Love is in the air!

Here at the Hornsby House Inn, we’ve set the scene for romance. Whether you’re on a weekend getaway or preparing for a springtime wedding, one of the advantages of staying local is knowing all the best ways to enjoy Yorktown! Today we’ve compiled some of the most beautiful spots in town into three different date itineraries, because no couple is the same. Feel free to mix and match and create the perfect evening for you and your special someone…

FOR THE CASUAL, FUN-LOVING COUPLE:

1.First, take advantage of the environment! We’re just a five minute walk to Yorktown Beach, where you are your sweetie can lounge in the sun, walk along the Riverwalk, or maybe explore one of the many historical trails that lead to it.

2. Then, fuel up at the Yorktown Pub, a great local spot. Crabs, oysters, clams, scallops, fresh-caught fish, you name it! The bounty of the river is all over the menu, and they’re open until the wee hours. If you enjoy casual dining serving seafood at it’s freshest, this is the way to go. Plus there’s live music on the weekends!

3. Afterward, you can also stroll down to Larry’s Lemonade for a drink. One sip and you’ll understand. Then you’re just a short walk back up to the Inn, it’s that simple!

FOR THE ARTSY, OFF-BEAT COUPLE:

1.You’ll never be bored around here! Be sure to check out The Yorktown Arts Foundation  at the On the Hill Gallery for different arts events, classes, and gallery exhibits throughout the year. Check out the Plant Sale and Artist Invitation in May that looks particularly diverting.

2.Savor a taste of something different and delicious at Umi Sushi, classic Japanese fare with a fresh, modern look. Enjoy all your favorite sushi rolls along with original and new items, and don’t forget the drinks! Have you every tried hot sake? How about sparkling sake, or a sake-tini?

3.Finish the night with something sweet across the street at Ben and Jerry’s. There’s so many flavors, and even more possible combinations, it might take you a while! You can finish your lovely evening on the patio as the sun goes down.

FOR THE ROMANTIC, GOING-ALL-OUT COUPLE:

This date might be a great idea for a special occasion, maybe an anniversary or birthday, but feel free to celebrate your love whenever you like!

1.You absolutely can’t go wrong with Riverwalk Restaurant. It’s a fixture of Water Street, and with good reason! This is fine dining, seaside. The waitstaff is attentive, the wine list is extensive, and the view is spectacular.

2.Ready to make a beautiful night unforgettable? Book a sunset sail on the York River, and enjoy a drink at sea. The sailboat cruises are 2 hours long, and offer great insight into the geography and history of the area while offering the opportunity for you and your sweetheart to escape a little. Once you dock, you’ll barely have time to get your land-legs back before you’re back at the Inn!

All 3 of these date night ideas are within a 10 minute walk from the Hornsby House Inn, making us the ideal place to end your romantic evening. No matter the time of year or the occasion, feel free to ask us our suggestions on how to celebrate your loved one, Yorktown style!

Ready to book your romantic getaway? Give us a call today!

Happy New Year! And what a year it’s going to be!

We at the Hornsby House Inn are excited for all that 2020 is bringing to the Historic Triangle area. Today we’re sharing 12 events, one for each month of the year, that will make the perfect excuse to take a trip (or carve out a weekend, for our lucky fellow locals!). All the more reason to visit and celebrate Yorktown!

January: Need something fun to shake winter blues? The annual Cabin Fever Concert Series at the Freight Shed begins January 30 and runs every Thursday for the rest of winter. Think of it as an early celebration of the weekend, and come out to hear some great local jazz, blues, and rock bands.

February: Time to break out of hibernation and join the Knights of Columbus Council 5480 10-Mile Run for the Heart on February 8. It’s great exercise for the heart, plus you’ll get some stunning paths through Yorktown Battlefield’s historic tour roads.

March: Drive up the Parkway to Jamestown Settlement for “Military Through the Ages,” a special event on March 21-22 that let’s you experience centuries of military history, from ancient Rome to today’s local National Guard. Over 500 re-enactors and help bring the event to life, and this year there’s a special USO show each night!

April: Market Days are always a treasure here, and arguably one of the best days will be on April 18. Yorktown’s sister city, Port-Vendres, comes to our shore with the annual French Market, stocked with fresh breads, crepes, macarons, wine, music, we can go on and on! The weather is always delightful at this time of year, and this market makes for the perfect spring day.

