Miss Virginia
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I arrived in Richmond in the pouring rain on Monday morning, ready to soak up all that Garden Week has to offer. Literally and figuratively. Today (April 25) is Williamsburg's day in the spotlight. And although it's still raining, and the wind is howling outside, it's a whole lot better than the weather in Boston. According to my husband, it's basically a November day at home. So I'm glad I'm here. Green abounds!! Before I head out with my mother, here's a quick link to the Williamsburg portion of the Guidebook. I was thinking that I could provide a list of my own "must see" sites for this tour (there are a total of 11 sites, including 9 homes dating from the beginning of the 18th century through the beginning of the 21st century), but since it's a one day tour, and things are pretty close together here (unlike in Albemarle-Charlottesville), I'll just spare you my picks and just say that period floral arrangements created by Williamsburg Garden Club members will be on display amidst antiques and important examples of the decorative arts of the Colonial period at each of the houses on the tour. The rest of the post I think I'll devote to Williamsburg themed things that I love.
I love...
Master Craftsman silver half round bracelets.
I've been wearing them since I was in the 6th grade. Now my daughter wears them, and I grab one or two when she's not looking. Meant to be stackable, they are beautifully made and well worth a look! **As of April 2020, I can no longer find Master Craftsman in Williamsburg. If I find them, I will certainly let you know!
The Craft House in Merchants Square was always a place I loved to go as a little girl.
Not because they sold anything that was of any particular interest to a young girl, but because it was in such a beautiful building, and everything seemed so shiny and pretty inside. I haven't been there in upwards of 10 years, so I can't say what it's like now, but I'm going to go over and see what it has to offer these days. You can, too!!
Boxwood and Berry is new to me, but I love it.
It's got all sorts of great things, all related to the outdoors--garden furniture, accessories (lanterns, items for entertaining, gardening tools), fabulous dried topiaries, and, of course, a wide range of Williamsburg style containers. **If it’s still in Merchant’s Square as of April 2020, it is definitely worth a stop!
Williamsburg at Home carries the widest variety of things that would appeal, I think, to the widest variety of shoppers.
If it's for the home, Williamsburg at Home likely has it. You'll find everything from period furniture and accessories (including a few fabulous mirrors and lamps) to rugs, decorative pillows---even fabric by the yard. They also have the wonderful Williamsburg signature soaps in scents like Magnolia and Hydrangea, which are contained in boxes with beautiful botanical illustrations by the very talented Williamsburg based artist, Marcia Long. If I had only one place to check out while in Williamsburg, this (aside from The Precious Gem) would be the one. Also in Merchant’s Square, though in the back near one of the parking lots.
Aroma's has the best coffee and tea, along with a wide variety of really, really good sandwiches and desserts.
Because you will get hungry, and you will want to be quick with your lunch. Aroma's is your place. It's located just behind Merchants Square and has seating and the all important restroom (few and far between in Colonial Williamsburg!). Aromas across the street from the Blue Talon Restaurant.
Have fun--I'm leaving right now to check things out. Hoping for some good garden photos for later....we shall see!
xobetsy
*The photo at the top of the post comes from Colonial Williamsburg and was taken by David Doody. As of April 2020, the link to the photo no longer exists. If you are interested in David Doody’s photos, I would Google him directly.