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Relax Williamsburg Shorty's Diner.

Shorty’s Diner

Old-timey joint offering a diner menu, plus soft-serve ice cream…
Relax Williamsburg Traditions Restaurant.

Traditions

Southern-inspired cooking, including breakfast and seafood buffets,…
Relax Williamsburg The Corner Pocket.

The Corner Pocket

By day this is a busy local cafe, but by night the music, microbrews…
Relax Williamsburg The Bake Shop.

The Bake Shop

Your local one stop bake shop to find a variety of freshly baked…
Relax Williamsburg Terrace Room.

Terrace Room

Relaxed yet luxurious, The Terrace and Goodwin Rooms retain The…
Relax Williamsburg Taqueria Maria Bonita Bar & Grill.

Taqueria Maria Bonita Bar & Grill

Classic Mexican dishes in a contemporary setting.
Relax Williamsburg South of the Border Mexican.

South of the Border Mexican

Casual restaurant serving generous portions of Mexican specialties…
Relax Williamsburg Smallcakes.

Smallcakes: A Cupcakery

17 flavors of jumbo cupcakes baked fresh daily! Mini cupcakes,…
Relax Williamsburg Shrimp Shack.

Skrimp Shack

We strive to provide food and experiences that help our guests…
Relax Williamsburg Tropical Smoothie Cafe.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Casual, health-conscious chain cafe featuring custom smoothies,…

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THE HISTORY OF WILLIAMSBURG

Prior to European settlement, the area around modern-day Williamsburg was settled by the indigenous American tribes of the Powhatan Confederacy. Williamsburg was first settled in 1638 and was originally referred to as Middle Plantation due to its location on the high ground in the middle of the Virginia Peninsula. In 1699, Middle Plantation was renamed Williamsburg in honor of King William III of England.

By the turn of the 20th century, Williamsburg was a quiet country village, and many colonial buildings, while still standing, were in disrepair. The Reverend Dr. D.A.R. Goodwin made it his goal to restore Williamsburg to its colonial spendor, seeking financial help from none other than John D. Rockefeller Jr., the heir to Standard Oil. It was due to the Rockefeller contributions that Williamsburg became what it is today: A living museum, with history preserved and on exhibit every day.

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