Williamsburg and Yorktown
AMERICA’S HISTORIC TRIANGLE
Discover Historic Jamestowne, Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown with your furry explorer.
Did you ever imagine that you could experience three of America’s most historic destinations on a journey of discovery with your furry companion? Much of America’s Historic Triangle in Jamestowne, Yorktown and Williamsburg Virginia is very pet friendly. Add in a contemporary pet friendly resort, breweries, restaurants, food trucks, parks and beaches, and you have a vacation that will make history.
The adventure begins in Historic Jamestowne, also called Jamestowne Island. This is the site of America’s first permanent English settlement. You and your pet will be greeted by an official “re-enactor”, a person dressed in colonial garb who speaks in the language of the period (think Shakespearean English) who will be your guide and explain what you will encounter. You might be fortunate enough to meet Captain Edward Brewster, who arrived in Jamestown in 1610 as Captain of the governor of Jamestowne’s Honor Guard, Lord De La Warr. Dogs love to sniff the Captain’s woolen stockings and his authentic 15th century armor, made more splendid with the addition of new world peacock feathers in his helmet.
In 1698, the central statehouse in Jamestowne burned down, causing a great fire, and the settlement was all but abandoned. Much of it was covered over by the centuries, but in 1994, excavation began on the site which provides you and your pet with a wealth of outdoor activities. You can witness archaeology in action at the 1607 James Fort excavation, see the original 17th-century church tower. and drive the scenic Island loop road. Dogs can’t go in, but you can tour the Archaearium which displays many of the artifacts unearthed in the fort. A short drive from Historic Jamestowne is the Jamestown Settlement. This is a recreation of the buildings and activities of life in Jamestowne. Please get a pet sitter, the Jamestown Settlement does not welcome dogs.
From Historic Jamestowne, it’s just a short drive to more modern adventures. The Billsburg Brewery and The Hungry Pug Food Truck are local favorites. The Brewery distills its own Billsburg Beer but the Tap Room that faces the marina serves all kinds of libations. Outdoor
patio seating lets you and your dog enjoy the sights on the dock and waterfront. Just a few steps away is the Hungry Pug Food Truck, an iconic experience in the Historic Triangle. The Hungry Pug’s specialties include gourmet grilled cheese and other gooey, tasty concoctions. And, yes, there really is a Hungry Pug. Professor Wesley the Pug is often on hand to greet customers that dine with their dogs at the many picnic tables around the food truck. But you’ll have to look closely to find the real Professor Wesley. The food truck surrounds him with stuffed pugs, blow up pugs, pugs of all sizes. But there is only one famous Professor Wesley.
Fortified with Hungry Pug fare, it’s time to hit the beach—Jamestown Event Beach Park, to be exact. This family and dog-friendly park is open daily and features picnic areas, fishing areas,
concession stands, hiking paths and areas to launch your paddle craft. You can rent a kayak and you and your dog can paddle around the James River.
After Jamestowne, it’s time to explore the area most people associate with Colonial Virginia, Colonial Williamsburg. The city of Williamsburg takes pride in its Colonial heritage and the homes and buildings that surround the Historic Area are either historic themselves, such as the College of William and Mary, or have been designed to blend in with the original architecture.
In fact, the homes, restaurants and shops blend in so seamlessly, you may think you and your furry companion are lost in time. The true Historic Area is the mile long restoration of colonial times that is a living history museum. While dogs can’t enter the buildings, much of the excitement of Colonial Williamsburg takes pace outdoors as you and your pet meet re-enactors in colonial garb along the cobblestone streets. You can interact with these knowledgeable guides who will tell you who they are, and what part they play in the daily life of Colonial Williamsburg. You and your dog can sniff out everyone from Colonial housewives to George Washington and the Marquis De Lafayette. And don’t forget to check out other parts of the Historic Area. Pet friendly Market Square is filled with shops and eateries. The Blue Talon restaurant offers a doggie menu, The Corner Barkery offers food, libations and all kinds of dog treats and pet memorabilia. And for a thrilling encounter, when the sun goes down, you and your dog can experience a walking ghost tour with costumed tour guides dressed in spooky outfits from colonial times to steam punk.
Last but not least, don’t miss Historic Yorktown. The site of a revolutionary war battle, you and your dog can see cannonballs still lodged in the exteriors of colonial homes. These homes have been restored and residents live in them quite comfortably. Mobjack Bay Roasters & Petite Café, a coffee shop with light fare, perfectly captures the spirit of Yorktown where yesterday and today blend together as delightfully as the coffee they roast, grind and serve. Housed in a restored revolutionary era home, Mobjack is extremely dog friendly and has a large backyard area filled with picnic tables where dogs and their people can relax, sip coffee and enjoy the ambiance. Many dog walking groups stop by to enjoy the coffee, pastries and views.
There is so much to see and do in the Historic Triangle that you may want to stay a while. There are many pet friendly hotels, but the Kingsmill Resort takes pet friendly to another level.
A vacation, golf and conference resort, dogs are welcome on their private beach, to go kayaking with their people at the marina and to explore the many wooded hiking trails.
To find put more about the pet friendly Historic Triangle, check out visitwilliamsburg.com