Gloucester street awaits. The road is closed to car traffic and leads past restored Colonial Williamsburg landmarks like the capital building, courthouse, Governor’s Palace and Bruton Parish Church. Visitors can also enjoy an array of old taverns and specialty shops, gardens and visits with local livestock. All the while, interpreters clad in colonial garb greet pedestrians along the way.

Colonial Williamsburg Governor's Palace

Making a right out of the inn’s doors leads to William and Mary’s campus. This direction offers a beautiful, shaded walk that meanders past academic buildings, athletic fields and the Crim Dell bridge. Whichever way you turn, we’re sure you won’t need your car while you’re in downtown Williamsburg.

That said, if you do venture outside of downtown, you’ll have no problem finding a place to park when you come back. There is plenty of street parking (although some is time restricted, so please take note of signs), a paid parking garage right behind the inn and several lots within a few blocks. If you don’t want to drive, but are going outside of walking range, renting a bike or using Williamsburg’s trolley system are unique ways to get around.

Downtown Williamsburg is rich with history, but strongly committed to its present day culture as well. From a weekly farmer’s market to summer concerts to movies in the middle of the street, a unique blend of arts, entertainment and local tradition mean there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Events and activities we enjoy year-round:

Williamsburg Farmer’s Market – held each Saturday from 8am to noon in Merchants Square. Enjoy locally grown produce, freshly baked bread, handcrafted chocolates and more.

Second Sundays – the second Sunday of each month shuts down Prince George Street and the surrounding area for an arts and crafts fair featuring local artists and vendors accompanied by live music.

Ghost tours – Williamsburg is home to quite an array of haunted houses and ghostly tales… and many ghost sightings! Several companies offer guided tours that are sure to leave you looking over your shoulder.

Seasonal events:

Summer Breeze concert series

Funhouse Fest

Independence Day fireworks

Movies on Prince George Street

The Occasion for the Arts

Haunting on DoG Street

Liberty’s Ice Pavilion  

Grand Illumination

Williamsburg has so much to offer, it would be impossible to list it all. If you’d like additional suggestions during your stay, Billy and Sharon are always happy to help!

Now that you’ve heard our two cents, we want to hear from you! What are your must-dos and go-tos when you visit our town?

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Your Ultimate Holiday Guide to Williamsburg

skating rink with several people skating

The Holiday season is upon us! And here in Williamsburg, there’s so much going on to celebrate. Lucky for you, we’ve compiled the Ultimate Holiday Guide to all the special seasonal events so you don’t miss any Christmas festivities. Here we go!

First off, there are several recurring opportunities available in Williamsburg throughout the entire season. Come explore Sparkleland in Merchant’s Square every week Thursday through Sunday. You can enjoy special performances and activities, or come meet Santa! Just next door is the Liberty Ice Pavilion, open daily for the perfect cold-weather past-time. Every Thursday and Sunday, head over to Charlton’s Coffeehouse for Christmas caroling, complete with burning cressets.

If you have a love for the historic side, Colonial Williamsburg tours are perfect at this time of year. Check out their Christmastide in Virginia tour to learn about traditions and techniques of a colonial Christmas, or the Midwinter Stories presentations throughout the day. For some 17th century classics, consider the seasonal concert series at the Governor’s Palace where you can enjoy impressive musicianship and historic holiday-themed selections.

We would be amiss to forget Busch Gardens’ Christmastown, Williamsburg’s own winter wonderland! Always a local favorite, you can experience the sights, sounds, and smells of holiday comfort and take in thousands of Christmas lights!

There are, of course, some special events throughout the season as well. Here’s the ones we’re most excited about!

-November 24: The annual Tree Lighting party, complete with free hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts, of course.

-December 1: The Williamsburg Christmas parade, a must see!

-December 1-2: Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops concert, conducted by Janna Hymes.

-December 2: the ever-popular Grand Illumination! It’s a well-known Williamsburg tradition, including performances by the best local musicians and a beautiful fireworks display.

