For four days immerse yourself in the music of the South during the Williamsburg Winter Blues Jazz Fest Jan. 14-17 in Merchant’s Square. The event will open with Good Shot Judy and their Little Big Band at Williamsburg Winery Thursday night. Friday will hold a jazz jam session with Rumble Seat Revival and Harris Simon Trio playing individually then jamming together while Williamsburg Art Gallery turns into a jazz nightclub. Saturday is the day with a lot of action: At the DoG Street Pub Firkin Fest there will be blues music on two stages along with cask ale imbibing. The Muscarelle Museum gets in on the events by hosting Art of Jazz, and the Williamsburg Lodge will host mixology sampling and bands including Davina & the Vagabonds. Events will conclude with a jazz brunch on Sunday.
While you’re there, make sure to:
Shop at Riverwalk Landing, a waterfront row designed with colonial architecture in mind. Find items like clothing, jewelry, quilts, art, patriotic items, home decor and books. / Yorktown
Dine at Josiah Chowning’s Tavern, an authentic 18th-century alehouse considered one of the best taverns in Williamsburg by the Travel Channel. / 109 E. Duke of Gloucester St.
Explore the downtown area and be transported back to America’s roots. Take advantage of the downtown package and buy tickets that will grant you admission to the historic sites and trade shops, two art museums and complimentary shuttle service for three days. Tickets are not required for the downtown area, but certain sites and shops require them.
Learn as much as possible by taking one or more of the many tour options available. Want to learn about the city in general? Take the Tour of the City. Want to take in art? Delve into the art tour. Or maybe the paranormal is more up your alley? Then take a deep breath and join in on the Official Colonial Williamsburg Ghost Walk. You can even get a Behind the Scenes Tour and learn more about the preservation of the artifacts and how the entire Williamsburg experience is concocted.