May: Tidewater Virginia is becoming quite the hub for craft beers and spirits, so we anticipate quite a selection at this year’s Blues Brews and BBQ Festival on May 2. It’s pretty self-explanatory: great beer and delicious barbecue. Only the best blues musicians in the area fill this fest with tons of great music.

June: Pick any Thursday this summer, you can’t go wrong! On June 4, the Sounds of Summer Concert Series starts, so bring a blanket or a couple of lawn chairs and get ready. We recommend a nice dinner at one of the many restaurants on Water St., then maybe some Ben and Jerry’s to enjoy during the concert. Plus you’re only a 5 minute walk from the Inn!

July: It’s no surprise that we take great pride in our Independence Day celebrations, and this year will be no different. You can start the 4th with a 5k or 8k run, or simply join for the parade, live music, museum tours, or fireworks throughout the day. Yorktown does one good patriotic party!

August: Every year we’re lucky enough to have the Virginia Symphony Orchestra perform on the Riverwalk Landing. This beautiful, free outdoor concert has become quite the end-of-summer tradition. It’s a lovely chance to see world-class musicians in a laid-back setting under the stars, so we hope to see you August 29th!

September: Can you tell we like outdoor music? With views like the York River and musical talent abounding, why not! Check out the Rhythms on the Riverwalk Concert Series starting September 11. It runs 6 weeks as the weather transitions from summer to fall, and the music is a little bit of everything.

October: If you’ve never experienced Yorktown Day, this is the perfect year. Yorktown Day on October 19 marks the anniversary of the American-French victory in 1781 over the British, and truly brings history to life all over town! The best part: since the Yorktown Victory Monument is quite literally across the street from us, we have a front row seat for the beautiful ceremonies.

November: La mer! It’s time to celebrate our bounties from the sea on November 14 at Market Days’ Maritime Festival. Enjoy some of the best seafood in the area and browse handcrafted art and jewelry from oysters, shells, and sea glass. You can arrive via land or sea, and be on the lookout for pirates!

December: Come experience a tradition that dates back to 1945 and officially kicks off the holiday season here in Yorktown. The annual Christmas Tree Lighting on December 4 is the start of a weekend full of holiday markets, parades (including the lighted Boat Parade!), and, of course, the Man in Red himself. It’s a lovely time to gather round the fire with the ones you love, and is just around the corner from us at Riverwalk Landing.

We can’t wait to see how this year unfolds, and hope you’ll join us! Most of the events in this post are either within a 5 minute walk or a 15 minute scenic drive from us, it’s a real win-win. So check out your calendars and when you’re ready to plan your 2020 Yorktown trip, give us a call!

What are you most looking forward to in 2020? Leave a comment or find us on Facebook and let us know!

We all like to bring that festive holiday feeling into the home…

…and if you’re like us, it’s a chance to make the every day more special. While bright lights and radio tunes may evoke the feeling of Christmas for some, we like to make things a little simpler, a bit more quiet and natural. Our world is very fast-paced and can get crazy at this time of year, but we at the Hornsby House Inn love the chance to slow down and savor the season. And if you’ve ever visited us during the holidays, you know that our choice of seasonal decor reflects just that. Today we’re sharing 5 ways to welcome the winter holidays, from our home to yours.

1. Bring in the Great Outdoors: While the beauty of autumn is in the rich oranges and reds of falling leaves, winter is blessed with soft evergreens. Why not take advantage of the surroundings by decorating with natural elements like fresh boughs, holly berries, dried citrus, even pinecones! A tree or mantle decorated with local plant life is truly special, and the smell is truly delightful!

2. Add a Little Sparkle: Even with your natural greenery, the holidays call for a little something special. Instead of tinsel, we opt to add some shine through metallic elements like copper fixtures, globe ornaments, and wide gold ribbon. Have a unique tea kettle or candelabra? Start there and make something one-of-a-kind! It’s understated while still adding that glint of holiday magic.

3. Let the Light In: The days are short and the nights are long, so enjoy the hours of sunshine while you have them! We love drawing back the curtains in the morning to let all that natural light fill the Inn. You can also adorn the windows with festive wreaths or candles to celebrate that space even more. Sunlight does so much for the mood too, it makes the evenings all the more enjoyable later.

