A Walk Through Colonial Williamsburg

A Walk Through Colonial Williamsburg
📍 Williamsburg, VA

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My latest work trip took me to Williamsburg, Virginia, where I was visiting for a conference but secretly hoping I’d find a pocket of time to wander through Colonial Williamsburg. Thankfully, I had a chance to carve out a few hours between meetings, Stepping into that historic corridor felt like a breath of fresh air. Even though my days were full, I felt myself ease into a slower, more charming rhythm as soon as I reached Duke of Gloucester Street.

I started my mini afternoon adventure with lunch at Shield’s Tavern, one of Colonial Williamsburg’s classic dining experiences. The moment you duck inside, you’re transported straight into the 18th century, with low ceilings, wooden beams, and servers fully in character. The menu leans into hearty, colonial-inspired dishes, and everything feels warm and welcoming. I recommend the Groaning Board Menu for a little bit of everything that they serve.

After lunch, I continued my stroll and couldn’t resist stopping at Dubois Grocer for a cup of vanilla ice cream, which was inspired by Thomas Jefferon’s handwritten recipe. This spot feels delightfully old-fashioned: shelves lined with jars, vintage labels, and little period-style touches that make it stand out from a typical corner shop. I wandered with my ice cream in hand, taking in the afternoon, horse-drawn carriages rolling by, and interpreters in full costume moving through their routines as if no one had told them it’s the twenty-first century.

With a bit more time before I needed to be back for work, I joined a guided tour of the Governor’s Palace, which is every bit as grand and storied as you would expect. The interiors are rich and intricate: deep colors, dramatic details, and the famous display of gleaming weapons that line the walls. As you’re given a deep dive into each of the rooms, you appreciate the craftsmanship and preservation even more. This is a must visit if you ever find yourself in Williamsburg.

Before heading back toward the Williamsburg Lodge, I stopped at the John Greenhow Store to pick up a few souvenirs. It’s filled with period-appropriate goods like stationery, teas, toys, soaps, and small household items. Since I come from a family of history buffs, it was a great opportunity to do a bit of Christmas shopping way ahead of my usual schedule. I especially loved this No Stamp Act Ornament and the Delft Blue Apothecary Jar.

Later that night for dinner, I returned to the historic district and made my way to King’s Arms Tavern, which feels like a candlelit time capsule. The space glows with flickering candles and pewter tableware, with the menu leaning heavily into colonial recipes and comforting dishes. Even though I was technically still on a work trip, the ambiance made it feel like a little getaway. It was truly a dinner to remember, although from a different century.

My time in Williamsburg may have been short, but those few hours in Colonial Williamsburg reminded me how restorative it can be to slip away, even briefly, into a quieter, simpler setting. Between the history, the food, and the charm, it turned what could have been a purely professional trip into something memorable, and left me wanting to return with more time to explore.

Love from Virginia,
Katie

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