Historic Yorktown, part of the Virginia Oyster Trail is a beautiful shopping and delicious culinary destination where you’ll find arts and antiques, jewelry and rare books and even small batch chocolates amidst a seafood feast. There’s something fun for everyone in Historic Yorktown.
Wear comfy shoes and bring an appetite for adventure. Parking is convenient, easy – and free – in the parking garage on Water Street in Riverwalk Landing. Here are some places you won’t want to miss.
Gallery at York Hall
Located at 301 Main Street, up the hill in the historic area of Yorktown, the Gallery at York Hall is a fantastic place where local artists gather to display and sell their creations. From authors featuring stories that take place in the Tidewater area, to oyster shell jewelry, maritime and landscape paintings, quilts and Christmas decor, the rotating featured artists, demonstrations and exhibits keep the collection fresh so that there’s always something new to see.
Located in the circa 1690 Somerwell House, Little York Confectionary offers a selection of house-made small batch chocolates and candies and a selection of ice cream flavors for a take-away cone or cup. They are owned by Mobjack Coffee which is located right next door.
You can’t miss the adorable Mobjack Coffee at 411 Main Street. In a building known as the Cole Diggs House, circa 1726, the unmistakable turquoise window shutters and front door as well as the beautiful field of shaded picnic tables, makes this a lovely stop for a cup of coffee, tea, homemade lavender lemonade, or one of their other specialty drinks… as well as a tasty treat from their bakery case, including vegan baked goods.
Mobjack Coffee & Petite Cafe serves breakfast until 11:00am and a light lunch of freshly made wraps like curry chickpea salad, salads such as the Kale Diggs salad with Green Goddess dressing, and sandwiches like the Farmers BLT. They also sell their own Mobjack coffee, a partnership with Craft & Forge, owned by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, and a selection of high-quality teas.
Back down the hill, under the Coleman Bridge next to Riverwalk Landing, is a lovely little museum dedicated to the preservation of the Chesapeake Bay’s watermen. The museum’s collections span their indoor and outdoor space and their waterfront music events are a local favorite. But, this article is about shopping, and inside the Watermen’s Museum is a cute gift shop with over 4,000 awesome items from books to music to arts and jewelry, some of which are exclusively sold at the museum. Don’t miss the Hornsby House Cookbook, a collection of recipes from the museum founder’s family.
Across from the York River in the beautiful Riverwalk Landing, you’ll find Auntie M’s American Cottage, a fun shop with local and regional handmade art including jewelry, adorable cards for every occasion and more. Auntie M’s American Cottage is an evolution of local folk artist Marilyn West who for years has been creating fun and whimsical works of art. The shop features a variety of art mediums, often up-cycled and always colorful and fun. There are also things for little ones to enjoy like making button flowers at the flower bar and checking out their selection of kids books.
An independent bookshop, Yorktown Bookshop at 328 Water Street features many high quality first editions and rare finds that are perfect for the discerning reader. This shop is warm and inviting, offering a comfortable place to browse and knowledgeable staff who can answer your questions and help you to find the perfect book.
For over 45 years Hank Viccellio has created unique one of a kind pieces with incredible detail and creativity. A master goldsmith and precious metals craftsman, Viccellio’s signature collection, the Yorktown Collection, is inspired by the history, beauty and aquaculture of historic Yorktown. Viccellio Goldsmith was a 2019 winner of Coastal Virginia Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Award. Find it at 325 Water Street in Yorktown’s Riverwalk Landing.
What could be better than waterfront dining? Waterfront dining with a fabulous menu, that’s what. The Riverwalk Restaurant offers craft cocktails, delicious seafood like lobster rolls, She Crab soup, Chesapeake crab cakes, salmon and more, all with an expansive view of the York River. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.
Across from Yorktown Beach, just past Riverwalk Landing you’ll find Yorktown Pub, a favorite establishment for well over a decade. Their casual atmosphere is perfect for kicking back and relaxing with an innovative menu that includes fresh seafood and burgers, daily specials and an expansive craft beer selection.
While on the waterfront, head across the street and take a fabulous cruise aboard the Schooner Alliance II with Yorktown Sailing Charters.
This is just a sampling of the many things to see and do in historic Yorktown. And, if you decide there is so much on your agenda that you’d like to stay the night, historic Yorktown has two options right downtown, the Horsnby House Inn, a lovely bed & breakfast and the Yorktown Beach Hotel, located, you guessed it, on the water at Yorktown beach.
What a way to wrap up the day in beautiful historic Yorktown. Happy shopping, dining… and cruising!