The month is full of fun and exciting events in Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown areas. Whether you’re searching for family-friendly events, food and drink events, live music or free festivals, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Be sure to pick up a Williamsburg Visitors Guide to find even more events happening throughout the year.

June 5, 12, 19, 26: Yorktown Sounds of Summer Concert Series
Yorktown’s Sounds of Summer concert series runs Thursday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. through August 14. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy dinner or dessert at any of Historic Yorktown’s waterfront restaurants including Water Street Grille, Carrot Tree, Umi Sushi, Ben & Jerry’s, and Yorktown Pub. Guests are permitted to bring their own blankets, chairs, and small coolers. No tables, umbrellas, or tents are allowed. There will be a dance floor, friendly games of cornhole, and to-go food from rotating food trucks available for purchase.

June 13-15: Fathers Day Weekend at Williamsburg Campground
What better way to spend this special weekend than camping? Settle into one of our Yurts, cabins or Patio RV Sites. Bring your family favorites to cook out over an open fire. Enjoy leisurely days of swimming, hiking, and exploring the natural beauty of Williamsburg. Treat Dad to a Father’s Day he’ll never forget! Perfect for the first-time camper AND veteran campers alike.

June 17 & 18: Kid’s Day at Berkeley Plantation
Berkeley invites families to to Kid’s Day where they will experience eighteenth-century history, explore the gardens and grounds, see our ninth president’s birthplace, and walk the same floors as our founding fathers. Colonial games and children’s activities are available from
10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

June 19: Juneteenth at Jamestown Settlement
Daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., museum guests can explore African and African American experiences in 17th-century Virginia through expansive gallery exhibits, dramatic films and engaging interactives that share the story of Virginia Indian, English and West Central African cultures.

Want more Events?

CALENDAR: Check out our goWilliamsburg calendar of events to help plan your activities!

NEWSLETTER: Or sign up for our GoWilliamsburg Newsletter to receive exclusive content for planning your vacation getaway to Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown areas!

By Chris Murphy / Image from Berkeley Plantation/Gary Smith Images

Step back in time and explore Berkeley Plantation, Virginia’s oldest three-story brick mansion! Here, history comes alive for the whole family with exciting adventures and fascinating stories waiting around every corner.

Travel Back to the First Thanksgiving!

• Explore the story of the brave settlers who celebrated the very first official Thanksgiving right here at Berkeley in 1619.
• See a cool film and exhibits that bring this historic event to life!

Meet the Famous Harrisons!

• Discover the fascinating story of the Harrison family, who called Berkeley home for generations.
• Explore the mansion, beautifully decorated with 18th-century furniture, and meet costumed guides who will share stories about the Harrisons, including presidents and a signer of the Declaration of Independence!

Uncover Civil War Secrets!

• Imagine what it was like when over 100,000 Union soldiers camped at Berkeley during the Civil War.
• Learn the story of the haunting melody of “Taps,” created right here on the plantation, and stand on the hilltop where it all began!
• Explore the museum filled with interesting artifacts from Native American, colonial, and Civil War times.

Explore the Beautiful Grounds!

• Take a relaxing walk through Berkeley’s five terraced gardens, leading all the way down to the scenic James River.
• Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a peaceful afternoon by the water!

Bonus Activities!

• Get lost in our exciting corn maze (seasonal)!
• Pick your own pumpkin from our pumpkin patch (seasonal)!
• Find hidden treasures on a scavenger hunt!
• Browse through our gift shop for unique souvenirs!

Berkeley Plantation: Where Learning is Fun!

Berkeley Plantation offers a fun and educational experience for the whole family. With exciting tours, interesting exhibits, and beautiful grounds, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Plan your adventure today!

Open daily, year-round.

For more information and hours, visit our website: www.berkeleyplantation.com

Updated By Chris Murphy

There are several ticketing options that will allow you to explore all of the sites and attractions at Colonial Williamsburg. Get access to over 20 historic trade sites, guided tours of the interactive homes and government buildings, visit the colonial gardens and more. Admission for children under 6 is free.

