𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲?
We are so thankful to live in such a richly diverse area. And depending on where you live in Hampton Roads, Williamsburg is a city within an hour drive from home to feel like you’re really AWAY.
How wonderful to be able to walk the same cobbled streets where our first men and women settlers accomplished the excruciatingly arduous process of laying the foundation for our country?! Here is a short, very well written article on the rich history that will surround you through Colonial Williamsburg: https://bit.ly/3pyW5tN
I wish I could have taken a picture of every meal, and every moment. I did not. I was enveloped in the charm of the city. Some of these shots are mine, and some I pulled from others who’ve gone before me & posted their own stories on the interweb. Bless the process, and my need for photographic evidence.
Our adventure began with Brunch at Berrett's Seafood House in the heart of historic Colonial Williamsburg. Somehow perfectly combining ‘refined’ & ‘laid back’ under one roof! The Maple Bourbon Cranberry Old Fashioned was arguably one of the best I’ve ever had. Paired with a few dozen fresh & deliciously salty Mobjack Bay & York River Oysters and a Club Wrap that was surprisingly also one of the best I’ve ever had. What…Did they put…In that Mayo??? You’d think such a simple sandwich wouldn’t be that meaningful….you’d be wrong. I would drive back up just to have lunch there. Thank you, Justin for your service & expertise on not only the menu, but the entire Williamsburg area!
Next up came the Copper Fox Distillery, just a short drive outside of the Historic area. This word-of-mouth remodeled hotel was I think the coolest, most unexpected experience of our trip. We knew we were going to a distillery, but ambiance is everything. Walking in, you’re pulled by the sweet aroma of bourbon being born. The entire distillery from grain to bottle is right on the property! Vintage upholstered & hand-carved furniture, original abstract paintings for sale, fireplaces, old bourbon barrel tables, a massive retired authentic copper still, and of course, a hand-crafted selection of bourbons and gins. Walk through the 'secret door' made within the floor-to-ceiling bookshelf and into a low-lit, lounge-style tavern. Charcuterie boards and other yummy finger foods available to choose from while you sip a Sazerac and play chess! We will definitely be back to enjoy a warm summer night around the outdoor fire pit. Thank you Josh for your amazing personality & service. H I G H L Y recommended.
Williamsburg Premium Outlets shopping is a given. If you haven’t been, go! It’s fun to even just walk around sometimes and burn calories to make room for dinner. From Kids toys to fine China, there’s something for everyone! Word to the wise though- don’t forget your $60 worth of Express shopping in the Uber. Evidently, it’s very difficult to reach an Uber driver after they’ve dropped you off at your hotel. Ask me how I know.
Our hotel was lovely too. The Marriott's Manor Club at Ford's Colony. Comparable to the equally beautiful Kingsmill Resort! A dream bed, a kitchenette & separate living area with an optional adjacent room for kids, this will absolutely double as our staycation site when normalcy re-emerges and Busch Gardens & Water Country theme parks are our Summer time goals!
A quick stop at the hotel to get dolled up and on to our final destination for the evening. A fancy, full-on 4 star French Restaurant called Le Yaca. As a mother of 3 and a lifetime lover of Disney, my mind couldn’t help but gravitate to the movie Ratatouille as we walked up to the building. If you haven’t seen the movie, do yourself a favor and watch it. A heartwarming food-lovers tale based in a fine dining restaurant in Paris- it’s just one of those you have to see at least once in your life. While I did not get to experience a server on skates, or a rat preparing our meal, (probably for the best) we did appreciate the cloth-covered & candlelit setting…and I did see Foix Gras on the menu! No, we did not try it. Even a foodie has her limits…and mine is duck liver. All that to say, for a restaurant that could easily come across as unapproachable in its refinedness, Le Yaca is able to pull off elegance 𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 of pretentiousness. Not to mention the fact that each course was enormously portioned. A further nod to its cloaked modesty. I channeled my inner Julia Roberts from Pretty Woman and FINALLY had escargot for the first time. Fact: they do not actually taste like anything more than delicate garlicy mushrooms…but they are ‘slippery little suckers’ nonetheless. We had Blended French Onion Soup, Diver Sea Scallops with Orzo & Vegetable Risotto (INSANELY good) and Surf & Turf Filet & Lobster Tail. My husband was clear: it was most likely the best Lobster he’s ever tasted. A perfectly executed souffle, a trio sorbet alongside roasted coffee and cappuccino for dessert. To our wonderful server: please forgive me for in the trance of the meal, I forgot your name. You were warm and authentic and wonderful. Romantic. Delicious. Perfection. Watch the movie…and go.
So basically, we ate. A lot. The food scene in Williamsburg is infinite, and every atmosphere is exceptional and unique. And to be able at any given moment to walk out of any restaurant and become immersed into 300+ year old history in every direction is a remarkable blessing. What a beautiful birthday experience this entire trip was for me. My husband and I like to say, when it’s one of our birthdays, it’s both of our birthdays! A quick 24-hour getaway rich with history, delicious food, and enchanting ambiance; all within a 45 minute drive. We are so grateful to live here.