Back to the future
Looking for a destination that blends history, culture and modern hospitality? The optimism of the Revolutionary era is alive and blacksmithing in Colonial Williamsburg, where circa 18th-century costumed interpreters roam the cobblestone streets between historic buildings. Highlights include the Governor’s Palace and Capitol building, where lively reenactments capture the energy of the House of Burgesses. This vibrant community invites visitors to experience the ideas, debates and daily lives that shaped a nation.
History Meets Hospitality
The full-service luxury resort Williamsburg Inn covers 18 acres with fine dining, a full-service spa, fitness facilities, tennis courts and a championship golf course nearby. The American classics menu and dining room wallpaper at Terrace & Goodwin rooms reflect the craftsmanship of an earlier era.
Meanwhile, 300-room Williamsburg Lodge, Autograph Collection blends historic charm with modern comfort. More than 40,000 sq. ft. of meeting space in walking distance of historic attractions, shops and cultural experiences makes bleisure planning easy.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Williamsburg exceeds expectations with 295 rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center and multiple dining options, including Harvest Grille, Made Market Cafe and Pitcher Taphouse Bar. More than 48,000 sq. ft. of meeting spaces include a 13,000-square-foot ballroom with a generous loading area and a tiered amphitheatre with a built-in stage.
Nestled along the banks of the James River, Kingsmill Resort’s 2,900 acres offer the seclusion and modern conveniences of a private retreat minutes from the center of action. With 330 recently renovated guest rooms and three professional golf courses, including the Golf Channel Academy and a spa sanctuary, the property offers indulgence for every guest.
Après-event activities at Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg lean more toward the wet and wild, and in addition to 12,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, the property is home to an indoor water park, mini golf and a virtual reality laser tag course.
Greater Williamsburg Sports & Events Center will be a 200,000-square-foot hub for competition, collaboration and celebration. The Center features 12 full-size basketball courts—convertible to 24 volleyball or 36 pickleball courts—along with the largest indoor roll-out turf system in the U.S.
Authenticity and Adrenaline
Military drills, garden tours and holiday festivities add fresh layers of authenticity. In Jamestown Settlement, 17th-century Virginia springs to life. Begin your journey with immersive films and gallery exhibits that bring the colony’s earliest days into sharp focus. Outside, costumed interpreters recreate daily life through depictions of Native American traditions dating back to before 1607, English colonists’ struggles to establish America’s first permanent English settlement and the arrival of West Central Africans in 1619.
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Winding through the European-themed villages at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, roller coasters and entertainment give everyone something to write home about.
A Taste of Tradition
Authentic Williamsburg taverns offer hearty fare and spirited conversation. Shields Tavern boasts a Groaning Board menu featuring historically accurate family-style service with communal dining reminiscent of 18th-century tavern hospitality.
Looking for a destination that blends history, culture and modern hospitality? The optimism of the Revolutionary era is alive and blacksmithing in Colonial Williamsburg, where circa 18th-century costumed interpreters roam the cobblestone streets between historic buildings.
Highlights include the Governor’s Palace and Capitol building, where lively reenactments capture the energy of the House of Burgesses. This vibrant community invites visitors to experience the ideas, debates and daily lives that shaped a nation.
This article appears in the November 2025 issue.