Be sure to visit the Colonial Williamsburg website to find special offers on tickets and events throughout the year. Tickets can be purchased online at ColonialWilliamsburg.org/visit/tickets-passes/ or in person at the Colonial Williamsburg Regional Visitor Center and other approved vendors.

Single-Day Ticket

Buy online and save $10% for a Single-day tickets to Colonial Williamsburg cost $31.50 for adults and $9.00 for children ages 6–12. (Regular cost is $35 for Adults and $10 for children ages 6-12)
Purchase includes:

• A Single-day Ticket is your way to experience everything Colonial Williamsburg has to offer for one day.
• Free bus service
• Explore guided sites, see historic trades in action, and enjoy staged performances throughout the Historic Area and in the Hennage Auditorium at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg.
• Guided tours led by costumed interpreters 
• Seasonal discounts on carriage rides 

Annual Pass

Frequent visitors to Colonial Williamsburg should take advantage of the Annual Pass to Colonial Williamsburg, giving guests a chance to explore 365 days a year. Gain unlimited admission to the Historic Area for one year from the purchase date.

An annual pass to Colonial Williamsburg costs $75.00 for adults and $35.00 for children ages 6–12. Purchase includes:

• Enjoy unlimited admission to Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area for a year from date of purchase.
• Free bus service 
• Guided tours led by costumed interpreters 

The annual pass also includes additional benefits such as: 

• 10% off store purchases from official Colonial Williamsburg shops 
• 10% off food and beverages from official Colonial Williamsburg dining options 
• 25% off evening programs 
• 25% off tickets for family and friends 
• Free walking tours 
• Discounted renewal pricing 
• 10% off nearby attractions to Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens and Water Country USA 

Colonial Williamsburg Discounts for Locals

It’s not just visitors who like to visit Colonial Williamsburg. The Historic Area is a main attraction for locals as well. Williamsburg residents should take advantage of the Good Neighbor Pass to save money on Colonial Williamsburg tickets and more. Adult residents of Williamsburg, James City County and the Bruton District of York County are eligible for this annual pass.

The Good Neighbor Pass costs $35.00 for adults and $10.00 for children ages 6–12. Purchase includes:

• Unlimited admission to the Historic Area
• Free bus service 
• Guided tours led by costumed interpreters 
• Unlimited admission to the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg 
• 10% off store purchases from official Colonial Williamsburg shops 
• 10% off food and beverages from official Colonial Williamsburg dining options 
• 25% off evening programs 
• 25% off tickets for family and friends 

Admission to the Art Museums is free!

The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg are free to visit 365 days a year. Stroll through our galleries and exhibits, and be sure to ask about our interactive kids’ activities.

Discover colorful and whimsical folk art made by amateur artisans in the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum to objects that are useful as well as beautiful in the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum.

In our expansive galleries, you’ll find wonderful examples of American and British antiques and decorative art from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, as well as bold and imaginative pieces of colonial and contemporary folk art.

Colonial Williamsburg Military Discount

We are proud to offer complimentary admission once annually for Active-duty Military, Reservists, National Guard Personnel, Retired military and veterans and up to three direct dependents on either Memorial Day weekend or Veterans Day weekend. 

Active-duty Military, Reservists, National Guard Personnel, Retired military and veterans also qualify for the following discounts throughout the year: 

• 15% off the purchase of Single-day admission tickets for themselves and up to three direct dependents, or 
• 15% off the purchase of an Annual Passes for themselves and up to three direct dependents. 

Guest will be asked to present valid proof of service including military ID, honorable discharge paperwork, DD Form 214, or a driver’s license for themselves and their direct dependents ages 10 and older to take advantage of these offers. For more information visit HERE. 

Colonial Williamsburg Ticket Discounts for Teachers

Teachers who work for elementary school, middle school, high school or private school in those counties can receive a free Good Neighbor Pass when they present a Virginia driver’s license and school ID.

