This post is brought to you by Colonial Williamsburg. Book your stay at colonialwilliamsburg.com.
Matt and I wanted to plan a romantic weekend getaway this summer. Or at least as romantic as it can get travelling with a 10 month old ; ) We used to go to Asheville, NC a few times a year for short trips away, but we haven’t found our Virginia getaway town yet. So when Colonial Williamsburg invited us to come visit, we were excited to try out a new destination. Williamsburg is really the perfect spot for a weekend trip for us – it’s an easy 2 hour drive, the area is very walkable and there is plenty to see, do and eat. Colonial Williamsburg gave us a travel stipend for the trip, but all of the details, including where to stay, were up to us to plan. I am going to write a separate post highlighting our meals and the ‘five best things I ate’ in a few weeks, so this post will focus on our trip as a whole.
I spent a lot of time on the official website planning our trip and ended up booking a 2-room suite at the Williamsburg Lodge. It seemed to be the most family-friendly choice (although another time I’d love to stay in the Williamsburg Inn just the two of us!) and the location was central for walking to everything. Plus guests get access to 3 pools, the spa, restaurants and a fantastic fitness center that the official Colonial Williamsburg hotels share.
The Lodge as clouds rolled in on Sunday night:
Our room choice was fabulous with a baby! Having two rooms was priceless for naptime and sleeping, especially since we had to be back on the early side at night. Matt and I could stay up with the lights on while Mazen napped/slept in the next room. We also had a mini fridge, wet bar and plenty of space for playing.
The Lodge rooms go for about $260 a night this time of year and I felt that for a suite with two rooms and such great amenities in an ideal location that the price was really fair. I also really appreciated the fact that despite being a touristy resort we weren’t charged separately for everything – internet and parking were free and use of the pool and fitness centers was included and unlimited. I would definitely stay there again on my own dime.
Really nice bathroom too! I came home with a handful of bottles of my new favorite smell: lavender lemongrass.
Here is a photo of one of the pools. We took Mazen for a dip Sunday afternoon and wished we had spent more time there. It felt like someone’s grand backyard pool at an estate.
We also traded workouts at the fitness center our first morning. It was one of the most impressive hotel fitness centers I’ve seen (triple the cardio equipment to the left)
Also on the accommodations front we booked massages at the spa! It was Matt’s number one request for our trip when asked what he would like to do to relax.
I had a sampler massage that included a little bit of all different kinds of massage – something I had never seen on a spa menu before. It featured Swedish, deep tissue, hot stone, sports massage and reflexology. I loved the little surprises like a hot towel under my neck and the hot stones especially. Matt had an Arnica oil massage and said it was very unique – hurt so good. I’d love to revisit this spa sometime in the future. The rainshowers were particularly heavenly.
Of course the majority of our trip was focused on sight-seeing in historic Colonial Williamsburg. We bought two-day passes that were a surprisingly inexpensive $31 compared to the website’s prices. I think the discount was a bonus for staying at the Lodge and buying the tickets from the in-house desk there.
Colonial Williamsburg was huge! What I thought was going to be the size of the Charlottesville Downtown Mall ended up more like a small town or college campus. The streets were wide and there were tons of things to see and do. We were there in the prime heat wave, but I’d love to go back on a crisp October day and just walk and walk.
Our first stop was lunch at one of the authentic taverns – Chowning’s.
Check out Mazen’s vintage high chair!
We enjoyed ales, rarebit (!), salad, Brunswick stew and a root beer float. Except for the lovely air conditioning, I really did feel like we stepped back in time with our server in costume and live music floating in and out.
Rarebit is like fondue in a bowl with Virginia ham pieces
Our tickets got us into all of the historic exhibits. Unfortunately historic buildings weren’t very stroller friendly so we ended up going in one at a time to check things out. Parents: bring your baby carriers!
