As a VENUE: Host your event…
Hosted in History. Whether you’re hosting an elaborate gala, a fun family gathering, or an intimate get-together, one thing is certain—your guests will be talking about your event in the heart of historic Williamsburg long after they depart. Twenty distinctive spaces are available:
- Williamsburg Lodge: The charming warmth of folk art furnishings, leather sofas, and lantern-lined hallways sets the stage for your next successful event in Colonial Williamsburg. From corporate meetings and conferences to family reunions, the Lodge is one of our most versatile venues.
- Capacity: 1,300 guests / 323 guest rooms
- 45,000 Square Feet
- Williamsburg Inn: Luxurious Regency-style décor creates an elegant backdrop for your next event in Colonial Williamsburg. Timeless, but with every modern amenity expected, the Williamsburg Inn is the ideal location to host your next meeting or conference.
- Capacity: 190 guests / 62 guest rooms
- 6,500 Square Feet
- Griffin Hotel: Treat your guests to a relaxing retreat at a venue that embraces Williamsburg’s stunning natural beauty. Get inspired for that next big idea, and enjoy access to world-class dining, and golf and spa amenities at the Griffin Hotel.
- Capacity: 80 guests
- 5,000 Square Feet
- Virginia Room: See for yourself why the Virginia Room is the most requested ballroom in Colonial Williamsburg. Awash in natural light, impress up to 600 guests with standout details such as sixteen-foot-high ceilings, six decorative balconies, and a welcoming foyer. Use of this event space also includes access to the lush Virginia Lawn.
- Capacity: 600 guests
- 10,000 Square Feet
- Colony Room: More intimate than the Virginia Room, but still with 7,000 square feet of function space, the Colony Room is a versatile venue that also offers a foyer area and outdoor space with the adjacent Colony Terrace.
- Capacity: 300 guests
- 7,000 Square Feet
- Virginia Lawn: With sweeping views of the iconic Colonial Parkway, the Virginia Lawn is an elegant extension of the Virginia Ballroom at the Williamsburg Lodge. Host large receptions, tented gatherings, and team-building activities in this lush space surrounded by shady, mature trees.
- Capacity: 600 guests
- 12,600 Square Feet
- Regency Dining Room: Impressive, luxurious, and exclusive, the Regency Dining Room represents the height of elegance and sophistication at Colonial Williamsburg. With an outdoor terrace overlooking the iconic Gold golf course and a built-in dance floor to liven up any celebration, the Regency Room elevates events to unforgettable occasions.
- The East Lounge: Entertain up to 75 guests surrounded by timeless Regency-style elegance at the Williamsburg Inn. This impressive venue also includes the use of the exceptional Queen’s Terrace and surrounding lawn.
- The Social Terrace: The Social Terrace is a new patio extension to the Williamsburg Inn’s main lobby and provides 7,000 square feet of premier outdoor space. Gather around the bar, settle in to one of many unique seating areas, and enjoy the sounds of a gorgeous water feature and views of the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club.
- The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg:
- Fountain Garden: Mature planted greenery and a brick walkway surround a sparkling pond and elegant fountain water feature to create an intimate outdoor oasis. Adjacent to the Spa of Colonial Williamsburg, the Fountain Garden is perfect for receptions and cocktail events.
- Capacity: 200 guests
- 3,700 Square Feet
- Tab / Oval Garden: Secluded and spacious, the Oval Garden can easily accommodate large outdoor functions and weddings. Enjoy an elegant tented meal set between our two signature hotel properties—the Williamsburg Inn and Williamsburg Lodge.
- Capacity: 800 guests
- 14,700 Square Feet
- Shield’s Tavern: Attract your attendees with the historic ambience of Shields Tavern at Colonial Williamsburg Resorts. Feast on southern staple foods where nation builders crafted the future of America or come together with your team inside or outside with our tavern rental services. Your guests can enjoy interactive dining experiences for all types of corporate and celebratory events, or they can decompress in the tranquil outside garden during leisurely meeting moments. When it comes to building connections with your group, there’s no better place than this spacious, yet intimate venue.