Teachers from anywhere are eligible to take 50 percent off a single-day ticket or annual pass at Colonial Williamsburg when they show their school ID.

What Can You Do in Colonial Williamsburg without a Ticket?

If you decide not to purchase a ticket to Colonial Williamsburg, your day won’t be a bust. There’s still plenty to explore in the Historic Area and Merchants Square when you don’t buy a Colonial Williamsburg admission ticket.

Tour the outside of the historic homes like the Peyton Randolph House, Wythe House and more. Placards placed outside of the buildings give you some brief insight into the history of the historic site. Plus, it’s always free to take pictures, so strike a pose in front of the Governor’s Palace.

It’s also easy to catch some free entertainment as you walk down Duke Gloucester Street, including weekly street theater performances.

You won’t need a Colonial Williamsburg ticket to dine at the authentic and historic taverns located in the Historic Area. Christiana Campbell’s Tavern, King’s Arms Tavern and Shields Tavern are all open to the public.

Just because you didn’t purchase an admission ticket does not mean that you can’t go home with a one-of-a-kind souvenir. All of the shops in the Historic Area are open to the public. Take home 18^th century-style home furnishings, colonial clothing or a handcrafted piece of jewelry to remember your Colonial Williamsburg vacation.

Visit Colonial Williamsburg website for full terms and conditions.

Colonial Williamsburg does advise that certain perks are only available with tickets granting access to the sites and trades. For example, carriage rides get a $15 discount with and admission ticket. We have Bounce tickets with Busch Gardens for Winter / Spring and Busch Gardens & Water Country for Summer. We also have the America’s Historic Triangle ticket.

Greater Williamsburg hosts an array of entertaining events all year long. From outdoor markets and live performances to food celebrations and holiday festivities, come join the fun!

2nd Sundays Art & Music Festival

March–December, Almost Year-Round

Head to downtown Williamsburg on the second Sunday of the month, March through December, and experience a family- and pet-friendly street fair, now in its 15th year, spanning six blocks with more than 180 artisans, musicians, performers and food vendors. Colonial Williamsburg. 2ndSundaysWilliamsburg.com

Williamsburg Farmers Market

2025 Regular Season: March 29–Dec. 20 

Shop for locally grown produce and a wide selection of products from approximately 40 vendors on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon during the regular season, March through December. Also check out the winter markets on Saturday mornings in January and February. Merchants Square (Duke of Gloucester Street, between Henry and Nassau), Colonial Williamsburg.   WilliamsburgFarmersMarket.com

Yorktown Market Days

2025 Regular Season: April 12–Sept. 27 and Select Dates October-December

Stroll the award-winning market by the York River offering seasonal produce, fresh seafood, handmade goods, local artwork and more. The regular season runs on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, April through September, plus don’t miss the special themed and winter markets. VisitYorktown.org/225/Market-Days

Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival

April 24–June 22

Taste internationally inspired cuisine and beverages at this beloved annual festival. Busch Gardens, Williamsburg. BuschGardens.com

July 4 Celebration

July 4

Join festivities celebrating the birth of our country including a lineup of fun activities full of history, music, fireworks and more. Colonial Williamsburg. ColonialWilliamsburg.com

Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream

Sept. 5–Nov. 2, Select Nights

Brace yourself for frightful good times at Busch Garden during the Halloween season. Busch Gardens, Williamsburg. BuschGardens.com

National Pancake Festival

Sept. 27

Discover why some locals of the Historic Triangle consider Williamsburg, VA, the pancake capital of the world. Mark your calendar and stay tuned for more details about this inaugural event, which no doubt will become a new favorite!

Busch Gardens Christmas Town

Nov. 14, 2025–Jan. 4, 2026, Select Dates

Visit Christmas Town for a one-of-a-kind holiday experience featuring millions of lights as well as captivating shows and tasty treats. Busch Gardens, Williamsburg. BuschGardens.com

Grand Illumination

Select Dates in December

Experience Williamsburg’s ultimate holiday tradition, Grand Illumination, happening throughout December. The spectacular event features fireworks displays, musical performances and alluring decorations. Colonial Williamsburg. ColonialWilliamsburg.com

All dates and times are subject to change. Please call ahead or check online before attending.

