There is no place more ideal for a weekend getaway with a kid’s best friend than the Williamsburg area. Koa and Lily, two golden retrievers, explored history, nature, food, and shops with their 2.5-year-old kid best friend, James. Read on to learn about and see a few highlights from their adventure.
Day 1
Explore Yorktown Beach
Our pup and kid-focused weekend started with watching the sunrise over Yorktown Beach at Riverwalk Landing and a pedestrian pier. Dogs are allowed in certain areas along the waterfront (not the public beach), so Koa couldn’t help but dip his paws in the water (note: keep a watchful eye on toddlers as they will want to follow suit!).
Breakfast at Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters
Next, we headed to the historic Cole Digges House, current home to Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters. We enjoyed freshly baked scones, savory breakfast sandwiches, and coffee while watching our toddler and dogs run like maniacs around a large outdoor space complete with picnic tables and a fire pit.
Yorktown Market Days - Sister Cities French Market
We took in more riverfront views by strolling the farmer’s market. We happened to be in the area during a special farmer’s market that was French-themed. There were many food vendors, artists, and traditional market products as is found in Yorktown’s sister city, Port-Vendres, France. While we shopped, we were lucky enough to be transported back in time with the Fifes and Drums of York Town performance.
Explore Historic Yorktown Village
Shopping continued at boutiques, antiques, and other shops around Yorktown Village while we admired 1700s architecture and history. Our toddler was especially smitten with Cornwallis’ Cave, the Nelson House, and Yorktown Battlefield where we took advantage of many photo opportunities.
Treats at Gangsta Dog
Of course, no trip is complete without a visit to a dog bakery, and fortunately, we visited just in time for Yorktown’s newest shop, Gangsta Dog. This is a full-service dog bakery with hundreds of freshly handmade dog treats as well as toys and dog food. Koa especially loved their molasses dog-shaped cookies.
Drive along the Colonial Parkway
We timed a relaxing car ride along the Colonial Parkway with toddler naptime; this 23-mile scenic roadway connects Yorktown, Williamsburg, and Jamestown. We started at the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center and drove west; there are several stops along the York River to fish and hike.
Day 2
Little Creek Reservoir
Koa and his kid best friend explored the hiking trails at Little Creek Reservoir, a 996-acre park offering a variety of activities. They hiked around two miles, played by the water and on the playground, and kept a watchful eye for fish while relaxing on the docks.
Breakfast at The Bake Shop
After working up our appetite, we enjoyed freshly baked bagels, a humongous sticky bun, and an egg sandwich at The Bake Shop. Lily and Koa enjoyed their breakfast on the spacious pet-friendly patio while we finished our meal.
Veterans Park and Kidsburg
Next, we headed to Veterans Park, home to Kidsburg, a 30,000 square-foot playground featuring a ship replica and zip line. Lily and Koa watched in awe as their human brother zig-zagged all around the playground. There’s also a .6-mile multi-use paved trail, basketball and volleyball courts, and WiFi connectivity to name a few amenities.
Toby's Dog House
Both dogs and toddlers are obsessed with hot dogs, so it was only fitting we stopped by Toby's Dog House, a hot dog and barbecue place near Jamestown. The menu, decor, and services are all dog-focused, and because there’s a grooming area, dogs are allowed inside. Koa and Lily enjoyed both homemade dog treats and doggy ice cream.
Lunch at Carrot Tree Kitchens
For lunch, we enjoyed the weekend brunch menu at Carrot Tree's dog-friendly patio. Koa and Lily shared (rather stole from the toddler!) the restaurant’s famous ham biscuits and french toast, which they both rated 10/10.
Visit The Nautical Dog
To end the trip, both dogs picked out treats from The Nautical Dog, Williamsburg's locally owned pet store. They carry unique gifts for pet lovers and many high-quality foods, including a case full of freshly baked treats; the treats look so good I had to warn my husband they were for the dogs!