- Shields Tavern Pavillion:
- Bassett Hall: Home to philanthropist John D. Rockefeller, Jr. and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, Basset Hall has been preserved to their original tastes, and tells the intimate story of a couple’s wish for a relaxing retreat. Entertain guests on grounds that include manicured gardens and rolling woodlands.
- Governor’s Palace Gardens: Give your guests the royal treatment: Once home to both royal and elected governors of Virginia, the Palace and surrounding grounds exude British Colonial splendor. Step through ornate wrought iron gates, get lost in elaborate gardens and gather up to 400 guests for an unforgettable event experience only Colonial Williamsburg can deliver.
- Queen’s Terrace: Stately and elegant, set your event on the Queen’s Terrace against the backdrop of Colonial Williamsburg’s award-winning Gold golf course. This eye-catching terrace leads to special event lawn adorned with a wedding pergola—creating the perfect setting for an outdoor ceremony.
- Fountain Garden: Mature planted greenery and a brick walkway surround a sparkling pond and elegant fountain water feature to create an intimate outdoor oasis. Adjacent to the Spa of Colonial Williamsburg, the Fountain Garden is perfect for receptions and cocktail events.
- Capacity: 200 guests
- 3,700 Square Feet
- Gold Course Club House: The Golden Horseshoe Club’s Green and Gold clubhouses are ideal venues for gatherings and events. Surrounded by lush landscapes, each features versatile spaces, exceptional service, and modern amenities. Host meetings, weddings, or celebrations amidst the beautiful backdrop of these championship courses.
- Green Course Club House:
Support Colonial Williamsburg… by simply booking your next special occasion here:
https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/gather/planning-resources/
As a SHOP: Discover unique gifts…
Welcome to the official retail stores of Colonial Williamsburg! Our 13 retail stores and online shop are the only authorized sellers of Colonial Williamsburg merchandise. When you purchase WILLIAMSBURG and Craft & Forge products and shop at official Colonial Williamsburg retail stores, a portion of each sale supports the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s educational programming, preservation, and ongoing research. Shop with us in person or online now to support our mission. Thank you! Merchandise is cataloged within these collections: * America 250th Anniversary Collectibles & Souvenirs * 18th Century Goods * Art & Collectibles * Bath & Spa *Books & Media * Clothing & Accessories * Crafts & Sewing * Food & Drinks * For the Home * Jewelry * Seasonal Decorations * Toys & Games * Shop by Collection * New Arrivals, and * LAST CHANCE.
- Brick & Vine: Brick & Vine is the flagship WILLIAMSBURG brand store of The Shops at Colonial Williamsburg, the official retail shops of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. The store is located in Merchants Square next to Illy Caffé at 431 W. Duke of Gloucester St. in downtown Williamsburg, Virginia. We are open 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Brick & Vine’s merchandise includes WILLIAMSBURG brand home décor, furnishings, and refined accents that are inspired by the best design ideas of the past reimagined and interpreted for today. Customers will also find exclusive gourmet food, craft beer, and wine, and jewelry, collectibles, and seasonal decorations.
- Colonial Williamsburg Bookstore: A new chapter for publications of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation has begun with the opening of a Merchants Square bookstore dedicated to the Foundation’s titles, the Colonial Williamsburg Bookstore. More than 50 Colonial Williamsburg titles are available at the Colonial Williamsburg Bookstore. Selections include perennially popular titles such as Restoring Williamsburg, a lavishly illustrated volume that expands upon the story of restoration efforts that was first documented in Williamsburg: Before and After. Visitors to the store will also find old favorites, including The Williamsburg Cookbook and Williamsburg: The Art of Cookery, and new favorites, such as Ghosts Amongst Us and Hauntings. Books written by historians whose articles have appeared in Colonial Williamsburg’s magazine Trend & Tradition are also available at the store, along with early American history books from such Colonial Williamsburg publishing partners as the Omohundro Institute, University of Virginia Press, University of North Carolina Press and Yale University Press. The store also carries books affiliated with other museums, including Mount Vernon, Monticello and the Museum of the American Revolution.The store includes cozy chairs, sofas, and tables – relax and unwind while discovering your next great read from Williamsburg!