Want more Events?

CALENDAR: Check out our goWilliamsburg calendar of events to help plan your activities!
NEWSLETTER: Or sign up for our GoWilliamsburg Newsletter to receive exclusive content for planning your vacation getaway to Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown areas!

By Hannah Serrano / Photo Above By Stephen Salpukas/William & Mary

After nearly two years of closure, the Muscarelle Museum of Art at William & Mary is unveiling a transformation that will shape its future for generations. In February 2025, the Muscarelle reopened with an ambitious expansion and an extraordinary Michelangelo exhibition, marking a defining moment in the history of the museum, originally established in 1983.

A Bold Evolution

What was once an intimate museum is now a far more commanding presence. The $46 million expansion, funded largely by a $20 million estate gift from Martha Wren Briggs, adds 42,000 square feet of gallery and educational space, nearly tripling its exhibition capacity. 

Designed by Pelli Clarke & Partners, the new structure honors the museum’s past while boldly embracing its future. Notably, the iconic color tubes on the front facade—an artwork by Gene Davis from the 1980s—have been preserved, maintaining a visual link to the museum’s original identity.

 The reimagined Muscarelle is designed for immersion. A grand atrium, anchored by a floating staircase and sky bridge, opens into 14 galleries on the second floor, where masterpieces both historic and contemporary will be displayed with renewed significance. 

The addition of a study center, art-making and seminar spaces, a café and a museum store on the first floor transforms the space into a dynamic gathering place where art is not simply observed but engaged with.

 “Martha Wren Briggs envisioned a museum where every William & Mary student could experience the power of art,” says Julie Tucker, the museum’s marketing and events manager. “This expansion is a fulfillment of that promise.”

 Museum Director David Brashear, who has been involved with the Muscarelle’s vision for decades, emphasized the importance of the expansion. 

“You have to achieve a certain level of scale before you can be broadly considered a destination by the masses, worthy of stopping in,” Brashear explains. “I think we’ve crossed that threshold because we’ve gone from five galleries to 14 galleries. And when you walk through the building, it’s massive. It’s almost hard to digest.”

Michelangelo’s Genius in a New Light

The reopening is accompanied by a landmark exhibition, Michelangelo: The Genesis of the Sistine, offering an intimate glimpse into the master’s creative process. The exhibition presents 25 rare preparatory sketches for the Sistine Chapel ceiling and The Last Judgement, including seven works never before seen in the United States. 

Michelangelo was famously secretive about his methods, destroying many of his sketches to guard his artistic process. The surviving works offer a rare window into his mind, tracing the evolution of his vision from rough concept to masterpiece. 

Among the highlights is a recently identified drawing thought to be Michelangelo’s earliest sketch for the Sistine Chapel. In a moment of historical reconciliation, the Muscarelle will also reunite two long-separated studies of apostles, bringing them together for the first time in centuries.

“Michelangelo’s hand is still alive in these drawings,” says Curator of Special Projects Adriano Marinazzo. “They reveal his struggles, his revisions, his moments of doubt and triumph. They bring us closer to him than any finished fresco ever could.”

Marinazzo’s journey to uncover these works has been years in the making. 

“Thirteen years ago, I was in Florence, living, teaching at the University of Florence, and I was still friendly with Casa Buonarotti,” he explains. “I had full access to these archives, hundreds of years old, and I came across a little piece of paper. I thought, ‘This—this is a ceiling.’ Maybe this was the first sketch, the first seed of the masterpiece.”

 The exhibition experience itself has been designed to echo the reverence of the Sistine Chapel. Walls painted in a deep, celestial blue and softened lighting—not to mention timed entry—will encourage visitors to experience Michelangelo’s work with the quiet intensity it deserves. 

Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future

The Muscarelle’s expansion is not just about space—it’s about permanence. The museum’s enhanced storage capacity will allow it to better preserve and display its 8,000-work collection, which includes pieces by Rembrandt, Andy Warhol and Georgia O’Keeffe. A revitalized exhibition schedule will bring new energy to these works, ensuring that visitors encounter them in ever-evolving contexts.

 Brashear, reflecting on the museum’s mission, underscores its evolving role. 

“We’ve taken part of our original charter from the Board of Visitors, which was to serve as the cultural center for the visual arts between Richmond and Norfolk, because there wasn’t really anything at that moment in time. And we’ve always taken that part of our job very seriously.”

 For Brashear, this moment has been years in the making. 

“We are all so incredibly excited to get back to the business that we’re here to do. There’s so much creative thinking, engaging with the students, engaging with the community. We’ve had a lot of time down, a lot of time to plan for this. Now, we’re fired up to do it.”

 Marinazzo echoes this excitement, emphasizing the importance of discovery even within well-known masterpieces. 

“Michelangelo was a great engineer, a great innovator. Why is the Renaissance still so important? One reason is that it remains embedded in our cultural consciousness. The Creation of Adam is still current. And second, with new technologies, we can see and rediscover something that is still relevant to us. There are still discoveries to be made.”

 With its expansion complete and its doors reopened, the Muscarelle Museum of Art is entering a new chapter—one defined not by grandeur, but by purpose. The museum stands as a testament to art’s ability to bridge past and present, inviting visitors to experience history in a way that is both immediate and lasting. As Michelangelo’s lines and gestures resurface from the centuries, so too does the Muscarelle, ready to leave its mark on the future.

 This is more than a reopening. It is a renaissance in its own right. Learn more at muscarelle.wm.edu. 

On behalf of City Council and our residents, welcome to the Greater Williamsburg area. We are a unique community, having the charm of a small town and the sophistication and vibrancy of a 21st-century city. This makes Williamsburg a wonderful place to live and visit. Here you can be a part of the story at Colonial Williamsburg, the internationally renowned living history museum that brings the 18th century to life. Watch skilled tradespeople demonstrate 18th-century craftsmanship, and interact with historic interpreters in a “Revolutionary City” street scene to debate issues that are just as relevant today as during the Revolution. Nearby you will find further opportunities to explore our rich history at Jamestown and Yorktown.

Williamsburg is also home to William & Mary, one of America’s oldest institutions of higher learning (boasting Thomas Jefferson among its illustrious alumni), and the students and faculty add energy and creativity to our city. Throughout the year we offer an exceptional array of visual and performing arts as well as outstanding shopping and dining. For modern thrills and entertainment, Busch Gardens and Water Country, USA are here, too.

Finally, Williamsburg is a green community, so you can easily leave your car behind. We’re bike- and pedestrian-friendly, or you can take one of the natural-gas powered shuttle buses or the Williamsburg Trolley. We have championship golf courses—one that is Audubon-certified—and beautiful parks for hiking and kayaking. Williamsburg Farmers Market has been voted one of America’s Favorites for 23 years.

Whatever you choose, I wish you a wonderful stay in our community and extend a warm invitation for you to return.

Douglas Pons, Mayor
CITY OF Williamsburg

Greetings!

My name is Ruth Larson, and I am the chair of Visit Williamsburg. On behalf of my colleagues, it is our pleasure to roll out the red carpet for you. 

I was born and raised in this community. My first paying job was as a front desk clerk at the Patrick Henry Inn. I fell in love and got married here, raised a family here. I have served on the School Board, and I currently serve as a member of the James City County Board of Supervisors. 

My families’ roots run deep here. I tell you all of that so I can tell you this. I am proud of the people and places of my hometown and if you’re looking to refresh, unwind and relax in a safe and fun environment, I am happy to inform that you have chosen the right place to enjoy life at your pace.

