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Published: 17 July 2024

Routes are provided to and from the key historic attractions in Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown.  Unfortunately due to construction on the Colonial Parkway, major sections will be closed for the next year or so.   However, Yorktown is an easy drive down either Rt. 143 or Rt. 64.  To help you get a "lay of the land", following are some of the key attractions in the area:

Colonial Williamsburg - the historic area is about 1 mile long and 1/2 mile wide.  There are approximately 90 original structures and reconstructed buildings.  You may walk the streets without an admission ticket but to gain access to many of the facilities you will need to purchase tickets.  They are available at the Visitor's Center, in Merchant's Square in Colonial Williamsburg or online.

Historic Jamestowne Island is part of the Colonial National Historic Park and sits on the west end of the Colonial Parkway.  It was the site of the first capital of Virginia and there are ongoing digs in process.  There is a fee to get access, which includes access to the Yorktown Battlefield as well.  Tickets can be purchased at the Visitor Center which is located on the right as you enter the Island.  Lifetime National Park Service Senior passes are honored and can be purchased at the Visitor Center for $80. Annual Senior passes are $20.  (must be 62 or older).  However, it is highly unlikely you will be asked for a pass if you are just cycling the Island or the Battlefield.

Jamestown Settlement- lies next to the Historic Jamestowne on the James River.  It is a museum of 17th century Virginia History and includes an outdoor re-creation of a Powhatan Indian Village, three English ships and a colonial Fort.   We will be using the Parking lot of the Jamestown Settlement as one of our start points for rides.

Yorktown - founded in 1691 with many original buildings still standing.  Lies along the York River with a scenic waterfront and a couple of nice waterfront restaurants.  We will use the Yorktown Riverfront as one of our start points.

Yorktown Battlefield - located on the eastern end of the Colonial Parkway, is administered by the National Park Service and is the site of the last major battle of the Revolutionary War in 1781.  The battlefield makes a nice bicycling route.

Revolutionary War Museum (formally Yorktown Victory Center) - is a museum of the American Revolution.  Completely renovated and expanded in 2017.  Entrance fee can be combined with Jamestown Settlement.  

James River Plantations - There are a number of plantations located along Rt. 5 West towards Richmond located along the James River.  The most popular are Shirley Plantation, Berkeley Plantation, Piney Grove at South Hall's Plantation, Westover and Sherwood Forest Plantation.

Busch Gardens - amusement park about 3 miles from Williamsburg. NOTE: Busch Gardens will be setup for "Howl-o-scream" during this period.  The park is specially decorated for Halloween.  

College of William & Mary - second oldest institution of higher learning in the US. 

Williamsburg Winery- largest winery in Virginia and is along a couple of the routes that go from the Powhatan resort.

Colonial Parkway - Runs from Jamestown, through Williamsburg and on to Yorktown, it is a 23 mile scenic roadway operated by the National Park Service.  It is "bicycle friendly" since the speed limit is 45 mph.  One of our bicycle routes going to/from Jamestown will use the Colonial Parkway for at least part of the route.  The surface, consisting of concrete aggregate can be a bit jarring after awhile, especially on a "skinny tire" bicycle.  Also be aware of open seams between the concrete sections.  NOTE:  major sections of the Colonial Parkway will be closed during the 2024 event for rehabilitation.  HERE is a good summary of the closures and dates. 

Chippokes Plantation State Park  - Just across the James River from historic Jamestown, Chippokes Plantation is one of the oldest continually farmed plantations in the country. A working farm since 1619, the park offers modern recreational activities and a glimpse of life in a bygone era. Visitors tour the historic area with its antebellum mansion and outbuildings, stroll through formal gardens, and view antique equipment at the Chippokes Farm and Forestry Museum.  The Chippokes Plantation State Park is on all the bicycle routes which go over the ferry to Surry County.

Williamsburg Premium Outlets - there are a couple different outlet plazas in Williamsburg but this is the biggest and best.

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Published: 13 July 2024

All routes are contained in the HBC Ride With GPS Club account.  Here is a direct link to this years routes on Ride With GPS.  Routes are organized by starting location.  The Powhatan Resorts is very convenient to many routes, especially those that explore Charles City and Surry Counties, as well as the Virginia Capital Trail.

In addition to a variety of routes starting from the Powhatan Resorts, also included are rides starting from the Jamestown Settlement, Chickahominy Riverfront Park, Chippokes Plantation State Park, Charles City, Colonial Williamsburg and Four Mile Creek Park.  Routes from the Powhatan to these other starting locations are also included to enable you to combine routes if you like.

For those that have ordered a route book, they will be available upon check-in at the Powhatan.  HERE is a pdf of the route book (minus the cover).

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Published: 06 July 2024

Williamsburg offers a great selection of really good restaurants.  If you head west towards Richmond on Richmond Road (Rt 60), you will pass a variety of restaurants in addition to the ones listed below.  Deb and I haven't sampled all of them but below are some of our favorites.  

NOTE: there are google map links to these locations embedded within the description.

Lunch:

Yorktown area:

• The Carrot Tree in Yorktown $ - Nice lunch spot in the Riverwalk section of Yorktown.   Would be a good place to have lunch if you choose to ride to Yorktown one day.  Menu can be found here.

Williamsburg Merchants Square area:

• The Cheese Shop $ - in Colonial Williamsburg.  Located on Merchants Square in Colonial Williamsburg.  If you like wine, visit their wine cellar.  Great cheese, sandwiches and soup.  If the weather is nice you can sit outside and enjoy your meal.
• Dog Street Pub $$ - the main street of Colonial Williamsburg is Duke of Gloucester Street, referred to by the locals as "DOG Street".  The Dog Street Pub is located on Duke of Gloucester at Merchant's Square.  The Pub has a typical "pub style" menu and a good selection of beers, including the local "Alewerks" beers.
• Aromas Coffee House & Cafe $ - located about a block from Merchants Square in Colonial Williamsburg on Prince George Street, this is a great place to grab lunch.  They have a great variety of sandwiches, salads, soups and even dinner entrees.  Also have a nice selection of specialty coffees, espressos, Mocha's, Latte's, etc.   

