Travel to Virginia (Richmond, Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown) – Episode 1009

In this episode of the Amateur Traveler podcast, Chris talks with Virginia-based travel writer and television host Malorie Mackey about visiting Richmond and Virginia’s Historic Triangle.

Malorie recommends combining Richmond with Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown rather than treating them as separate trips. Together, they offer a mix of colonial history, Revolutionary War sites, Civil War history, museums, gardens, outdoor recreation, restaurants, breweries, living-history experiences, and theme parks.

A rushed version of the trip can be done in three days, but Malorie and Chris agree that five or six days would provide a much better experience.

Days 1–2: Richmond

Begin the trip in Richmond, Virginia’s capital and a city with strong connections to American history, Edgar Allan Poe, the Civil War, art, food, and the James River.

Follow the Edgar Allan Poe Trail

Malorie recommends exploring Richmond through the life of Edgar Allan Poe, who spent much of his childhood and young adulthood in the city.

Start at the Poe Museum, which holds one of the world’s largest collections of Poe artifacts. The museum occupies Richmond’s oldest surviving residential stone building, although Poe himself did not live there.

Continue to nearby St. John’s Church, where Patrick Henry delivered his famous “Give me liberty or give me death” speech. Poe’s biological mother, Eliza Arnold Poe, is buried in the churchyard.

Other Poe-related stops include Monumental Church, where Poe attended services with his foster family, and Linden Row Inn, near a garden where the young Poe reportedly spent time with one of his early romantic interests.

Explore Hollywood Cemetery

Hollywood Cemetery is one of Richmond’s most scenic and historically significant locations. It overlooks the James River and contains the graves of Presidents James Monroe and John Tyler, Confederate President Jefferson Davis, and numerous notable Virginians.

The cemetery is also associated with Richmond’s legendary vampire story involving the W.W. Pool mausoleum.

Walk Around Belle Isle

Belle Isle sits in the James River and combines outdoor recreation with layers of history.

Visitors can cross the suspended pedestrian bridge, walk around the island, explore ruins of old industrial structures, or sit on the broad rocks along the river.

The island was associated with the Powhatan people, explored by Captain John Smith, used for industry, and later served as a Civil War prison camp.

Visit Maymont

Maymont was once the estate of James and Sallie Dooley, who left the property to the city for use as a public park.

The grounds are free to visit and include Italian and Japanese gardens, walking paths, animal exhibits, and views from the historic mansion. A low-cost guided tour provides access to the house and information about the Dooley family.

Malorie considers Maymont and Belle Isle two of Richmond’s prettiest places.

Spend Time in Carytown

Carytown is one of Richmond’s most walkable neighborhoods. Cary Street is lined with independent shops, restaurants, cafés, and the historic Byrd Theatre.

The neighborhood’s variety of restaurants helped Chris understand why Richmond has developed such a strong reputation as a food destination.

Museums and Other Richmond Attractions

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is free to visit, although some temporary exhibitions require a separate ticket.

Nearby attractions include the Virginia Museum of History and Culture and the Science Museum of Virginia.

History enthusiasts may also want to visit the American Civil War Museum, located in the historic Tredegar Iron Works complex along the James River.

Another unusual stop is Richmond’s historic Pump House. The former water-pumping facility included an upstairs ballroom where Richmond society attended dances above the city’s waterworks.

Richmond Breweries

Richmond has become a major craft-beer destination. Malorie recommends Strangeways Brewing for its experimental beers and playful themes.

The brewery has created unusual offerings inspired by everything from Lucky Charms cereal to Barbie and the Yeti.

Optional Stop: Henricus Historical Park

Henricus was established in 1611 as Virginia’s second permanent English settlement.

Today, Henricus Historical Park uses reconstructed buildings and costumed interpretation to show life in the early colony. The site also connects with the stories of Pocahontas and John Rolfe, whose tobacco plantation was located nearby.

Day 3: Jamestown

Jamestown consists of two distinct attractions, and visitors should allow enough time for both.

Historic Jamestowne

Historic Jamestowne is the location of the original 1607 settlement.

The site is still an active archaeological area, and visitors may be able to observe archaeologists at work. Exhibits and museums display artifacts recovered from the original fort and surrounding settlement.

Chris and Malorie recommend spending time in the museum rather than only walking through the outdoor ruins.