Welcome!
Ruth Larson

The Historic Triangle has so much to teach us no matter what our age. With history dating back to the 17th century, this region is rich in facts and stories about our nation, its people and their lives. Exploring Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown gives us a glance into our country’s earliest times and how our ancestors lived. We get to see what their days were like, the kinds of foods they ate and the clothes they wore.

Colonial Williamsburg is a must-see destination while in town. Even if you’ve been before, it’s worth revisiting. Walk down Duke of Gloucester Street and soak in our past by touring historic sites and buildings, and people watch as Colonial-costumed townspeople pass by and tradespeople perform demonstrations of their crafts. Explore Historic Jamestowne and learn about our early settlers, while enjoying impressive views of the James River. And visit Yorktown to hear the story of our nation’s birth, including spending time at Yorktown Battlefield and the American Revolution Museum.

Greater Williamsburg has even more than historical appeal. It is a thrill seeker’s dream with several major amusement and water parks, and action-packed activities from zip lining and axe throwing to go-carting and boating. In addition, nature lovers will appreciate the area’s numerous natural parks and their hiking and biking trails. 

If shopping is more your style, this area’s shopping scene will not disappoint. From small local businesses to large outlet malls, and everything in between, shoppers can find just what they’re seeking. Art enthusiasts will admire the culture the area offers including a wide selection of museums, and spa goers have many options to help them relax. 

Greater Williamsburg also boasts plenty of dining options. From local favorites to family style to award-winning restaurants, everybody will find something they like, even the pickiest of eaters. There are many outdoor dining opportunities as well. No doubt, wine and beer drinkers will enjoy trying local beverages, made from the area’s fine wineries and breweries.  

Remember here it’s about people exploring at their own pace. Any way you choose to spend your time in Greater Williamsburg, you’re bound to have a memorable visit. Make this a special, one-of-a-kind experience—until the next time you visit!

Mayor Doug Pons really enjoys getting outdoors at Waller Mill Park, (photo above) a 2,705-acre retreat situated around a reservoir that was opened to the public in July 1972. The 360-acre lake is open for fishing, boating, pedal boating, canoeing, and kayaking, and features a tunnel connecting the upper and lower sections of the lake. Numerous picnic tables, picnic shelters, play fields, and playground equipment are nestled among the trees, providing scenic picnic areas. Located at the main entrance is the 1.5-acre dog park, the perfect place for the mayor to take his best friend, Willow, to stretch her legs. For more information call 757-259-3760 or visit williamsburgva.gov/rec.

Photo Ops in Yorktown 

Kristi Olsen-Hayes at York County Economic and Tourism Development invites you to Visit Yorktown for some of the best selfie spots in the Historic Triangle.  Join in the revolutionary conversation going on at Riverwalk Landing by snapping a photo with the life-size statues of Washington, Lafayette, De Grasse, and Rochambeau. Just steps away, share the love on social media by tagging #VisitYorktown when you post a selfie in front of the permanent LOVE letters, perfectly situated with the York River and Coleman Bridge in the background. Or stretch your legs and enjoy a stroll down the beautifully manicured Riverwalk while you take in some of the most scenic sunrises you’ll find anywhere – you might even be photo-bombed by a dolphin, ray, or sea turtle! Hidden across from the very popular Yorktown Beach is Cornwallis’s Cave – legend has it that the British General hid here during the bombardment. The Colonial National Historical Park says probably not, but it’s a fun story and a great selfie spot. There’s also a cannonball still lodged in the side of the Nelson House that sits on the corner of Main and Nelson Streets in the historic village. Come for the history and stay for the beauty – or vice versa. Find more information and inspiration at VisitYorktown.org.