-December 15: “At Christmas Be Mery”: A Special Evening at Historic Jamestown, where you can experience traditional early-English traditions, including the firing of the guns and a seasonal bonfire.

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It’s certainly no secret that Colonial Williamsburg is known for it’s breathtaking and naturally-made decorations, and this year is no exception. The streets and buildings will soon be adorned by garlands and, in particular, wreaths made locally from natural materials to make a beautiful seasonal landscape. You can read all about the history of this tradition here, then take to the Williamsburg streets to experience this unique Christmas decor. You can even take a tour around such houses with this special Colonial Williamsburg tour.

We take such pride in these homemade decorations, in fact, that this year the Christmas Homes Tour is in it’s 58th year! This unique tour includes entry to several historic buildings like the Nelson-Galt House, Edinburgh Castle Tavern, and Benjamin Waller House. It’s a special event over the course of December 1-2; click here for tickets!

Finally, here’s a simple recipe for a cold-weather classic…mulled cider! It’s the perfect cozy drink for the holiday season…

This recipe is from The Pioneer Woman, click here for the whole post. 

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4 whole cinnamon sticks

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

8 whole allspice berries

Orange peel from 1 orange

Lemon peel from 1 lemon

1/2 cup maple syrup

6 cups unfiltered (fresh squeezed is great) apple juice

1/2 cup dark rum (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Place cinnamon sticks, ground cloves, allspice berries, orange peel, and lemon peel in a medium saucepan. Pour in maple syrup and apple juice, then bring to almost a boil. Reduce the heat to its lowest setting and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and serve in mugs.

(Add a splash of rum for an adults-only version! Yum, yum, yum.)

We hope this Holiday Guide sets you up nicely to experience all the Williamsburg area has to offer this season!  It can be easy to get wrapped up (no pun intended) in Christmas crazy, so take a little time to experience the beauty of the area and the joy of the season. It only comes once each year, here’s to the loveliest year yet!

What’s your favorite way to bring in the holiday season? Let us know below!

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9 Ways to Enjoy the Season this Fall

pumpkin on wood floor

Autumn has finally arrived! The trees are changing, the days are cooler, and we at the Fife and Drum Inn are looking forward to all the exciting events Williamsburg has to offer this season. 

OCTOBER:

Now that the weather is cooling down, it’s the perfect time head just up the road to Pumpkinville in Toano, VA. You can pick out the perfect pumpkin to spice up your home and check out the selection of fall-themes crafts and decorations. Corn mazes, games, and a hayride complete the perfect autumn outing- check it out now through October 28!

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For any William and Mary alumni out there, Homecoming is just around the corner! Join us here in Williamsburg October 18-21 for a weekend reunion, and for a personal and memorable trip, remember to stay at the Fife and Drum Inn.

If you’re in the mood for something a little spooky this October, there are several local events and surprises to last all season long. Start at Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens, a Halloween staple in Williamsburg. This year, this scary celebration marks its 20-year anniversary and a new Era of Terror. Filled with new shows, scare zones, and haunted houses, it’s a must-see!

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For a more historical Halloween scene, try a Ghost Walk in Colonial Williamsburg, or a haunted hayride at York River State Park on October 20, 26, and 27. Also check out Monsters, Mayhem, and Musick, a baroque concert series playing every Tuesday at the Governor’s Palace. These are great opportunities to experience a new side of history and are a fun way to see the area!

NOVEMBER:

As the season of harvest and Thanksgiving approaches, there are a few great opportunities in the area to make this year extra special. The Virginia Thanksgiving Festival on November 4 kicks off the season with a day immersed in the history of the First English Thanksgiving, complete with food and dance.

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On Turkey day, Blue Talon Bistro’s annual Turkey Trot is a great way to start! It’s a time-honored tradition that supports local charity and brings people closer together. Finally, you can sit down to a beautiful Thanksgiving buffet at the Williamsburg Inn.

No matter how you choose to spend your fall season, it’s the people you spend it with that make it truly special. We hope that as the air gets colder, the company around you gets warmer.

Who will you be spending this season with? Leave a comment and let us know!

