5 Yorktown Weekend Getaways to Satisfy Many Types of Visitors This Season
From foodie excursions and girls’ weekends to art aficionados and history buffs, imagine a destination a short distance away that caters to all sorts of travelers.
If you haven’t made a trip to explore Yorktown lately, fall is the perfect time to explore. You’ll find world-class amenities and attractions nestled in a place that maintains plenty of small-town charm and hospitality.
A day spent in Yorktown is always worthwhile, but to truly experience all it has to offer, set aside more time in your schedule to explore. We’ve curated a few trip agendas with suggestions on places to stay, play and eat that will make ideal autumn escapes for all.
ART AFICIONADOS
Event: Yorktown Art Stroll, Sept. 25
Stay: The former residence and gallery of well-known contemporary folk artist Nancy Thomas now serve as private cottages available to rent. Art lovers will appreciate looking for the many tributes to Thomas’ career featured throughout both cozy and eclectic accommodations.
Play: Hop on the Yorktown Trolley and head up the hill to Main Street to discover treasures at On the Hill Gallery and Gallery at York Hall, featuring the works of more than 300 Yorktown-area artists—paintings, pottery, jewelry, quilts, photographs, holiday ornaments, stained glass and more.
Eat: Dine al fresco next to the York River at Water Street Grille. Take your time and share seasonal craft cocktails and appetizers of local oysters, crab cakes and scallops casino, particularly on a Thursday night while listening to the sounds of the Rhythms on the Riverwalk Concert Series.
GIRLS’ WEEKEND
Event: Yorktown Wine Festival, Oct. 1
Stay: There is plenty of space to laugh, talk and reconnect over breakfast or in the lovely outdoor spaces at Marl Inn Bed & Breakfast. A variety of guest rooms and suites can host several friends.
Play: Stroll the mile-long pedestrian waterfront walkway and then linger as long as you’d like in Riverwalk Landing shops like Gangsta Dog, Viccellio Goldsmith or Auntie M’s American Cottage.
Eat: Relax and chat at the casual and welcoming Yorktown Pub. Large plates are perfect for sharing with friends, including the 1/2-pound burger and the steamed seafood sampler. Walk to Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream in Riverwalk Landing for a sweet reward to end your evening.
FOOD ENTHUSIASTS
Events: Yorktown Market Days, September and October Saturdays (excluding Oct. 1); Yorktoberfest, Oct. 23
Stay: Enjoy a breakfast feast served by innkeeper Bill Cole at the York River Inn Bed & Breakfast. He prepares decadent dishes like glazed sausage cakes, spinach and artichoke pie and corn pudding.
Play: Work off your meals by renting bikes, kayaks or paddleboards from Patriot Tours & Provisions. Rentals are launched from the private beach at the Watermen’s Museum.
Eat: Journey beyond the Yorktown waterfront to The Edge District for innovative cuisine and gourmet tacos at Casa Pearl, locally roasted coffee flights at Column 15 or a double IPA at The Virginia Beer Co.
ROMANTIC GETAWAY
Event: Rhythms on the Riverwalk Concert Series, Thursdays in September and Oct. 6 and 13
Stay: Relax on your beachfront balcony at Yorktown Beach Hotel with a cup of coffee or glass of wine and enjoy the view as you toast the opportunity for a couple’s escape.
Play: Romance and sunsets go hand-in-hand, and being on the water aboard a Schooner Alliance sail enhances the allure.
Eat: Share a beautiful plate of fresh sashimi at Umi Sushi and then indulge in dessert at Carrot Tree Kitchens. Homemade cakes and pastries are impossible to pass up—and you shouldn’t.
HISTORY BUFFS
Event: Yorktown Day, Oct. 19; York County Vintage Market, Nov. 5
Stay: History aficionados will appreciate the story of The Hornsby House Inn. The colonial-style home was built in 1933 by John William “JW” Hornsby and has remained in the family for three generations.
Play: Immerse yourself in Yorktown’s world-class museums. Experience 18th-century living history at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown through a Revolution-era farm and Continental Army encampment. Of course, history lovers can’t miss the Colonial National Historical Park, where they can ask questions during a tour of Yorktown Battlefield and watch a film about the Siege of Yorktown at the Visitor Center.
Eat: Mobjack Coffee Roasters and Petite Café offers coffees, espressos, sandwiches, sweets, beer and wine in the circa 1726 Cole Digges House on Main Street. The eatery also partners with Colonial National Historical Park on Stroll with a Historian history tours.
For more information about Yorktown weekends and to check out the complete events calendar, check out VisitYorktown.org.
Melissa M. Stewart
