Things To Do Near Jamestown Island
Jamestown Island lies in the tidewater area of the James River. Much of the island's wildlife is migratory waterfowl that visits, nests, and recovers in this protected area. Many birdwatchers come to observe these birds and other wildlife that thrives along the shores of the island. The main road runs onto the island via a corridor that replaced the isthmus that eroded away 100 years ago. The single trail on the island features boardwalks with observation sites that hikers and bikers share. History buffs come to see the remains of the Jamestown settlement, which was rediscovered in 1996. The site is an active archeological dig with many artifacts and experts that present programs about the settlement, its inhabitants, their way of life, and the reasons the settlers left.
Hiking Trails
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Jamestown Island Trail
There is only one hiking trail on Jamestown Island known as the Jamestown Island Trail. Most of the pathway runs across boardwalks suspended above the marshes and swamps of the island. The boardwalks are ADA friendly and feature observation platforms that hover above nesting and feeding areas with spectacular views of the James River.
Location
1368 Colonial Parkway, Jamestown, VA 23081
Length
1.4 miles
Intensity
Easy
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Yorktown Battlefield Historic Encampment Tour
Close to Jamestown Island and still within the Colonial National Historical Park is the Yorktown Battlefield Historic Encampment Tour. The trail takes you behind the Continental lines at Yorktown to see how soldiers lived, fought, and endured the decisive battle for independence.
Location
Historic Tour Road, Yorktown, VA 23690
Length
10.8 miles
Intensity
Easy to Moderate
Sightseeing
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Yorktown Victory Monument
Just 23 miles east of Jamestown Island in Yorktown, VA, the Yorktown Victory Monument commemorates the Continental Army's victory over General Cornwallis's British forces in 1781. The monument depicts 13 female figures dancing hand in hand, denoting the unity of the 13 colonies in their battle against British rule.
Location
Main Street, Yorktown, VA 23690
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Yorktown National Cemetery
Yorktown was also the center of a significant Civil War campaign. The Yorktown National Cemetery is the final resting place of soldiers who gave their "last full measure" in the fight to preserve the Union. Most of the graves are marked as "unidentified." Of the 1,596 internments, 1,436 are Union soldiers.
Location
1000 Colonial National Historic Parkway, Yorktown, VA 23690
Museums
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DeWitt Wallace Decorative Art Museum
The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Art Museum is an unusual repository that deserves a visit. Here you find many of those “finer” things that decorated the interiors of wealthy Southern homes. While the museum houses the most extensive Southern furniture collection, it also holds one of the most significant British ceramics collections outside Britain.
Location
301 South Nassau Street, Williamsburg, VA 23185
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American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
Discover many hidden facts about the early history of America by visiting the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Here, you'll find artifacts and documents on display revealing early colonial life, the forces that created the revolt, and the factors involved in its resolution. Many of the exhibits are interactive, including a farm worked just as it was in colonial times and reenactments of the decisive battle that took place on these grounds.
Location
10 Main Street, Tuba City, AZ 86045
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Quirk’s! Handcrafted Goods and Unique Gifts
To commemorate your visit to Jamestown Island, drop by Quirk’s! Handcrafted Goods and Unique Gifts. Here, you can find some exciting items created by local artisans. Hand-embroidered pillows, unique license plate wall art, and inspirational grab bags are a few of the items found on the shelves.
Location
221 North Boundary Street, Williamsburg, VA 23185
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Williamsburg Premium Outlets
Williamsburg Premium Outlets houses 114 outlet shops, mostly from retailers that market nationally and internationally. Outlet stores generally offer deals on products you will not find in regular retail shops; stores such as Victoria’s Secret and Claire’s have outlets in this mall.
Location
5715 Richmond Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188
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Food For Thought Restaurant
For some of the most American cuisine you will experience around Jamestown Island, visit the Food For Thought Restaurant. The restaurant's specialties revolve around old-fashioned tastes that are considered comfort food by most Americans. Try the pot roast or Grannie’s meatloaf to savor a flavor coming from deep in the past.
Location
1647 Richmond Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185
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The Hound’s Tale
The Hound’s Tale is a restaurant that offers an eclectic menu mainly based on Asian cuisine. Try the Korean barbecue fried chicken or Hawaiian kalua pork for a different taste that will delight your palate.
Location
515-200 Prince George Street, Williamsburg, VA 23185