Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown & Jamestown: Everything You Need to Know About Virginia's Historic Triangle
Episode 16 of Marrying Your Passions: The DINK Travel and Adventure Podcast
Episode Overview
 |
| At the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown |
In Episode 16 of Marrying Your Passions, Nathan and Alicia share their adventures across two trips to Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown. With 2026 marking both America's 250th anniversary AND Colonial Williamsburg's 100th anniversary, there has never been a better time to visit.
Located in coastal Virginia between the James and York Rivers, Jamestown, Yorktown, and Williamsburg together tell the story of America from its very beginning to its independence. The five historic attractions in the region are easy to visit along the scenic Colonial Parkway, and many offer discounted combination tickets. We have been to four of the five and will cover all of them here.
 |
| One of the many historic buildings at Colonial Williamsburg |
2026: The Perfect Year to Visit
July 4, 2026 will feature free admission to the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area, dramatic readings of the Declaration of Independence, artillery demonstrations, patriotic concerts, and fireworks at the Governor's Palace. Throughout 2026 you can also pick up the Virginia 250 Passport, which offers discounts at over 70 sites across the Commonwealth. Do not miss it.
Where We Stayed
Adequate and conveniently located, but not somewhere we would likely return to. It served its purpose for that first trip.
 |
| Nathan finishing a run at the resort. |
A completely different experience. Centrally located within running distance (according to Nathan) of Colonial Williamsburg, the updated one bedroom villas were beautiful. What really set it apart were the free special events including a period actor presentation and a colonial tea party. We will definitely be going back.
 |
| We always have to get a pic in front of the Westgate Sign! |
 |
| This actor was phenomenal! His reenactment was incredible, humorous, and free at the resort! |
Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg is a massive living history museum spanning 10 to 12 city blocks, featuring both recreated and original historic structures from the Revolutionary era. Actors in period clothing bring the history to life throughout the day. Right next door is Merchants Square, a walkable outdoor area with modern restaurants, breweries, wine bars, and shops. The College of William and Mary is steps away, giving the whole area great energy. Everything is flat and walkable and you never have to get back in your car between stops.
 |
| Welcome Sign at Colonial Williamsburg |
 |
| Several of the historical buildings. |
Where We Ate and Drank
Voted the best Italian restaurant in Williamsburg since 1996. We stumbled in hungry after driving all day from Florida one evening and it completely earned that title. Walking distance from the Westgate resort.
A fantastic spot with great whiskey, hot and cold drinks, and a speakeasy-style entrance. We visited on St. Patrick's Day and were greeted by a leprechaun at the bar. Free tours available.
 |
| Look over Alicia's shoulder and you'll see the leprechaun! |
Gourmet burgers and pizza and 31+ craft beers on tap. The outdoor patio is dog friendly with weather screens and fireplaces. Packed when we visited, which is always a good sign, and vegetarian friendly.
Sidewalk seating right in Merchants Square with a unique pre-commit pricing setup that makes the whole experience feel relaxed. The elote was not to be missed.
Coffee flights done right. We are talking six ounce servings of lattes, cold brews, and hot chocolates in rotating seasonal flavors. One of the most unique things we did on the whole trip. Get the cold brew flight!
 |
| Get the cold brew flight!! |
Located in a historic 1730 building in the waterfront village of Yorktown. A wonderful stop after the battlefield and museum. We brought home their Candy Crunch coffee and have not stopped thinking about it.
We discovered Silver Hand on our second trip, loved it so much we joined the Insider's Club before we even left town, and came back for a second tasting on the same visit. Mead is honey wine and Silver Hand does it unlike anywhere else we have been. The flavors are creative and rotate regularly. Located just a short walk from the Westgate resort.
 |
| We love Silver Hand! The tastings are delicious and we love getting a quarterly shipment as part of their insider's club! |
Shopping
Do not let the name fool you. This is 10,000 square feet across two stories packed with themed Christmas trees and ornaments for every interest and hobby you can imagine. We found a Sargento string cheese ornament. That tells you everything you need to know about the specificity of this place.
 |
| It was St. Patrick's Day when we visited. So we had to pose in front of the green tree! |
 |
| Nathan's mom loves cardinals. So, we had to snap of pic of this special tree. |
Virginia peanuts in every flavor imaginable, free samples, and a 15 minute visit that made the drive back to Florida considerably more enjoyable.
A must stop if you are traveling with or shopping for a pet. Peppermint Patty had quite the adventure here including a standoff with a large stuffed dog and eventually picking out a long-legged stuffed chick she loves to this day. As DINKs, this will surprise absolutely no one.
 |
| Peppermint Patty's top choice for shopping! |
Ice cream, fudge, old timey candy, and a wraparound porch with rocking chairs. A great way to end the day on the resort property.
