Break out those sweaters, there’s cinnamon in the air!

The fall season is finally here, and everyone in Yorktown relishing the weather, the history, and all that autumn has to offer. Below are some of our favorite events coming up, perfect for enjoying the season…

-September 22: Kick off the season with Yorktoberfest at Riverwalk Landing. Check out over 30 local craft beers, along with classes, food, and live music. It’s family-friendly and it’s this weekend!

-September 29: The Yorktown Art Stroll is a free event up and down the Riverwalk, full of local artists and their incredible displays. From -glass to wood to oil, pottery, photography, and so much more, it’s a great way to enjoy the beauty of the season.

-October 5: Did you know that Yorktown is sister cities with Zweibrücken, Germany and Port-Vendres, France? At the Yorktown Wine Festival, you can sample wines not only from local vineyards, but from around the world. Down on the Riverwalk, it’s made complete with food, music, and a new craft beer garden.

-October 12: Everyone loves Market Days here, and misses them when they’re gone. Never fear! Our annual Fall Festival brings the market to a new seasonal level. Come stroll through pumpkins, mums, kettle corn, caramel apples, not to mention the hayride and corn maze!

-October 19: Every year, we so look forward to Yorktown Day, a commemoration of the Battle of Yorktown and the Franco-American Alliance in the Revolutionary War. This year is particularly special in that the statue of General Lafayette will be unveiled in front of the Freight Shed, joining the statues of Washington, Grasse, and Rochambeau. Don’t miss the parade and a performance by the Fifes and Drums of Yorktown, always a local favorite!

-September 14-October 27: If you’re in the mood for something more spooky in the fall, spend a day at Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream. It’s the ultimate Halloween destination full of shows, haunted houses and roller coasters, and will definitely satiate any thrill seekers out there.

-November 16: The outdoor markets may be fewer and farther between as the weather gets colder, but Market Days will return once more this fall with the Harvest Festival. Get ready for Turkey Day with tons of local goods and food vendors (do you smell pretzels?).

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We’re ready to stoke the fire, the Inn is warming up. As always, the trails and river views here in Yorktown are spectacular in the fall. We hope to see you soon, the weather is perfect!

How do you embrace this season? Let us know!

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Ahhhh, open up the windows and breathe in that fresh air!

Late spring and early fall may bring some of the finest weather we see all year in Yorktown. A light breeze coming up from the water, warm sun with a little cloud cover, maybe a light shower here and there. It’s the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the natural beauty all across Hampton Roads. To give you a head start, here are 5 beautiful trails to walk, bike, or hike this season…

-1.5 miles: Yorktown Riverwalk- Perhaps the most casual of the routes, this walk along the beach runs right into the heart of town and under the bridge, all with a perfect view of the York River. It makes for the best morning walk or an after-dinner route with your sweetheart, and the best part is you can just walk right back up to the Inn!

-5.1 miles: Historic Jamestown– This forest loop is a bit more secluded, tucked right near Jamestown. It’s entirely paved and dog-friendly (just bring a leash), and has a beautiful river view. If you’re looking for a nice tour the local landscape that’s not too strenuous or long, this is a great choice, why not pack a picnic?

-10.8 miles: Yorktown Battlefield- The ultimate historical experience, this encampment tour has two routes. The Battlefield Tour (7 miles) begins at the visitor center parking lot while the Encampment Tour (9 miles) begins at Surrender Field. You can walk or bike through revolutionary monuments and historic sites, stopping to read here and there. It’s a wonderful way to soak up the sun and the history at the same time while going at your own pace.

-22.8 miles: Colonial Parkway- This route that connects Yorktown, Williamsburg and Jamestown is certainly longer than the rest, but the views are incredibly rewarding. The first half runs alongside the York River, while the second is covered by a canopy of trees. It’s entirely paved and is popular for bikers, though we do make an exception and just drive it from time to time. Oh, and as the trees turn from green to orange, it’s just spectacular!

-Make a little day trip: First Landing State Park- This secluded location outside Fort Story is just full of trails, hikes, beach access and transporting views. While some paths are paved, the beauty is in the natural trails and wooden bridges. The trees are filled with Spanish moss and home to huge falcons, while the shores are calm and breezy. It’s a bit of a hike (pun intended) but it’s a great excuse to head to the Southside for a day!

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We hope these 5 routes give you a little inspiration to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. While staying in Yorktown, there are so many lovely ways to relax and unwind, and we’ve found that a little exercise can be incredibly refreshing. Don’t forget, you can always walk from the Hornsby House Inn to the farmer’s market on Saturday mornings!

Where do you like to stretch your legs in Yorktown? Comment below and let us know!

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Whew! It’s hot out there!

Temperatures in Yorktown have made it well into the mid 90’s this month, and sometimes the humidity just makes you want to escape the heat. If you’re feeling a little scorched but still want to celebrate or relax this season, we’ve got 10 great ways to stay cool all across the Historic Triangle…

Embrace the Weather: it’s summer after all!

-We would be remiss not to mention our very own Yorktown Beach, just a 5 minute walk from the Inn! Splash around and cool off, and make sure to hydrate.

-If you’re looking for more of a thrill, head to Water Country USA in Williamsburg. They’re stocked with pools, slides, thrills, and now Virginia’s first hybrid water coaster!

 

Or Hide from It: a few diversions just up the parkway!

-You may be skeptical, but until you experience Yankee Candle Village for yourself it’s impossible to understand when we say this is an all-day destination. Lots of indoor shops and one-of-a-kind finds, all enclosed under a painted, air-conditioned sky!

-Perfect for a date night or just a chance to escape, head over to Movie Tavern, a unique cinema that specializes in that perfect dinner-and-a-movie combination.

