Yorktown Fall Bucket List

10 Unique, Fun Ideas and Experiences

So long, hot and sunny. Hello, crisp and colorful! Fall is here, which means Historic Yorktown and Riverwalk Landing will transition to cooler temps, changing leaves, and fun autumn events. Why not experience the ambiance while trying things you’ve never done before? Let’s make it a season to remember!

Little York Confectionery Treats

Try a Chocolate Oyster

Okay, it’s not actually an oyster–but it is chocolate! If you haven’t been to Yorktown’s newest business, Little York Confectionery, you are in for a real treat. Located in the Historic Somerwell House (circa 1700), this charming candy shop is the next addition to Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters’ commitment to enhancing Main Street. Check out the chocolates designed to look like oysters, mustaches, baseballs, and more. Kids will also love the ice cream and giant lollipops!

Yorktown Lodging

Spend the Night in Yorktown

We could all use a change of scenery now and then! Whether you’re visiting or live in the area, booking a stay at one of our romantic bed & breakfasts or family-friendly hotels will provide an unforgettable experience. The Hornsby House Inn, Marl Inn, York River Inn, and Yorktown Cottages are in the heart of Historic Yorktown and less than a mile away from the York River. Yorktown's only riverfront hotel, the Yorktown Beach Hotel, gives guests the opportunity to relax in rooms with breathtaking views of the beach.

Yorktown Market Days

Support Three New-to-You Local Businesses

If you’ve never been to Yorktown Market Days, this one is easy! You have nearly 50 bakers, farmers, and artists to choose from. If you’re one of our regulars, you’ve likely found some favorite vendors. How about going outside the box and trying something you wouldn’t normally go for? Challenge yourself to shop with an open mind!

Umi Sushi

Experience Sushi for the First Time

Be adventurous this season! At Riverwalk Landing’s Umi Sushi, you don’t have to be intimidated. The locally owned Japanese restaurant has a friendly staff happy to help guide you through the menu of authentic dishes such as sushi, salads, and a signature Korean dish known as Bibimbap. 

Schooner Alliance II

Set Sail for a Bygone Era!

Both romantic, fun, and full of history, Yorktown’s two new, gorgeous ships–Alliance II and Serenity–offer sunset sails (along with day sails and private charters!) on the York River. Plan a date night your loved one will never forget. Make sure to have a camera ready for lots of Instagram-worthy photos!

Segway tour

Travel Back in Time via Modern-Day Transportation

Maybe you’ve done a few guided history tours, but have you ever done one on a Segway? Learn a few things while exploring our amazing landscape and stopping for some amazing photo opportunities. Patriot Tours & Provisions will give you an experience like no other this fall.

Wine festival

Expand Your Wine Palate

Sample some of Virginia’s finest vino at Yorktown’s Wine Festival. In a nod to our sister cities Zweibrücken and Port-Vendres, you can sample Rieslings and Gewürztraminers from Germany and indulge bubbly from France—the only place where true champagne is created! Not a wine drinker? Head to the Beer Garden for samples from nearly a dozen breweries.

Yorktown Beach picnic

Picnic on Yorktown Beach

Sure, you spend some hot, sunny days on the sand in the summer, but have you thought about having some fun along the shore in the fall? It’s the perfect time of year to pack a picnic and gather with friends in a beautiful setting. Consider grabbing food to-go from a local restaurant.

Cannon

Witness the Firing of a Revolutionary War Cannon

You’ve seen it in the movies–now you can see it in real life! On select days this fall, artillery teams will fire a cannon and discuss their role during the 1781 Siege of Yorktown.

Yorktown Ghost Walks

Visit Yorktown’s Most Haunted Locations

Fall may be the spookiest time of year to experience a Yorktown Ghost Walk. Some might say it has to do with the anniversary of the 1781 Siege of Yorktown (October 19) or the Halloween holiday. Stroll through the streets of Historic Yorktown with real ghost hunters to see what paranormal activity you encounter.