Yorktown
One of the best museums we have ever visited. Nearly 500 artifacts, a 4D Siege of Yorktown film, and an outdoor Continental Army encampment and revolution-era farm staffed by actors in period costume. We held muskets. We watched a cannon demonstration that required six volunteers to fire. We walked through a living history experience we are still talking about. Plan a full half day minimum.
 |
| Alicia learning all about revolutionary weaponry. |
 |
| A model encampment outside of the museum. |
Where American independence was won in 1781. The museum inside is excellent and two to three driving tours take you through the battlefield itself. We walked from the museum to the charming waterfront village of Yorktown and highly recommend doing the same.
 |
| Walking and driving around the history of the battlefield was surreal and powerful. |
A charming waterfront community with beautiful views of the York River. Walk down from Mobjack toward the water. There are waterfront restaurants we did not get to on this trip but have already put on the list for next time.
 |
| Several signs dot the streets to let you know the history of the various buildings. |
 |
| We loved that Mobjack Coffee is located in this historic building. |
Historic Jamestowne
Do not confuse Historic Jamestowne with the nearby Jamestown Settlement. This is the actual 1607 settlement site and one of the most surreal places we have ever visited. James Fort was only discovered in 1994 and is still an active archaeological dig. The 1680s Church Tower is one of the oldest standing structures in America. The Archaearium museum houses artifacts still being pulled from the ground. Standing there knowing this is the birthplace of what would become the United States is hard to put into words. The National Park Service helps run the site and offers free admission days throughout the year. Check their website before you visit.
 |
| We had a great visit to Historic Jamestown seeing the old church tower, the active dig, the beautiful water, the Pocahontas statue, and more. |
A large park built around a beautiful reservoir. Nathan ran there from the Westgate timeshare and called it one of the most gorgeous runs of the trip. Trails for cycling and hiking too.
 |
| Although it ended up raining on us, we had a great family outing to Waller Mill Park. We'll be back! |
If you are driving to or from the Historic Triangle, do not miss Route 5. This historic road runs between Williamsburg and Richmond, paralleling the James River under a stunning tree canopy with historic plantation sites along the way. Nathan was so taken by it that he called his brother from the car about it. Do not skip it. You can ride or run alongside it on the paved 52 mile Virginia Capital Trail.
Our Takeaway
If you have had a dream of going somewhere since you were a kid, go do it. Nathan grew up dreaming of Colonial Williamsburg and it exceeded every expectation. Alicia got to experience Busch Gardens Christmas Village on that first trip. (We didn't even mention that Busch Gardens is in the area)! Sometimes your childhood dreams are even better than you imagined.
Also, be willing to be flexible. Walk instead of drive. Let your dog pick a toy. Try the coffee flight. Some of the best moments came from the unplanned ones, including petting a friendly horse on the walking path between two museums and watching Peppermint Patty bark at a stuffed dog!
Oh, and sometimes there will not be a single panda bear in sight. You will understand if you listen to the episode.
 |
| Busch Gardens all dressed up for Christmas back in November 2023. |
You can listen to our full conversation about the Historic Triangle on all major podcast platforms. Search for Marrying Your Passions wherever you get your podcasts.
As always, we would love to hear how you are marrying your passions to your everyday life! Share your stories with us on social media or send us a message. Find us at @MarryingYourPassions on Facebook and Instagram and visit us at marryingyourpassions.com.
About Us
Nathan teaches elementary music to 900+ students, coaches middle school track and field, and has completed 40+ marathons with a 3:02 PR. He is currently working toward all 50 states and is training for the Eugene Marathon in April 2026 (state #41!).
Alicia works from home as an executive director for a nonprofit, spoils their pup Peppermint Patty, and loves yoga and working out.
 |
| Enjoying a tea party at Westgate Historic Williamsburg Resort! |
Together they are married DINKs (Dual Income, No Kids) who have explored 47 states, traveled internationally, and co-host this podcast to help others make adventure part of everyday life, not just "someday." They love kids (they work with them!) but chose not to have their own. Whether you are a DINK, SINK, empty nester, recently retired, or just taking a kid-free trip, they are here to help you make travel and adventure a regular part of your life.
 |
| Delicious food and drink at Precarious Beer Project. |
 |
| Fun signage at Nautical Dog. |
 |
| Nathan loved running through Colonial Williamsburg. Talk about running through history! |
 |
| Getting ready for a drink at Copper Fox. |
 |
| The only animals Alicia got to see at Busch Gardens. Listen to the episode for why. |
 |
| Hanging with Bert at Busch Gardens! |
 |
| The John Smith statue at Historic Jamestowne. |
 |
| The James river at Historic Jamestowne. |
 |
| There were beautiful fall leaves on our first visit! |
 |
| The log ride at Busch Gardens decorated for Christmas. |
 |
| Getting ready to watch a Christmas Carol at Busch Gardens. Nathan loves Christmas! |
 |
| We found random horses walking around town. You never know what you'll see on adventures! |
 |
| There were cows too. |
 |
| We enjoyed shopping and dining at Merchant's Square. |
Comments
Post a Comment