Virginia has developed a reputation for its unpredictable weather, especially in the winter and spring months. One day, we are being blanketed in snow and the next, the sun shines on a lovely mid-sixties afternoon. (Ahem… this actually happened last week.)

Just because the weather’s mood is changing from a lion to a lamb & back day to day, doesn’t mean the mood of your vacation has to change with it! We have devised a list of activities that are perfect for a rainy spring day.

Take the Battlefield Driving Tour

The Hornsby House is happy to loan you a Guided Tour of the Yorktown Battlefields on CD, narrated by generals from both sides explaining to you exactly what happened during the Battle of Yorktown in the area as you drive through it. We highly recommend this interesting tour, as it will give you a unique and realistic perspective of the monumental battle that saw the end of the American Revolution and the beginning of America’s independence.

Go Antiquing

The surrounding area of Yorktown has an amazing number of cool shops and antique stores with the most unique things – you never know what you could find. Head down 17 and stumble along hidden treasures like the Cozy Cottage, or cross the bridge to Gloucester to see what you can find!

Take a Lesson

There’s something about learning a new skill away from your normal life that amplifies the experience. These classes are purely for fun, and who knows? Maybe they’ll spark in you a passion for the arts!

Take a painting class On The Hill Gallery.

Learn to swing dance at the Watermen’s Museum.

Take Your Time at the Museums

Sometimes when the weather is beautiful, you’ll find yourself rushing through the museum just so you can get back outside to spend time in the sunshine. Take advantage of a rainy day and take your time as you move through the multiple amazing history & art museums in our area – you may learn something you would’ve otherwise missed! We recommend visiting:

American Revolution Museum 

Jamestowne Archearium

Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum

3/10 Riverwalk Restaurant’s Wine Expo

Here’s your chance to sample over 50 different wines with the gorgeous view of the York River as a backdrop. Details here.

3/17 St. Patrick’s Day Party

If you’re visiting us in Yorktown over St. Patrick’s Day weekend… you’re in luck! Water Street Grille in holding a  St Patrick’s Day party including Irish food specials and great craft beer.

3/17 -18 Military through the Ages at Jamestown is a tradition in the Historic Area that is definitely not to be missed if you’re in town. Come to Jamestown to find interpreters reenacting what life was like during battles and wars spanning centuries… there’s truly nothing like it.  

3/19 Watermens Museum Swing Dance

Every third Monday in the Carriage House, there is a lesson for beginners and seasoned dancers, followed by a full blown swing dance! See if you remember those old steps. 7:30 – 8 PM for instructions and 8 – 10 PM dancing!

3/25 Lecture ‘World War I on the Virginia Peninsula’ at York Hall

Mr. Moore, the curator at Lee Hall Mansion & Endview Plantation, will provide an overview of the First World War (1914-1918) at York Hall as this year marks the 100th anniversary of its ending.

3/30 Pirate Adventure Cruises Returning

A family friendly program to immerse yourself in the lives of pirates who lived and sailed on the seas centuries ago!

4/1 Riverwalk Restaurant’s Easter Buffet

Celebrate Easter weekend with a delicious Sunday lunch or dinner buffet at the Riverwalk Restaurant. We recommend reservations!

4/7 Hops and Hogs Beer Festival

There’s not much better than good people, smoked pork, libations and live music. This fest has it all at the Watermen’s Museum!

4/12 National Park Service Civil War Weekend

“Programs will include a military encampment along with infantry and artillery firing demonstrations, and costumed guided tours at the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center. Special exhibits will be featured at the York County Historical Museum at York Hall, and Riverwalk Landing.” Find out more details here! 

4/12-4/15 Smoke on the River: Yorktown Civil War Weekend

Many don’t know about the part Yorktown played in the American Civil War. Civil War themed guided tours will be held about the Battle of Yorktown in 1862 this weekend.

4/21 7th Annual Sister Cities French Market

This is a favorite tradition of the village, and definitely a celebration to join if you can make it! Celebrate the spirit of the Saturday market in Port-Vendres, Yorktown’s sister city since 1990.

4/21 Williamsburg Taste Festival – Dock to Dish Dinner at Riverwalk Restaurant

Riverwalk Restaurant is participating in this delicious Williamsburg festival with dinner inspired by local seafood and the watermen that bring it ashore! Find details about the 4 course meal here.

4/28 Pirates Invade Yorktown

Step back into the Golden Age of Piracy with scallywags and seafaring interpreters on Riverwalk Landing – fun for the whole family!

4/28 An Afternoon of Cultural Cuisine, American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

Experience southern cuisine at its finest at the American Revolution Museum with Michael W. Twitty, African American-Jewish culinary historian and author.

5/4 Mr Jefferson’s Palace Garden Party at Colonial Williamsburg

Dancing, libations and a concert y a renowned Broadway star! Be a part of the party. 

5/5 Blues, Brews, and BBQ Festival

Sample more than 25 different craft beers, dig into some amazing BBQ, and listen as some of the best Blues musicians in Hampton Roads take the stage at Riverwalk Landing.

5/6  Art at the River Juried Art Show

Peruse the work of dozens of local artists at the fifth annual Juried Art Show on the river.

Which events will you be able to attend? Call us to make your reservations now! 

In lieu of Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we just had to put together a few locations and activities that set the scene for a perfect romantic getaway for you and your loved one here in Yorktown.

The Romantic Dinner 

• There is no doubt that the riverfront is the perfect backdrop when it comes to romance. The Riverwalk Restaurant boasts truly incredible fare in an ideal open atmosphere, with front-seat views of the York River and the George P. Coleman bridge (a beautiful sight when lit at night). Sit indoors if it’s chilly, or outside on the patio right beside the river! 

