Visitors walking through Merchants Square in Williamsburg.

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Make Your Trip to Merchants Square the Ultimate Experience by Visiting These Places

What do “Duke of Gloucester St,” “N Henry St,” and “Merchants Square Williamsburg” all have in common? You, probably along with countless others, have searched those to learn more about Williamsburg, Virginia.

Merchants Square Williamsburg is a neighbor to Colonial Williamsburg. More than 40 speciality stores and restaurants make up the 18th-century style retail village.

No matter the time of the year, there’s plenty to do in Williamsburg, especially Merchants Square. As you read on, learn more about the quaint, unique space, which is often referred to as one of the first planned shopping districts in the country.

Get Your Grub On

You’ll undoubtedly work up an appetite while you explore Williamsburg. In Merchants Square are a handful of truly unique dining options that will help create an unforgettable experience, many offering specialty foods.

Aromas Coffeehouse Bakery & Cafe

Since 2000, Aromas in Williamsburg has delighted customers with healthy options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Folks are encouraged to bring their four-legged companions to enjoy a casual and friendly atmosphere.

Fat Canary

What began the Cheese Shop in 1971 in Newport News has grown into Fat Canary, which opened in 2003. Enjoy wine, cheese and fine food at the charming space on Duke of Gloucester Street. Family owned, this restaurant is regularly a recipient of the AAA Four Diamond award.

Precarious Beer Project

In 2017, Precarious Beer Project opened to a 700-square-foot space of the Amber Ox Public House in Colonial Williamsburg. One year later, ownership made the move a block away to Merchant Square complete with a tasting room, street-style taqueria called Electric Circus Taco Bar, vintage arcade games and outdoor space.

La Piazza

This is casual dining with a modern Italian bistro feel. Enjoy fresh handmade pasta, charcuterie plates, and new takes on comforting, Northern Italian cuisine at La Piazza. There’s indoor and outdoor seating, with the latter giving you a view of historic Duke of Gloucester Street.

Wythe Candy

Satisfy your sweet tooth at this Williamsburg staple of the last 50-some years. Wythe Candy & Gourmet Shop offers sweet treats including fudge, caramel apples, jelly beans, and so much more.

Blue Talon Bistro

Comfort food with American and French inspiration is what you can expect at Blue Talon Bistro. Each dish is crafted in-house, and isn’t limited to French onion soup, brandade, a blacked fish reuben, and duck confit salad.

Berret’s Seafood Restaurant and Taphouse Grill

One block away from Colonial Williamsburg and across the street from the College of William & Mary is Berret’s Seafood Restaurant and Taphouse Grill, a place that offers patrons two dining choices. Berret’s boasts fresh seafood dishes, and is open daily.

Williamsburg Winery

Sip on your favorite wines and enjoy a dish from Gabriel Archer Tavern, which is a European-inspired restaurant at the Williamsburg Winery. The tavern is known for its turkey and brie sandwich topped with lingonberry preserves and roasted garlic mayo.

Shop ‘Til you Drop

During your trip to Williamsburg, you’ll want to find the perfect souvenir or gifts. You can score big finds at the gift shops that make for unique shopping on Merchants Square in Williamsburg. Common stores like Talbots and Chico’s are available for perusing, but there are other fun spots to check out in this shopping district. Pro tip: make sure you check Merchants Square for Square offers.

Danforth Pewter

Metal is on full display and manipulated by hand to create oil lamps, jewelry, Christmas ornaments, figurines, and more at Danforth Pewter.

The Shoe Attic

While shoes are on full display at The Shoe Attic, you can find clothes and accessories, all of which are truly unique.

Williamsburg Farmers Market

Each Saturday throughout the year, rain or shine, the Williamsburg Farmers Market offers everything from fresh seasonal food to farm goods. Walk the market, located on Duke of Gloucester Street, between Henry Street and Nassau Street.

Brick and Vine

Pick out home decor, accents and more at Brick & Vine. Trendy vibes and tradition are intertwined here. There are also craft beer, wine, gourmet food, and jewelry at this store, which is open seven days a week.

The Christmas Shop

It’s Christmas everyday at The Christmas Shop, which has celebrated the holiday every day since 1964. Locally made ornaments are just one kind of treasure you’ll find here.

Places to Explore

History is all around Williamsburg, and the same can be said for Merchants Square. Learn about American history at the following places around Merchants Square in Williamsburg.

Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum

Known as the first American folk art museum in the United States (and the oldest in the world), the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum has more than 420 objects that Rockefeller herself collected from 1929 through 1942. The museum was founded after Rockefeller donated her collection, and John D. Rockefeller Jr., her widower, created an endowment.

College of William and Mary

Not only can you tour the school, but you’ll be able to take in beautiful nature settings and local landmarks special to Williamsburg. This is also the oldest college in the U.S.

Walking Tours

The best way to see Merchants Square is by walking tours. There are many to choose from, so get your comfortable walking shoes ready!

Williamsburg Ghosts, Witches and Pirates Tour

Have a spooktacular time as you get acquainted with the most haunted places in Williamsburg. This tour is 1 hour and 45 minutes long, and is great for any age.

Williamsburg: Secrets of Williamsburg Walking Tour

Go back in time as your tour two taverns and learn history about landmarks around Williamsburg.

Start Planning Your Merchants Square Experience

Regardless of age or interest level, you’ll find an activity of interest that ties you to the history of this charming area. Spend some time strolling around and enjoying the sights and sounds that make Merchants Square so unique.

Now you have a better idea of what’s included in Colonial Williamsburg’s Merchants Square. While you’re planning out your stay, make sure to check out our website, your virtual visitor center of everything Williamsburg.