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Spring in Williamsburg at the Fife and Drum Inn!

men in blue coats shooting rifles

Spring in Williamsburg has been a bit unpredictable this year. We’re experiencing a bit of moodiness in our weather lately: sunny with a high of 75° one day, and the next we’re bundled up in scarves and boots. Trees are bare, but the daffodils are in full bloom…we’re not sure what to expect hour to hour. Fortunately, we’ve got the perfect array of activities around here to keep ourselves and you busy until we get solidly into our summer. So pack your layers, grab your umbrella, and hit the highlights of the next few months in Williamsburg!  

March 

Sunshine: Use a piece of history! Colonial Williamsburg is running a spring special on a program in which participants are educated on weapons history…and allowed to fire authentic reproductions of Flintlock muskets. This has very limited availability and requires a separate ticket from general admission, so plan this excursion ahead of time. 

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Showers: Want to relax with a beer while still flexing your brain? Pop into a local brewery for trivia night! A Williamsburg staple since 2006, Alewerks hosts trivia every Wednesday night . Whether or not you remember anything you learn is one thing, but you’re sure to have a great brew no matter what. April Sunshine: Get outside! Paddle boards, canoes, and kayaks are all available for reservation or walk-up rental at the James City County Marina, just a 15 minute drive from the inn. The same inlets and shoals explored by John Smith are now yours for the viewing, up close and personal. 

April 

Sunshine: Get outside! Paddle boards, canoes, and kayaks are all available for reservation or walk-up rental at the James City County Marina, just a 15 minute drive from the inn. The same inlets and shoals explored by John Smith are now yours for the viewing, up close and personal. 

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Showers: Head over to the Muscarelle museum for a special collection of Dutch and Flemish pieces visiting Williamsburg from all over the southeast! These schools of art, famous for their focus on the beauty of light, should keep you feeling cheery whether or not you’re escaping a rain.     

May 

Sunshine: Get going! If you’re the sort who brings their running shoes on vacation, meet up with other like minded folks every Thursday at the Williamsburg Winery for a gorgeous run.    

​(And if you happen to be in town on May 5th, you can even run, walk, or bike the Colonial Parkway–one day only– for beautiful views of the river.) 

Showers: Laugh it up! The Comedy Club of Williamsburg features a couple of hours of hilarity every weekend, with a mix of national headliners whose names you’ll recognize, and more local talent from up and down the East Coast. Check it out!   

Will you be spending Spring in Williamsburg? 

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3 Williamsburg Ghost Stories You Haven't Heard Yet

old two story brick building

Visit any historic town and you’re bound to hear a ghost story or two. Williamsburg is home to its fair share, and rightfully so — the city is coming up on its 380th birthday. A window of almost four centuries leaves plenty of opportunity for ghostly spirits to settle in.

On any given night in Colonial Williamsburg — particularly during the warmer months — you’ll see tour groups taking to the streets as the sun sets below the horizon. With a lantern as their guiding light, these groups walk the historic streets and hear tales of the haunted buildings that line them. While many guides have a line up of their favorite stories to tell, in the spirit of Halloween, here are a few of our favorites that aren’t often told:

1 Lucy Ludwell-Paradise — On the north side of Duke of Gloucester Street stands the Ludwell-Paradise house, which was inherited by Lucy when her father passed away in 1767. Lucy and her husband, John, lived in London, and rented the home for several years. Lucy didn’t occupy the house herself until 1805, after her husband had died and people in their former social circle grew less tolerable of her eccentricities. It wasn’t long before she lost her status with the social elite. Upon her arrival in Williamsburg, people quickly noticed her odd behaviors, which included compulsive bathing and an inexplicably inflated ego. People also suspected her of being a thief. In 1812 she was committed to the Public Hospital for Persons of Insane and Disordered Minds for two years. While it’s unknown exactly what kinds of treatment she received, we all know history books don’t speak kindly of how mental patients were treated in the days of yore. Lucy committed suicide two years after her admittance and is now said to haunt the upper level of her family’s home, where visitors have reported hearing the sounds of water dripping… as if a ghost was upstairs bathing. 

