Cue the sleigh bells…the Holidays are fast approaching! And with such a unique bounty of shops and markets in the Yorktown area, we’ve compiled the best ways to find something special for every person in your life. Got your list ready?

-For the crafter: Check out Auntie M’s American Cottage on Water Street for some unique treasures you won’t find anywhere else! You can search through hundreds of artistic, handmade items, or why not give an experience by gifting a workshop? Fabric collage anyone?

-For that crazy aunt: There’s always something funky and new to be discovered at the Cozy Cottage. Scour true antiques and beautiful replicas, all with the personal assistance and attention of local owners. You’re sure to find something one-of-a-kind!

-For the bookworm: No matter how many books a book-lover has, a new book is always exciting and welcomed. The Yorktown Bookshop has lots of comfy seating and a beautiful collection of used books, you might find yourself getting distracted while searching for your gift!

-For the woman who has everything: Just head over to Viccellio Goldsmith and Fine Jewelry for some truly exceptional pieces. Owner Hank Viccellio will even custom-make the perfect gift! You can never go wrong with jewelry, and this spot is the crème de la crème.

-For your neighbor up the street: Whether they’re long-time locals or new to the area, Whitley’s Peanut Factory gives a quintessential taste of Virginia, literally! Just across the river in Gloucester, this shop offers rows upon rows of different flavors and preparations so you’re sure to find just the right gift.

-For the history buff: Redcoat Antiques boasts a collection of 17th-19th century furniture, home decor and art pieces, as well as Waterford lighting. It’s the perfect place to shop for that friend or family member who treasures truly time-honored classics.

-For your in-laws: Check out The Yorktown Onion  for beautiful artisan collections and local artists’ works for that perfect gift. It’s full of trendy-yet-classy items that you can’t find anywhere else.

-For your boss:  Just up the road in Williamsburg, you can get wrapped up the Yankee Candle Village experience. If you’ve never been, it’s worth an afternoon! Aside from their expansive collection of specialty candles, you’ll find home decor and fashion items, not to mention the entire room dedicated to Christmas.

No matter your shopping plans, you should definitely make room for the Christmas Market on Main on December 1st. Dozens of local artisans and vendors line the Riverwalk with seemingly-endless holiday bounty. You’ll be sure to find something special!

Where is your favorite place in Yorktown to shop? Let us know!

Fall is one of the loveliest (and busiest!) times of the year to visit the Historic Area. Amazing food, festivals, markets, and programs are plentiful and you simply can’t go wrong with any of the events below! Will you catch any of these on your visit to Yorktown?

9/15 – 10/28 Busch Gardens Howl-o-Scream is some serious spooky fun, whether you’re traveling as a family, with friends, or on a romantic trip! Catch a thrill during the day with countless roller coaster rides & Halloween-themed shows, and catch a thrill at night when all of the scary characters roam the streets and the park comes to life! 

[Every Friday] Inside James Fort: The Powhatan Indians: We all know about Pocahontas, though some of us may have a skewed version of her story, thanks to Mr. Disney. Come to Historic Jamestowne and learn about how this local native tribe truly lived in the time of Pocahontas! 

[Saturdays 8-12] Yorktown Market Days: We don’t mean to boast, but the farmers market at Yorktown is pretty great. What with the scenic backdrop of the York River, the plethora of goods and produce, and frequent live music, what else could you ask for – besides some lovely fall weather in the air?  

9/29-9/30 Before the Seige: The British Army in Yorktown: If you are staying at the Hornsby House during this 2 day encampment, you won’t have to look far to find re-enactors who have come to occupy Yorktown!

9/29 Oyster Roast at Watermans Museum: Come enjoy some of the finest oysters in coastal Virginia at this traditional fall gathering!

9/30 Yorktown Art Stroll:  Always a fun stroll! 

10/4 Sister Cities Yorktown Presents: Soirée en Blanc: Read this article about this lovely tradition we share with our sister city across the pond, then purchase your tickets here.

10/5 Rhythms on the Riverwalk: Live Music? Yes please! Bring a lawn chair (and a blanket if the air is crisp enough) and listen to some wonderful tunes at the very last R on the R concert of the season  down on the Riverwalk!

10/6 Yorktown Wine Festival: Plentiful wine selections to taste + live music. Need we say more?

10/13 Market Days Fall Festival: Essentially the classic Yorktown Market Day, with an extra twist of fall!

10/13 Archeology Day at Historic Jamestown: A special day of programming to explore archaeology and Jamestown’s history through a variety of tours, activities, and encounters. Find all the details here! 

10/19 Yorktown Day: One of our favorite days of the year! This day marks the end of the American Revolution, and our official beginning as an independent country!

10/19 Yorktown Victory Celebration, American Revolution Museum at Yorktown: Celebrate the holiday with us!

10/28 Riverwalk Restaurant’s Sunday Brunch Buffet: Trust us, you want to be at one of Riverwalk Restaurant’s Sunday Brunches if you can help it. These happen fairly often, so keep an eye out if you won’t be with us at this time!

11/4 “The Revolutionary War Lives and Letters of Lucy and Henry Knox” Lecture & Book Signing: Part of the ‘AfterWARd’ Special Programs which celebrate and connect America’s Veterans.

11/10 Market Days Harvest Festival: Another farmers market of fall fun!

11/12 Veterans Day Ceremony: Join us at York Hall to honor our Veterans.

11/22-11/24 Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia at American Revolution Museum at Yorktown: Special programming that enables visitors to learn and envision what the holidays were like and what holiday FOOD was like centuries ago.

11/30 Christmas Tree Lighting: Celebrate the beginning of  the holiday season with Yorktown locals and visitors at the traditional Christmas Tree lighting!

