Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters (Yorktown): Located in the historic Cole Diggs House on Main Street in Yorktown, this quaint little coffee shop is something out of a movie. Their coffee is strong, the servers are friendly, and be sure to try their chocolate, too! (@mobjackbaycoffee)
Aromas World: We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Aromas again for coffee, as their coffee really is some of the best in Williamsburg. While we mostly shared their french press, we tried their famous Captian’s Mocha one morning, and goodness gracious it’s DELISH! (@aromasworld.wb)
Blackbird Bakery: This quaint little bakery is just around the corner from Aromas, and is a perfect option if you’re looking to grab something quick. Their coffee is solid, and their baked goods are insane! (Bobby’s obsessed with their blueberry scones!) (@blackbirdbakerywilliamsburg)
Breakfast
Aromas World: We went here twice during our stay in Williamsburg, A) because they have a great dog-friendly patio and B) the food, coffee, ambiance is five stars. Their breakfasts are simple, but hearty. And they make a mean pour over! (@aromasworld.wb)
Bobby’s pick: Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Croissant
Alli’s pick: Bacon and Egg Platter
Duck Donuts: We never say no to donuts, and this made-to-order shop is one big YES in our books! They’re so fluffy and fresh and warm, and you can pick the flavors and toppings yourself! I’m drooling just thinking about it! (@duckdonuts)
Bobby’s pick: Patriotic Pop
Alli’s pick: Chocolate Nut Sundae
Colonial Pancake House: This classic breakfast stop isn’t anything fancy - but it’s reliable. Extensive breakfast menu, large portions, and even bigger pancakes. It’s a hit for families! (Colonial Pancake House on Instagram)
Bobby’s pick: The Colonial Breakfast
Alli’s pick: Two, Two, and Two
Lunch/Dinner
The Trellis Bar and Grill: Located in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg, this restaurant fantastic seasonal menu and a welcoming patio that’s perfect for a warm, sunny day! (@thetrellisbarandgrill)
Bobby’s pick: Chicken BBQ
Alli’s pick: Fish Tacos
Carrot Tree Kitchens (Yorktown): This delectable little cafe prides themselves on their baked goods and healthy (and hearty) sandwiches and wraps. Our favorite? “The York Town Onion”, a wrap filled with hummus, greek olives, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and of course, carrots. (@carrottreekitchens)
Casa Pearl: Oysters and tacos may sound like an odd pairing, but this locally-sourced, latin-inspired, southern seafood joint sure pulls it off well! It’s what we like to call “relaxed elevated”, serving fancy cocktails and small plates in a modern and yet surprisingly casual environment. You’ll love it! (@casa_pearl)
Bobby’s pick: Oyster Po-Boy Taco + Fried Chicken Taco
Alli’s pick: Grilled Fish Taco + Smoked Pork Taco
Amber Ox Kitchen & Brewery: This modern pub meets brewery has just about everything we love in life. From fried pimento cheese to chicken & waffles, their menu is as decadent as it is extensive… and their beer is great, too! (@theamberox)
Bobby’s pick: Chicken & Waffles
Alli’s pick: The AO Burger
Cafe Provencal: Situated amidst the vineyards at Williamsburg Winery, this romantic and charming restaurant creates mesmerizing Provence-inspired dishes that are top-notch in every way. Their culinary team takes farm-to-table dining to a whole new level, working with local farmers to curate a menu with the freshest local ingredients possible. (@williamsburgwinery)
Bobby’s pick: Hereford Farms Filet Mignon
Alli’s pick: A Progression of Vegetables
Virginia Beer Co: This brewery, tap room, and beer garden is always a good time. Come on a Friday night, and you’ll catch local songwriters and musicians playing in the beer garden! (@virginiabeerco)
Brass Cannon Brewing: Referred to as “The Cannon” by Williamsburg locals, this veteran owned craft brewery has some phenomenals brews on tap - and we love the friendly, cheerful ambiance! (@brasscannonbrewing)
Billsburg Brewery: You can’t beat the views of the James City County Marina at Billsburg Brewery, and the beer is especially tasty on a warm afternoon! Grab a seat on their picturesque patio and order some bites from one of their rotating food trucks! (@billsburgbrewery)
Williamsburg Winery: Situated on the 300-acre Wessex Hundred Farm, Williamsburg Winery is quite the destination, and their tasting room is a stunning spot to sample some of Virginia’s best (and award-winning) wines! (@williamsburgwinery)
Williamsburg Inn: Five star, five diamond… It doesn’t get better than that! Fresh flowers in your room, champagne at check in, a staff that greets you by name, it really is something special (if you can afford it). This iconic hotel represents the height of luxury in Colonial Williamsburg, and beyond its immaculate property, it’s in a very ideal and central location. (@cwresorts)
Williamsburg Lodge: Speaking of location, this clean and cozy lodge is just steps from Colonial Williamsburg! It’s a great option if you’re traveling with kids, as they have many family friendly rooms and a great pool! (@cwresorts)
The Colonial Houses: If you’re looking for a true colonial experience, why not stay in a colonial home?! Located in the heart of the Historic Area, you’ll have all of the modern amenities you would want, in a truly colonial setting. (@cwresorts)
Colonial Williamsburg: There’s no doubt about it - Colonial Williamsburg is the biggest attraction in town, and it’s worth devoting at least a couple of hours, if not a whole day. It’s the world’s largest living history museum, and it’s absolutely mesmerizing how history literally comes to life! Wander on your own (as we did), but check out the events calendar for the day so you can plan your day around activities like ax throwing, court sessions, and ghost walks! (@colonialwmsburg)
Yorktown: Make sure you carve out some time to explore Yorktown - it has everything from battlefields, quaint 18th-century architecture, riverfront restaurants, and even a beach! We took a Segway Tour with Patriot Segway Yorktown, which ended up being an epic way to not only explore Yorktown, but also learn more about the history, too! (@visityorktown)
Sail with Yorktown Sailing Charters: While you’re at it, see a different side of Yorktown - from the water! Yorktown Sailing Charters offers daily 2-hour sightseeing cruises that take you along the banks of the picturesque York River, past Yorktown Battlefield, Victory Monument, naval warships, and more! It’s an awesome way to learn more about the area’s history, and you’ll even get the chance to help sail! (@visityorktown)
Historic Jamestowne: Walk in the steps of Pocahontas and John Smith! Historic Jamestowne is the original site of the first permanent English settlement in America. Seeing this up close is incredible, considering it’s over 400 years old! Taking it a step further, you can visit the Jamestown Settlement, a living history museum that brings it all to life! It’s fascinating! (@jrarcheology)
Kayak in Jamestown: If you’re feeling up for an adventure, rent a couple of kayaks (or a tandem), and take them around the historic Powhatan Creek and Jamestown Island! You can even bring your pup along for the ride (but they must have a life vest)! Speaking of pups...
Williamsburg is very dog friendly - who knew?! We took Sally almost everywhere with us, from Colonial Williamsburg (keep in mind that dogs aren’t allowed inside the buildings/museums), to many of the breweries, Historic Jamestowne, and pretty much any restaurant that had a patio! Catch our Dog Friendly Guide to Williamsburg here!