While summer heat may have some of us wishing the season away, believe it or not we’ve still got a little over a month left. September 22 is the first official day of fall, which means we have nearly five sunny weeks to make the most of summer 2016. And today I’m here to help you tidy up your summer bucket list with our top six ways to end it with a bang!
#1 Ready, Aim, Fire!
Explore our Historic Trades & Musket Range
Daily, throughout the summer
Let’s begin with the biggest bang of all. Enjoy a full morning of going behind-the-scenes with our tradesmen and women. See how guns, dresses, candles, baskets, shoes (and more!) were made in the 18th-century—and still are today in Williamsburg. And then try your hand at shooting two 18th-century guns at our Musket Range. Not sold? Ozzy tried it! And we’ve created an entire day’s itinerary, just for you.
#2 Clink: Toast to Champagne Sundays at the Kimball
Sunday, August 21
Make Sunday the new Saturday when you take in the last of our Champagne Sundays series at the Kimball Theatre. We’re featuring the classic film “Hard Day’s Night” with a side of free-flowing mimosas. Tickets are just $5 each.
#3 Farm to Table: Take in the Farmer’s Market & Taste Studio
Saturday, August 27
Beginning at 8 a.m., grab a coffee and enjoy a stroll through the Merchants Square Farmer’s Market. This is the best time, before the heat sets in and before all the prime local produce and grass-fed dairy and meat are gone. At 10 a.m. head over to the bright and airy Taste Studio for a lesson in Sizzling Summer Flavors: Fresh off the Grill that will take you through lunch time. Chef Waller will demonstrate expert grilling techniques that you’ll put to good use at your Labor Day barbecue.
#4 On the Patio, Please: Dine Alfresco & End the Night with a Scare
Nightly, throughout the summer
Grab an early bite to eat on the Sweet Tea & Barley patio (check out the website for happy hour details and weekend entertainment) and then learn about the spookier history of Williamsburg during an Official Colonial Williamsburg Ghost Walk. Halloween may be just around the corner, but it never hurts to brush up early!
#5 Ooh and Ahh: Unwind at the Spa and in the Garden
Through September 6
Explore the Revolutionary City at its finest this Labor Day weekend—and leave the planning to us. Our exclusive Sunset Serenade package includes your hotel stay at the Williamsburg Lodge, admission tickets, daily breakfast, a classic 60-minute massage at the Spa of Colonial Williamsburg plus a carriage ride or ghost tour. Want to curate your own experience? The Spa is offering great weekday and “book two and save” deals.
#6 Cold Beer, Live Music: Raise a Glass to ‘Beers in the Burg
Saturday, September 17
Your summer isn’t complete without Beers in the ‘Burg. Kick back in the garden of Chowning’s Tavern, our 18th-century alehouse, with live music by Brackish Water Jamboree. Sample 10 different beers from Commonwealth Brewing Company in the midst of the historic action. Want more info? Check out our review of the very first event.
Bonus Tip: Take Advantage of Kids Stay, Play & Eat FREE!
Grab your kids, grandkids, or nieces and nephews and prepare for a weekend of adventure with the Kids Stay, Play & Eat Free package. There are so many fun hands-on activities going on this summer, like boat races, farming, candle-making, and stomping clay. Check out our travel guides for help planning.
How do you say goodbye to summer?
These all sound great! When do each of these activities end for the season?
Hi Mary Anne! Thanks so much. Each event has the last instance listed below it in italics unless it is ongoing.
Any plans to have the grilling/recipe series on this site like last year? I, for one, thoroughly enjoyed them. Thanks.
Hi Gail, Thanks for stopping by! Unfortunately we do not have plans for this year but we can definitely include more recipes from our chefs this coming fall and beyond.