4. Strike a Match: By the same token, since the days are darker at this time of year, it’s time to light the holiday flame. Here at the Inn we have several gorgeous fireplaces, and they definitely pull their weight during Christmastime! Fires not only provide warmth, but also an unmatched glow that changes the mood of any room. If you have a fireplace in your home, why not decorate the mantle and make use of it all season long? And if you don’t, it’s time to break out the candles. Since we all naturally spend more time indoors during the colder months, we try to make the environment as cozy and inviting as can be.

5. Keep It Simple: With so much on our plates during this season, we at the Inn find that the most welcoming space is one that allows for some room to breathe. To that end, make your home one that is carefully adorned for the season, but isn’t overwhelming upon entry. Choose a few focal points or create one lovely vignette in each room: the dining room table, a Christmas village or nativity display that is meaningful to you, or perhaps the tree itself, and let the rest of the room make way for it. Simple decor, when curated for your home and taste, can make just as much impact as all the shiny bells and whistles.

We think you’ll find that not only are these decor ideas less stressful, but they make for beautiful traditions that you can return to year after year. Your home should reflect you and your loved ones, and if you enjoy a cozy atmosphere that celebrates the season and the natural environment around it, try one (or all) of these guidelines this year. Send us a picture! And above all, let this time be enjoyed. Things don’t have to be perfect, including the Christmas decorations, if you share it with beloved family or new friends. May this holiday season bring you great joy and merriment!

A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Hornsby House Inn!

It’s that time again, and we couldn’t be more excited! The holiday season is here!

Here in Historic Yorktown things get a little extra cozy. It’s a beautiful time of year, but with so many opportunities to savor the season it can be tricky to know where to start. Well, we at the Hornsby House Inn are here to help! We’ve got 10 great ways to celebrate the holidays, most of which are time-honored traditions, that never fail to bring in the Christmas cheer…

ONGOING EVENTS: CELEBRATE ALL SEASON LONG!

1. Of course, we must recommend a visit to Busch Gardens Christmastown, where it’s impossible not to get into the holiday spring of things. Our favorite local theme park is transformed into a European wonderland full of shows and thrills. Open now!

2. Just up the highway at Newport News Park you can drive through Celebration in Lights, a two mile view of over a million bulbs. Just pack up the car and turn on the Christmas tunes and you’ll be transported. It’s such a lovely and intimate way to enjoy this time, from November 28-January 1.

3. If you’re like us and love a good dose of history in your relaxation, check out Christmastide in Virginia. This event spans across Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown from December 20-31. Ever wondered what Christmas was like for early Americans? You can learn all about historical traditions, music, food, artillery, and so much more about how our forefathers celebrated this time.

SPECIAL EVENTS: MARK UP YOUR CALENDAR!

4. December 6: Join us for the annual Yorktown Christmas Tree Lighting, the official start of the season. The procession starts at the Yorktown Victory Monument (right across from the Inn!) and goes down to the Riverwalk where the huge 20 foot tree will be lit once again! This tradition has been in effect since 1945 and always makes for a magical night.

5. December 7: You definitely don’t want to miss the Christmas Market on Main, the perfect place to browse for home decor or do a little gift shopping. Market Days are always enjoyed here in Yorktown, and this holiday market is a one-time treasure!

6. December 7: For a truly waterside tradition, why not come to the annual Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade along the York River? Where else can you sip cider while caroling around a beach bonfire, then watch a holiday parade sail right past you? It’s a lovely taste of Christmas at sea.

7. December 14: Whether you are celebrating with children or are a kid-at-heart yourself, you’ll want to check out the Toyland Market and Parade on Riverwalk Landing. Shop through the fresh-baked holiday goodies, one-of-a-kind gifts and hand-crafted items while the kiddos enjoy free holiday activities, including a ride on the local Polar Express! The parade is, of course, let by the Fifes and Drums of Yorktown and gives opportunity for everyone to participate. Get in touch with your fun side!

8. December 14: History is something that is treasured in Yorktown, and Wreaths Across America at the Yorktown National Cemetery is a great opportunity to honor those before us. At this event, sponsored wreaths are laid at the graves of our country’s fallen heroes as a way of giving thanks.

GETTING AROUND: LESS STRESS, LEARN FROM THE BEST!

9. There’s a lot going on in Yorktown this time of year, especially on December 14. Since parking might be a bit tricky, the Yorktown Trolley is doing special holiday runs for FREE! You’ll be able to go all around the Riverwalk area no matter where you park, and (the best part) it’s temperature controlled!

