27 for 2027: The West Point & King William Bucket List

visitwestpointkingwilliam

Sep 8

6 min read

2027 will be here before you know it. What will you do with it?

We may still have a few months left in 2026, but we're already looking ahead — and giving you 27 reasons to put West Point & King William County on your calendar for 2027.

Think sunrise views over the Mattaponi. Quiet paddles and country roads. Fresh seafood and farmers markets. Pow Wows, festivals, live music, local history, and those unexpected little adventures that somehow become your favorite memories of the year.

Whether you live right around the corner or you're already thinking about next year's Virginia getaways, consider this your invitation to start planning.

Because 2027 doesn't need to be about traveling farther.

It can be about seeing somewhere differently.

So save this list. Send it to your favorite adventure buddy. Start circling weekends on the calendar. And when January rolls around, see how many of these 27 West Point & King William experiences you can check off before the year is through.

27 Things to See & Do in 2027

1. Start the day with a West Point sunrise.

Set the alarm, grab the coffee, and head for the Mattaponi. Watch the sun come up from Glass Island Fishing Pier or stop at one of the scenic Mattaponi overlooks along the Riverwalk.

Trust us — this one is worth getting up early for.

Wooden dock leading into calm water at sunset, with pink clouds and a distant bridge under a glowing sky. — Sunrise at Glass Island Fishing Pier (Town of West Point)

2. Paddle somewhere new.

Launch a kayak or canoe and explore the Mattaponi, Pamunkey, York River, or one of the area's scenic creeks. Calm water, wildlife, and a completely different point of view await.

Woman kayaking on a calm lake at sunset, teal kayak and paddle in foreground, orange sky reflected on water, peaceful mood — Paddling the Pamunkey (Desiree Wilson)

3. Take a stroll through historic downtown West Point.

Admire the architecture and tree-lined streets, pop into local shops and restaurants, and soak up the unmistakable charm of this historic river town.

Colorful West Point, Virginia mural on a building beside a water tower, with benches and a pergola in a sunny courtyard. — West Point Heritage Mural (Town of West Point)

4. Spend a morning at a farmers market.

Meet local growers and makers while filling your bag with fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, meats, honey, handmade finds, and more.

Woman face-painting children at an outdoor park gathering, with kids in floral clothes and a lively green background — West Points Farmers Market (Town of West Point)

5. Eat local seafood.

Crabs, oysters, fish, shrimp — come hungry and discover why seafood just tastes better when you're this close to the water.

Close-up of a loaded salad plate with lime, tomatoes, avocado and creamy drizzle in a restaurant; blurred BEST IN TOWN sign behind. — Halterman's Eatery (Halterman's)

6. Visit the historic King William Courthouse.

Step into more than 300 years of local history at one of King William County's most recognizable landmarks.

Autumn brick courtyard with bare tree, statue, and red-orange trees behind blue-roofed buildings, calm and overcast — King William County Courthouse (Eugene Campbell)

7. Discover the story of West Point.

Visit the local museum and learn how Native American history, railroads, steamboats, industry, and life on three rivers helped shape the town you see today.

Brick museum building with sun glare and a hanging Historical Museum Society sign above a door marked Seven O Nine — West Point Historical Society, 709 Main Street (Town of West Point)

8. Explore King William's Native American heritage.

King William County is proud to be home to three Tribal Nations: the Mattaponi Indian Tribe & Reservation, Pamunkey Indian Tribe & Reservation, and Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe — each with deep roots in this land and vibrant communities that continue to shape the story of King William today.

Take time in 2027 to learn more about their histories, cultures, traditions, and enduring connections to the rivers and lands of King William County.

Stone relief of a Native American chief beside a low arched building, with lawn, trees, and a clear blue sky. — Pamunkey Indian Museum & Cultural Center (Pamunkey Indian Tribe & Reservation)

9. Attend a Pow Wow.

Experience traditional dancing, drumming, food, arts, crafts, and culture at one of the area's annual tribal Pow Wows.

You can already put one on your 2027 calendar: the 38th Annual Upper Mattaponi Tribe Pow Wow is set for May 29–30, 2027.

Smiling Indigenous woman in turquoise regalia with feather fan and red shawl, standing outdoors at a festival under blue tents. — 25th Annual Mattaponi Indian Tribe & Reservation Pow Wow (Eugene Campbell)

10. Run — or cheer on — the Chesty Puller Memorial Twin Bridge 10K.

Here's another date you can already save: June 26, 2027.

Run or walk across West Point's twin bridges while honoring West Point's hometown hero, Lieutenant General Lewis "Chesty" Puller.

And there's an extra reason to celebrate in 2027: the race falls on Chesty Puller's birthday.

Smiling runners pose on grass with two American flags, race bibs, and memorial shirts at a sunny outdoor event. — 18th Annual Chesty Puller Memorial Twin Bridge 10K (Town of West Point)

11. Spend a day on the river.

Boat. Fish. Paddle. Relax.

However you choose to enjoy it, make 2027 the year you experience West Point & King William from the water.

Two people paddle a blue canoe along a calm forest creek, surrounded by lush green trees and sandy banks in bright daylight — Paddling at Zoar State Forest (Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources)

12. Explore a local farm.

Meet some four-legged friends, discover locally grown products, pick something fresh, or simply enjoy the beautiful countryside at one of King William's farms.

Smiling woman in white dress feeds goats from a metal pail in a sunny pasture near a barn. — Riverwatch Farm (Sideline Shots by Huici)

13. Take the scenic route.

Turn off the GPS's fastest-route mentality and explore King William County's winding country roads, rolling farmland, historic sites, and rural landscapes.

