Williamsburg Shopping
by Elizabeth Sommer Spratt



Who's that little red suited elfin man peeking around the corner between December and January? It's Santa and he's checking to see if you've finished your holiday shopping. If the mosh pit-like craziness of your local malls is sucking the holiday spirit out of you, try a day or weekend trip to a more serene shopping Mecca - Williamsburg, Virginia.

Start your trip off with a stroll through the Colonial district. The Duke of Gloucester Street offers a respite from the flashing lights and plastic decorations of the city. Simpler decorations from a bygone era adorn the houses and shops, hot cider and gingerbread are available at the taverns and stands set up along the street. The historic area celebrates the beginning of the holiday season with Grand Illumination on the first Sunday in December. Highlights include fireworks and live entertainment, caroling and people watching.

Once your holiday attitude is back on track, take Richmond Road out to Route 60 and explore the hundreds of outlet stores and the Williamsburg Pottery Factory. The Berkeley Commons Outlet Center boasts tenants such as J. Crew, Calvin Klein, Anne Klein, Liz Claiborne, and Evan Picone. It also features a Mikasa factory outlet, and Nike. Just down the road, look for WestPoint Pepperell, Villeroy & Boch and Ben & Jerry's (to keep your shopping stamina up!) The Pottery can be overwhelming, but great bargains can be found there for all tastes, from home decor to sporting goods.

Fast food restaurants are plentiful in the shopping areas. For a real treat, end the evening with an elegant and moderately priced dinner at the Sakura Restaurant, on the corner of Prince George Street and Armistead, near the Colonial district. Japanese chefs prepare your meal at your table, and applause for cooking utensil acrobatics is encouraged. Other satisfying eating diversions include the Taverns in the Historic Area, and Berret's Seafood Restaurant in the Merchant's Square area. A stop at The Trellis, also in Merchant's Square, is essential for the dessert lover. Their famous "Death by Chocolate" and "White Chocolate Balloon" justify the wait, if you failed to make reservations.

Finally, be sure to stop by the Williamsburg Winery, about two miles from the intersection of Jamestown Road and Route 199. They offer tours of the winery, and tastings. For the wine lover on your shopping list, pick up a three-wine variety pack, made to order according to your tasting preferences. The gift shop offers a wide assortment of items made in Virginia, wine accessories, and books. The Winery is closed on Mondays, and open Tuesday - Saturday at 11 AM and Sunday at noon. To make the most of your trip, stop by the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center, off I-64 at exit 238. The Williamsburg Shopping Guide has coupons for shops and restaurants throughout the Williamsburg area. Maps and lodging information are also available.Happy shopping and happy holidays!