Reconnecting with Nature and Faith

During her frequent walks on the Powhatan Creek Trail, Supervisor Ruth Larson pauses to contemplate one of her favorite things. The Church on the Main, a brick Anglican church built by the 1750s to serve James City Parish as replacement for the church on Jamestown Island, which had become difficult for communicants to reach. The Rev. James Madison (1749-1812) was its best-known rector, serving the church from about 1777 until it fell into disguise after the American Revolution and the disestablishment of the Anglican Church. By 1857 all aboveground traces of the church were gone. For more information call 757-259-5351 or https://jamescitycountyva.gov/635/Parks-Recreation

Photo Above: THE JEFFERSON RESTAURANT

Our parents worked tirelessly to put food on the table and keep a roof over our heads. Eating out was a treat, and when we did, it was usually at the local diner or a fast-food joint where we could stretch our dollars further. However, once or twice a year my dad might get a little overtime pay or do some side work fixing a combine for a farmer and there was a little extra money, he liked to do something really special for the family. Every once in a while there was the rare magical evening that stands out in my memory—an evening when the world of fine dining opened up to us, offering a glimpse of a life we could only dream about.

When the evening finally arrived, we piled into our old car and made our way to the Gold Buffet, a renowned 1970s Las Vegas style smorgasbord that was a symbol of elegance and luxury for the working man in the Midwest. With its ornate chandeliers and uniformed waitstaff, I felt a surge of nervous excitement. This was a world I had only seen in movies and magazines, a world that seemed out of reach for a kid like me.

As we stepped inside, the ambiance was overwhelming. The soft glow of candlelight, the tinkling of crystal glasses, the hum of polite conversation—it was all so different from the noisy, bustling diners we were used to. We were greeted warmly by the hosts and shown to our table, which was adorned with pristine white linens and polished silverware. The buffet was a revelation in itself, filled with dozens of  dishes whose names I could barely pronounce, let alone imagine tasting. A giant steamship round of roast beef was waiting at the end of the line where a chef would delicately carve a slice as thick or thin as you wanted. This surely was the land of milk and honey. As the evening drew to a close, a beautiful lady with a dessert cart would stop at each table and ask what we wanted, which would require a look to my parents to make sure it was ok, and the response was always the same from my mom or dad with a warm smile. “You can have whatever you want.”

 I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and gratitude. For a brief moment, we had been part of a world that was usually beyond our reach. The experience left a lasting impression on me, not just because of the exquisite food and elegant surroundings, but because it showed me that bridging the gap between the haves and the have nots can be more than just a dream. Looking back, those nights at the Gold Buffet were more than just an extraordinary experience; it was my parents’ way of reminding themselves of how far they had come from their own humble origins and the possibilities that lay beyond our immediate circumstances. They taught us that with hard work, determination and a bit of luck, it was possible to transcend our limitations. It also instilled in me a deep appreciation for the finer things in life and a desire to one day share such experiences with my own family if I should be so fortunate.

I have been fortunate enough to achieve a level of success that allows me to enjoy fine dining experiences with my family a bit more often than when I was a kid, but that first taste of luxury remains unparalleled in its significance. I hope and highly recommend that you and your vacationing family enjoy the hard earned fruits of your labor and a rare glimpse into a world of elegance and sophistication. 

Here are a few of my Williamsburg fine dining favorites. 

Waypoint Seafood & Grill

VisitWilliamsburg CEO Ed Harris joined me for dinner. The ambiance is very welcoming and the table by the fireplace was particularly nice on a cold day. The rack of lamb with red wine demi-glace, ground grits, asparagus and sundried fire roasted tomato goat cheese was our favorite. For dessert the warm Nutella inside the bombolini with apricot jam and a cup of coffee was heavenly.

The Whaling Company

Fresh, fresh, fresh was the most common adjective that VisitWilliamsburg Sales Manager Morgan Cordle and I kept repeating. We tried a wide range of seafood dishes that included raw oysters, crab dip, clam chowder, salmon salad, blackened tuna, and shrimp and scallops pasta. Same result with every bite. Tasty and fresh, which is exactly how we all want our seafood!