We took a tour of the Governor’s House, which was so intricate. The guides were very animated, helping to set the stage throughout the whole town during events leading up to the Revolutionary War.
During Mazen’s afternoon nap I snuck over to the Williamsburg Inn for High Tea, the number one thing I hoped to do on the trip. I went to a high tea when I was in London and just love the excitement of the tray of treats and cup after cup of perfectly brewed tea. And as you see below, a glass of champagne!
I savored every bite of this lovely afternoon of solitude {I took Matt half of the tea treats home in a cute box}
And sipped six cups of Earl Grey!
After naptime, we went back over to the town. There were people in costume all over, and they were all extremely friendly and helpful, often asking us if we needed directions or recommendations. We felt the customer service throughout the entirety of Williamsburg was exceptional, in both the Colonial area and the hotels.
The tradespeople were knowledgeable in their crafts as well. I learned a ton about cloth in a 10 minute talk:
We ended our sight-seeing with a 5pm reenactment complete with music and canon blasts!
M wasn’t scared at all!
The first night we walked across the street to dine at the Williamsburg Inn Terrace Room after meeting Executive Chef Travis Brust for a private hello.
More on this delicious risotto he brought us to taste in my food post!
We would have loved to eat in the fancy Regency room, but since we had our tot in tow the Terrace room was perfect.
Chef Brust brought us an appetizer sampler – that middle piece was a scallop served over French toast! Can’t wait to tell you more.
Matt and I ordered mint juleps and shared a salmon entrée for dinner
Our second night we got dressed up and headed down to Traditions, the restaurant in the Williamsburg Lodge.
We were incredibly impressed by the food, which was both gourmet and generously portioned (rarely do you get both!)
We took our dessert {a peppermint ice cream cake} to go and watched The Truman Show in bed with some Southern Tier Crème Brulee Stout – amazing!
Last but not least, we ended our trip with a morning run all through Colonial Williamsburg and the College of William and Mary. I spent 20 minutes Googling “best places to run in Williamsburg” before we arrived yet little did I know that running right in the heart of the historic town would be ideal. We were so glad we brought our BOB Stroller – we did tons of walking and the sun shade and cobblestone-friendly wheels were much appreciated.
After our 4 miler we had eggs, Belgian waffles and grits at Aroma’s Café and took sandwiches from The Cheese Shop for our trip home.
We had such a great visit, and while we debriefed on the ride home, we both agreed that the diversity of things to do was perfect – some sight-seeing, some R&R and great food in a small, walkable radius. There were plenty of restaurants in the adjacent modern Merchant’s Square area that we would love to try next time, and I would go back to all of the ones we enjoyed this trip. The walkability of Colonial Williamsburg was my favorite part – we didn’t touch our car all weekend, which was so convenient with a little one. I would come back and do this same itinerary again – perhaps in the fall or spring. This trip was really fun for us all.
This post was brought to you by Colonial Williamsburg. Book your stay at colonialwilliamsburg.com.
Ali @ Peaches and Football says
What a fabulous place for a weekend getaway!! The pool, the exercise room, the great food – but I’ll be honest, I love that covered walkway. It is just gorgeous. makes me want to find a way to get one in my backyard!
We have a local historical site that has people do old fashioned re-enactments of life years ago. All the buildings are old-fashioned and they do a civil war re-enactment around Memorial Day every year. It’s awesome. Nothing like what you saw but good for so far up North!
The Many Thoughts of a Reader says
That looks like so much fun!
Carly @ Snack Therapy says
Although I love living in California, we don’t have anything like this! It’s much less history over here, and much more snowboarding/surfing/sushi/celebrity sightings ;).
Alaina says
I went to Colonial Williamsburg with a friend of mine in high school and we had so much fun! And I think we ate at Chowning’s too! I would love to go back sometime with my husband. 🙂
Chelsea @ Designs on Dinner says
Wow, that looks amazing! I loved going to Monticello when I was young, and this looks just as beautiful.