- Everything Williamsburg: Everything Williamsburg features exclusive Colonial Williamsburg logo apparel, gifts, toys, books, gourmet foods, and other official souvenir merchandise. Grab a gift for family and friends or something for yourself to remind you of your trip to the colonial capital. Everything Williamsburg is an official retail store of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
- Golden Ball: Fashionable, one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry, including traditionally-made accouterments created by our very own silversmiths just next door. Choose from earrings, pendants, charms, precious gemstone rings, and more. Engraving is available. Relish knowing that these items will soon be family heirlooms.
- Golden Horseshoe Clubhouse and Golf Pro Shop – Gold Course: Swing by the Golden Horseshoe Gold Course Pro Shop, where top golf brands and exclusive logo merchandise await! Elevate your game with the latest clubs, gear, and apparel from the best in the industry. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your equipment or sport our iconic logo, we’ve got something for every golfer. Don’t miss out on unique finds and quality essentials that will keep you at the top of your game both on and off the course!
- Golden Horseshoe Clubhouse and Golf Pro Shop – Green Course: Our pro shop provides professional-grade golf equipment for players of all skill levels. We stock a comprehensive selection of premium golf balls, precision gloves, high-quality tees, and advanced club options from leading manufacturers to support optimal performance on the course.
- John Greenhow Store: Purchase fine imported porcelain, leather, pewter and tinware, food and drink, toiletries, and other essentials for your stroll through the Historic Area. Bring eighteenth-century charm into your kitchen with replica dinnerware. You’ll find tavern ware from the King’s Arms, Shields, Chowning’s, and Christiana Campbell’s Taverns. The shop also offers food, kitchen accessories, and floor coverings.
- Merchants Square: At Merchants Square, there is always something to do! Our seasonal events schedule features outdoor concerts, sidewalk sales, a farmers market, and more.
- Museum Store: After discovering treasures from centuries past in The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, stop by the Museum Gift Shop to pick up a treasure of your own! Select from unique jewelry, books, reproductions, crafts, and more. Handmade pottery, glassware, and framed prints inspired by the museum’s folk art collection are special finds.
- Prentis Store: The Prentis Store showcases wares constructed using techniques of the 18th century. Available items include handcrafted leather goods, iron hardware, tools, reproduction furniture, pottery, writing instruments, and Native American crafts. Papers, ink, and seals are also available at Prentis Store.
- Tarpley, Thompson & Company Store: Your journey into 18th-century fashion starts at Tarpley, Thompson & Company store! Outfit the entire family with ready-made coats, waistcoats, breeches, petticoats, short gowns, cloaks, mitts, caps, beautifully decorated straw hats and more —all made in Williamsburg. Complete your look with fashionable jewelry and accessories.
- William Pitt Store: Head to the William Pitt store to discover the historic games and toys that have delighted children and families for centuries, including wood games, dolls, miniature tea sets, and musical instruments. You will also find Colonial Williamsburg logo apparel and souvenirs for the whole family. Need a cold drink and a snack? Recharge with cold water, soft drinks, snacks, and candy before resuming your tour of the historic area.
- Williamsburg Inn Regency Gift Shop: The Regency Gift Shop at the Williamsburg Inn offers fine jewelry, home accents, personal items, locally made art, exclusive Williamsburg Inn keepsakes, and other specially curated merchandise inspired by the Inn’s Regency-era décor. Featured brands include Anatoli jewelry, Chelsea House home accents, Mottahedeh fine porcelain, local Williamsburg artist Nino Galoppo, and luxury personal accessories from Penhaligon’s of London. Convenience items to make guests’ stay more enjoyable, such as cold drinks and gourmet snacks, are also sold at the store.
- Williamsburg Lodge Gift Shop: Behold a Piece of Authentic American Artistry – An assortment of eclectic gifts, jewelry, toys, and American-made folk art are a specialty of this unique gift shop. Forget something? Food, beverages, and sundries are also available.
