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Joy Cruz
Travel
This Historic Town Is Actually the Best Place for Your Next Girls Getaway
This friendly small town is so much more than the colonial history its famous for. Williamsburg, Virginia’s important landmarks and impressive colonial reproductions are worth a visit alone, but this southern town has made a...
This friendly small town is so much more than the colonial history its famous for. Williamsburg, Virginia’s important landmarks and impressive colonial reproductions are worth a visit alone, but this southern town has made a stamp on us for its emerging scene of chef-driven eateries and cool boutiques. Here, your girls getaway will hit all of the necessary stops (winery, spa and cooking classes covered), but it will also lead you to captivating exhibits of the strong women of the past and contemporary boutiques entirely owned and operated by the bold women of today. Dare we say it? We’ve found the best-kept secret for your next girl trip.
Reporter: Erica Nichols
Accommodations in Williamsburg are just as you’d hope: luxurious, cozy and finessed with southern hospitality. Depending on your group size or needs, these hotels offer a wide range of amenities and services for a comfortable, stress-free stay.
The Williamsburg Inn makes an impressive statement just from outside, with grand, Regency-style architecture. And the luxury experience continues indoors, complete with elegant furnishings, a full-service spa, golf course and upscale southern cuisine.
For more private accommodations, look no further than the colonial houses situated throughout the Historic Area. Each house is unique, reproduced true to the Colonial America period, with modern amenities for a convenient stay. Think a history lover’s dream AirBnB.
This expansive hotel captures the essence of southern hospitality with the ease of lush amenities and the comfort of modern folk decor that feels like home. There are three restaurants on property, a golf course, pool and live music so for the days you want to stay close—you’ll have everything you need.
We’re not saying spend your whole vacation at the winery, but we’re also not saying that. If your group of gals has a soft spot for vino, consider a stay at Wedmore Place, located on the winery’s property. You’ll have prime access to the tasting room, but you’ll also love the boutique lodging complete with a wood-burning fireplace in each room.
Contemporary southern cuisine, craft breweries, global dining—Williamsburg’s culinary scene is just as impressive as any other metro city. The difference is that neighborhood kind of feeling isn’t forced, but is as authentic as their mouth-watering pimento cheese.
Regional craft beer and modern southern cuisine are the main stars at this cool, industrial restaurant. Recoup from a day of exploring over your standard bar appetizers, or go for flavorful choices of shrimp and grits or chicken and waffles if you’re looking for something more filling.
A true local’s joint, DoG Street Pub offers epicurean eats in an unpretentious setting. Stop in for lunch or dinner, or end with a nightcap off their late night menu, complete with comfort bar snacks like sweet and spicy chicken wings and beef jerky.
La Tienda is a lively spot for freshly-made Spanish tapas housed in a cozy space of twinkling lights and white brick details. You’ll find locals here, along with tasty light bites and an attached market for take-home goods.
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Learn from the pros and try your own hand at cooking at the Taste Studio. This interactive, demonstration space offers fun, themed culinary events throughout the year. Look out for Spice Up Your Life, Just Beet It and Don’t Go Bacon My Heart from now until September, along with their popular chocolate tastings. Each class comes with tastings and take-home recipes!
This is a must-stop on your girls getaway! The winery has an intimate tasting room in Merchants Square if you want to stay close to town, but also offers vineyard tours and wine tastings on the main property. Order flights to try their bountiful menu of reds and whites—and look out for their new canned rosé! The winery’s peaceful surroundings are the perfect backdrop for a relaxed afternoon.
This coffee shop’s historical beginnings are just as captivating as their dedication to the art of roasting coffee. Housed in the Historic Cole Digges House (the charming blue shutters are original), which at one point was a woman-run tea house, Mobjack offers morning pastries and a menu of dark, medium or light roast—no lattes in sight! Before you reach for the cream, the owners encourage you to try it black... they’ve been known to convert a person or two!
The cozy, bistro-style eatery off Prince George Street has a little something for everyone. Nosh on global starters of skillet biscuits, frog legs and chips, and smoked chicken pierogis before diving into filling sea and land entrees. Save this spot for your last night in town!
One of the best things about Williamsburg is the small town feel. Each shop owner has a story and unique voice, offering their customers a memorable experience the moment they walk in. Clothing boutiques, art galleries, quirky mementos—whatever you’re on the hunt for, let these small businesses lead the way.
This woman-run boutique is dedicated to making you and your friends feel and look your best. Shop their curated collection of trendy must-haves, classic staples and creative jewelry from brands including Free People and Show Me Your Mumu.
A quirky, creative space thought up by two equally quirky and creative women, The Sideshow Gallery is home to unique, genre-busting pieces from regional artists. There’s something different around every corner, from ceramics and furniture to fine jewelry and wall art. One step inside and we have a feeling you’ll have the same thought we did: can we have one of everything?!
Quirks! Is full of keepsakes you didn’t think you needed but really can’t live without. Housed with witty stationery, creative collectibles and their popular vintage floor vinyls, you’ll find gifts for all of your girls—plus a few for yourself!
Would it really be a visit to the south without antique-hunting on the agenda? Everything Vintage Co. delivers with a rolling collection of statement furniture and timeless decor if you’re looking to bring a touch of Williamsburg back home with you. Even if you’re not, the shop is a great place to peruse!
Historic landmarks, captivating exhibits, a full-service spa—it’s safe to say Williamsburg has a little bit of everything to explore. No matter what your group is feeling, you’ll be able to hit up all of the spots without feeling rushed for time.
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A walk down DoG Street will have you transported back in time to the height of the Colonial Era. Wigmakers, blacksmiths, silversmiths—each shop you enter tells the story of these original DIY-ers.
For the history lovers of your group, this Yorktown museum will be at the top of the list. Step back in time for the American Revolution at this indoor and outdoor museum. Inside, you can sit through a sensory-driven mini-showing of the battle, and outside, walk the farm to learn what a day in the life was like—spinning flax, included!
Just a short drive from Williamsburg is the historic Jamestown settlement, with an archaeological site still active today. Currently, their Tenacity exhibit is a must-see, following the Colonial, Native and African women whose stories are often left out of history books. Much of the exhibit is interactive, with a few exclusive documents on display that have never before been seen.
Lush landscaping and peaceful archways will have you feeling zen before you even reach the door at the Spa of Colonial Williamsburg. Once inside, the pampering continues with relaxing lounge areas, indoor and outdoor pools, and luxurious treatments designed for total tranquility.
The flagship store feels like its own mini-city, with a charming “town center” and multiple gift shops to explore. The main candle store is expansive, with a portion where your group can make your own Yankee candles to take home.
