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.

Here are some of the holiday happenings we are most looking forward to this upcoming season!

Market Days: The Farmers Market on Riverwalk Landing is a weekly event (happening every Saturday) that you don’t want to miss!

Watermen’s Museum Swing Dances: These happen the third Monday of every month and include a dance lesson – learn some new moves, or freshen up your old ones!

11/2 Whisky Dinner at Water Street Grille: one of our favorite Yorktown restaurants will be putting on a delicious one-night event featuring High West Whisky along with a four course meal.

11/4 Williamsburg Harvest Celebration Chowder Fest: This has become a Triangle area tradition. Taste dozens of chowders from the best local restaurants, and vote for your favorite one! Live music, fun crowd, and libations make the evening even more fun.

11/11 Wine Expo at Riverwalk Restaurant: Over 50 different wines + fabulous hors d’oeuvre + benefiting Boys & Girls Club… what’s not to love?

11/18 Holiday Open House Weekend: This is a wonderful time to explore the businesses you haven’t had the chance to in Historic Yorktown. There will be special events going on, as well as holiday sales, and much more.

11/23 Food & Feasts of Colonial Virginia: Enrich your Thanksgiving holiday by coming to Jamestown & Yorktown and learning what life would have been like (and how food was gathered and prepared) during the very first Thanksgiving.

12/1-31 “A Colonial Christmas” at Jamestown Settlement: This program will give you insight into just how different – and similar – the Christmas experience was centuries ago compared to today’s. https://www.historyisfun.org/jamestown-settlement/a-colonial-christmas/

12/1 Christmas Tree Lighting: This glowing event has been happening since 1945 and is a must-do for your Yorktown holiday adventures. Includes Fifes and Drums of York Town at the Victory Monument, festive music at Riverwalk Landing, the procession of lights through the historic village, and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus.

12/2 Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade: Yes, it is exactly what it sounds like – countless boats are decked out with holiday lights and parade through the waterfront, competing for Best In Show!

12/3 Colonial Williamsburg’s Grand Illumination: One of our area’s most popular holiday events, the Illumination features the Colonial Williamsburg Fife and Drum Corps, other live bands, special programs, and one of the best fireworks displays you’ll ever see!

12/15 Toyland Parade: The Fife and Drum Corps will lead this parade around the neighborhood; Santa and Mrs. Clause will be there, and anyone can participate!

12/15-16 “At Christmas Be Merrie”: Bring your loved ones and travel back to the days of yore with music, dancing, card playing, and singing at the Nelson House!

12/17 Liberty’s Ice Pavilion in Colonial Williamsburg’s Merchants Square: Ice Skating begins this day from 10AM – 10 PM every day! Rentals available.

12/24 Christmas Eve

12/25 Christmas Day

1/1 New Year’s Day

What are you most looking forward to in Yorktown this winter? Tell us below!

It is true – no matter where you are, or what you do, there are steps you can take to reduce the footprint we are leaving on the earth and to live as environmentally responsibly as we can. And though it’s sometimes overlooked, this mindset should be extending into the tourism and hospitality industries as well.

The great thing is, we don’t have to change our whole lives to make a change toward the environment – there are small decisions that can be made every day that will have a monumental impact. 

In this post, Jeanette, one of the innkeepers, will explain a bit about the compost that the Hornsby House Inn recently created – she’ll cover WHAT exactly is put into our compost, WHY composting is so beneficial, and what YOU can do to begin your own composting.

What inspired the Hornsby House Inn to begin composting? What exactly do you/can you compost?

As we enjoy these dog days of summer, we can’t help but to be excited for the Autumn season rolling right around the corner and all the exciting events coming with it! If you need an excuse to plan your visit to Yorktown this fall, look no further – we have a whole slew of them for you to choose from below.

Weekly Happenings: 

Rhythms on the Riverwalk Concert Series: Come see live jazz & country music outside on Riverwalk Landing for free on Fridays! See lineup here.

Yorktown Market Days – Every Saturday (except 10/1) until October 29th.

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9/2 “Before the Siege: The British Army in Yorktown” – step back in time as reenactors take over the town to educate you on exactly how life was for the British forces under General Cornwallis before the siege began.

9/16 Oyster Roast at Watermen’s Museum – this celebration is a yearly tradition complete with all-you-can-eat fresh, local oysters and lovely locals.

9/23 Watermen’s Museum Folk Festival – this is a free festival bringing together a cacophony of exceptional local folk musicians.

9/24 Yorktown Art Stroll – we are fortunate to have so many artists in and around our little town, and this is your chance to mosey down Riverwalk Landing and peruse all their wonderful art in one spot! 

*9/30 Public Lands Day (Historic Jamestowne and Yorktown Battlefield)

10/7 Yorktown Wine Festival – Taking place on Riverwalk Landing, this event will have you tasting wines from Virginia and around the world! Live music, great food, AND wine? Yes please!

10/14 Yorktown Market Days and Fall Festival Celebration – adds a little bit of fall influence to the regular Market Day with hayrides, face painting, children’s games and activities, pumpkins and mums. 

10/14 York River Maritime Heritage Festival – you’ll meet reenactors, sing sea shanties, make crafts and more at the Watermen’s Museum. 

