The Perfect Fall Getaway

What is it about changing seasons that still makes us giddy? Maybe it’s the idea of the perfect Fall getaway waiting for you.

Change is good, and the changes that come with fall are really, really good—especially in Williamsburg, Virginia, where there are a ton of ways to be entertained and spend time in the great outdoors.

In no particular order, here are our favorite things to do and see in Williamsburg at this exciting time of year.

Outdoor Gems

Williamsburg caters to many different passions: history, shopping, dining, and outdoor activities. 

Did you know that throughout the Historic Triangle’s forests, wetlands, and fields, there are trails for hiking, biking, walking, and horseback riding? The best part is that the beautiful views are dotted with historical landmarks, scenic waterways, and spots for birdwatching. 

Trails can be accessed through parks like Chickahominy Riverfront Park, York River State Park, and more. There are also many opportunities to hit the water! Rent a kayak or canoe or take your own personal boat out to go fishing. The parks also have calendars packed with activities like outdoor yoga, archery classes, outdoor movie nights and more. 

Yorktown is the third point of the Historic Triangle, and is an incredible time capsule that takes you back to America’s early days. Try a one- or two-hour segway tour that cruises along the riverfront and winds through the historic village of Yorktown as you learn about important historic sights and stories. Yorktown also has a free trolley that runs daily, and there’s no shortage of concerts, fall festivals and farmers markets to enjoy all season long.

If you really want a physical challenge, try ziplining and more at Go Ape in Freedom Park. This awesome outdoor jungle gym for kids and adults caters to groups of all sizes. Their Treetop Adventure Course is an aerial journey through the forest canopy that will keep you challenged and give you a new perspective! If you prefer to stay on the ground, work on your axe-throwing technique with awesome instructors.

Embrace Spooky Vibes

Few places take the spooky season more seriously than Colonial Williamsburg, which has centuries worth of scares to share with kids and adults alike. Haunted Williamsburg (ages 8+) is Williamsburg’s official ghost tour, with costumed storytellers who share authentic, unnerving 18th-century colonial ghost stories and creepy modern-day encounters. Get your tickets here.

Ghost Walk Jr. brings an exciting interactive storytelling experience for those seeking less fright and more fun! Help your ghost tour guide seek out hidden clues and listen as they share the stories that could be hiding behind every object you see. Enjoy this 45-minute ghost tour of traditional spooky stories. Get your tickets here.

Best Farmers Markets

Imagine a crisp autumn morning, coffee in hand, strolling through Williamsburg Farmers Market’s vendors’ booths that overflow with fresh produce, delicious prepared food, locally-made art, and more. Markets take place on Saturdays, from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm in the Francis Street parking lot (P6).

Yorktown Market Days are another Saturday morning option, with markets taking place at Riverwalk Landing in Yorktown. Along with produce, baked goods, art, and jewelry, fall visitors to Yorktown Market Days will find pumpkins, caramel apples, mums, and free activities for kids of all ages, like the annual hay maze, hay rides, pumpkin painting, and fun photo opportunities.

Get Festive

Now through October 31, Howl-O-Scream takes over Busch Gardens on select nights starting at 6 p.m., transforming the park into a terrifying experience with terrors hiding in every shadow! Your courage will be tested this year with three new haunted houses, two new terror-tories and two new shows! Click here for the schedule so you can plan your trip to Busch Gardens!

Jamestown Settlement will feature its annual Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia on November 26 & 27. Long before microwaves, electric stoves and refrigerators, early Virginians prepared meals in clay pots and iron kettles, and preserved food by smoking and salt curing. This Thanksgiving holiday, dig into the foodways of 17th- and 18th-century America!

Which of these fun opportunities will you try? Make it the perfect fall getaway by staying at your home away from home, King’s Creek.