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The old Matthew Whaley school which was torn down during the reconstruction of the Governor’s Palace

2 Matthew Whaley — When Matthew Whaley died in 1705 at the young age of nine, his mother, Mary, honored her son by building a school in his name. The school name is still in use today, just in a new location and much larger footprint— in fact, Fife and Drum Inn owner Billy Scruggs attended Matthew Whaley School for high school in the 1970s and all four of his children are alumnus of the elementary school it later became. But anyway, back to our story. In all three of the school’s locations, students and teachers alike have whispered about ghost sightings. In the current building, a massive, four story brick structure, the most haunted areas are rumored to be the auditorium and the attic — which is off-limits to students. Reports of footsteps in empty hallways and other mysterious bumps in the night keep little Matthew Whaley’s story alive. 

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Matthew Whaley as it stands today.

3 Bruton Parish — While this story isn’t exactly about a ghost, it does tell the tale of a rumored buried treasure on the grounds of Bruton Parish. According to local legend, there is a secret vault on the property that is alleged to contain original Shakespeare plays, writings from Francis Bacon and other valuable artifacts. There have been several digs done at the site over the years, including treasure hunters who in the last century would jump the wall to conduct their own unlawful searches, but so far no treasure has actually been found! 

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Do you have a favorite Colonial Williamsburg ghost story? If you can’t think of a favorite, it just may be time to sign up for a tour!

Planning to visit Williamsburg and The Fife and Drum Inn during October / November? You must take a Ghost Tour! Ask your Innkeeper for recommendations and book your room by clicking below.

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Stay at our Williamsburg Inn and Visit These Hidden Gems

beach with ominous clouds in distance

As a guest at our Williamsburg inn, it’s easy to get caught up in the array of options just outside our door. The historic district and surrounding area are filled with restaurants, shopping, beautiful views and fun events almost daily. But as much as we love our location and all that comes with it, we know there’s so much more to Williamsburg than just our area. We wanted to share some of Williamsburg’s “hidden gems,” so our guests looking to venture out of downtown have some great options!

If you’re looking for restaurants, try:

Carrot Tree – the Carrot Tree serves up delicious southern cooking – make sure to try their Virginia ham biscuits and, of course, their carrot cake!

The Chickahominy House – this eatery-gift-shop-combo is a delight to visitors, particularly those looking for southern breakfast staples. A multi-level gift shop offers unique souvenirs and home décor.

Bangkok Garden – Thai food lovers, have no fear. Williamsburg’s Bangkok Garden offers Thai cuisine that will fill your belly while leaving you wanting more.

Nawab – be sure to check out the lunch buffet for classic Indian dishes including tikka masala and tandoori vegetables with a side of fresh-baked naan bread.

Five Forks Café – this place serves up awesome all-American diner breakfasts, but be sure to come early, as this place is so popular among locals that breakfast-seekers will usually have to wait for a table.

Carrot Cake

For scenic spots, go to: 

James River

Off the parkway – College Creek, distinguished by signage and an always-crowded parking area, is beautiful, but often filled with people. For a more peaceful spot, venture a bit further down the parkway to the next parking area and bask in the beauty of the same river the settlers sailed down upon landing at what would become Jamestown.

In Colonial Williamsburg – walk the path to the right of the St. George Tucker house among centuries-old boxwoods to arrive at the perfect secret picnic spot right in the middle of the historic area.

Nature lovers, try:

Greensprings Trail – this nature path winds past neighborhoods and cornfields, eventually joining up with the Capitol Trail that bikers often use to ride the 50 miles to Richmond.

Freedom Park – 2 miles of multiuse trails accompany 20 miles of mountain bike trails. After a good rainfall when the ground is too soft for bikers, the bike trails make for great long walks!

For shopping, visit:

The Shops at Newtown – from chic clothing, to pet-themed gifts, to tasty lunch & dinner options, you’ll enjoy all that beautiful Newtown has to offer just a few miles away. 

Quirks of Art – this quirky shop has moved around the city, but now resides just a few doors down from us. Check out their great selection of gifts.

