If you've been around here for a while, you've likely heard how much we love springtime in #WPKW (that's West Point + King William for our new friends!). When the sweet Virginia breezes start blowing through the King William countryside and along the shorelines of the Mattaponi, Pamunkey, and York Rivers, we do a little happy dance. Whether it's fishing on one of our area's piers, paddling our rivers and creeks, cuddling baby goats, hiking through our state forests, crab pickin' by the water, walking through historic downtown West Point, enjoying local fare at one of our restaurants, or sipping wine riverside at Mattapony Reserve, there's much to be excited about as the temperature rises.
Artisan Farms
From snuggling baby goats to visiting with alpacas, picking fresh fruit and vegetables, or purchasing farm-to-table products for your kitchen, our farms offer unique and special experiences for visitors of all ages. There's truly something magical about visiting our artisan farms and becoming immersed in farm life, even if for a short while. Head over to our Farms page to plan your visit.
Historic Downtown West Point
West Point's historic tree-lined Main Street is home to an antique shop, boutiques, restaurants, a museum, and more. Enjoy shopping at Divin' Off the Dock, a quaint boutique frequented by visitors from miles around, as well as The Exchange on Main, which features West Point Antiques, Homestead Cottage, and a family of unique vendors. Browse the multiple showrooms of the popular home furnishings company Wyatt-Ogg, and then relax at one of our downtown eateries, where you can find some of the best seafood this side of 95. Pro tip—The Blue Crab of WP and Three Rivers Seafood offer outside dining with views of our quaint Main Street and the Mattaponi River. End your downtown experience on a sweet note with specialty coffee and delicious, one-of-a-kind ice cream at the The Lazy Cow Ice Cream Parlor.
Visitors to downtown West Point also enjoy taking in the architecture of our historic buildings, churches, and homes that include period representatives from the Victorian Italianate, Queen Anne, and Gothic Revival architecture styles, as well as Sears mail-order houses. At the end of Main Street, you can take in breathtaking river views at Beach Park, where the Mattaponi and Pamunkey Rivers meet to form the mighty York. And, while we think downtown West Point is beautiful all year, it is especially lovely in the spring with the budding trees and flowers that adorn Main Street.
Shopping...King William Style
For those who love shopping at unique country stores or antiquing in small towns, West Point and King William County d-e-l-i-v-e-r. Our region offers shopping opportunities not found in the big city, and that's just the way we like it! From Pearls and Chicks, an amazing boutique located on one of King William's most historic properties, to Horn’s West Point Ace Hardware which offers wayyyy more than hardware, to The Exchange on Main which has everything from antiques to shabby chic home décor, and The She Shed and Fayth Works in the quaint community of Aylett, there’s a treasure waiting for everyone in #WPKW. For our full list of places to shop, scroll through our Plan Visit page.
Wine + Culture
If it's wine you love, you've come to the right place. King William County is home to one of the most unique wineries in Virginia, Mattapony Reserve. Mattapony Reserve offers riverside natural-wine and dining, and features a truly one-of-a-kind tasting room that doubles as museum with Native American artifacts over 10,000 years old. Pro tip—you must admire the beautiful, custom-built tasting bar—it is a work of art. The Mattapony Reserve relies on revolutionary and more sustainable winemaking technology. Better quality wine with minimal water usage and minimal environmental impact is the goal. Only the very best grapes are selected from across the Chesapeake Bay, Hampton Roads, and Blue Ridge regions of Virginia.
Once you've had your fill at Mattapony Reserve, check out our nearby wineries and breweries—Gauthier Vineyard, Dragon Run Brewing, Saude Creek Vineyards, Zoll Vineyards, Jolene Family Winery, and New Kent Winery & Talleysville Brewing Company. Each offers a unique experience to enjoy local wines and craft beer, along with amazing food, live music, and more!
The Great Outdoors
If the solitude of nature is high on your list this spring, King William County offers multiple ways to enjoy wide open spaces, as well as secluded locations that'll make you believe you are the only person on the planet. Whether it's hiking, paddling, biking, horseback riding, golf, fishing, or simply taking a relaxing drive through the countryside, there’s an experience for any outdoor enthusiast in #WPKW. King William County features Zoar State Forest, Sandy Point State Forest, and Queenfield Golf Club, while West Point offers opportunities for fishing, paddling, and relaxing at Glass Island, the Riverwalk, and Beach Park. Pro tip—if you plan to enjoy water activities such as paddling, be sure to protect yourself against cold water. The West Point Paddler’s Guide offers safety tips and suggestions for paddling around West Point’s waterways.
Romantic Getaway, Girls Trip, or Family Weekend—#WPKW Has You Covered
With miles of peaceful countryside that lead to boutiques and museums, as well as wineries and breweries, a quaint downtown shopping and dining district with river views, outdoor adventure and nearby amusement, King William County and the Town of West Point offer the perfect location for a weekend (or weekday!) getaway.
From historic Victorian homes to quaint cottages and riverfront vacation rentals, our region has just the right place for you to relax and enjoy a peaceful escape. Check out a few of the unique places to stay in #WPKW: Sunrise Tides - A River Retreat, Grateful Meadows, Aylett River Paradise, Hemlock House at 403 Main Street, Waterfront Retreat on the Mattaponi, and Luxury Getaway in West Point. For a complete list, check out our Plan Visit page and scroll to Stay.
Friends (that's right, once you visit, you're a friend!), this is just a sample of the many special experiences #WPKW has to offer in the spring. Our little piece of Virginia is filled with culture, fun, adventure, shopping, relaxation, dining, water sports, and more. To plan your visit and learn more about the Town of West Point and King William County, be sure to bookmark our Plan Visit page and read 30 Things to See & Do in King William County, Virginia. We invite you to visit and stay awhile...for a different point of view.
Featured Image: Beach Park, Downtown West Point