Growing up in Hampton Roads, Williamsburg was always my favorite summer destination. I spent countless days exploring and having fun at Busch Gardens. Even though we moved away when I was 16, those memories remain incredibly special. So, when it came time to celebrate my 40th birthday, I knew exactly where I wanted to go: back to Williamsburg. This time, I was excited to share all my favorite places with my family, none of whom had ever been there. Reliving those cherished memories with my loved ones seemed the perfect way to celebrate this milestone.
We arrived in Williamsburg late in the evening and checked into the Griffin, a serene hotel in a woodland setting in Colonial Williamsburg. It was the ideal place to rest and recharge before our first day of exploring.
We woke up refreshed and ready to begin our Williamsburg adventure. We started our first day with a stroll through Merchants Square. This charming 18th-century style village boasts over 40 unique shops and restaurants, making it a great spot to relax, enjoy a meal, and shop. Walking down Duke of Gloucester Street was a highlight, especially with the beautiful crepe myrtles in full bloom.
Breakfast at the original Aromas was a delight. I particularly enjoyed the French toast and their special Toffee by the Sea iced latte.
Shopping at Three Sisters Boutique and Three Cabanas was also enjoyable. I found a new dress for my birthday dinner and a fall jacket at Three Sisters, while Three Cabanas offered my daughter the cutest Lilly Pulitzer dress.
We visited The Cheese Shop, a local favorite, for over five decades. This specialty food market serves delicious sandwiches; the country ham and cheese with their famous house dressing stood out. A local tip: pair the crab chips with a side of house dressing for dipping—it’s a game changer.
After all the shopping and eating, we grabbed a coffee from Eleva Coffee to recharge. With our energy restored, we continued our exploration at the Jamestown Settlement.
No visit to the Williamsburg area is complete without a trip to the historic Jamestown Settlement. For those unfamiliar, Jamestown Settlement is a history museum that brings to life the early days of America’s first permanent English colony. The museum features engaging exhibits and re-creations of 17th-century life, including fascinating galleries on the Powhatan, English, and African cultures and full-size replicas of the ships that carried the first settlers across the Atlantic. My 4-year-old son had a blast and couldn’t stop talking about it after our visit. Revisiting it after all these years was a joy for me as well.
After a full day of exploring, we returned to the Griffin for a quick refresh. After changing into my new dress from Three Sisters, we headed to Masala Craft Indian Kitchen. My husband and I are huge fans of Indian cuisine. The dishes were some of the best we’ve ever had. The cocktails were exceptional, and the restaurant, run by the Arora family, truly reflects their passion and care. They were also very accommodating with our small children, keeping them entertained. To top it off, they brought out a delicious ghee bundt cake to help me celebrate my birthday. We will return on our next visit to the area. Satisfied and full, we retired to the hotel to rest up for the next day: my 40th birthday at Busch Gardens.
We began my birthday with breakfast at Culture Cafe, a charmingly eclectic spot near the College of William and Mary. The unique decor, including a wall of doors, an impressive display of pastries, and a quirky assortment of mismatched coffee mugs, captivated me. I enjoyed the English Breakfast with a Bloody Mary, which was the perfect fuel for the exciting day ahead.
The main event of the day was celebrating at Busch Gardens. Despite a bit of rain, we made the most of it with some of my best friends. Riding my favorite roller coaster, the Loch Ness Monster, was as thrilling as I remembered. Experiencing some of the newer rides, like Verbolten, was also fun. My 4-year-old son had a blast exploring Sesame Street’s Forest of Fun, meeting Cookie Monster, and playing in the Land of Dragons. Seeing the joy and excitement on his face made the trip even more special.
Turning 40 at Busch Gardens was genuinely magical. This park has been one of my favorite places since childhood, and celebrating my milestone birthday there made it even more meaningful. Sharing the experience with my children and close friends added a new joy to the celebration. From the exhilaration of the roller coasters to the flood of childhood memories, this birthday will forever hold a special place in my heart.
