From its hoity-toity historical reenactors to taverns serving giant turkey legs, Williamsburg is one part living museum, one part culinary oddity. This Virginia town may seem reserved for powdered-wig-wearing history buffs but between you and us? It’s secretly pretty fun even if you failed American History class.
In this Williamsburg travel guide, we’ll give you the inside scoop on where to get those infamous turkey legs without looking like a total tourist. We’ll sniff out the best-kept local secrets—like the dive bar that serves colonial-era cocktails in the crummiest tavern you’ve ever seen.
And you know those costumed actors that roam around pretending to live in the 18th century? Well, we have some dirty details that’ll make you view them in a whole new light.
So throw on your billowiest blouse, clunkiest clogs, and get ready to spice up your Williamsburg experience with some humor and hijinks. You may even learn some U.S. history along the way. Just don’t count on it.
About Williamsburg
Located in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Williamsburg is a historical and picturesque town that is perfect for both history buffs and nature lovers. Located between the cities of Richmond and Hampton Roads, Williamsburg is a city that offers something for everyone. Williamsburg is home to many historic sites, including the College of William and Mary. Founded in 1693, the College of William and Mary is the second oldest university in the United States. It is located in Williamsburg and attracts an academic crowd that is among the most competitive in the nation.
There are plenty of things to see in Williamsburg, from the Historic Triangle to the many art museums. If you are visiting the town, make sure to check out the Muscarelle Museum of Art, which has work by Pablo Picasso and Georgia O’Keeffe. There is also a variety of art on display at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum. The city was laid out in 1699 by Governor Francis Nicholson. It was to be the capital of the largest British colony in America. However, it soon became vulnerable to enemy attack. In 1747, the capitol building burned down. A few years later, the city was devastated by a smallpox epidemic.
Why Go to Williamsburg
Located in Virginia, Williamsburg has a lot of history to offer. The city has been around for hundreds of years, and there are many historic buildings in the city. Many of the buildings are restored. There are several museums that you can visit in Williamsburg. Some of them are the Muscarelle Museum of Art and the College of William and Mary. Other attractions are the Governor’s Palace and Merchant’s Square.
You can also visit the nearby cities of Jamestown and Yorktown. They are famous for their colonial history. They are also home to some of America’s most haunted locations. The Williamsburg Tasting Trail is also a fun activity to try while in Williamsburg. It features wine tastings and an abbreviated trip through four craft breweries.
The Greater Williamsburg area is also home to many amusement parks. The area is a great place to take a family vacation. The area also offers numerous restaurants and shopping centers. The area is also known for its southern hospitality. The College of William and Mary is the second oldest college in the United States. Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, attended the College of William and Mary.
Best Time to Go
Whether you’re looking to learn more about history, enjoy outdoor activities, or just want to relax, Williamsburg offers a lot to do. The best time to go is when the weather isn’t as hot. The temperature can climb to a high of 31°C (87.8°F) in summer and a low of -2°C (28.4°F) in winter. In addition to its historic sites, Williamsburg also has plenty of modern attractions to enjoy. If you’re looking for some action-packed fun, you can try out some of the area’s theme parks. In addition, Williamsburg offers plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking, kayaking, and boating.
For those who are interested in art, Williamsburg has several museums. The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum features an extensive collection of American art. Other art museums include the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Gallery and the Glass House. Williamsburg’s most historic sites include the Duke of Gloucester Street, James Fort, and the courthouse. The town is also home to several colonial-era shops and taverns. Williamsburg has many attractions that are open year-round. The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Museum of American Folk Art, for instance, features a collection of imaginative fabrics.
How to Get Around
Located on the East Coast of the United States, Williamsburg is a great vacation destination. The city is full of history, amusement parks, and breweries. The city also has a number of unique shops and restaurants. The city is known for its Colonial history. The Governor’s Palace is one of the main attractions in Williamsburg. This is the place where the first General Assembly met to establish the United States of America. The palace is a stunning example of high design.
