Places to Go

Stuff to do! Things to see!

Hampton Roads is really rich in history. Unless you're staying a week, you won't come close to seeing it all....here are a few things you might be interested in visiting.

Williamsburg Things to Do

Williamsburg Winery :

Highly recommended. For $10 per person, go for the Tour & Tasting. It's a quick experience and who doesn't like wine?! You'll get a souvenir glass and there's also a small restaurant on the property. 

*Tip: Buy the raspberry dessert wine. You won't have to worry about getting it back to the Midwest, because it won't last that long.
**There are often Groupons/LivingSocial deals for this tour**

Busch Gardens Williamsburg :

A bit pricey, but if you've got a full day to burn, this is a great theme park. Classic Europe is the theme and you'll see a bit of several countries. Shows, rides, coasters, animal conservation area, and great food. They're open Fri - Sun during October, and should be running their annual Howl-O-Scream theme in the evening. Busch Gardens has been voted one of the World's Most Beautiful Theme Parks. Bring walking shoes!

Yankee Candle Village :

Biggest candle store. April isn't a big fan of candles, but apparently this is a big deal. It is a neat giant store, though. There are a few candle making fun activities, and, it SNOWS in the store every day in the year-round Christmas area.


Williamsburg AleWerks Brewery :

The only microbrewery in the area. Though we have not been, we have had their brews and they're good! $5 Tours (no Sundays)


Mariner's Park (Noland Trail) : 

A great woodland trail (not paved!) around Lake Maury. To run the entire trail, it's approximately 5 miles. Or, you could just check out Lion's Bridge and the Mariner's Museum. Great views of the James River from Lions Bridge. (Park Map located on linked page above)

Historic & Educational Stuff

Colonial Williamsburg : 

You can walk the streets of the colonial area around historic landmarks and restored/reconstructed buildings. There are tours available, but you can wander free of charge just to check out the stores and see the buildings and colonial characters that work there. This is also where the King's Arms Tavern is (food AND colonial experience), and the same area as the Cheese Shop. 

*Educational, historic, variety*

College of William & Mary : 

Chartered in 1693, it's the second oldest college in America. It really is a beautiful campus located in the same area as Colonial Williamsburg. Nice for a stroll or drive around. 

Historic Yorktown & Riverwalk Landing :

Battlefields, Monuments, etc

You can check out the battlefields, see the victory monument, see "Cornwallis' Cave" (aka...storage cave...), Yorktown Beach, and eat Ben & Jerry's ice cream (get the Phish Food....). 

Fort Monroe (Hampton)

No longer an active Army base, it's now a National Monument. You can tour the Casemate Museum for free and see where Jefferson Davis was held captive during the Civil War. 

Mariner's Museum (Newport News)

A maritime museum (we're all about water and war in Hampton Roads, ya know) - more Civil War stuff, too.