Picturesque Backgrounds

• Yorktown Beach and the rest of the Historic Parkway beaches offer gorgeous natural scenery, often untouched and unpopulated year-round. It is easy to find a secluded spot for a picnic or a walk along the water.
• The ruins original church at Jamestown Settlement have withstood the elements for almost four centuries, and the space, which is open to the public, holds a very special energy within its walls. Many a wedding (and a proposal!) have happened at the church. Just look at that view!

Romantic Adventures

• Take a sunset cruise on the York River: Is there anything more romantic than a sunset cruise? While you scan the water for dolphins and osprey as you glide along the shores of the York River, you will cruise past the Victory Monument and Battlefield where our country won its independence. Click here for more details and to set up your adventure!

• Spend an afternoon at the Williamsburg Winery: after an incredible lunch at Gabriel Archer Tavern   on the winery grounds, enjoy a tasting of some of Virginia’s finest wine around.

Relax

• Here at the Hornsby House, you need not go out to find relaxation – In our on site carriage house, we offer spa services. You and your significant other can enjoy a variety of professional massages, facial therapies and a sauna.

Tying the Knot

With the beautiful weather comes the season for saying I Do! Whether you are in need of lodging for the wedding night, for your wedding party, for the honeymoon, or for all of this PLUS a wedding venue, then look no farther! View our various Wedding Packages right here.

Are you ready to book your stay? Call us with questions, or browse our reservation page for availability! Happy Valentine’s week!

Though it may surprise you, winter is the PERFECT time to make a getaway to our quaint, quiet, picturesque town. We’ve devised an hour-by-hour guide to the perfect winter day in Historic Yorktown just for you!

7:20AM Sunrise (Sleep in a little… you’re on vacation!)

9AM Wake up to a fresh, warm home-made breakfast around a community table.  

10AM Go on a morning drive and take your own Yorktown Battlefields Tour – we have a CD of a fabulous guided tour, narrated from the perspectives of the military on both sides of the war that we lend to guests for the day. Ask us about it!

11AM While you’re driving, why not continue on for a bit and see more of the Historic Triangle’s beautiful landscape? Take a ride on the Colonial Parkway and soak in the sights for both the James and York Rivers.

12PM As you’re close to Jamestown, you absolutely must visit the Archaerium at Historic Jamestowne, home to over 4,000 artifacts on vivid display. 

1PM There is no better lunch in our town than lunch at the Carrot Tree, just a few blocks away. A staple in our community for years, the food is delicious, as is the carrot cake! 

2PM Time to work off that carrot cake – with a bit of shopping! Whether you’re looking for yourself, wanting to find souvenirs to bring back home, or even shopping for the next holiday (we admire you), you’ll find what you’re looking for in the array of unique shops in our area. Some that we recommend popping into are The Black Dog Gallery, Auntie M’s American Cottage, and The Yorktown Onion.  

3PM The Yorktown Bookshop needs a whole hour itself to perouse the isles of this unassuming gem. You’ll find countless treasures in this used bookstore – and winter is the perfect time to catch up on reading.

4PM Stop by the American Revolution Museum. The museum really deserves at least a half-day on its own, but you can get a quick scope of everything in an hour and plan on what you want to come back to spend more time on tomorrow. 

5PM Join us for Wine & Cheese Hour back at the Inn as we tell the great stories and history of Yorktown, its famous battle, and of the Hornsby family’s own history in the town. There’s nothing like good people and good conversation to warm you right up!

6PM Sit down for a lovely dinner at the Water Street Grille. With an extensive, family friendly menu, everyone will be walking out satisfied! (Might we recommend the Whole Lobster Mac? Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like!) Browse the menu here.

7PM Switch spots and grab some incredible dessert at Riverwalk Restaurant right next door. Some of the options: Bailey’s Chocolate Chip Cheesecake, Gelato, Double & Chocolate Decadence. 

8PM Take out that book you got at the bookstore earlier, pick a good place by our fireplace, and get cozy!

Is a winter vacation sounding better and better to you right about now? We certainly hope so! If you’re ready to book your stay, simply visit our reservations page or call us today!

Frequently, the Hornsby House plays host to groups of people who have come together for a few days with a distinct purpose – to reunite after months or years of being apart, to converse late into the night about their lives or their passions, to escape their everyday lives and come together in a safe haven of nostalgia and comforting surroundings.

Sometimes, the group is made up of siblings. Recently, some sisters stayed at the inn for an entire week. Exploring the historic triangle by day and surveying the wonderful restaurants on River Street at night, the sisters explained that they each lived in a different corner of the country, but that every single year, they came together in a different spot to spend time together and catch up.

Sometimes the group is comprised of old friends. A few months ago, the inn was filled with music from the living room piano every evening for a week. A group of retired music teachers had come to celebrate their friendship and lives in music, which they have done every single year for decades.

Sometimes the group is people who find themselves united by a common cause or passion. The American Friends of Lafayette stayed with us this year, and it was truly a treat to see the appreciation that these guests possessed for history itself and for one of the greatest historical figures of this area (okay, so we may be a bit biased)!

Though they can seem like the busiest times, the holidays provide an opportunity to slow down and reflect on the important things in life. Certainly communion with friends and family is at the top of the essentials list. This task just happens to go perfectly with a cup of tea, a cozy fireplace, and picturesque paths through wide open fields – lucky us!

Who are the people in your life who you need to catch up with? This season, we hope that you get the chance, and if we can play a part in hosting your happy reunion, please give us a call.