- Williamsburg Revolutions Store: Featuring: * A large selection of books * Maps and art prints * Tavern-themed merchandise * Beer, wine, and gourmet foods * Colonial Williamsburg holiday favorites and seasonal decorations * Exclusive gifts, soaps and home fragrance * A candy shop for kids * Nation Builders souvenirs, * Plus, more new * products you will love!
Support Colonial Williamsburg… by simply purchasing your speciality merchandise here:
https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/visit/explore/shops/
As an EATERY: Food for thought…
Once you have satisfied your curiosity in the museums, take time to satisfy your thirst and appetite. The Art Museum Café offers guests both indoor and outdoor dining options, weather permitting. The menu features a delectable array of sandwiches, chili, salads, and soups (vegetarian options also available) as well as teas, coffee, tavern beers, and wine. Before heading to another exhibit, grab a quick cookie, muffin, or croissant.
- Chowning’s Cider Stand: Nestled beside Chowning’s Tavern, the Cider Stand offers a taste of colonial-inspired refreshments in a charming outdoor setting. Echoing the simplicity and warmth of 18th-century taverns, this inviting stop serves as a perfect place to pause and enjoy a crisp drink or a satisfying bite while strolling through Colonial Williamsburg. With its rustic appeal and historic ambiance, the stand provides a casual yet flavorful experience that complements the storied past of Chowning’s.
- Chowning’s Tavern Garden Bar: Tucked behind Chowning’s Tavern, Chowning’s Garden Bar offers a charming retreat that reflects the practical beauty of an 18th-century colonial garden. Designed with both function and aesthetics in mind, this hidden gem is the perfect spot to enjoy a quick, classic bite steeped in history. Whether you’re savoring a traditional dish inspired by colonial flavors or simply taking in the surroundings, Chowning’s Garden Bar offers a unique blend of history, flavor, and ambiance just steps from the tavern.
- Christiana Campbell’s Tavern: George Washington frequented Christiana Campbell’s Tavern for its exceptional seafood in the 18th century, and today, the tavern continues to be a gathering place for lively conversation and thoughtful discussion. Guests enjoy our historically inspired, locally sourced menu, featuring shrimp, scallops, fish, and our renowned crab cakes and spoon bread. Nestled beneath the tavern’s storied walls, “The Cellar” offers a rare opportunity to step back in time and immerse yourself in the convivial charm of Colonial Williamsburg. With its authentic 18th-century ambiance, The Cellar invites a select group of guests to indulge in artisanal light fare, perfectly paired with your chosen libations.We highly recommend making a reservation for Christiana Campbell’s Tavern, as seating is limited and demand is high. Arriving early will also enhance your experience and help you secure your place on this captivating journey through history.
- Dubois Grocer: Dubois Grocer is the perfect spot to pause and recharge during your visit to Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area. Conveniently located across from the Brickhouse Tavern, next to the Post Office and printer, this family-friendly stop offers a cozy atmosphere where you can take a break from the day’s adventures. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a refreshing drink, Dubois Grocer is here to help you refuel and continue exploring with renewed energy.
- Gold Course Clubhouse Grill: Unwind after a round on the famed Gold Course Clubhouse Grill with a refreshing drink at the Gold Course Bar, savor locally smoked Virginia BBQ with brisket, pork, chicken, and weekly specials, or enjoy scenic views of the 18th hole from the inviting outdoor terrace. The Gold Course Clubhouse Grill offers a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere with a menu that celebrates Virginia flavors, featuring a selection of appetizers, vegetarian dishes, burgers, fresh salads, and seasonal cobblers, all just minutes from the heart of Colonial Williamsburg Resorts. For convenient grab-and-go options, visit the downstairs Gold Course Bar for sandwiches, salads, and snacks.
- King’s Arms Tavern: Established by Jane Vobe in 1772, King’s Arms Tavern offers an immersive journey back to Colonial Williamsburg’s heyday. This authentic reproduction tavern recreates the elegance of the era, with servers dressed in period attire, dimly lit pewter candlesticks, and décor that echoes 18th-century charm. The menu is inspired by colonial recipes and refined for modern palates, some of our feature selections include prime rib and pork chops, blending historical authenticity with contemporary culinary flair for an unforgettable dining experience.