10. Stay with us! Most of these holiday events are within walking distance of the Hornsby House Inn, so why not stay one step ahead of the crowd? When you’re with us, you can spend more time celebrating and enjoying each other during this season instead of worrying about logistics.

Call us today to stay in the coziest place in Yorktown, and right in the heart of town! We at the Inn wish you all the best holiday season this year, may it be the sweetest one yet!

How do you enjoy the Christmas season? Comment below or find us on Facebook and let us know!

So often we get asked, “What is that monument over there?”

If you’ve ever come to visit us before, you know the one we mean. Just across the street from the Hornsby House Inn stands a huge 84 ft edifice overlooking the York River. It’s a beautiful structure that has become a landmark here in Yorktown, and we’re lucky enough to see it from our own windows, but what is its significance? Whether you’re a frequent visitor of the Inn or a local on the way to the Riverfront, we hope this little dose of history enriches your experience even more. Plus, keep reading to see why we at the Hornsby House have a particular connection with it…

HISTORY

The monument is actually called the Yorktown Victory Monument, and commemorates British General Cornwallis’s surrender to the Franco-American alliance at Yorktown on October 19, 1781. This battle was such a huge turning point in the Revolutionary War, and though some smaller battles at sea and elsewhere took place after this surrender, historians quote this date as the end of fighting in America during the war. Negotiations for peace began the next year, and finally on September 3, 1783 the Treaty of Paris was signed, officially naming the United States as an Independent nation.

It seems the American government knew the significance of this battle, for just ten days after the surrender Congress put forward a resolution to build a monument on the site:

“…adorned with emblems of the alliance between the United States and his Most Christian Majesty; and inscribed with a succinct narrative of the surrender of earl Cornwallis to his excellency General Washington, Commander in Chief of the combined forces of America and France…”

However, it took a hundred years for such a monument to come about! There were new pushes and proposals to build it in 1834 and 1836, but due to financial constraints, especially with the construction of the Washington Monument in D.C., the project was put off. As the Centennial of Yorktown approached, though, interest began to grow, and on October 18, 1881, almost 100 years to the day, the cornerstone was laid.

CONSTRUCTION AND SYMBOLISM

The monument is made of granite from Hallowell, Maine, and took nearly three years to complete. The design of the monument is broken down into three main sections: the base, podium, and column.

–The base has four sides with inscriptions detailing the events that took place surrounding the monument, including the siege at Yorktown, the alliance with France, and the peace treaty with England. Above each side on the pediments (the triangular pieces) are symbols of nationality, war, alliance, and peace.

-The podium contains thirteen female figures, reminiscent the original thirteen colonies. If you look closely you can see that while each is entirely unique, the women are standing hand-in-hand, a symbol of unity. Beneath them is written, “One country, one constitution, one destiny.”

-The column not only accomplishes the grandeur of the monument, for it contains most of the height, but symbolizes all of the states at the time of construction. Thirty-eight stars, one for each state, adorn the sides of the column. On top, of course, is Lady Liberty herself, standing as an emblem of “a proof of the possibility of a government of the people, by the people, for the people.” (so said by Congress in the official guidelines in 1880).

Now, you might notice that Lady Liberty is wearing a strange sort of hat. That’s actually a lightning rod! This became a part of the design after the monument was struck by lightning in 1942 and again in 1990, both times resulting in constructive repairs to Lady Liberty.

THE “KEEPER OF THE MONUMENT”

This is where we have a particular fondness for the Yorktown Victory Monument. William P. Craighill, one of the U.S. Army Engineers on the project, wrote in his report to Congress on the completion of the monument that, “…it seems necessary to make provision for the accommodation of a watchman, as the location is isolated…” and for some time afterward, one man from the army was positioned as the “keeper of the monument”. However, housing and a permanent position could not be secured for this watchman, and eventually the job ceased to be. With time, though, the location became less and less isolated, as anyone who has visited Yorktown knows.

Today, we at the Hornsby House Inn are the closest thing to a “keeper of the monument” as we are positioned just feet away across Main Street. We like to think that every time someone asks us, “What does that big monument mean?” we are passing on a piece of Yorktown history, and thereby keeping the monument’s significance alive and well.

To learn more about the victory at Yorktown, click here!

To learn more about the history of the monument, click here!

Plus check out these lovely photographs of Sheri and Mike who had their wedding here at the Hornsby House Inn!

Have you visited the Yorktown Victory Monument yet? Let us know what you think!