People typically think of New England for fall foliage, but the fall colors usually come early (as in September) whereas in Virginia, where the climates are more temperate, the leaves turn later, peaking in late October. Here are favorite ways to enjoy fall in Williamsburg:
Go Leaf Peeping: From the Colonial Parkway to Waller Mill Park to the Island Loop around Jamestown Island, there’s a plethora of places to admire fall foliage. From ash, poplar, and maple to wildflowers such as goldenrod, asters, tickseeds, and thoroughworts, the pageant of blazing reds and brilliant yellows is dazzling. Late October through early November is usually the best time, but it depends on the weather so check Virginia’s fall foliage updates.
Take a Hike: Take in the season’s majesty while hiking on one of many trails through forests, wetlands, and fields. Start on the scenic four-mile walking path that winds its way through Kingsmill itself. Then head to The Greensprings Greenway Interpretative Trail, which links history and nature over more than five miles (with several loop options) in Jamestown Settlement. Explore a different landscape on the dozen short trails of the coastal estuary at York River State Park.
Sample the Bounty of the Season: Feast on produce, prepared foods, and farm products grown or made in Virginia by some 40 vendors at the Williamsburg Farmers Market in Merchants’ Square every Saturday morning (8 a.m.- noon) through December. Or shop for produce, baked goods, and arts and crafts at Yorktown Market Days, another Saturday morning option, at Riverwalk Landing. Special themed markets in historic Yorktown include Harvest Market (Nov. 20) with log-carving demonstrations, bluegrass music, hayrides; Virginia Living Museum’s 9th annual Oyster Roast on Nov. 13, where you can enjoy all-you-can-eat local Virginia oysters, fried seafood, chowder, craft beers, live music, raffles. Explore colonial cooking techniques of 17th- and 18th-century America during Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia, Nov. 26-28 and at the Yorktown Victory Center learn about the typical grub served to soldiers during the Revolution.
Go for Halloween Thrills and Chills:
Haunted houses and ghost walks, and creepy carriage rides, oh my! Get your spook on in Greater Williamsburg. Take a one-hour candlelit Haunted Williamsburg tour at 7:00 each night, with exclusive access to historic outdoor spaces and costumed storytellers who share their unnerving tales.
Screaming is an Olympic sport during Halloween and the blood-curdling horror happens at Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Sept. 10 to Oct. 31, five haunted houses, four terror-tories, four sinister shows, two party zones, and surprise horrors await at every turn. Go ahead, start shaking in your boots now. Little ones can celebrate not-so-spooky fun with a costume party and trick-or-treating at The Count’s Spooktacular.
Listen to tales of paranormal activities on a guided tour through the 1726 Berkeley Plantation mansion in Charles City followed by a lantern-led walk through the gardens, grounds, cemetery, and corn maze. The Twilight Ghost Tour of one of Virginia’s most historic plantations takes place Oct. 9 and 22.
Jamestown Settlement hosts Family Frights, a Halloween-themed program for the whole family on Oct. 23 and 24 featuring trick-or-treating, ghostly tales, haunted houses and ships, and grisly games.
Dig Into Thanksgiving
The nation’s first Thanksgiving? It’s not what you think. It took place at Berkeley Plantation when the first settlers celebrated “a day of thanksgiving to Almighty God,” but without a grand meal. In fact, they likely fasted. On Nov. 7, you can celebrate the event with a living history program, tribal dancers, arts and crafts, choral music, and a reenactment of the landing of 38 British settlers on Dec. 4, 1619 — two years before the more famous festivities in Plymouth, Mass. But because fasting isn’t fun, the celebration features smoked turkey legs, Brunswick stew, BBQ, Virginia ham biscuits, hot dogs, kettle corn, and funnel cakes throughout the day.
Get a Jump on Christmas Shopping at Williamsburg Premium Outlets, with 120 stores including Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, and Nautica.
For a luxurious resort stay, look to Kingsmill Resort, the only AAA Four Diamond resort in Williamsburg, and the only resort on the majestic James River.
The 2900-acre gated resort features a massive indoor pool, a million dollar spa, two championship golf courses and miles of hiking/biking trails make it the perfect getaway base camp for all the area has to offer in the fall months. It also boasts a plethora of one and three-bedroom condo style accommodations with separate bathrooms, large living rooms, kitchens, dining areas, washer and dryer and even working fireplaces. It’s ideal for families and friends traveling together.
Located on the James River off I-64 between Richmond and Norfolk the property is within minutes from Williamsburg’s numerous destinations including Busch Gardens, Colonial Williamsburg, The College of William & Mary, Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center. To plan your trip to Kingsmill, visit www.kingsmill.com.
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