Well-known as one of the best living history towns of the USA, Williamsburg is a mesmerizing city in the U.S. state of Virginia. Years back, Williamsburg was famous as the capital of the colony of Virginia in the 17th and 18th century, and it’s known for its crucial role in the American Revolution. Thus the city is an ideal destination to explore for the history buffs. However, this wonderful city has got a lot to offer to visitors. From an incredible museum of arts, water parks, lush green gardens with chirpy birds to scrumptious food and resorted area, Williamsburg unveils itself in an entirely different manner. So, you have plenty of non-touristy activities to do and enjoy your excursion in Williamsburg to the fullest. Read on to learn some of the best non-touristy things to do in Williamsburg, Virginia.
1. Visit the Mariners' Museum and Park
Are you fond of marine objects and collections? If yes, make sure you visit Mariners’ Museum and Park when vacationing in Williamsburg. It houses one of the most extensive maritime collections in the world. You can find more than 32,000 objects here as well as many archived materials preserved and conserved in the Mariners’ Museum. You are sure to appreciate the collection here.
Mariners' Museum and Park
Address: The Mariners’ Museum and Park, 100 Museum Dr, Newport News, VA 23606
Website: Mariners’ Museum and Park
Opening hours: Museum: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm; Park: 6am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 1-7 USD
2. Catch a movie at Kimball Theatre
Photo is only for illustrative purposes
The Kimball Theatre is the performing arts center of Williamsburg and is located in the popular Merchant’s Square. This 410-seat theater offers a main theater that regularly screens movies. Many a community program and performances are held here. Make sure to catch a movie at the popular Kimball Theatre when holidaying in Williamsburg.
Kimball Theatre
Address: Kimball Theatre, 428 W. Duke of Gloucester St. Williamsburg, VA 23185
Website: Kimball Theatre
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm
Price: Varies
3. Buy peanut butter from Whitley's Peanut Factory
Photo is only for illustrative purposes
Do you love munching on peanuts and spread peanut butter on your sandwiches? Then, make sure you visit Whitley’s Peanut Factory when in Williamsburg. For over 33 years, this establishment is known for producing the finest quality Virginia peanuts. Do not miss eating Whitley’s ‘home-cooked’ peanuts which are known for their crunchy freshness and distinct flavor. Peanuts here are made in an old-fashioned way and are hand cooked slowly to perfection. You can find a great variety, such as salted, unsalted, sweet, roasted-n-shelled, redskin, and seasoned peanuts to please your palate. Also, you can find here the finest quality peanut butter. So, buy peanuts and peanut butter for you and your loved ones back home.
Whitley's Peanut Factory
Address: Whitley’s Peanut Factory, 1351 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185, USA
Website: Whitley’s Peanut Factory
Opening hours: Sun - Wed: 9.30am - 6pm; Thu - Sat: 9.30am - 8pm
Price: 13.95 USD
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4. Explore the Public Hospital Museum
Pay a visit to the Public Hospital Museum, which is known for being a treatment center in the 18th century, for the mentally ill. It is often illustrated as ‘part jail, part infirmary’ by the historians. It is the first building structure of its kind in North America. Explore the museum by walking among the haunting sounds of past residents. Learn about the treatments used that you may not have heard earlier.
Public Hospital Museum
Address: Public Hospital Museum, 101 Visitor Center Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Website: Public Hospital Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 7pm (daily)
Price: 10-70 USD
5. Ride on the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry for free
Are you longing for a pleasant ferry ride? Then, do not miss a ride on the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry. It is a free ferry service which takes vehicles and travelers comfortably and safely across the scenic James River. It comprises of four vessels. Each ferry ride takes about 15 to 20 minutes to cross the charming James River one way. So, enjoy a refreshing ferry ride for free.
Jamestown-Scotland Ferry
Address: Jamestown-Scotland Ferry, 2110 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
Website: Jamestown-Scotland Ferry
Opening hours: 24/7
Price: Free
6. Canoe at Waller Mill Park
Visit the vast and scenic Waller Mill Park during your excursion in Williamsburg. This amazing park is located near a reservoir that has been open since July 1972. You can find here a lovely 360-acre (145.68-hectare) lake to enjoy activities, such as boating, canoeing, fishing, kayaking, and pedal boating. So, have fun in the pleasant waters of this lake. Also, you can find here many picnic tables, play fields, picnic shelters, and playground equipment for your recreation.
Waller Mill Parky
Address: Waller Mill Park, 901 Airport Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185, USA
Website: Waller Mill Park
Opening hours: 7am - 8pm (daily)
Price: 2-25 USD
7. Go on a wine tasting tour at AleWerks
Photo is only for illustrative purposes
Established in 2006, AleWerks is a popular hometown brewery in Williamsburg supplying fine beers to the stores and restaurants of the entire Virginia state and Washington DC. Besides this, it also hosts regular tours which let you taste the beer in the taproom of the brewery. If you wish to taste beer at AleWerks, go for its Brewery Tour which comprises of a guided tasting session. Learn about the history of AleWerks, an overview of the brewing process of AleWerks, and visit the Taproom. Only guests over the age of 21 are allowed.
AleWerks Brewery Tour
Address: AleWerks Brewing Company, 189B Ewell Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188
Website: AleWerks Brewing Company
Opening hours: Taproom Hours: Mon - Sat: 12pm - 9pm; Sun: 12pm - 8pm
Price: 8-9 USD
8. Buy antiques at the Williamsburg Antique Mall
Photo is only for illustrative purposes
Are you an antique lover? If yes, don’t miss visiting the Williamsburg Antique Mall when holidaying in Williamsburg. This establishment has been in business from 1997 with numerous antique dealers exhibiting their unique collectibles. You can find rare artifacts, vintage jewelry, impressive antique furniture, and several trinkets for sale here. Shop for your choice of antiques.
Williamsburg Antique Mall
Address: Williamsburg Antique Mall, 500 Lightfoot Rd. Williamsburg, VA 23188
Website: Williamsburg Antique Mall
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm
9. Visit Lord Botetourt Statue
Visit the statue of Lord Botetourt, which stands in the front of the famous Wren Building in Williamsburg. Lord Botetourt i.e. Norborne Berkeley was well known as the governor of the Virginia colony from the year 1768 to 1770. Today, the Lord Botetourt Medal is rewarded as the top prize to a graduating senior, eligible for a scholarship.
Lord Botetourt Statue
Address: Lord Botetourt Statue, Wren Bldg, 111 Jamestown Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185, USA
Website: Lord Botetourt Statue
10. Take a ghost tour in the haunted areas of Williamsburg (from USD 20.0)
If you are fond of spine-tingling and creepy stories, go for a ghost and witch tour in the haunted areas, such as historic bars, graveyards, and homes, in Williamsburg. Learn about spooky tales from your guide. As you explore the haunted areas of Williamsburg, listen to the stories of the headless body of Blackbeard and the deadly witch trials dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
Williamsburg Ghosts and Witches & Pirates Combination Tour
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Explore Williamsburg in an altogether new way
Williamsburg is a fascinating destination with an abundance of exciting activities to enjoy. So, enjoy all the top non-touristy things to do in Williamsburg, Virginia when vacationing here. Enrich your travel experience by exploring Williamsburg in a unique way.
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