Other Williamsburg:

• Newtown $ to $$ - Newtown is a section of Williamsburg located off Monticello Ave, about 1 mile from the Powhatan and has a number of good restaurants. I’d suggest Paul’s Deli & Neighborhood Restaurant, The Corner Pocket and Blaze Pizza.
• Charley's Cafe $ - at the Williamsburg airport.  Enjoy a great soup and sandwich on their patio while watching the small airplanes come and go.  Very reasonably priced and good!  You will pass by Charley's if you take any of the "Lake Powell Rd" routes to or from Jamestown.
• Pierce's Pitt Bar-B-Que $ - Not a great atmosphere (a bit like a fast-food), but excellent pork and chicken bar-b-que.  Also not in a very good spot to bike to, but if you want to take a short drive for some great Bar-B-Que this is the place.  Can eat-in or take out.  Located along E. Rochambeau St.
• The Carrot Tree in Williamsburg $ - under the same ownership as the Carrot Tree in Yorktown with a similar menu.  They have an excellent selection of soups, salads and sandwiches.   

Jamestown area:

• Jamestown Settlement Cafe $ - Located within the Jamestown Settlement Museum so very convenient to our Jamestown start point.  As shown on their website menu they have a selection of burgers, sandwiches, salads, stew, pork BBQ, pizza and vegetarian chili.
• Spoke and Art $ – Located along the Virginia Capital Trail, at about mile two. Sandwiches, coffee, wine and beer available. Nice outdoor seating on deck.

Charles City area:

• Cul's Courthouse Grilll $ - Cul's is a very casual lunch spot located across the street from the Charles City Courthouse, directly along the Virginia Capital Trail.  It is a fairly small place, so they can't take a large crowd.  But they have great sandwiches and salads and really cater to the Virginia Capital Trail crowd.
• Indian Fields Tavern $$ - Offers lunch and dinner Wednesdays through Sundays in an old farmhouse.  A few miles west of Charles City.
• Blue Heron Restaurant $ - The Blue Heron is located at the River's Rest Marina along the Chickahominy River.  It isn't really in Charles City but is located along a popular bike route through Charles City county between theChickahominy and Charles City.  The food is good and the outdoor seating overlooking the Marina is a nice relaxed atmosphere. 

Surry & Isle of Wight Counties:

• Surry Seafood Company $ - Located about 2 miles from the Ferry (along Rt. 31) this may be a good lunch option if you are cycling in Surry County. Nice deck overlooking a marina and good seafood.
• SmithIield $ to $$ - There are several great lunch spots in Smithfield. I’d highly recommend the Smithfield Bakery and the Smithfield Station.

Dinner:

• Fat Canary $$$$ - top rated Line dining in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg.
• Food For Thought $$ -This has probably become our favorite "go to" restaurants.  Very diverse menu with a great variety of hearty, reasonably priced meals.  Ask about their 55+ menu for smaller portions.  
• Sal's Restaurant By Victor $$ - the best Pizza in town but also with a very complete Italian menu and great wine selection.  
• Le Yaca $$$ - if you want a very memorable French dining experience this is the place to go.  A little bit pricey but a very quiet and peaceful place with outstanding food and service.  
• Berret's Seafood Restaurant $$$ - located in Colonial Williamsburg Merchants Square, Berret's probably has some of the best seafood in Williamsburg.  
• King's Arms Tavern $$$ - located in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg, the King's Arms Tavern offers southern fare in a rustic reproduction tavern.  
• Masala Craft $$ -  Great authentic Indian food and very convenient to Powhatan.
• Oceans & Ale $$ - Located near the Premium Outlets, Oceans & Ale is a great Seafood and Steakhouse restaurant.  
• Opus 9 Steakhouse $$$$ - Located in Newtown, this would be considered a "fine dining" restaurant featuring a variety of steaks and seafood.
• Plaza Azteca $ - This is a very good albeit chain Mexican restaurant. 
• Second Street Grill $$ - Excellent Bistro offering a wide variety of entrees including seafood, steaks, ribs, chicken dishes and pasta.  Good food and we always have had great service there.  
• Craft 31 $$ - This is a very casual restaurant offering a variety of craft beers, gourmet burgers, bottoms up pizza and a raw bar.  Outdoor seating available. 
• Saudes Tapas and Wine Bar $$ - One of my favorite restaurants - offers a Spanish style food in a relaxed atmosphere.  However they do get busy so call ahead for reservations.
• The Hound’s Tale $$-  recently relocated from CW area to a larger facility on Monticello.   It has a rather eclectic (but excellent) menu (you really need to look at the online menu) and a variety of regional beers and wines as well as an array hand-crafted cocktails.
  Anatolia Bar & Grill $$$ - features excellent Mediterranean cuisine. Open for lunch and dinner. Located in Newtown.
• Old City Barbecue $$ - located on York Street - our favorite local barbecue.
• 7 Mares Mexican Grill $$ - located on Richmond Rd, one of our favorite local Mexican restaurants.
• Seven Hills - Turkish & Mediterranean Cuisine $$ -  Very new restaurant (as of Sept 2026) restaurant near CW featuring Turkish flavors with a menu centered on grilled meats, handmade flatbreads, fresh salads, and classic Turkish desserts.  Definitely recommend.  But it is fairly small so check for reservations.

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Published: 21 June 2024

Thanks for posting a ride!