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When is the best time to visit Williamsburg?
Photo by Suzanne Dana
If you have lived in and around Williamsburg for any length of time, you’ve probably been asked by out-of-town family and friends to choose the best time to come here.
The easiest and most obvious answer is any time. Every season has its highlights. And it depends, of course, on who is coming, and what is your interest.
The weather is usually mild, and flowers are in bloom in Spring. Theme parks of Busch Gardens and Water Country are open daily during Summer. Fall brings a return to milder weather and the foliage is a beautiful thing to see, especially as you approach Thanksgiving. Winter is highlighted by activities in the historic area, such as the Grand Illumination, and events at The College of William & Mary.
And, Colonial Williamsburg also has wonderful programming that weaves throughout the entire calendar.
“Colonial Williamsburg is part of the historical triangle of Yorktown and Jamestown,” says Ellen Smith Gajda, Broker/Owner of Williamsburg Realty, who moved to the area more than a decade ago after living and working in Northern Virginia. “There is so much to do here at any time of the year. We have great restaurants, historical charms, entertainment, modern conveniences, and great hospitals.”
“Williamsburg has been a great place for me to live,” she goes to say. “Fall is really beautiful here with its changing colors. I believe Williamsburg is one of the most charming places to visit and live in the United States.”
The November-December holiday season is particularly special, adds Smith Gajda. “Christmas is absolutely gorgeous with all of its lights and the historical setting.”
Williamsburg has been ranked by Travel + Leisure Magazine as one of the Top 15 places to visit in the country. U.S. News & World Report ranks it as one of the “11 Top Places to Celebrate Halloween Across the U.S.”
So, when is the best time to visit Williamsburg?
An easy answer would probably be Fall. Temperatures and humidity are typically more comfortable. Crowds are reduced because vacationing families have gone home for children to go to school. Traffic is lighter. The changing leaves are spectacular. And there are just so many interesting things to see and do.
Fall festivals featuring all sorts of arts and crafts abound throughout the historic Virginia Peninsula. Duke of Gloucester Street in the restored area is the site of numerous outdoor activities. Football games at William & Mary are entertaining for those sports minded. Busch Gardens features Howl-O-Scream and Christmas Town. Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement and the Yorktown Victory Center have seasonal programming.
The Grand Illumination draws thousands of spectators as Colonial Williamsburg kicks off its holiday season in early December with music and fireworks in multiple locations. Eating at one of Colonial Williamsburg’s taverns is always a treat. For that matter, the entire Williamsburg area has wonderful restaurants to suit just about any taste.
Back to the question “When is the best time to visit Williamsburg?” That depends on who you ask.
– By Sam Mayo, Associate Broker
General Manager, Williamsburg Realty