- McKenzie Apothecary: Located near the Governor’s Palace, McKenzie Apothecary is the perfect place to unwind while exploring Colonial Williamsburg. This charming stop offers a cozy atmosphere to relax and recharge with delicious treats, drinks, and baked goods. Whether you’re taking a break from touring or need a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, McKenzie Apothecary is the ideal spot to enjoy a moment of relaxation and experience a blend of history with a modern café vibe. McKenzie Apothecary’s menu features a delightful selection of beverages and snacks designed to satisfy every craving. Enjoy a cup of locally roasted Mobjack Coffee or choose from a variety of herbal teas from our Harney & Sons blends, and refreshing drinks. If you’re in the mood for something savory or sweet, the café offers an assortment of house-made pastries and satisfying snacks. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or relaxing with a hot beverage, McKenzie Apothecary is a must-stop.
- Merchants Square Dining: Enhance your Colonial Williamsburg experience at Merchants Square. From casual bites in a café to a sit-down chef-inspired meal, with 15 different dining options, Merchants Square is sure to have something for everyone.
- Eleva Coffee Lounge: Eleva delivers the ultimate craft coffee experience.
- Aromas Cafe: A specialty cafe offering fast-casual breakfast, lunch and dinner. Aromas offers a cozy environment for locals and tourists. Enjoy the lovely front and back patios.
- Baskin Robbins: Satisfy your sweet tooth with a mouth-watering variety of ice creams, milkshakes, smoothies, sundaes and frozen yogurt in Williamsburg.
- Berret’s Seafood Restaurant & Taphouse Grill: Fresh, regional seafood in Williamsburg. Berret’s has been voted “Best Seafood Restaurant” and “Best Crabcake” by locals.
- Blue Talon Bistro: Chef David Everett offers relaxed bistro dining, serving comfort food with flair at the Blue Talon Bistro in Colonial Williamsburg.
- The Cheese Shop: The Cheese Shop & Wine Cellar offers hundreds of imported and domestic cheeses, charcuterie, freshly baked breads, specialty foods, sandwiches and wines.
- DoG Street Pub: DoG Street Pub, the only gastropub on Duke of Gloucester Street. Offering a large craft beer menu and excellent food by Chef David Everett.
- Fat Canary & Downstairs at Fat Canary: Fat Canary, an award-winning fine dining restaurant and Downstairs at Fat Canary, a more casual and spontaneous dining experience.
- illy Caffe: Williamsburg’s European-style café serving world-famous illy coffee, breakfast, lunch, cocktails, wine, and desserts.
- Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers: Hand-tossed stone-baked pizzas in bold combinations. Wings, salads, burgers, hoagies, 30 draft beers, and hand-crafted cocktails. Gluten-free and vegan options.
- The Peanut Shop of Williamsburg: Our crisp, flavorful Hand-Cooked Virginia Peanuts are locally grown and roasted in the heart of peanut farmland south of the James River. A favorite with locals and visitors for over 50 years, the Peanut Shop of Williamsburg also features regional specialty foods, confections and gifts for entertaining. Stop by for a store full of samples and hospitality! OPEN DAILY.
- Precarious Beer Project: Precarious Beer Project, a modern brewing company focused on creating cutting-edge, progressive beers.
- Saladworks: Saladworks at Merchants Square offers signature salads and create-your-own options offering salads, soups, wraps and more.
- Secret Garden: Secret Garden café serves up ice cream, bubble tea, coffee and more. Enhancing the Colonial Williamsburg experience.
- Williamsburg Winery Tasting Room & Bar: Savor wine from the Williamsburg Winery in a flight or by the glass in their updated tasting room or charming outdoor wine garden.