-Or maybe take it one step further and check out the Williamsburg Dinner Theater. Dine from a bountiful buffet while being entertained by the cast of “My Big Fat Greek Murder”. A truly unique event!

For the Whole Family: bring the kiddos!

-Take advantage of the incredible rich history of the area at the expansive American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. You can spend hours wandering through exhibits, including the special exhibition ‘Forgotten Soldier’ on display now through March 22, 2020.

-Then have a little fun at Play A Round Family Fun Center! Aside from their 54 holes of miniature golf, they also offer lazer tag (out of the heat), a full arcade, and dining options.

Sweeten the Deal: taste the season!

-If you’re looking for something light and sweet, check out Pelican’s Snowballs right up Route 17. Imagine everything you love about a sno-cone, but so much better! Their list of syrups and toppings goes on and on…

-Finally, our beloved Ben and Jerry’s right on the Riverwalk will always have our hearts. This location boast over 30 flavors, plus cones and coffee, and never (ever!) ceases to disappoint during these hot summer months.

Whether you’re traveling alone, with a partner, with your family, or call Yorktown home, there’s always so much to do all year long. Comment below to share how you beat the heat while enjoying this town!

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Hear ye, hear ye! We’re coming up on one of the biggest celebrations of the year: Independence Day! In a place like Yorktown, the options can be overwhelming, so we’re here to help with our list of do’s and don’ts for celebrating and enjoying the holiday…

Do: rise early. Most everyone looks forward to the afternoon cookout or evening entertainment on the 4th of July, but here in Yorktown there’s celebration all day long! The Patriotic Parade begins at 9:00 a.m. and trails from Water St. to Main, filled with live music from military bands and the Fifes and Drums of Yorktown, it’s a beautiful way to begin the holiday. Or, if you’re a super early riser, get the best view of the town in the Independence Day 8K & 5K Run/Walk at 8:00, and then maybe factor in a nap in the afternoon!

 

Don’t: forget sunscreen! With so much going on throughout the day, it can be easy to forget how much time you can spend outside. So to prevent the July 5th sunburn, give your skin some good ol’ SPF at the beginning of the day (and maybe reapply depending on the sun and surf). A hat always helps protect your face as well, but we’d suggest a floppy or baseball hat over the classic tri-corner!

Do: bring the family! Down by the Riverwalk will be all kinds of family activities starting at 1:00, complete with face painting, games, and a hot dog eating contest. Plus, all the beach access, beautiful trails, and food trucks (kettle corn, anyone?) make for plenty of fun for adults and kiddos.

 

Don’t: Forget the reason for the holiday. It’s beautiful to be able to celebrate our independence in a place so ingrained in the nation’s history. Starting at 7:00 at the Riverwalk Landing Performance Stage, there will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence, an acknowledgement of the original 13 colonies, and a bell ringing ceremony. Take the time to cherish our history and our freedom amidst all the activity and sunshine.

Do: bring an umbrella or poncho. The forecast is still a bit hazy but is calling for a few broken showers as of now. And, as we all know, Virginia’s weather can be unpredictable. It’s best if you can find (or carry) some covering and wait it out, most summer showers leave just as quickly as they come.

 

Don’t: miss the fireworks! This incredible fireworks display is about 15 minutes long and can be seen from just about anywhere on the waterfront. It starts at 9:00 but the key is to be early. The Yorktown Battlefield will be the primary parking spot for the evening’s festivities, and will unfortunately close at capacity. It could be a bit of a walk, but totally worth it!

We hope this helps you enjoy the most of the holiday with those you love. Let us know how you spend it!

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As May comes to a close, we at the Hornsby House Inn are gearing up for another FULL wedding season! There are so many options on property for a beautiful outdoor wedding, so we’ve compiled our ideas into a streamlined guide to make your Yorktown wedding perfect!

When: We have two different wedding packages that are ideal no matter what time of year. Our Weekend Wedding package includes all the space you might need, including lodging for out-of-town guests, suites for getting ready the day-of, and your rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.  Everything is in one place and is ideal for a wedding up to 130 people

Or, consider our Day Wedding package, perfect for evening weddings. You still have all the great access, including an overnight stay!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Pavilion is ideal for a lovely indoor-outdoor reception, as it is attached to the Inn itself and has all amenities you could need.

And, if you’re looking for another wonderful place to host your rehearsal dinner, make sure to reserve at the nearby Riverwalk Restaurant.

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Where: There are several picture-perfect locations on our property, and it’s completely up to you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consider the beautiful mansion itself as your backdrop. The symmetry creates a natural aisle and the structure does provide a bit of shade, which can be coveted in Virginia summers!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Or perhaps the surrounding grounds for a stunning landscape view!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Historic Yorktown and the nearby Riverwalk make for memorable, one-of-a-kind photos, no matter what season or time of day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And, of course, tented receptions always set an airy and fun atmosphere!

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Why? If you want to make your outdoor wedding classic yet unique, look no further! The Inn is in the heart of one of the most historic cities in the country and has preserved much of that integrity. The Virginia landscape changes throughout the seasons and provides the perfect natural decor. And, finally, we have a personable staff dedicated to making sure YOUR day goes off without a hitch. It’s the personal touch that makes this potentially-stressful season bubble over with joy!

If you’d like to see more photos, check out these fantastic shoots from previous weddings:

-Sarah and Patrick’s fun-filled garden dream

-Lindsey and Ben’s waterfront session

-Gray and Julie’s glamorous wedding

-Patti and David’s sweet summer day

-Sheri and Mike’s lovely rainy ceremony

-Heather and Will’s vintage party

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can find all our Wedding Package info here, our Wedding Wire profile here (5 stars!), or give us a call, we’d love to talk and help bring your vision to life!

 Feeling the love yet? We hope to see you next season!

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