Williamsburg: Where History and Antiquing Merge

By Wayne Jordan

Walk with history while you shop for antiques in Williamsburg, Va.
John McDonnell/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Nestled in the heart of coastal Virginia lies the charming town of Williamsburg, a favored destination for antique enthusiasts. Williamsburg’s rich history and vibrant culture offer a remarkable antiquing adventure. You can explore an assortment of unique shops and add an extra layer of satisfaction to your experience by immersing yourself in the town’s cultural heritage activities. Step back in time as you peruse aisles of captivating artifacts that bridge the gap between past and present. To embark on an antiquing adventure in Williamsburg—a blend of exploration and stylish retail therapy—is to lose yourself in the quest for cherished treasures to grace your home. As you stroll down the cobblestone streets, you encounter living history museums and reenactments that transport you to America’s colonial era. You can immerse yourself in the daily life of the 18th century, witnessing blacksmiths forging iron, artisans meticulously creating pottery, and women efficiently spinning yarn. As you wander the streets, you’ll find many antique shops and boutiques, each with a distinct character and offerings. From vintage furniture and quaint collectibles to rare books and timeless artwork, there’s something to pique the interest of every antique lover. Take your time browsing through these hidden gems, uncovering hidden treasures and stories.

Learn While Exploring

Venturing into the stores of Williamsburg is an immersive experience. As you peruse household effects, artworks, pottery, and other remnants from the era, you’ll gain insights into how colonial people lived and worked. Williamsburg antique dealers are renowned for their expertise. They have a keen eye for quality and authenticity, so you can trust that you’re purchasing well-curated antiques. Conversing with shop owners can also enhance your grasp of the historical value of the items you inspect. Whether you are interested in history or enjoy decorating your space, antiquing in Williamsburg offers a shopping adventure and an educational experience.

Williamsburg’s rich history and culture make it a fabulous place for cultural heritage activities. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Historic Area

The Historic Area—also called Colonial Williamsburg—boasts an array of restored or recreated 18th-century buildings. You can explore government structures like the Capitol and Governors Palace, taverns, and shops. You will stroll along brick sidewalks through tree-lined streets while horse-drawn carriages amble along the avenues. Duke of Gloucester Street—also known as DOG Stree—serves as the main thoroughfare in Colonial Williamsburg. This charming street is home to stores showcasing a delightful collection of period furnishings, textiles, books, and artifacts.

Williamsburg’s Revolutionary City programs bring captivating tales from Williamsburg’s past to life. Here are some of the most popular attractions:

Colonial Williamsburg: This is the city’s main attraction and a must-visit. You can interact with the actors, attend historical reenactments, and participate in hands-on activities. The Fife and Drum Corps marches daily, and the Junior Corps parades on Saturdays.

Governor’s Palace: Once the official residence of the Royal Governors of the Colony of Virginia, it has been beautifully restored and filled with period furniture. The gardens are also worth a visit.

Bruton Parish Church: This church has been in continuous use since 1715 and is a great place to experience the colony’s religious history.

Ghost Walks: Williamsburg is known for its ghost walks, which offer a unique way to learn about the city’s legends while getting a few chills and thrills.

Nearby places to visit

Historic Jamestowne: This is the site of the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. Here, you can explore the original 1607 James Fort and the 1690s church tower and visit an archaeological museum where artifacts from the original settlement are displayed.

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown: This interactive museum tells the story of America’s founding, from the colonial period to the establishment of the United States, through exhibits, films, and outdoor living history. The Battle of Yorktown in 1781 was the decisive battle of the American Revolution, resulting in the surrender of Lord Cornwallis to George Washington.

Scenes from the night torchlight parade with the fife and drum corps as part of the Holiday
decorations and celebration in Colonial Williamsburg, VA, on December 6, 2017.
Photo by John McDonnell/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Williamsburg Winery: For a break from history, visit the Williamsburg Winery. Although it’s not a traditional “cultural heritage” activity, it still offers a taste of local tradition and flavor.

Noteworthy Antiquing

Merchants Square: Located in downtown Williamsburg, this busy shopping district is filled with delightful antique stores. Here, you can leisurely browse through furniture, art, books, glassware collections, and more. Kids will love The William Pitt Store, which specializes in historic games and toys that have delighted children and families for centuries, including wood games, dolls, miniature tea sets, and musical instruments.

The Prentis Store, also in Merchant’s Square, displays items made using 18th-century techniques. Handcrafted leather products, iron hardware, tools, reproduction furniture, pottery, writing instruments, seals, papers, and ink are all available.

The Golden Ball offers trendy, one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry and traditional accouterments crafted by their silversmiths. For memorable Virginia cuisine at Merchant’s Square, try the Tanglewood Ordinary for lunch.

Beyond DOG Street, the Williamsburg Antique Mall is worth the trip. Spanning 30,000 square feet of space at 500 Lightfoot Road in Williamsburg, this antique mall houses over 300 vendors, offering an eclectic mix of antiques and collectibles. From rugs to sterling silver items and retro toys to estate jewelry – it’s a browser’s delight. Open seven days a week, there are ample opportunities for treasure hunting.

An Antiquing Town Like No Other

Williamsburg is a stellar place to shop for antiques because it offers a unique blend of history, variety, quality, education, and beautiful surroundings. It’s not just about the antiques you’ll find, but also the unforgettable experience the city offers.

For more information on Colonial Williamsburg and its offerings, reach out to the Visitor’s Center at 101 Visitor Center Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23185, 888-965-7254, or visit the Colonial Williamsburg website.

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