Jamestown Settlement

Jamestown Settlement is a living-history museum located near the original archaeological site.

It includes reconstructed versions of the English fort, a Powhatan village, and the three ships that carried the settlers to Virginia.

Costumed interpreters explain colonial trades, agriculture, navigation, shipboard life, and relations between the English settlers and Virginia’s Indigenous peoples. Demonstrations may include cannon firing, historical cooking, and explanations of maritime skills.

The museum is extensive, and families could easily spend half a day or more here.

Day 4: Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg is often described as the world’s largest living-history museum.

Visitors can walk through reconstructed and restored streets, enter historic buildings, watch craftspeople at work, and speak with interpreters portraying life in the 18th century.

Possible stops include the Capitol, Governor’s Palace, George Wythe House, blacksmith shop, wigmaker, hatmaker, musical instrument makers, and numerous other workshops and homes.

Malorie recommends taking time to talk with the interpreters. They do more than demonstrate trades. They explain colonial law, politics, social customs, medicine, slavery, family life, and the events that led to the American Revolution.

Colonial Williamsburg is large enough that visitors should not feel obligated to see everything in one day. It may be better to choose several buildings and explore them carefully.

Eat in a Historic Tavern

Chris strongly recommends eating at one of Colonial Williamsburg’s historic taverns.

At King’s Arms Tavern, the food, service, music, table settings, and explanations from the staff all contribute to the living-history experience.

The menu includes dishes inspired by colonial recipes, although they have been adapted for modern diners.

Merchants Square

Merchants Square provides restaurants, shops, bookstores, and places to relax near the historic area.

The architecture fits well with Colonial Williamsburg, making it a convenient place for lunch, shopping, or a break from touring.

Evening Ghost Tour

Fans of ghost tours can continue exploring after the main buildings close. These tours combine local folklore, historical crimes, unexplained events, and stories associated with Colonial Williamsburg’s houses and residents.

Day 5: Yorktown

Yorktown was the site of the decisive battle of the American Revolution.

British General Charles Cornwallis became trapped near the York River while American and French forces surrounded his army. The French fleet prevented British ships from providing reinforcements or supplies.

Cornwallis surrendered in October 1781, effectively ending major fighting in the Revolutionary War.

Yorktown Battlefield

Tour the battlefield to understand the positions of the British, American, and French forces.

The sites include the defensive redoubts attacked by American and French troops during the siege. One of these assaults is associated with Alexander Hamilton’s role in the battle.

Chris and Malorie explored the battlefield aboard an unusual steam coach, but visitors can also drive or follow the park’s standard tour routes.

Allow time for the National Park Service visitor center, particularly if you collect National Park Passport stamps.

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown covers the broader story of the Revolution rather than focusing only on the final battle.

Its galleries include weapons, documents, exhibits about daily life, and material related to the Declaration of Independence.

Outside, visitors can explore a recreated Continental Army encampment and a Revolutionary-era farm. Demonstrations may include muskets, artillery, cooking, and military routines.

Chris and Malorie felt they moved through the museum too quickly and recommend allowing several hours.

Yorktown Waterfront

The Yorktown waterfront is a pleasant place for lunch, shopping, and views of the York River.

Visitors can walk along the beach, browse small shops, or take a sightseeing cruise.

Cornwallis’ Cave

Cornwallis’ Cave is one of Yorktown’s more unusual attractions.

Local folklore claims that Cornwallis used the cave as a military headquarters during the siege. Historians generally consider that story unlikely and believe it was probably used for storage.

The cave did have a documented military role during the Civil War, when it was used to store weapons and ammunition.

Optional Day 6: Busch Gardens and Water Country USA

Travelers who want a break from museums and battlefields can add a day at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

The park is organized around European-themed areas with restaurants, entertainment, gardens, animal exhibits, and roller coasters.

Malorie particularly recommends Busch Gardens for roller-coaster fans. Apollo’s Chariot is one of her favorites because of its large hills and sensation of flying.

Water Country USA is a separate water park located a short drive away. It includes water slides, a wave pool, family attractions, and thrill rides.

Both parks operate seasonally, so travelers should check opening dates before planning a visit.

Where to Stay

In Richmond, Malorie recommends choosing a historic hotel or inn rather than staying near the convention center.