Next thing you know, we’ll be gearing up for Christmas!

There’s no doubt that the summer is full of endless possibilities & brimming with fun events here in our small town. But every so often, we like to devise an hour-by-hour guide to a perfect day spent here in historic Yorktown. Are you visiting us anytime soon? Are you up for the challenge of completing this list?

9 AM Breakfast at the Hornsby House is a really unique – and tasty – experience. Not only is there an incredible buffet each morning with rotating casseroles, various breakfast meats, fresh fruit, and on special occasions eggs benedict…. But a meal spent around the dining room table in good conversation with your hosts and other guests is truly unique and memorable.

10 AM If you need a bit more caffeine, never fear! Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters just moved into the historic Cole Digges House just across the street. Take a tour of the house and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed joe.

11 AM If it’s Saturday, head to the Farmers Market down on River Street to grab some fresh fruit or locally baked goods to snack on throughout the day!

12 PM An hour on the beach does the soul some good; don’t forget sunscreen, a good book, and a towel to sit on.

1PM There are so many great lunch spots in Historic Yorktown that you can’t really go wrong. If you’re looking for a very relaxed atmosphere & don’t want to stray from the beach, try the Yorktown Pub. If you’re seeking something a bit more upscale, we’d suggest Umi Sushi or the Water Street Grille! (if you’re wondering, all of them serve wonderful seafood dishes)

2PM Vacation= dessert after lunch, right? Grab a cone of ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s, just across the street from the beach.

3Pm If it’s Sunday, Hop over to the American Revolution Museum & Spend a little time catching details you missed the first go round, then enjoy the fifes & Drums of yorktown at 3:45.

4PM Browse the shops on river street for holiday gifts, souvenirs, or treats to pamper yourself!

5PM Learn about the history of the area with the innkeepers during wine & cheese hour on the porch of the Hornsby House. Is there anything better?

6PM Dinner at the Riverwalk Restaurant simply cannot be beat. While staying with us, ask us about specials for this establishment!

7PM If it’s Thursday, head down to the Sounds of Summer Concerts and finish off the day with some wonderful live music!

What is your favorite thing to do in Yorktown? Enjoy!

Planning to celebrate Independence Day in the Historic Triangle?  Yorktown has all the charm and beauty, and options for the whole family! Take a look at the schedule of events below to plan the perfect trip during your stay at the Hornsby House Inn. As a bonus we’ve added a quick packing list to help you prepare for the long day!

8:00AM – Have a love for running or energetic kids? Run the Yorktown Independence Day 8k & 5k! 
Start the day at York High School and run through the battlefields. Don’t forget to pack some water and snacks to battle the heat. Register today to secure your place in the race.

9:00AM – Parade on Water & Main Street
The theme this year for the floats is “Freedom’s Celebration”, and it’s sure to be a blast! Bring your lawn chairs and see all of the great floats while you relax and listen to the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Ceremonial Band.

4:00PM – Event Parking Opens on Cook Road
Nobody loves to sit in traffic, and luckily the Yorktown Police have this parking scene down to a science. For our Bed and Breakfast Patrons – a HUGE benefit to staying at the Inn during the holiday celebrations has got to be the parking situation – park in your regular guest space at the Inn and avoid all traffic.

7:00PM – The Sounds of Liberty Bell Ringing Ceremony
Celebrate Freedom and join us as the Declaration of Independence is read and the Liberty Bell is rung. Special Performance by the Fife and Drum Corp.

8:00PM – Glen Boswick & Lil’ Bit of Swing
Did we mention that you should bring your beach chairs? Stake your claim down on the lawn and then put on your dancing shoes and get ready to swing the night away with the beautiful sounds of Glen Boswick!

9:15PM – Fireworks!
Yorktown offers one of the most beautiful firework shows! Enhance your Yorktown experience by finding a secret location on higher ground as you watch the fireworks illuminate the night sky.

It’s a long day out with the family, so don’t forget to pack these essentials:

• Sunscreen
• Water Bottles – you can refill them later!
• Snacks/food
• Bathing Suits
• Towels
• Beach Chairs
• Money! Ice cream, food trucks, and delicious treats are always available in Yorktown.

We hope to see you this Independence Day as we celebrate in style!

Here are some of the events coming up this summer that are sure to be some of the highlights of the season in the Historic Area!

Memorial Day Weekend Events:
May 26 Fifes and Drums of Yorktown
May 28 Grace Church Memorial Day Ceremony
May 28 York County Historical Committee Memorial Day Ceremony

Ongoing Events*:
Saturdays 8AM-Noon Yorktown Market Days
Sundays 3:45PM The Fifes & Drums of Yorktown
Wednesdays 4:45PM The Fifes & Drums of Yorktown
Thursdays 7-9:30PM Sounds of Summer Concerts

*Double check schedules here

Summertime Events:
May 25-July 1 Food & Wine Festival at Busch Gardens

June 9-10 Artillery Through the Ages at the American Revolution Museum in Yorktown

June 22-23 Bruce Hornsby’s Funhouse Festival in Williamsburg

July 4 Yorktown Independence Day Celebration is a free, fun, family-friendly event for your whole clan! Complete with races, a patriotic parade, a concert of live music and last but not least…. A beautiful fireworks display.

Various Dates Throughout July + August Inside James Fort: The Powhatan Indians at Historic Jamestown

July 26 Blacksmith Demonstration at Historic Jamestown

Tuesdays August 7-29 Military Band Concert Series. This series is always an enjoyable time full of inspirational and patriotic music!

August 25 National Park Service Birthday — free admission for everyone to Colonial National Historic Park!

Which events will you be here for this summer? Let us know on our Facebook page!