(On a side note, I was really excited to find organic, grass-fed hot dogs in my grocery store the other day after seeing them in your post!)
Sophie says
Wow that looks like such a gorgeous place. It’s amazing how British Williamsburg looks! I adore the dress you are wearing Kath. You look seriously radiant – motherhood glow maybe? 🙂
Sally says
I was just in Colonial Williamsburg for our anniversary weekend, and we had the BEST time! Such a beautiful area and I agree, so much to do. We could have easily spent a few more days walking around sightseeing. Looks like you all had a great time, looking forward to the food post 🙂
Lauren @ The Highlands Life says
What a fantastic little getaway! I always need ideas for short stints away with a baby.
Katie says
I visited Colonial Williamsburg when I was in 6th grade on a family road trip. I don’t remember much, but I would love to go again! It looks like the perfect vacation spot for a young family!
Jennifer says
Sounds like the perfect trip! I love places like that with so much history. The hotel room’s decor looks similar to your house.
Anna Ming says
Wahoooo I was so excited to see you posted about the ‘Burg! It is a place so near and dear to my heart 😀 *sigh* perhaps one day it will serve me as a romantic getaway… Haha and did you love The Truman Show?! Odd, but so touching and thought-provoking!!
Melissa says
The pool looks gorgeous! I’ve been to Colonial Williamburg a couple times, the first time being when I was 7. At the time, the Disney movie, “Pocahontas,” had just premiered in theatres and so I was so enthralled with the whole culture and wanted to see exactly where a lot of the true story had taken place. It was a magical time and a vacation with such fond memories! Plus, I experienced chocolate chip pancakes there, for the first time, which was an unexpected treat!
Sara says
I LOVE CW! My husband’s parents live in Williamsburg and we visit often. I love how quaint the lodge is, but it still feels upscale! I agree there’s the perfect combination of things to do. If you can, I suggest visiting during July 4th! The fireworks show is spectacular!!!
Emma says
Fun post!
If I shared an entree like the one pictured, I’d be sneaking back out for my OWN entree a couple of hours later! You guys aren’t “big eaters,” are you? 🙂
Maze is so photogenic! He always looks happy. What a lovely age.
KathEats says
After all that tea food, the risotto, the appetizer and bread we were plenty full!
Emma says
Oh, I forgot about that delicious-looking tea! Of course!
Katie says
I’ve never been up there, but I’ve always wanted to go and it looks absolutely gorgeous. Thanks for sharing! It looks like you had a good time 🙂
Ali says
I live in Williamsburg so this post was exciting to read! I was crossing my fingers that y’all would stop at The Cheese Shop!! One of our little treasures…
KathEats says
My pumpernickel and hot smoked salmon sandwich rocked : )
Leslie says
Same! I grew up there. When I saw Kath’s instagrams, I almost commented – Be sure to go to the Cheese Shop!
Mom says
That last pic reminds me of my mom and dad’s house. Williamsburg was all the rage when they were designing their gardens and working on their house. Love Maze in the high chair and that rarebit dish looks fabulous.
Livi says
love love love colonial wiliamsburg! It is the one historic place my family visited MULTIPLE times during my childhood that my siblings and I never got sick of!
Zoe @ Chocolate Covered Chia says
I loved reading this! I am totally inspired. Looks like you guys enjoyed a wonderful few days.
Spice Chicken says
This was a fun post to read. I have been to Colonial Williamsburg but didn’t stay on site, and it sounds like this is the way to go next time. Great photos! Did you happen to see CW’s Thomas Jefferson? He is world famous.
Liz says
I’m glad you got a sandwich from the Cheese Shop — I went to W&M for undergrad and law school. It’s the one definite “must do.” Fall was always my favorite time of year in Williamsburg. I highly recommend going back one weekend when there’s not a home football game (traffic gets pretty bad during the games). Glad you had a good time!
mary @ minutes per mile says
looks amazing. i felt like i just went on a mini-vacation reading this… thanks for the escape! 🙂
Barbara says
Wow love all the brick buildings and historical tours you were able to take a part in!! I am a huge American history nerd, so I would love a trip like this!! PS M is getting so big!! What a cutie!
