While the kids are out of school, they’ll love this educational trip that also packs in lots of good food, adventurous activities, and a beautiful water view.
History That Never Gets Old
The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown tells the story of the nation’s founding, from the twilight of the colonial period to the dawn of the Constitution and beyond. Check out a recreated Continental Army encampment, see firings of a flintlock musket, explore a Revolution-era farm, and so much more.
Grab your brew of choice and a tasty treat from Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters and Petite Café in the circa 1726 Cole Digges House. They are the only certified business offering professional historian-guided tours through the National Park Battlefields and historic buildings. Click here to check out the tours offered during your trip.
Another fun way to soak up some history is a guided Segway Tour! Call Patriot Tours & Provisions at 757.969.5400 or visit their website to book. Head to their shop to rent a bicycle, kayak, or paddleboard; plus, stock up on beach essentials like sunscreen and hats.
Make sure to visit the battlefield tour routes and grounds of the Yorktown Battlefield, a part of Colonial National Historical Park. To kick off the start of National Park week, the Colonial National Park will offer free admission on April 16!
The Watermen’s Museum reopens April 1 with four exciting new exhibits! Learn about Sea Level Rise and Land Subsidence, Oyster Harvesting and Aquaculture, Maritime Trades, and Comparative Energy.
Stop by the York County Historical Museum to explore artifacts representing Yorktown from the time of the earliest Native Americans all the way through World War II.
There’s lots of learning to be done after the sun goes down, too! During a Yorktown Ghost Walk, you’ll find out about the history and haunts of Colonial Yorktown as told by paranormal investigators.
Fun for the Little Ones
Captain Mayhem is looking for new recruits aboard the Schooner Alliance! Join his band of marauders during a Pirate Adventure Cruise on the York River. Children get to raise the sails, steer the angry seas, and even fire a cannon! Be sure to get in on the spring break fun (Apr. 2 – 16). The Alliance also offers sightseeing cruises and romantic sunset sails starting May 1.
Award-winning Yorktown Market Days returns in April with special themed markets! While you shop for homemade and handmade items from makers, bakers, farmers, and artists, the kids will enjoy children’s crafts, activities, and games. There’s no better way to spend a Saturday!
The FREE Yorktown Trolley is one of the best ways to see Historic Yorktown, and it happens to be a favorite among children. Friendly guides offer helpful information about each stop, so you can focus on the scenery.
The Great Outdoors
Hoping for a little sun and sand while on vacation? We have that covered, too! Find your favorite spot on our two-acre beachfront, open a new book, and relax along the York River. You never know what you’ll see out in the water–from dolphins to submarines! The piers reopen April 1, so if you prefer to travel by boat, come dock and then explore.
Historic Yorktown is headquarters for this year’s Hampton-Newport News chapter of the Garden Club of Virginia during Historic Garden Week. We’ll be having our first-ever middle-of-the-week Historic Garden Week Market. Take a tour of homes, landscapes, and historic structures; then, shop for handmade and homemade goods from local vendors. Be sure to grab a photo with our LOVE Letters, which will be decorated by the local garden club for this special event.
Food to Write Home About
Start off each day with coffee and a pastry from Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters, or a delicious sandwich later in the day. You’ll want to stop in Carrot Tree Kitchens for a fresh-from-scratch wrap, gourmet salad, or soup. Be sure to try their signature triple-layer carrot cake filled with decadent cream cheese frosting. Quench your thirst with hometown-brewed Larry’s Hard Lemonade and a spectacular view of the York River at Larry’s.
Sushi lovers won’t be disappointed at Umi Sushi. This locally owned Japanese restaurant offers authentic oriental dishes. Choose from indoor or outdoor seating at Water Street Grille, where they specialize in artisan pizzas, fresh seafood, and tapas. You’ll find 20 micro-brew beers on tap daily. After some fun on the beach, walk across the street to Yorktown Pub. You’ll find a full bar, plus sandwiches, seafood, and Carrot Tree’s signature desserts. Finally, you (and the kids!) will love a cold treat at Ben & Jerry’s. With more than 30 flavors to choose from, this ice cream shop never disappoints.
The Thrill of the Hunt
Shop for handcrafted American-made art at Auntie M’s American Cottage; antique prints and custom hand-painted floor cloths at Black Dog Gallery; special exhibits and sought-after creations from local artists at the Gallery at York Hall and On the Hill Gallery; and vintage and rare books, records, and historical items from Yorktown Bookshop. Don’t forget about your furry friends – Gangsta Dog bakes fresh, all-natural, gourmet dog biscuits. Lastly, be sure to treat yourself to a piece of gorgeous fine jewelry at Viccellio Goldsmith.
Be sure to check our Events Calendar often for new happenings around town, and follow Visit Yorktown on Facebook for special event announcements.
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