- Museum Cafe: After immersing yourself in the captivating exhibits of Colonial Williamsburg’s museum, take a break and indulge your appetite at the Museum Café. Our thoughtfully curated menu offers something for everyone—from hearty soups and fresh salads to satisfying sandwiches and classic entrees. Whether you’re craving the rich warmth of Café Chili or the savory goodness of Elizabeth Powel’s Ham and Cheddar Melt, each dish reflects the care and quality of Colonial Williamsburg’s culinary heritage. Pair your meal with a refreshing glass of tavern beer or wine, or keep it light with one of our signature dishes. Families will find kid-friendly options designed to please even the youngest historians.
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Raleigh Tavern Bakery: Savor the flavors of Colonial Williamsburg at the Raleigh Tavern Bakery, a charming stop where delicious bites await. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick, satisfying sandwich, the irresistible taste of savory ham biscuits, or the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods, this bakery has something to please every palate. Each dish is crafted with care, offering a true taste of history, made fresh daily to keep you fueled during your visit. It’s the perfect place to relax, enjoy, and indulge in timeless treats.
- Restoration Bar at Williamsburg Inn: The Restoration Bar at the Williamsburg Inn combines casual refinement with luxurious ambiance, offering an exquisite selection of rare wines and premium spirits. Step into a setting that echoes the Inn’s timeless charm and sophistication, where relaxed elegance meets contemporary American classics. With open seating and an inviting atmosphere, The Restoration Bar is a perfect destination to savor creative cuisine and hand-crafted cocktails, all while unwinding in an environment of refined comfort.
- Shields Tavern: Taverns were central to 18th-century life, serving as gathering places for locals and travelers alike. Guests paid a set fee for a meal and often shared communal sleeping arrangements. Shields Tavern, originally operated by Jean Marot in 1709, later came under the management of his daughter Anne and her husband James Shields. By 1750, it was one of Williamsburg’s seven licensed taverns, catering to the lesser gentry and upper middling ranks with food, drink, and entertainment. Today, Shields Tavern continues this tradition with the Groaning Board menu a historically accurate family-style service, where guests enjoy a lively, communal dining experience reminiscent of 18th-century tavern hospitality.
- Sweet Tea & Barley: Immerse yourself in the welcoming charm and bold flavors of Sweet Tea & Barley, the cornerstone of casual dining at the Williamsburg Lodge. As you step inside, you’re greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements the rich culinary heritage of the South. Here, Southern traditions are artfully blended with creative twists, resulting in a menu that feels both comforting and innovative. Our chefs take great pride in crafting dishes that not only showcase the time-honored recipes of the South but also incorporate modern techniques and fresh, seasonal ingredients. From crisp, refreshing salads to indulgent pub bites and hearty sandwiches, every dish is made with the utmost care and attention to detail.
- Terrace & Goodwin Rooms at Williamsburg Inn: Relaxed yet luxurious, the Terrace Room at The Williamsburg Inn offers an elegant dining experience that celebrates the flavors of Virginia’s coast and countryside. Mornings begin with thoughtfully crafted dishes showcasing local ingredients and seasonal inspiration — from Sweet Potato Rösti with smoked trout and dill crème fraîche to Avocado Toast with crispy prosciutto or the indulgent Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Flapjacks. Guests enjoy a refined yet comforting start to the day, where every plate reflects the artistry of Southern hospitality. As the day transitions into evening, the menu transforms to highlight modern interpretations of classic Tidewater cuisine. The dinner experience features signature selections such as the Herbed Faroe Island Salmon with roasted tomato broth, Marinated Hanger Steak with Café de Paris butter, and the indulgent Seafood Mac and Cheese with lobster, shrimp, and lump crab. Guests can also savor lighter fare like the Autumn Beet Salad or Griddled Green Tomatoes, perfectly complemented by curated wine and cocktail pairings, including the Rockefeller Manhattan and The Inn’s G&T.
- The Cupboard Grab & Go: Welcome to The Cupboard our favorite grab-and-go breakfast option at the Williamsburg Lodge! Start your day with our hot breakfast choices, including the hearty Surry Sausage Breakfast Burrito packed with scrambled eggs, Surry sausage, roasted red peppers, onions, pepper jack cheese, and red pepper aioli. Whether you’re in a rush or taking a leisurely morning, our breakfast menu has something for everyone. Visit us at the Williamsburg Lodge for your daily dose of deliciousness and convenience.