Possible options include the Jefferson Hotel and Linden Row Inn. Carytown, the Fan, Church Hill, and neighborhoods near the city’s restaurants and museums may provide a more enjoyable base than the convention-center district.

Near Williamsburg, Malorie enjoyed Hotel Rochambeau, an updated boutique-style motel.

Travelers seeking a more historical experience can also consider one of the area’s inns, manor houses, or bed-and-breakfast properties.

Where to Eat

In Richmond, Malorie recommends exploring Carytown and considering unusual restaurants such as L’Opossum.

Other distinctive options include brunch or afternoon tea at the Jefferson Hotel and a meal followed by indoor miniature golf at Hotel Greene.

In Williamsburg, she recommends eating at a historic tavern. Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant was another enjoyable option during the trip.

Travelers looking for a large East Coast seafood buffet may also consider Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant.

Best Time to Visit

Malorie’s favorite season is fall, when Richmond and the Historic Triangle are surrounded by changing foliage.

Summer offers the widest range of activities but can be very hot and humid. Much of the sightseeing is outdoors, so visitors should be prepared for heat, rain, and considerable walking.

Busch Gardens and Water Country USA do not operate every day throughout the year. Busch Gardens may reopen for special Halloween and Christmas events, but travelers should verify the seasonal calendar.

Final Travel Tips

Plan for changing weather and bring comfortable walking shoes.

Allow more time than expected at Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.

Do not try to see every historic building or museum in a single visit. Richmond and the Historic Triangle reward slower exploration, conversations with interpreters, and time spent along the James and York rivers.

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Show Notes

Malorie’s Adventures Travel Blog
Visiting Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown: A Journey Through America’s Colonial Past
Richmond, Virginia
The Poe Museum – Richmond, VA
St. John’s Church
Monumental Church
Hollywood Cemetery
Belle Isle
Powhatan
Offbeat History Tour of Richmond on a bus
Carytown
The Byrd Theatre
Pump House Park
Maymont
Strangeways Brewing
Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Science Museum of Virginia
American Civil War Museum
Busch Gardens
Water Country USA
Kings Dominion
Henricus
Pocahontas
Pocahontas (1995 film)
The New World (2005 film)
Historic Jamestowne
Jamestown Settlement
Colonial Williamsburg
The Capitol
Governor’s Palace
George Wythe House
King’s Arms Tavern
Merchants Square
The Public Hospital of 1773
Yorktown Battlefield
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
Visit Yorktown
Cornwallis’ Cave
Galaxy Diner
L’Opossum Restaurant
The Jefferson Hotel
Hotel Greene
Linden Row Inn
Rochambeau Roadside Inn
Captain George’s Seafood
Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant

Community

on Travel to Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan – Episode 1000:

Hi Chris- I recently listened to your podcast episode about your recent trip to Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, which was enjoyable because I was also there exactly two years before, as part of a longer trip to all 5 Stans with National Geographic. Uzbekistan was definitely the highlight of my trip- like you, I felt the cities just kept getting better as we went from Tashkent to Samarkand to Bukhara and Khiva.  I know you said that Khiva was your favorite.  I thought that Khiva would be my favorite, but I was terribly sick the day we were there- with a combo of a respiratory thing and a stomach thing. I dragged myself out of bed for the half-day walking tour, but I hardly remember a thing!

Turkmenistan was certainly very interesting as well. We did that same land border crossing as well , with about the same experience (rough with about half the group sick!). I am amazed that they are still “doing” the COVID tests.  We were all worried about it, with a lot of the group sick, but they did not actually touch our nostrils when doing the test, just waved the wand around underneath our noses, very funny. We did not visit the Darvaza crater, which I would have enjoyed seeing.  Ashgabat was just the strangest city, with all of the white marble and gold, all white cars, and when we were there the entire city seemed almost empty, with hardly any pedestrians around on the streets.  I swear we were the only people staying in our entire hotel as well.

Enjoying your episodes.  I only started listening within the last year, so I have many old episodes to catch up on!

Thanks again from another passionate traveler!   Karen

on Cruising on the Briare Canal in France with European Waterways:

Hi Chris

I have listened to your podcast on our barge cruise and thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m sending it to all my friends. If I were you, I would find a way to get more barge cruises comped by going to European Waterways just by sending them the podcast. It’s a perfect marketing tool, don’t you think? BTW, your voice is perfect for being a podcaster.

Happy travels,

Vicki