see it like a local: Lyle & Anna’s summer itinerary for a 3 day visit to Williamsburg

Summer’s the perfect time to get outside and explore everything our historic town has going on. As Williamsburg natives, we’ve rounded up our favorite spots—from low-key hidden gems to the best food, music, and historic hangouts

Day 1 - getting settled

Lyle’s Take:

Start the trip out with a happy hour at our neighborhood brewery, Virginia Beer Co.— just down the street from us. They’ve got a rotating tap list, food trucks, and live music most weekends (typically Friday and Saturday evenings). Check their events calendar to see what’s happening while you’re in town.

After that, head over to Casa Pearl for dinner. It’s walk-in only and usually busy, so plan to put your name down and grab a drink at the bar or hang out on the patio while you wait. I almost always sit at the bar—great energy, fun crowd, and you get a front-row seat to the oyster shucking. Go for the wedge salad and fish tacos. Bonus points if you start with the “Chips & Dip” appetizer.

Anna’s Take:

Make your way to Colonial Williamsburg and grab a table at Downstairs at the Fat Canary for dinner! It’s got a relaxed, wine bar vibe with no reservations and tasty tapas-style small plates, tucked right under the main restaurant. If there’s a wait, just put your name in and hang out with a drink on the patio along Duke of Gloucester Street.

Get Directions

Day 2 - explore

Lyle’s Take:

Busch Gardens Day! With the newly opened Revenge of the Big Bad Wolf coaster, there’s plenty of excitement for thrill seekers— fun fact the original Big Bad Wolf was my first coaster growing up. If coasters aren’t your thing, Busch Gardens has something for everyone—live shows, European village vibes, great food and drinks, and plenty of scenic spots to take it all in.

Pro tip: Grab your tickets ahead of time and double-check the park’s calendar for hours and special events. If you’re staying with us, reach out before your visit—we offer discounted Busch Gardens tickets exclusively for Rochambeau guests.

Anna’s Take:

Start your morning with a short (1.6-mile) bike ride to Colonial Williamsburg, where the farmers market awaits in the heart of Merchants Square. Bring a tote, grab a coffee, and browse like a local—the market opens bright and early at 8:00 AM!

For my animal lovers - while your downtown, don't miss one of my favorite parts of visiting CW: exploring the nearby pastures to meet some of the rare and historic breeds that call this area home. Keep an eye out for the Cleveland Bay horses and the Leicester Longwool sheep—they're true highlights. On a mission to spot baby lambs? You're most likely to find them in the field next to the Prentis Building, at the corner of Duke of Gloucester Street and Colonial Street. You can also reference this map, that outlines all of the rare breeds in CW.

After your morning downtown, pop over to The Williamsburg Winery for a laid-back lunch at Gabriel Archer Tavern. There's plenty of outdoor seating and a covered pavilion with peaceful vineyard views. Order the seasonal tacos or the turkey and brie sandwich! After lunch, stick around for a wine flight or tasting! You might also catch some live music while you’re enjoying your beverages on the patio - check out their events calendar for more details!

Winery Events

Dinner options to end the day:

Whether you’re keeping it casual or looking for something a little more polished, here are two great dinner spots to wrap up your evening. Both are in Downtown Colonial Williamsburg, within walking distance of each other—easy to park once and explore a little before or after your meal.

Precarious Beer Project– A lively, family-friendly beer hall with arcade games and two food stalls—one slinging creative tacos, the other doing killer smashburgers. No reservations, no stress—just good food and fun energy. Beer lover? Checkout our Spring blog post for more on our craft beer scene.
Amber Ox Public House – A more elevated option with a fantastic bar, local-forward menu, and strong cocktail game. Reservations are encouraged. If the weather’s nice, try to snag a spot on the patio. If you end up here, you must have the pimento cheese appetizer.

The big bad wolf is back at Busch gardens

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is set to officially open its new roller coaster, Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge, on May 23, 2025. This ride serves as a spiritual successor to the original Big Bad Wolf coaster, which operated from 1984 until its closure in 2009. The much anticipated Wolf’s Revenge is a family-friendly inverted steel coaster manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard. It features 2,583 feet of track, reaches speeds up to 40 mph, and stands 67 feet tall.

Theme Park Hours

Day 3 - before you get on the road

(we agreed on this one!)

Take one last lap through Colonial Williamsburg— it’s the perfect sendoff. Park in the North Henry Street Garage or at the P2 Lot, then grab coffee and something sweet from Hohl (note closed Sundays) or The Bake Shop - located in close proximity to each other.

“You can’t miss the cinnamon roll from Hohl!” – Anna

“Why pick one? Iced chai from Hohl, pastry from Bake Shop, no regrets” - Lyle

Stroll Duke of Gloucester Street all the way to the Capitol Building—it’s about a 2-mile round trip and a great way to soak up some final views. On your way out of town, stop by The Cheese Shop and grab a sandwich for the road.

Local tip: Be sure to ask for extra house dressing for that Cheese Shop sandwich to-go, it is too good! You can buy a whole jar while you're at it - we’ve given many the gift of sauce!

Insider Tips

Parking Made Easy

Williamsburg has plenty of parking options, but the easiest way to manage it is by downloading the Passport Parking app, which allows for mobile payments and extends your time without hassle.