- The Social Terrace: Experience an elevated outdoor escape at the Social Terrace, located at the iconic Williamsburg Inn (weather permitting). Blending relaxed luxury with exceptional service, the Social Terrace offers hand-crafted cocktails and a menu of inventive dishes alongside beloved favorites. Gather with friends and family on the spacious patio, where you can unwind to the sounds of a tranquil water feature and take in sweeping views of the Golden Horseshoe Golf Course for a premier al fresco dining experience.
- Traditions at Williamsburg Lodge: Join us daily from 7 am to 11 am for a carefully curated breakfast menu that blends traditional American cuisine with contemporary Southern influences. Each dish is crafted to surprise and satisfy your palate, offering a perfect start to your day. Walk-ins are always welcome, and we are dedicated to accommodating dietary preferences, with options clearly marked (GF) for gluten-free, (DF) for dairy-free, and (V) for vegetarian. Simply inform your server of any allergies, and we’ll be happy to tailor your meal to ensure a delightful dining experience.
Support Colonial Williamsburg… by simply dining here:
https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/visit/explore/food-drink/
Be a DONOR: Show that you care…
When you give to The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, you support our mission to feed the human spirit by sharing America’s enduring story. Since we are not state or federally funded, The Foundation relies on grant funding and the generosity of individual donors to fulfill that mission and safeguard this national treasure for generations to come.
Membership
You’re invited to become a member of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg. Your membership grants 365 days of unlimited admission to the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, and Rockefellers’ Bassett Hall, plus exclusive access to members-only events, and a wealth of other benefits. Gift memberships are also available. Join today! Membership at specified levels is offered: * Individual, and * Family.
Donation
Thank you for your support. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation relies entirely on contributions from individual donors like you to advance our educational mission and safeguard the worlds largest U.S. history museum for generations to come. There are many ways to donate:
- Donations at specified amounts are designated or you may customize your gifts. You may donate on behalf of a business, organization, or in memory, honor, or tribute to a special person or occasion. Recurring gifts are greatly appreciated. Employer matched gifts are welcomed.
- Matched Gifts: You may be affiliated with a company that has a matching gift program, which may double or even triple your gift dollars to Colonial Williamsburg. Even if you have already given a gift, you may still be able to have it matched. Check with your employer.
- Estate and Gift Planning: Preserving America’s Story for the next generation. That the future may learn from the past. Educating for the future is central to The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s mission. By including the Foundation in your will or estate plan, you can ensure that your legacy joins our daily efforts to preserve the very place where the ideals and principles of America were born. No two planned gifts look the same, and there are a number of options you can consider about how to make a gift that benefits you, your family and Colonial Williamsburg. All donors who document a non-contingent gift for Colonial Williamsburg in their estate plan are invited to become members in The W.A.R. Goodwin Society.
- Bequests: A bequest, or a gift made through your will or trust, is an easy and flexible way to make a planned gift. Bequests are a particularly meaningful way to help The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation plan for the future while protecting your assets during your lifetime. An unrestricted bequest allows the Foundation to direct your legacy to the area with most need and sustain everyday operations. Unrestricted bequests are invested in our general endowment fund, where the annual earnings perpetually support our educational mission. Restricted bequests can be designated to benefit one or more permanent endowment funds that have already been established by the Foundation to support specific core areas of Colonial Williamsburg. If no permanent endowment fund meets the desired purpose of your bequest, you may choose to create a new restricted or named endowment fund. Our staff in Gift Planning would be happy to discuss your options with you to ensure that your intentions are fulfilled as stated. For any questions around bequests, please contact us.
- IRA Charitable Rollover: A qualified charitable distribution is a tax-wise way to support Colonial Williamsburg and the causes that matter most to you. If you are 70½ or older, you can make a tax-free distribution from your traditional or Roth IRA to Colonial Williamsburg, known as an IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) or IRA Charitable Rollover.
