Spring Stays

5 Yorktown Weekend Getaways That Will Satisfy Many Types of Visitors This Season

Yorktown, a destination just a short distance away that caters to all sorts of travelers, blossoms in the spring season. Warmer weather allows guests to fully explore water activities, world-class attractions and a full schedule of

outdoor events.

If you haven’t made a trip to Yorktown lately, now is the perfect time to discover rich history and first-rate amenities 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—from foodie excursions and family fun weekends to outdoor adventures and artistic escapes. You’ll find suggestions on places to stay, play and eat that will make ideal spring escapes for all.

ART AFICIONADOS
Event: Art at the River Juried Art Show, May 7
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: 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.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Event: 10K & 5K Victory YMCA Race, April 1
Stay: Talk and reconnect over breakfast or in the lovely outdoor spaces at Marl Inn Bed & Breakfast. A variety of guest rooms and suites are in walking distance from all of the main attractions, which means even more time enjoying nature.
Play: Rent bikes (now including electric options), kayaks or paddleboards from Patriot Tours & Provisions. Rentals are launched from the private beach at the Watermen’s Museum.
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.

FOOD ENTHUSIASTS
Event: Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival, May 6
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 many amazing meals by strolling the milelong pedestrian waterfront walkway and then lingering as long as you’d like in Riverwalk Landing shops like Gangsta Dog, Viccellio Goldsmith or Auntie M’s American Cottage.
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.

FAMILY FUN
Event: Pirates Invade Yorktown Weekend, April 29–30
Stay: The kids will love being steps away from Yorktown Beach at the Yorktown Beach Hotel. Set aside at least a day to splash around, play in the sand and soak in the sun.
Play: Take the convenient Yorktown Trolley to one the area’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
Eat: Relax at the family-friendly and welcoming Yorktown Pub. Large plates are perfect for sharing, 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.

HISTORY BUFFS
Event: Market Days: Vintage Market and Car Show on Main Street, May 13
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: 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.