Kelly @ Kelly Runs for Food says
Ahh you came to my town! I love living in Williamsburg so I’m glad you had a great visit. Tons of great restaurants here too. I always forget how beautiful it is through the eyes of a visitor. Come back when they do Grand Illuminations to kick off the holiday season!
Kinsey says
I love Williamsburg! It is so well preserved and I think the guides always do a fantastic job. I also had the fun of taking a ghost tour at night, which was pretty unique!
Christina @ The Beautiful Balance says
I have to try the creme brulee stout! Seriously, I just did a search on their website to see if it was sold near me and unfortunately I will have to travel to find it. That being said, it looks like you had an amazing stay!
Ashley @ Hudson on the Potomac says
I absolutely love Colonial Williamsburg!! My mom is obsessed also and took a ton of trips there when she was deciding how to build our family home.
When I was younger, you could spend the day there like Felicity, the American Girl. You played games that she would have played, participated in Finishing School, had tea, etc. It was so fun! I’m not sure if they still do it, but something to keep in mind if you have a little girl someday!!
Kelley says
This looks so fun! What a great weekend. That’s my ideal weekend getaway: a massage, a little history, some walking and relaxing. =)
jen_alluisi says
I graduated from W&M, undergrad and master’s. Williamsburg holds a special place in my heart 🙂 Let me know when you guys are planning to go back and I’ll give you some ideas of good food spots!
Frank says
I was just there during the week of the 4th of July & had a great time; we also did the royal tea at the Inn. Seeing your pics is like being there again!. Thanks.
Christina says
I really loved going to historic places like this when I was a kid so definitely go back when Maze is old enough to figure out what’s going on 🙂
Emily S says
i love travel posts!!! Williamsburg is great – my hubby and i went pre-kids. As a history buff, though, i was disappointed that almost everything in colonial wburg is recreated. we also went to Jamestown – which is really freaking cool. you can see the remains of the Jamestown Church – built 1639 – one of the oldest remaining structures in our young country.
the place you stayed looks incredible! would love to book there if we go back.
Emily @ Life on Food says
I heard they do amazing things at Christmas time too. It is definitely on my list of places to visit.
EllenCF says
You absolutely have to go at Christmas – it is phenomenal! Did it 2 years ago and still recall it all in detail.
Jennifer says
Looks like an amazing trip!
Just curious, are you no longer allowing posts to show in RSS feeds? I couldn’t read your last few posts in my Feedly. :/
KathEats says
Huh – no I haven’t changed a thing about my feed. Are they just not showing up or showing up as snippets?
Jennifer says
Not showing up.
KathEats says
That’s very odd. I’ll subscribe to myself and see what happens. Have you tried unsubscribing and resubscribing? Thanks for letting me know and keep me updated as I troubleshoot
Shel@PeachyPalate says
Wow! Amazing weekend. The accommodation looks gorgeous, as does the food. LOVE the vintage high chair! Little English tea cups just don’t hold enough tea, you need a good six cups!
Erika @ fortheloveofpeanutbutter says
Ahh looks like so much fun! Being active, relaxing, AND learning! 🙂 The massage you got would be right up my alley, I’m so indecisive so anywhere with a little-bit-of-everything option, and I’m sold.
Mary says
Love the black and white dress – where is it from?
Also, am curious as to how you cope with eating out when you’re away with Mazen? When we’ve been away with our 7 month old, we eat really early but even then it’s a race to eat as quickly as possible and then get her into bed before she has a meltdown!
KathEats says
It’s actually Navy and white and I think LOFT?