Sometimes getting there really is half the fun.

Sunlit green meadow with scattered trees, a small white shed in the distance, and branches framing a calm blue sky. — Longview Farm (Longview Farm)

14. Make a beach day of it.

Pack a chair, bring a good book, and spend some time beside the York River at one of West Point's waterfront parks and beach areas.

No long drive to the coast required.

Family relaxes on sandy beach as two kids splash and play catch with a green ball under a bright blue sky — West Point Beach Park (1st & Main Streets) (Town of West Point)

15. Shop small.

Hunt for antiques, discover a new outfit, pick up locally made gifts, find the perfect piece of home décor, or treat yourself to something completely unexpected.

Two smiling women holding shopping bags pose by a Divin' Off the Dock sign outside a white house on a sunny day. — Divin' Off the Dock (Divin' Off the Dock)

16. Have a picnic with a view.

Grab lunch from a local restaurant and find your perfect picnic spot beside the river, in a park, or surrounded by the peaceful King William countryside.

Wooden bench by a calm river at sunrise, with tall grass, trees, and warm sunbeams creating a peaceful scene. — Picnic Area at Riverwalk Park in West Point (Town of West Point) (picnic tables available)

17. Go fishing.

Freshwater meets saltwater around here, creating plenty of opportunities to cast a line from a boat, shoreline, or public fishing pier.

Experienced angler or first-timer, there's always a good reason to spend a few hours by the water.

Man in a pink shirt and hat fishing from a dock on calm blue water, with a long bridge and cloudy sky in the background. — Fishing at Glass Island Fishing Pier (Town of West Point)

18. Experience West Point's Crab Carnival.

Make plans now for the first weekend in October!

Fresh seafood, live music, shopping, a parade, fireworks, and thousands of new friends take over downtown West Point for one of the area's biggest traditions of the year.

Come hungry, stay for the fun, and experience a fall weekend that's unmistakably West Point.

Three women smile in a crab-themed photo cutout at the West Point Crab Carnival, with a street festival and banner behind them. — 43rd Annual West Point Crab Carnival (Eugene Campbell)

19. Raise a glass to something local.

Slow down, find a seat, and enjoy a locally crafted sip while taking in the scenery.

Bonus points for a river or countryside view.

Patio table with cheese, crackers, olives, salami and two wine glasses overlooking a river and trees. — Mattapony Reserve (Town of West Point)

20. Catch live music.

From summertime concerts in downtown West Point to performances and special events throughout the year, make local music part of your 2027 soundtrack.

And here's a head start: Arts Alive's 2026–2027 season continues into the new year, with performances already scheduled for February, March, April, and May.

Smiling family of four at an outdoor park event, with one child holding a beach ball and another wearing pineapple glasses. — Jammin' On the Point at West Point Town Park (West Point Chamber of Commerce)

21. Have dinner somewhere you've never tried.

Start making a list of local restaurants you've been meaning to visit — and start checking them off.

WPKW Restaurant Week returns in March 2027, making it the perfect excuse to discover a new favorite.

Top-down spread of plated seafood, vegetables, soup and dessert on a wooden table, with wine bottles and colorful flower garnishes — Roma Ristorante Italiano (Visit WPKW)

22. Walk the Riverwalk.

Stretch your legs, breathe in the river air, watch for wildlife, and stop at the Mattaponi overlooks along the way.

Go early enough and you might just check #1 off your list at the same time.

Wooden boardwalk with railings at sunrise over marshland, golden sun glowing on the right and trees silhouetted in the distance. — West Point Riverwalk (Town of West Point)

23. Visit a historic church or landmark.

King William's landscape is dotted with places that have witnessed centuries of Virginia history. Take time to explore them and learn the stories behind the scenery.

Small rustic chapel with gray metal roof beside trees in a sunny grassy clearing. — Acquinton Church (Bernard Fisher)

24. Celebrate the holidays in a small town.

Shop for gifts, sip something warm, admire the decorations, and experience the kind of holiday celebration that makes downtown West Point feel like a Christmas movie.

Santa waves from a red Mercedes convertible in a festive holiday parade, with crowds lining a decorated downtown street. — West Point's Christmas on the Town (Jim Agnew)

25. Stay the night.

Book a riverfront getaway, historic home, cozy cottage, farm stay, or country retreat.

Sometimes the best way to escape the everyday is to stay awhile.

Man in a white chair on a lake deck, holding a cup and watching a colorful sunset reflected on calm water. — Sunrise Tides - A River Retreat (Sunrise Tides)

26. Try something completely new.

Rent a kayak. Sign up for a race. Visit a farm. Attend a cultural event. Taste a new dish. Explore a road you've never traveled.

Your favorite 2027 memory might be something you haven't even thought of yet.

Smiling woman in blue tank and pink shorts wears race medal and bib 1079 while walking with an older man outdoors. — 17th Annual Chesty Puller Memorial Twin Bridge 10K (Town of West Point)

27. Find YOUR favorite point of view.

Maybe it's sunrise over the Mattaponi. A quiet King William country road. A plate piled high with local seafood. Live music with friends. Or a historic place you've passed a hundred times but finally stopped to explore.

Whatever it is, find the place, moment, or experience that makes you think:

How have I never done this before?

Then share it with us.

27 adventures. 12 months. One unforgettable destination.

Can’t wait 'til 2027? Don’t.

There’s still plenty of 2026 left to get out there and start exploring! Pick an adventure, make a plan, and consider it your head start on an unforgettable year ahead.