Williamsburg, VA

November 5, 2007 8:19 AM

I'm looking for recommendations for the Williamsburg, VA area--things to see and do (historical is fine, but also are there any non historical things to do?) and places to eat.

Searching online for this only turns up endless Colonial Williamsburg information. While I would like to know what historical parts are worthwhile, I'm also wondering where the people who actually live around there go (and eat).

I'll be flying into Richmond, but staying in Williamsburg and while I'll be working while I'm there--I'll be able to check out some of the area. Hopefully including Jamestown, Norfolk, and possibly Portsmouth. Thanks for any tips.

posted by jdl to travel & transportation (14 comments total)

Eat: Go to the Trellis Restaurant and make sure you have the Death By Chocolate. It's legendary. If you like seafood, you can't go wrong with the Whaling Company. For southern cuisine, the Chickahominy House is nice (but lunch only). For Italian, Giuseppe's is great.

In Norfolk, there is a nice aquarium and the Norfolk Naval base, although I'm not sure how close you can get to the docks anymore. Norfolk also has the Chrysler Museum of Art and the Harrison Opera House, which are great choices.

Newport News has a very nice Mariner's Museum.

If you want to shop, there are about a million outlet stores in Williamsburg, including what has to be the largest Yankee Candle Store on earth.

Norfolk has a very upscale mall called McArthur Center.

Have a great trip!
posted by 4ster at 8:33 AM on November 5, 2007

For great BBQ: Pierce's Pitt Bar-B-Que
posted by fallenposters at 8:34 AM on November 5, 2007

Oh, and some of the older buildings at the College of William and Mary are great as well, especially Wren Chapel.
posted by 4ster at 8:35 AM on November 5, 2007

From last year. I still think Trellis is vastly overrated and still love Le Yaca and Pierces.
posted by Lame_username at 9:02 AM on November 5, 2007

I second Pierce's Pitt BBQ; that place was awesome.
posted by Kadin2048 at 9:36 AM on November 5, 2007

These are great and thanks lame_username, I searched and somehow missed that one.
posted by jdl at 9:54 AM on November 5, 2007

Busch Gardens?
posted by idb at 10:32 AM on November 5, 2007

Virginia Aquarium in Virginia Beach. Va Beach is just on the other side of Norfolk, worth the trip, and a fascinating museum. While there, check out the awesome statue of King Neptune at the oceanfront. Holiday Lights at the beach will be starting soon, essentially you get to drive your car on the boardwalk and see the elaborate light displays the city sets up. Also, Chesapeake has a number of Civil War trails if you're a history buff.

You can use our local paper's events and restaurant guide (it covers the entire area of Hampton Roads, including Williamsburg). There's a place called the Asian Grill on Granby St in Norfolk, best sushi in the area. IMO Granby St also has the best nightlife in the area if you're interested in going out. Have crepes (I recommend the Crepe Noisette) at Baker's Crust. If this is a spring/summer trip (later, rather than now), there's always Busch Gardens. Waterside in downtown Norfolk is a good place to find small shops and watch the boat traffic. I recommend you take the ferry to Waterside from the Portsmouth side. Norfolk also has the Virginia Zoo.

Just as an FYI, you will absolutely require a rental while you are here, as we have no public transportation other than a bus line comparable to a toilet on wheels.

Unfortunately, I can't help you too much with the stuff on the Peninsula but if you come to the Southside have the crepe. You'll love it.
posted by sephira at 10:32 AM on November 5, 2007

If you like cooking, I highly recommend A Chef's Kitchen. It is like watching a great cooking show, but you get to eat everything that they make. Don't be put off by the fact they call them dinner classes. They do all the work, you do all the eating.
posted by procrastination at 11:31 AM on November 5, 2007

The Trellis may be overrated, but its Death by Chocolate is definitely not.
posted by naoko at 1:14 PM on November 5, 2007

What can I add? Hmmn. The students still eat (and drink) at the "Dellys." The College Delly, Paul's Deli, and the Green Leafe. A visit to the Leafe is practically a requirement. Lesse: There's also the Cities Grille, and Doraldo's.

The Cheese Shop is definitely the best casual lunch in the historic area, but there are a lot of choices downtown, on Prince George Street. Believe it or not, the local airport is a great little lunch spot, on the road to the Winery.

New Town is, well, new. Corner Pocket?

The Jamestown-Scotland ferry is like a free nature cruise. Surry Co. is on the other side.

Yorktown is a nice side trip, and has a bunch of shops and restaurants on the waterfront, below the Coleman Bridge. Take the (scenic!) Colonial Parkway. The Yorktown Pub is usually brimming with local color: Revolutionary War tourists, Coasties, fishermen, and motorcycle enthusiasts. Across the bridge, in Gloucester, is the River's Inn.
posted by steef at 5:41 PM on November 5, 2007

I'm thirding Pierce's. It's that good. No one in my family is allowed to pass it without picking up extra pints to go.

If you have time for a day trip, I recommend hitting the Eastern Shore. It's a peninsula that stretches down on the other side of the Chesapeake Bay, and is pretty different from the other side of the Bay. There's lots of history, if that floats your boat, and all sorts of recreating possibilities. Plus: Good seafood, lighthouses to climb, and famous wildlife refuges. You can spend a day in or around Chincoteague alone.
posted by julen at 6:35 PM on November 5, 2007

Thanks so much everyone--these all sound excellent.
posted by jdl at 7:47 PM on November 5, 2007

I attended William and Mary for 4 yrs. and I can honestly say The Trellis has terrible service and marginal food (but the dessert is great). The Fat Canary across the street, however, is absolutely fabulous.

For cheap, greasy seafood, I'd recommend a local favorite, The Backfin, which is down Jamestown rd. For more upscale seafood, go to Barretts and get a bowl of the she-crab soup. The Jamestown Pie Company on Jamestown rd. has terrific pecan pie.

For museums, the Mariner's Museum is great, and has a great new exhibit on the USS Monitor if you're into Civil War History.

Also, check out the newly renovated the Jamestown Settlement Museum which was redone for the 400th anniversary last year. It's sort of Disney-meets-history class, but provides a good overview of the hitory. But if you're more interested in the actual archeological excavations of Jamestown Fort, etc, then go to Jamestown Island. Some of the tour guides there are really good, too.

In Colonial Williamsburg have lunch/dinner at one of the taverns. They're lots of fun, and they'll entertain you as you eat with colonial music.
posted by jsteffensen at 8:04 PM on November 5, 2007