The Shops at High Street – Quite similar to Newtown, High Street offers dining and shopping all in one beautifully consolidated area on Richmond Road, a few minutes’ drive away. Want dinner and a show? Try the Movie Tavern, offering delicious eats and all the latest flicks. 

What are YOUR favorite “hidden gems” of Williamsburg?

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Sweet Honeymoon Suites in Williamsburg at the Fife and Drum

bed with white and blue linens and yellow pillows

Couples in the midst of wedding planning have so much on their minds – flower arrangements, catering options, booking the perfect photographer to capture the day. One part of planning that can never be overlooked, though, is deciding where to spend that special day.

Once a venue is chosen, finding the perfect honeymoon suite in Williamsburg for guests and, of course, the bride and groom, also has to be checked off the to-do list.

With its picturesque scenery, mild weather and small-town feel, Williamsburg is popular for both weddings and honeymoons all year round and as a tourism hotspot, there is no shortage of hotels in town. However, few are quite as charming and unique as the Fife and Drum Inn.

The inn offers any of its rooms to brides and grooms celebrating their first night(s) of marriage, but some of the more popular options are:

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The Cedars Suite – boasting a fabulous king-sized bed, separate sitting room and private access to the inn’s porch, this room gives couples a sense of privacy that most hotels lack. 

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The Conservancy Room – this lovely room features a grand, heavily draped, colonial style bed and a footed tub in the room, perfect for couples wanting to relax and unwind after months of stressful wedding planning.

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The Cottage – separate from the main inn building, the cottage is a couple’s own little house in downtown Williamsburg, giving them seclusion and ultimate privacy. Some couples opt to rent out the entire inn for their wedding party to stay in and use the cottage themselves.

In addition to just hosting the wedding party, did you know the Fife and Drum Inn has actually hosted some wedding ceremonies, too?

Weddings as small as only the bride, groom and two witnesses, to larger groups of up to 15 people, have been held at the inn. Billy and Sharon are touched when couples decide the inn is the perfect place for their marriage to begin and assist in any way they can. This includes offering their recommendations for a Justice of the Peace to officiate the ceremony, or providing a quaint backdrop for couples to get married in full colonial costume.

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One couple said their “I dos” at the inn, then were picked up by a horse-drawn carriage for a celebratory ride around the historic area before being dropped off at the cottage.

Although it’s fairly rare for guests’ weddings to take place inside the inn, they are often held nearby, often at William & Mary’s Wren Chapel, and wedding parties utilize their rooms to get ready for the big day. In smaller, more intimate ceremonies, some couples go with their invited guests and Justice of the Peace to say their vows under a tree in a nearby garden, or to Crim Dell bridge on William and Mary’s campus. Legend has it that if a couple kisses on the bridge, they will be together for life, adding a little bit of extra romance to a unique spot.

The inn’s location, charm, character, proximity to nearby dining and entertainment options and small, intimate size make it ideal for wedding and honeymoon accommodations. Whether it’s an entire wedding party or just a bride and groom celebrating together, the Fife and Drum Inn loves helping couples celebrate their special day!

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Historic Lodging in Williamsburg Colonial Houses

brick cottage brightly lit

This month we thought we would highlight the Drummers Cottage at the Fife and Drum Inn by explaining some of the similarities – and differences – between a visit with us and a visit in a historic 18th century Colonial home.

Yard:

Vegetable, herb and flower gardens were a common addition to colonial houses, the produce of which would be used in medicines, cooking and decoration.

Our cottage: The front yard consists of flowers & boxwoods (a common colonial shrub) surrounded by a white picket fence.

Location:

In the 18th century, location of your home was quite important, as the lack of modern transportation prevented one from getting anywhere quickly. The location of the cottage would have been ideal, as it was a five minute walk from the College of William & Mary, a twenty minute walk to the Capitol, and a short distance from the lively heart of town in between.

Our cottage: Today, it is still located in one of the best and most accessible spots of any Williamsburg lodging available; The Historic Area, the College, and Merchants Square with its variety of exceptional restaurants and shopping are all at your fingertips. Jamestown and Yorktown (thank goodness for the invention of cars!) are only short drives away.