We tried to be seated at dinner by 6 so we could be home by 7:30. It was a bit of a rush, but I’m glad we were still able to eat out
Carolyn says
OMG your vacation looks sooooo relaxing!
I’ve never heard of anyone trading workouts before. Does that mean you did the workout Matt normally does and he does the one you normally do? What a fun way to mix things up when you’re out of town!
Little Maze just gets cuter and cuter!
KathEats says
It means one of us watched the sleeping baby while the other worked out and then we traded jobs ; )
Kori says
I visited Williamsburg during my seventh or eighth grade year, and I certainly did not understand the value of the trip at that age. I would love to return one day and try all the food, soak up all the amenities, and learn more about that time in our nation’s history! Your trip looks like it was amazing, and I’m looking forward to your detailed post about all your eats!
Aja says
It looks beautiful and like so much fun!
Barbara Dutton says
Such beautiful photography!
Rebecca says
I’m glad you had an amazing visit! I love Williamsburg and I’m so glad to be surrounded by its history & beauty! I have cousins who attend W&M and I always come up with an excuse to visit them 🙂
I see that you mentioned Merchant’s Square! If you’re ever back in town again, I recommend Fat Canary for fine dining and Aroma’s for casual dining/coffee!
KathEats says
We had breakfast at Aroma’s. Yum!
Tami @Nutmeg Notebook says
What a wonderful vacation! I would love to explore that area – it’s on our post retirement list of places to visit!
Kerry says
It looks lovely, we are SO in need of a holiday!
EllenCF says
I know that spring and fall are lovely in CW but winter is incredible! The holiday’s and the decorations are something special there. I have only been there in winter time and loved it. The mood is fun and casual but there are so many families there that go every year. I highly recommend a winter visit.
Hope @ With A Side Of Hope says
I went to Williamsburg when I was little and I remember I had a great time. This looks like such a wonderful getaway! The hotel looks beautiful! 🙂
Jo says
I love Williamsburg! Looks like you had a wonderful time. I need to get back there for a visit soon!
Tonya says
I really like this post! We went to Williamsburg for our big 5th and 6th grade field trip and I did not like it at all. Looking at your pics brought back memories–I remember visiting many of those places– the governor’s house, the various tradesmen, seeing the colonial living quarters. I can even recall the scent of Williamsburg. Hated. It. All. So writing a review like this that actually makes the place seem enjoyable to me is quite a win! LOL
Penny Snyder says
We loved Williamsburg too…it by far has been the best vacation we have taken. Love all the characters and how they stay true to their roles. thanks for a great post that reminded me of our great vacation!!
elizabeth says
The black and white dress looks great on you!
katecooks says
Growing up, my family used to vacation to Williamsburg frequently. We’d go to Colonial Williamsburg in the morning before it got too hot, then head over to Water Country USA for a day at the water park. We’d end the night with dinner and roller coasters at Busch Gardens — all three spots are within easy driving distance of one another. It’s the perfect mix and an easy way to spend a whole week there — you get a little bit of each spot each day!
Marissa@ohhhsolovely says
what a lovely stay…and lots of good food and history too! and high tea! we go to tea every Christmas & it’s one of my favorite things that i look forward to all year long.
Elizabeth says
I have such wonderful memories of going to Williamsburg as a child. The traditional mugs with the blue scroll work have a special place in my parent’s home. Thank you for reminding me of Williamsburg…makes me want to bring my young daughter there for a visit!
Lyndsey says
I spent every summer as a child on a 10 day long vacation in Williamsburg. My parents always evenly split our time between colonial exploring, William and Mary tours (ghost tours as well!), and the amazing Busch Gardens and Water Country. It is very kid friendly, and trying all of the different foods in the different countries was always so fun! At night we would have dinner at our favorite seafood buffet Captain Georges, and then head out for go carting or mini golf. As you can see, I have very very fond memories of that place. I can’t wait to take my kids. Learning and playing, a perfect combo!