- Stocks: Many of us plan for the financial security of our families through investments. A gift of stock to The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation can do the same for the future of historic preservation and research. A direct donation of appreciated securities, including stocks, to Colonial Williamsburg allows you to use your investments to potentially make a greater impact than if you sold the stock and made a cash donation. By donating stock, you can not only support our educational mission, but you may qualify for a charitable tax deduction and reduce your future capital gains burden. Donations of stock can be arranged with your financial institution or be handled through another account like a donor-advised fund. If you choose to initiate a gift, please contact us so we may promptly and correctly acknowledge your generosity.
- Donor-Advised Funds: A donor-advised fund (DAF) allows you to contribute to an established giving account at a sponsoring organization, community foundation or financial institution to support The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, which then distributes funds in the amount and timing of your choosing. In addition to being a useful option for charitable giving during your lifetime, you may choose to designate Colonial Williamsburg as a beneficiary of your donor-advised fund in the future. Donor-advised funds have become especially popular because of the tax benefits they offer. If you are planning or have initiated a gift from your donor-advised fund, please let us know by contacting us so we may promptly and correctly acknowledge your generous donation.
- Charitable Lead Trusts: With a charitable lead trust (CLT), you can witness, during your lifetime, the tangible impact of your generosity on The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. In contrast to life income gifts, which provide you with a current payment stream and The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation with a future remainder interest, a charitable lead trust (CLT) provides a current payment stream to the Foundation to meet current program or other needs for an established period of time. At the end of the trust term, the trust remainder will be returned to you or to other beneficiaries you designate. Additionally, setting up a CLT may significantly reduce gift or estate taxes and make you eligible for a current income tax deduction.
- Retained Life Estate: For many individuals, their personal residence represents one of their most substantial and personal assets. A retained life estate allows you to donate your personal residence — your home, farm or even a vacation property — to The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation while retaining the right to use it for the rest of your life and not affecting your current lifestyle. While you continue to use and live on your property, you remain responsible for all routine expenses — maintenance fees, insurance, property taxes, repairs, etc. If you later decide to vacate your property, you may rent all or part of the property to someone else or sell the property in cooperation with The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. When your retained life estate ends, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation can then use your property or the proceeds from the sale of your property for the purpose you designate.
- Real Estate: In addition to a retained life estate, gifts of real estate can be arranged as part of a bequest or used as a significant asset to fund other planned giving arrangements, such as a charitable remainder trust or charitable lead trust.
- W.A.R. Goodwin Society: Friends who make a life income gift, bequest or other non-contingent gift in their estate plan for The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and document that gift with the Foundation are invited to become a member of The W.A.R. Goodwin Society. Sometimes referred to as “the father of the Restoration of Colonial Williamsburg,” Rev. Dr. Goodwin is credited as the inspiration behind Colonial Williamsburg, convincing John D. Rockefeller Jr. and his wife Abby Aldrich Rockefeller to help restore the historic town as a living history museum. The W.A.R. Goodwin Society recognizes the Foundation’s supporters and philanthropists who have committed to sustaining Goodwin’s vision for years to come. The W.A.R. Goodwin Society, recognizes members in the Foundation’s Donor Registry and invites those members to attend special events and receive other unique benefits.
- Corporate and Foundation Giving: The Corporate and Foundation Relations department builds partnerships with corporations and foundations that strengthen our community and provide critical support for The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s educational programming, preservation and ongoing research. In addition to restricted donations toward specific projects, opportunities for unrestricted gifts include membership in the Business Forum, our corporate donor society.Matching gifts are an easy way to maximize your support of Colonial Williamsburg, allowing you to double or triple your impact. To determine if your company has a matching gift program, please visit our Matching Gifts search engine. Business Forum: Membership in the Business Forum provides critical annual support for our efforts to share the rich history of the people and events that built America. In addition to a tax deduction, Business Forum members receive exclusive benefits and privileges corresponding to their giving tier: * Greenhow Circle * Prentis Circle and * Tarpley Circle.
Support Colonial Williamsburg… by simply joining, giving, or volunteering here:
https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/give/