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Sleeping:

Do you know the phrase “Sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite?” One theory of how this phrase came about is from the ropes which a mattress laid on in colonial times that needed to be tightened before sleep.

Our Cottage: As you might imagine, our king-sized bed, pull-out sofa bed and twin bunk beds are much more comfortable than a down-feather mattress held up by ropes.

Privy: 

In the 18th century, you usually had two options in the middle of the night to relieve one’s self – a chamber pot kept under the bed, or a not-so-well lit walk to the outhouse. Baths were generally not an every day occurrence.

Our cottage:Aside from having modern indoor plumbing (phew!), the cottage offers a complete handicap accessible bathroom & shower.

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Interior: 

The houses in the Historic Area are usually painted as close to the authentic colors of the colonial era as possible.

Our cottage: Each room is painted with a shade from the Colonial Williamsburg palette, making it easy to feel as if you have traveled back to stay in a real colonial house in Williamsburg (albeit, a bit more luxurious).

Meals:

A colonial breakfast may consist of breads and meats, various kinds of puddings, and pies made from whatever fruit was in season.

Our Williamsburg cottage:Sleep late like the upper-class colonists and wake up to a delivered basket full of fresh pastries, baked goods, juices, and other goodies.

While you take breakfast at your leisure, you’ll notice the china plates on the wall – some of these are reproductions of 18th century creamware Wedgewood plates, very similar to what you might have dined on centuries ago if you had the means.

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The Cottage at the Fife and Drum sleeps up to six and is ideal for families, group celebrations, and larger parties visiting Williamsburg. Interested in booking? Call us or make a reservation online!

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Reasons for Romance in Williamsburg: Proposal, Anniversary, Elopement

Since it is the month of romance and Virginia is indeed for lovers, we thought we would write a post this month about all things LOVE in Williamsburg.
Whether you need suggestions for a date night, inspiration for a proposal spot, or lodging for a wedding party – look no further!

DATE IDEAS & ROMANCE IN WILLIAMSBURG

1. The Spa at Colonial Williamsburg is a perfect way to relax with your valentine on any day of the year.

2. Dinner at the Fat Canary*, a true Williamsburg treat usually requiring a reservation due to its popularity

3. Dinner (and a show) at A Chef’s Kitchen*, where chef John Gonzales cooks your multi-course meal right in front of you, pairing with drinks all along

4. Find the perfect gift at the Precious Gem in Merchant’s Square

5. A scenic carriage ride through Colonial Williamsburg – where else will you have the chance to see the sites in a colonial carriage?

*ask us to help make reservations for you!

PROPOSING IN WILLIAMSBURG?

There are many spots for proposing in Williamsburg that are ideal. Here are our top 3.

Crim Dell – a romantic bridge hidden behind the Sunken Gardens of William and Mary College, this spot has seen many a proposal in its time.

The River – in our area we have not just one, but TWO scenic rivers: the James and the York, both a short, beautiful drive away via the Virginia Parkway. Sunset on the river is an unforgettable place to pop the question.

Lake Matoaka Ampitheatre – this gorgeous outdoor theatre hidden in the college woods is a perfect backdrop to get on one knee.

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CELEBRATE AN ANNIVERSARY IN WILLIAMSBURG

“We have returned to the Fife & Drum for our anniversary each year. It is the little special touches that mean so much to us.” ~ Sarah & Roger

Through the years, we at the Fife and Drum Inn have hosted countless anniversary celebrations and weddings. Our space provides the perfect relaxing, private area for your occasion and Billy and Sharon can help you come up with the perfect plan for romance. See our Romance Package here!

ELOPEMENT

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Weddings in Williamsburg are always a wonderful idea, in our opinion. Some of the best places for the ceremony to consider include:

The Wren Building at William & Mary

Jamestown Church at Historic Jamestown 

Bruton Parish Church in Colonial Williamsburg

We hope you will consider a romantic getaway in Williamsburg this year… you may just fall in love all over again!