Come as a Visitor, Leave Like a Local

You may be coming to Williamsburg, VA, for Family Weekend, but you’re not just visiting a college campus; you’re visiting the place your child now calls home.

For a few days, you’ll get a glimpse into their world, the paths they walk between classes, the places where they grab a quick bite to eat, the campus spots where friendships are formed, and the wider community that has become part of their college experience.

And while Williamsburg has long been a favorite destination for travelers seeking history, culture, and memorable experiences, it’s also a place where people live, gather, and create everyday moments. During Family Weekend, you might arrive as a visitor, but don’t be surprised if you leave feeling a little more like a local.
 

Step Back in Time (and Make Some New Memories)

Williamsburg is famous for its history, and I am sure you’ve heard all about it. But dare I say, there is more to learn, because history here is always evolving. Visit the Colonial Williamsburg Bray School or the new Colin G. and Nancy N. Campbell Archaeology Center, just steps away from Campus. Or visit the Jamestown Settlement, Historic Jamestowne, and the American Revolution Museum in Yorktown, where new exhibits and new knowledge are born every day.

And don’t worry, this isn’t the kind of history class where you have to take notes. Just enjoy the experience.
 

Get a Taste of Williamsburg

Every college student has their go-to spots—the coffee shop where they fuel up before an early class, the restaurant where friends gather after exams, or the place they swear has the best breakfast in town.

Family Weekend is the perfect opportunity to discover the culinary scene that's been keeping your Tribe student well-fed and happily caffeinated.

Williamsburg's has many locally owned coffee shops, where students often settle in with laptops, study groups, and a much-needed latte. Just a few steps from campus coffee shops like Hohl-Cafe, or perhaps on the weekend when they have more time on their hands, the pancake houses, you'll quickly understand why Williamsburg has earned a reputation for its legendary pancake houses, an ideal way to fuel up before a day of exploring, or The Brunch Company and flavorful Mexican cuisine at Don Chido for dinner. Along the way, don't be surprised if your student says, "This is the place I've been telling you about!"

Whether you're trying a longtime Williamsburg favorite or discovering a new local gem together, every meal is another opportunity to experience the community your student now calls home and maybe even find a restaurant that becomes part of your own Family Weekend tradition.
 

Relax & Recharge

The perfect way to end Family Weekend and kick off the school year is feeling relaxed, refreshed, and recharged.

Play a round of golf on one of the area's beautiful courses, unwind with a rejuvenating spa treatment, or challenge your family to a fun game of pickleball at the new Greater Williamsburg Sports & Events Center. Whether you're looking for a little relaxation, some friendly competition, or simply more quality time together, Williamsburg offers the perfect way to close out a memorable weekend and start the semester on the right note.
 

Leave with More Than a Weekend of Memories

We hope you've enjoyed your time in Williamsburg and all the moments that made Family Weekend so special. As you celebrate your student and experience the community they've come to call home, we hope you've also discovered a few favorite places of your own.

Whether we see you again for Homecoming, another campus visit, or simply because you're looking for the perfect getaway, we hope you'll make Williamsburg part of your story for years to come. Until next time.