Williamsburg Shopping

In 1927, Merchants Square is was recognized as one of the earliest, if not the first planned shopping districts in the United States. While John D. Rockefeller, Jr., and the Reverend W.A.R. Goodwin were envisioning the restoration of Virginia’s colonial capital, they realized that the business community already in Williamsburg would need to be folded into the master plan.

There are some really wonderful shops here with lots to offer. Many common items, yet some very specialty items too. If you call the number below, they will connect you to any of the shops.

What to pay: Anywhere from average to high range too!

What would a trip to the East coast be without visiting a peanut shop?

This is the one to hit!! A huge variety and lots of samples.

The counter help is always on top of your needs!

On top of peanuts, the store also features garden gnomes, signs, etc. as well as a large amount of jams, jellies, and (of course) peanut butters!

What to buy: Wasabi peanuts are the best!!!! I was also pleased to see that they carry the brand P.B. Loco which is a fantastic peanut butter line.

What to pay: Just about normal for the nuts, slightly more expensive if they are shipped out of state.

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La Tienda ("the store" for those from Roxboro) is located in Toano just south of I-64 and north of the Rt. 60 and 30 intersection in an office park. Despite explicit directions, you really have to be on your toes to get there without being lost. What makes La Tienda unique is that it is the only store that specialises solely in Spanish products in this part of Virginia. Sometimes, they leave the shop unattended. There is a sign requesting customers to ring the bell for service.

What to buy: They offer all manner of food including Spanish hams, and all the fixins for paella, sweets, wines, sherries, and other Spanish delicacies. There is also cookware which includes paella pans of different sizes, plates, and even bath products. I couldn't find any saffron or any other spices in the store. As expensive as saffron is, I bet they keep it under lock and key. It is a great place to shop if you love Spanish cuisine like I do. There is probably more in their online store than there is in here.

What to pay: Because all of the things are imported from Spain, you are going to pay more for items sold here.

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Prime Outlets is a shopping centre of about 80 outlet stores. An outlet store helps a company unload its surplus product at a reduced price. Among the more prominent tenants of this shopping centre: Nike, Oshkosh B'Gosh, L.L. Bean, Samsonite and Corningware. There are many more. All those clothing stores are nice. I mean, what's wrong with overstocked clothes at a serious discount? However, I like to stuff my face. The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is one of my favourite places, but I also enjoy Le Gourmet Chef. Not only does the Gourmet Chef offer kitchen supplies, but they also offer a wide range of foods and sauces, many of which are put out by Food Network personalities such as Emeril Lagasse, Ina Garten, and Paula Deen. I picked up a couple of sauces by Paula Deen. There were free samples of several brands of sauces for pretzels and corn chips. I was most keen on the olive oil based dipping sauces for bread. Stopping here was like an appetiser before lunch.

What to buy: Women's, men's, children's and family apparel; health & beauty; shoes; luggage / handbags; home furnishings; housewares; accessories; specialty; and food.

en español, em português

What to pay: Everything is sold at discount.

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Williamsburg Outlet Mall is a collection of 31 stores all under one roof that sell overstocked product of various clothing and accessory companies at between 20-70% off the original retail price. There are many outlet malls in the area, but this is the only enclosed outlet mall for many miles and kilometers. My favourite places to shop at this mall are not the clothing outlets, but Crafters Market and Always a Holiday are perfect for buying cheap but meaningful whatnots.

What to buy: Cosmetics, clothing for all shapes and sizes, shoes, jewelry, toys, and health food are for sale here. There is also a Hershey's Ice Cream Parlor to treat yourself and well-behaved kids whom you take shopping.

What to pay: Discounts are commonplace here. Many folks travel for hundreds of miles and kilometers for this kind of bargain. Sadly, outlet malls like these prosper at the expense of well-established local institutions such as Basketville and the Candle Factory.

en español, em português

The Lightfoot Pottery is a prime reason my wife and I returned to Williamsburg year after year. This conglomaration of outlets and stores covers several acres. It started after WWII as the location where the pottery that made the ceramics for Colonial Williamsburg sold seconds. It then expanded into a location for home furnishings, outdoor statues, food and wines (and great beers), a nursery, Christmas and crafts, iron work, on and on. Often after hitting the Pottery we drive home 600 miles in a car looking like the Beverly Hillbillies. BUT, check the prices. I recently priced a 15 ounce can of Brunswick stew (what could be more Virginian?) that sold for $4.65 at the Pottery. Across town at Ukrops it sold for $3.50. Let the buyer beware. The Pottery has items you cannot get elsewhere. It will also rip you off. Tired of the 18th century or water rides? Try the Pottery. What a trip!

Tarpley's Store is designated for the most important folks in the world - for children. But I found it interesting as well. It offers toys, games, candies, clothing and hats of colonial era and jewelry for children of all ages. Add some ceramics and fans for both old and young ladies. Some goods are imported from England.

HISTORY
Original buiding was put up at this place prior to 1755 and burned in 1860. From 1759 to 1763 it was owned and occupied by James Tarpley as a store. The building was reconstructed in 1930s.

What to buy: Colonial tricornered hats for boys, fans or jewelry for girls and chocolate bar, candies, dried fruits for everyone.

What to pay: Rather expensive, although... look:
Chocolate bar (plain or almond, standart size) - $2.00
Coffee (1/2 lb bag) - $8.00
Candied almonds, pistachios, apple slices, chocolate almonds - $1.00 per 2 oz
Are they all much cheaper in say Wal-Mart food center?

The building, on my picture, houses James Craig's shop. James Craig was a son of a surgeon and talented jeweller who run a shop in this buiding at least since 1772. The house is called the Golden Ball after the gold ball hang above the entrance.

Currently, the store offers silver and gold jewelry and other crafted items (brass and pewter hollowware pieces) inspired by the 18th century. And it serves as an exhibit site, where skilled artisans (silversmiths) make silver jewelry using the tools and methods of 18th century. Decorative piercing and engraving as well as watch making is also available.

What to buy: I am not an expert on jewelry but I would pay attention to some silver items, especially thick and simple in design bracelets (favourite of my wife :-). Although they are much less expensive in my country, Poland.

What to pay: I think, it's an expensive store.