Jen says
Fun! I am also a Cville girl and we have escaped to Williamsburg with the little ones several times–and a crisp October weekend is lovely, as is spring. Such an easy place for kids—we dont even buy tickets and just wonder the streets stumbling upon cool stuff. The kid love to hear the music and gunfire and chase down the “drummers and fluters”. We have stayed at the Lodge and the Inn with great success with kids. Kings Arms Tavern and the Trellis, as well as the Cheese Shop are our favs. Jamestown is also surprisingly cool and the kids love the museum and ships–as M gets older. We are so lucky to have it so close! BTW, I made your Kookies today and they are a big hit–thanks!!
Emily says
I’m so jealous of your trip- my family and I went to Colonial Williamsburg for Thanksgiving when I was in 6th or 7th grade. My sister and I were NOT pleased we were going to be spending Thanksgiving away from home, but we ended up loving it and having an amazing time. We also had our first pretzel roll in Williamsburg- that may have been why we liked it so much… Delicious homemade ginger ale and Rootbeer too! But I definitely recommend returning when Mazen is older as well
Amy @ Fun Being Mum says
Looks like great fun Kath… I wish i could go and do afternoon tea on my own, i am not very good with my own company i guess – i feel like everyone is looking at me… do you enjoy having meals out on your own? do you take a book or check your phone? I’m intrigued!
KathEats says
I took a magazine and my phone, but I really did gaze out at the gardens most of the time : )
emily:2:design:cents says
I can’t get over how cute your baby is:):)
Elizabeth M. says
We were there for the first time this past week. We didn’t go to the “fancy” eateries but all the food we had was GREAT! The best meal was at the “Dog Street Pub”. A HUGE bowl of homemade pea soup was $6 and a platter-sized iceberg salad with fresh heirloom tomatoes and crumbled blue cheese was also $6. Also, the “Cheese Shop” was a cool respite from the heat and the three of us shared a plate of cheese (we choose type and sizes) with olives and crusty french bread. The glasses of wine ($5!!) made it all very memorable. Williamsburg is all about service and we can’t wait to go back!
Kris says
DH got his undergrad degree from W&M, we owned a house there for ten years, and lived there for four when DH was stationed at Norfolk. We still get back there at least twice a year (once for a football game which is really fun). I love visiting there, not so much living there — a little too small. The weather is fabulous in the Fall, but other than the Grand Illumination and holiday time, it’s dead in the winter. Lots to see and do, and it’s always funny to see people in colonial garb at the grocery store when they are on their way home from work.
Sara says
My husband and I love Colonial Williamsburg (and we’re in Richmond so not far.) We went there for our honeymoon and for our one-year anniversary. Fun times. Can’t wait to take our son when he’s older. :-)Glad you enjoyed it. We stayed in the Lodge too 🙂
Anne S says
Loved both of your dresses in this post, Kath! Do you mind telling me where you found the red one?
KathEats says
Thanks, it’s from Athleta. The Jura dress.
Lauren @ Peaks and Passports says
Speaking of the restaurants in Merchant Square, on your next trip you have to go to dinner at The Fat Canary. I’m from Williamsburg and it’s hands-down my favorite restaurant in town – perfect for a special occasion (and vacation definitely qualifies in my book)!
Barry Kidd says
My wife and I had our own romantic get away just this past weekend. but ours was in Virginia Beach.
It’s quite a drive since we live in Pennsylvania but we wanted to do something different. On the trip home we decided to make a stop in Colonial Williamsburg ourselves. It was very spur of the moment and we were only able to stay for a short while. A very short while actually because we both had to work the following day and still had the long drive home.
Even so we really enjoyed our time there. We started thinking that we should have stayed in Williamsburg rather than at the beach. Oh well, live and learn. Perhaps we’ll get to go back and do the trip right one of these days,
Thank you for sharing and I love the food shots! Beautiful stuff.
Barry