Aberdeen Barn

My ole reliable Visitor Guide friend Eileen joined in on the fun. We started out with the ridiculously tasty Black and Blue Bites and an Old-Fashioned, then opted for the very affordable Restaurant Week Special. Crackers and cheese, fire roasted corn chowder, garden salad with house made Bleu Cheese, prime rib mmmm, Canadian lobster claws and finished it off with chocolate overload cake. Fantastic!

The Jefferson Restaurant

I invited Tourism Council Chair Ruth Larson and VisitWilliamsburg Chief Marketing Officer Jen Case to join me. There aren’t many places where you can mix traditional southern favorites such as peanut soup, fried chicken and Smithfield Ham with a ribeye, lobster tail and pecan pie. Mark’s family has been serving it up in Williamsburg since 1956. Fortunately for us, they know how to do it right!

Fireside Chophouse Bar & Grill

Ed had so much fun on our first date that he agreed to a second. The crab cakes, porterhouse, fresh sangria and coconut crème pie were all delicious, but the best part of an old-school steakhouse for me is the service. The kindly “older” gentleman serving us is an absolute mind-reader. If you even think you need fresh ground pepper or a little extra butter, before you can turn around, bam, there he is with a pepper mill or saucer with butter. Just outstanding service from George and his team.

Opus 9 Steakhouse

After 23 years I was surprised when my wife scoffed at my fashion choice when we met for dinner. Fortunately, I knew the way to soften her heart was with a refreshing Midori Mojito, Caramel Pecan Brie appetizer and the Oscar 9 filet with her favorite grilled and marinated portabella mushroom. By the time they brought out the spectacular flaming Banana Foster Cheesecake, she had forgotten all about what I was wearing.

1. Jamestown-Scotland Ferry

Take a scenic 20-minute ferry ride across the James River. Visit jsferry.org for the ferry schedule between Jamestown and Scotland. 

2. Yorktown Beach

Soak in beautiful views of the York River and all kinds of water recreation at this two-acre sandy beach steps away from Water Street in Historic Yorktown. 

3. Wallace’s Trading Post 

Shop for unique gifts, try fudge samples and snap a photo with life-size Wallace the Bear. During the summer months, even catch a live Fife & Drum performance at their sister store, Williamsburg General Store. 

4. Jamestown Beach Event Park

Spend a day at the beach and then witness a stunning sunset at this family- and pet-friendly beach, featuring a fishing area, an observation pier and an ADA-accessible walkway.

5. Summer Breeze Series in Merchants Square 

Enjoy endless happenings in charming Merchants Square, including free movies and concerts series during the summer. Plus, check out a selection of lively outdoor markets and seasonal festivities.

6. Kidsburg

Play at Veterans Park’s ultra cool Kidsburg, a recently renovated 30,000 square foot playground. This is a must-do for families with young children!

7. Crim Dell Bridge 

Experience one of the most beloved spots on William & Mary’s campus, Crim Dell bridge. Set in a scenic wooded area on the Crim Dell Pond, the picturesque wooden bridge—gifted by the Class of 1964—is perfect for taking photos and appreciating the region’s natural beauty, including a variety of native plants.

8. Yorktown Battlefield

Head to the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center and explore a variety of exhibits before embarking on a tour of the battlefield. Colonial National Historical Park charges a $15.00 entrance fee, however, children under the age of 16 and individuals qualifying for the America the Beautiful Pass get in free. Visit NPS.gov/Colo/PlanYourVisit/Fees.htm for more information, including a listing of 2025 National Parks entrance fee-free dates.

9. Historic Holiday Pass 

Take advantage of Visit Williamsburg’s Historic Holiday Pass, a free mobile-exclusive pass full of fun opportunities from access to historic sites and holiday events to exclusive discounts. Learn more at VisitWilliamsburg.com. 

10. Farmers Markets

Get acquainted with the region through its award-winning outdoor markets, the Williamsburg Farmers Market and Yorktown Market Days, held on Saturday mornings spring through fall with select winter dates and even special themes. More than just great local shopping, catch live musical performances, watch culinary demos, taste food samples, plus enjoy many other family-friendly activities.