The historic district is open 365 days a year. It includes 88 colonial buildings. Visitors can walk around the buildings and learn about the history of the area. It is free to enter. The Williamsburg Area Transit Authority operates the Williamsburg Trolley, which links the shopping and entertainment districts. This is a convenient way to travel around the city. You can find bus and trolley schedules online. The Williamsburg Inn is located in the historic district and offers a spa, an indoor swimming pool, and tennis courts. The hotel also features three restaurants on site.
Best Restaurants
Whether you want to have a romantic dinner or a group meal, Williamsburg is full of restaurants to suit your tastes. Many of these restaurants offer water views, candlelit booths, and old-world charm. Berret’s Seafood is a family-friendly restaurant that has been voted “Best in Williamsburg” for more than ten years. The menu features fresh, local seafood. It also offers a great selection of microbrews.
Second St. Restaurant, which recently underwent an extreme makeover, is one of the best restaurants in Williamsburg. The menu features American-inspired dishes, poke bowls, and seafood options. It also has a wide variety of affordable wine bottles. Le Yaca, a French-inspired restaurant in Williamsburg, has been ranked in the top 100 for French and European cuisine. The menu changes each season. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. It has a lunch prix fixe menu and a dinner a la carte menu.
Things to Do
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing retreat or a thrilling adventure, there are plenty of things to do in Williamsburg, VA. This is a city that is full of historical importance and a vibrant creative scene. Williamsburg is an excellent place for families. It is home to the nation’s largest living history museum. The museum includes hundreds of exhibits. You can learn all about the history of this area, as well as experience historic trades. You can also take a horse-drawn carriage ride.
One of the best things to do in Williamsburg is to visit the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum. This museum features thousands of pieces of art from different eras. It also includes African-American quilts and portraits. You can also check out some of the many original buildings in the area. Another museum to check out is the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum. This museum has a large collection of antiques, glass, prints, toys, and furniture. You can also check out the museum’s 4D movies.
One of the best things to do near Williamsburg is to take a ghost tour. Ghost tours are popular because they are a great way to learn about history. You will get a chance to visit several historic sites and hear stories about the Civil War and the American Revolution.
Neighborhoods to Know
Located in Virginia, Williamsburg has a great deal to offer. It is close to the Atlantic Ocean and has a lot of history. Williamsburg is also home to the College of William and Mary. Williamsburg has several neighborhoods to choose from, and each neighborhood has a unique style. There are several housing options available, including single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and vacation homes.
There are several neighborhoods that have waterfront properties. These properties include homes on small watershed runs, reservoirs, and the James River. These properties range in price, depending on the size of the home. Williamsburg has a higher percentage of rental housing than other jurisdictions. The city has approximately 25% of its total housing units as rental units. The majority of these units are renter-occupied.
The Williamsburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority (WRHA) has developed several projects to increase the supply of rental housing in the city. These include three subsidized apartment complexes on Mimosa Drive, the Blayton Building elderly housing complex on Scotland Street, and the Strawberry Plains Subdivision single-family subdivision.
Weather
Located in the Virginia Peninsula, Williamsburg is a small city on the edge of the James and York Rivers. It is located within a humid subtropical climate zone. Despite its humid climate, it experiences a relatively mild winter. It is also an extremely damp city. The coldest months of the year in Williamsburg are January and December. In July, there is a small chance of snow. On average, 13.1 days of rainfall are recorded in July alone.
November is the fourth driest month of the year. The snowfall is the deepest around late December. Snowfall occurs at a rate of about 8 inches per day. February is the windiest month. The average top sustained winds are 13.3 knots. The windiest part of the year is from early to mid-February. The wind speed can reach up to 20 Mph. The windiest hours of the day are from 5:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Average sky conditions are overcast 50% of the time. The sun is visible for 6.6 hours per day. The moon is above the horizon 50% of the time.