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Historic Yorktown charms visitors with specialty shops, entertainment,
water fun and 300 years of history
Historic Yorktown, a 15 minute drive
from Williamsburg along the scenic Colonial Parkway, is most remembered
as the site of the pivotal victory in the American Revolutionary War.
The town was
founded in 1691, flourished as a Colonial tobacco port in the 18th
century, settled down to be a quiet village for 200 years, and now in
recent years has been reborn with a vibrant Riverwalk and more
attractions up the hill on Main Street.
This picturesque
waterfront village offers history, art, concerts, special events,
shopping and water fun – it’s a must-see for visitors to America’s
Historic Triangle. Visiting Yorktown is easy with free parking in a
convenient parking terrace. Visitors also enjoy strolling the quaint
streets and riding the free trolley. The sounds and precision marching
of the Fifes and Drums of York Town set the stage with patriotic music
complementing the other historical attractions.
Yorktown
Battlefield and Visitor Center, operated by the National Park
Service, is a national park where tours include battlefield earthworks,
Washington’s Headquarters, Washington’s tent and Surrender Field.
Visitors step back in time walking through the battlefield, past the
Yorktown Victory Monument, and then past Moore House where surrender
terms were negotiated. A film, the Siege of Yorktown, gives visitors a
glimpse of the 1781 battle that ended with Lord Cornwallis surrendering
to General George Washington.
The mile-long
Riverwalk connects Yorktown Battlefield to Yorktown Victory Center,
a living history museum of the American Revolution. Indoor galleries and
exhibits tell the powerful stories of men, women and children who lived
during the war. The film, A Time of Revolution, is set during an
encampment at night during the siege and portrays the stories and
musings of a variety of different people. Outside, a recreated military
encampment depicts life in the military including the use of medicine in
Colonial times. At a simulated 1780s farm site, visitors can learn about
growing crops, preserving and preparing food, and turning flax and wool
into cloth.
Also on the
Riverwalk is the Watermen’s Museum telling the story of
Virginia’s working watermen and women. For generations, these watermen
have earned their living harvesting the rivers and tributaries of the
Chesapeake Bay for its abundant seafood year round.
Riverwalk Landing,
located along the York River, offers visitors a collection of retail
shops and dining with a water view along the pedestrian walkway. Shops
sell patriotic items, home decor, clothing, jewelry, quilts, art, gifts
and more. Waterfront restaurants offer seafood and other fine cuisine
with a relaxing view of the York River. Or visitors can grab an ice
cream cone and stroll by the river or sit on the beach.
An outdoor
performance venue is the site of concerts featuring everything from
beach music to classical to jazz and swing. The waterfront boasts an
attractive beach for sunbathing and swimming. A large T-shaped pier
accommodates tall ships and a small pier welcomes pleasure boaters. From
April through October, the Schooner Alliance is docked at the
pier and offers daily sails, including breathtaking sunsets.
Up the hill in the
village are picturesque streets lined with Colonial style private and
historic homes maintained by the National Park Service. On Main Street
is the Georgian mansion of Thomas Nelson Jr., a signer of the
Declaration of Independence and commander of the Virginia militia. This
and other historic buildings delight visitors with the crisp lines of 18th
century architecture and manicured landscaping. In the center of town is
York Hall, which houses the Gallery at York Hall featuring
artwork for sale by local artists. On the main floor, The Sights and
Sounds of Yorktown offers additional visitor information. On the
lower level, the York County Historical Museum features Native
American, Colonial, Revolutionary, Civil War, and 20th
century artifacts unearthed from the local area.
Also on the hill, a
variety of unique shops and galleries offer antiques, paintings, rugs,
photography, glass, jewelry and more, as well as fine dining at the
Carrot Tree in the Cole Digges House.
Stay overnight at a
hotel, bed and breakfast inn, or guest cottage near or overlooking the
river in Yorktown or choose from among the more than 10,000 rooms
available in the area. For more information about Historic Yorktown,
visit
www.yorkcounty.gov/tourism |