10/14-15 Yorktown Victory Weekend Celebration – This is always an exciting (and busy) weekend complete with the Fifes and Drums of Yorktown! Truly a special time to be in Yorktown.

10/15 Reenactment Play of the York Town Tea Party of 1774 on the Riverwalk Landing. 

10/19 Yorktown Day – the 236th anniversary of the Battle of Yorktown, at which Cornwallis surrendered, ending the American Revolution!

*11/11 Veterans Day (Historic Jamestowne and Yorktown Battlefield)

11/11 Watermen’s Museum Chilli Cookoff – do you love chilli? Here’s your chance to sample multiple kinds and styles while playing judge for the chefs!

11/23 Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia – an interesting and informative weekend of displaying all the things you didn’t know (and may have wondered) about food in the 17th and 17th centuries.

11/23 Thanksgiving – one of our favorite holidays, as we always have a full house of guests to enjoy a Thanksgiving Dinner with! 

*Free entrance to National Parks and other Federal sites throughout the country.

Which events will you make it to? Let us know!

There is no doubt that Historic Williamsburg is the largest and busiest of the three Historic Area towns. When it comes to planning where to stay on your visit, however, sometimes bigger and busier is not always better!

Many of our guests come with the plan to visit all three points of the Historic Triangle – Yorktown, Jamestown and Williamsburg – and quickly come to discover that staying in Yorktown versus Williamsburg has a few significant advantages.

1. “Colonial” Yorktown is quieter & less congested, while remaining easily accessible to both Williamsburg & Jamestown – we recommend taking the picturesque 20 minute drive along the Colonial Parkway (connecting all three areas), which boasts spectacular views of both the York & the James Rivers.

2. Your hosts at the Hornsby House are natives of the area and routinely give advice to visitors on how to better spend their time at all three places, taking your trip from a normal tourist experience to a truly memorable visit with a deeper appreciation for the area.

3. Staying at the Inn also has its perks – we are happy to provide you with discounts on certain restaurants close to us as well as particular passes for parts of the historic area!

For those of you who are visiting the Historic Area for the first time and aren’t sure where exactly to stay, the Hornsby House Inn at Yorktown provides the perfect home-base for you, whether you are seeking adventure & exploration or a private romantic getaway. It also places you just minutes away from the newly expanded, state-of-the-art American Revolution Museum where you can learn more about birthplace of our nation.

For those who have visited the Historic Area but have not stayed in Yorktown – this is your chance to experience the area with a fresh new perspective. 

Enjoy the peace, charm, restaurants, shops, waterfront, battlefields, and the historic Main Street of the village where our liberty from the British was won in 1781.

Experience the flavor of three generations of hospitality in a Georgian style family home built by the Innkeepers’ grandfather in 1931 right on Main Street with a lovely view of the Monument and the York River from your bedroom window. Relax and unwind in our comfortable yet elegant rooms containing many of the original antiques acquired by David and Phil’s grandmother.

We cannot believe it is almost July – this summer is flying! In this post, we wanted to highlight some great reasons why Yorktown is the perfect place for you and your loved ones to celebrate Independence Day. The 4th of July falls on a Tuesday this year. Why not take a day off, steal away from real life for a few hours in scenic Yorktown?

And, really, what better place to celebrate the birth of our country than the spot where our independence began?

In Yorktown, not only are you surrounded by the rich and significant history of the area, but you also have access to all the traditional American activities we celebrate the 4th of July with! Every great Independence Day needs:

Beach time: The Hornsby House is a five minute walk to Yorktown Beach on the York River, a beautiful family friendly area to swim, sunbathe, picnic, and enjoy the day with friends & family!

American food: Everybody loves a good old BBQ or Hot Dog on Independence Day. Enjoy your traditional American fare, with fresh seafood options, at the Yorktown Pub right across the lane from the beach.

Or, you can splurge a bit and Try out Riverwalk Restaurant or Water Street Grille, right on the Riverwalk. Sip a refreshing cocktail and munch on delicious food out on the back terrace with a gorgeous view of the river.

Wherever you choose to spend your all-American meal, be sure to stop by Ben & Jerry’s to get a big ol’ scoop of ice cream for dessert!

Parade: There is something nostalgic about parades on holidays – and the 4th is no exception! The Yorktown parade will begin at 9AM through Water & Main Streets (passing right by us!)

Liberty Bell: The “Sounds of Liberty Bell” Ringing Ceremony will happen at 7PM on the Riverwalk Landing Stage. Let freedom ring!

Music: The US Army Training and Doctrine Command Band will be serenading its audience with traditional, moving, & patriotic music sure to make your 4th of July celebrations unforgettable. Happening at 8PM on Riverwalk Landing Stage.

Fireworks: No Independence Day is complete without celebrations culminating into a spectacular Fireworks show! You’ll Oooo and ahhh at the Yorktown Fireworks show over the beautiful York River at 9:15PM!

Wherever you are this Independence Day, we hope you have a wonderful day celebrating our country – the “great experiment”, the land of the free, the home of the brave!

*** Our rooms fill up fast on holidays, so be sure to book as far in advance as possible for your next visit! ***