York County is looking to keep locals interested in historic Yorktown and reward them for it, too.
Residents of the county can sign up for a little-known perk, the York County Rewards Card, at no cost.
The program focuses on historic Yorktown in an attempt to help residents explore new bars, restaurants, stores, and attractions.
“We just really wanted to let our citizens know about the gems in their backyard that they maybe didn’t know about,” said Melissa Davison, assistant director of the York County office of economic development.
In 2005, York County’s tourism office founded the program and immediately gave out 5,000 of the cards.
Twelve years later, thousands more are in the hands of county residents, employees of the school district and the county administration, according to Davidson.
“We want to let people know what’s in their backyards, but also to keep these businesses thriving,” Davidson said before adding, “to keep people coming back to them.”
Residents can use the pass for everything from a free wedding engagement photo session, to saving money at restaurants and bars in Yorktown.
While the program has had bumps in the road, such as dwindling interest in 2013, it has continued to be available for any county resident.
The businesses and attractions participating in the program vary every year but have focused on Yorktown, according to Davidson.
Beyond Yorktown, Davidson said, the program could be expanded in coming years to encompass more of York County.
“Just keeping money in a locality has a huge economic benefit, from job creation to supporting your neighbors,” Davidson said. “To the citizen, they’re going to see it as ‘hey, I’m supporting my neighbor and hey, I may be getting a discount on something.’”
The rewards cards are available for pickup at three locations, The Gallery at York Hall, Patriot Tours and Provisions, and the county administration building, according to Davidson. Be sure to bring a valid identification card or a utility bill as proof of residency.
- Alexander’s Photography — Free engagement photo session with wedding day booked or 10 percent off total cost of family portrait in historic Yorktown
- American Revolution Museum at the Yorktown Café — 20 percent off entire meal
- Auntie M’s American Cottage — 15 percent off Hampton Roads Virginia Bun warmers
- Battlefield Museum Shop — 10 percent off any purchase
- Beach Bakery Cafe — 10 percent off breakfast
- Beach Delly — 10 percent off entire meal (alcoholic beverages excluded)
- Ben and Jerry’s, Green Mountain Coffee Café — 10 percent off purchase
- Black Dog Gallery — 10 percent off framing
- Carrot Tree — 20 percent off whole cakes
- Custom House — 10 percent off on Custom House Cookbook
- Duke of York Hotel — 5 percent off lodging (excludes July 3-6th)
- Hornsby House Inn — 5 percent off with any 2 night stay and a free cookbook
- Gallery at York Hall — 10 percent off purchase
- Grace Parish Book and Gift Shop — 10 percent off any purchase
- Marl Inn — 10 percent off lodging
- On the Hill Gallery — 5 percent off all purchases over $100.00
- Patriot Tours and Provisions — 10 percent off Segway PT tours, kayak, paddle board and bicycle rentals and store merchandise
- Redcoat Antiques — 10 percent off any purchase
- Riverwalk Restaurant — 10 percent off lunch and dinner (alcoholic beverages excluded)
- Schooner Alliance and Serenity, Pirate Cruises — $3.00 off cash adult ticket or $2.00 or credit card ticket (valid 2017 on-site cash/credit ticket sales only)
- The Yorktown Onion — 10 percent off everything (can’t be combined w/other discounts)
- Umi Sushi — 10 percent off meal (alcoholic beverages excluded)
- Viccellio Goldsmith — 10 percent off all Yorktown charms
- Watermen’s Museum — 10 percent off gift shop purchase
- Water Street Grille — 10 percent off lunch and dinner (alcoholic beverages excluded)
- York County Historical Museum — Free Admission.
- York River Inn Bed and Breakfast — 10 percent off lodging, 15 percent off for active duty military
- Yorktown Bookshop — 10 percent off any purchase
- Yorktown Ghost Walk — 25 percent off
- Yorktown Pub — 10 percent off entire meal (alcoholic beverages excluded)
