Merchants Square, the shopping and dining district adjacent to Colonial Williamsburg’s renowned Historic Area, is home to more than 40 shops and restaurants. Most of the stores and all of the restaurants are locally owned and operated. Locally owned specialty boutiques offer products ranging from ladies’, men’s and children’s apparel to fine jewelry, art, specialty foods and gifts. In addition, there is a delightful selection of eateries.
On the cultural front, the square’s Kimball Theatre features arts and educational programs daily, including first-run movies, performances by Colonial Williamsburg character interpreters, musicians, poets and lecturers, plus a full schedule of classical concerts by the Williamsburg Symphonia. Arts and crafts lovers enjoy the annual Occasion for the Arts each fall and Art on the Square each spring.
The square hosts a variety of other fun community events throughout the year. In 2009, these included an Antique Car Show, visits from out-of-town musicians and dancers, and an open-air “Music under the Stars” pops concert by the Williamsburg Symphonia.
Each summer, Merchants Square offers free weekly “Summer Breeze” concerts, featuring musical performances from oldies and rock and roll to big band, salsa, jazz and R&B. On Saturdays from April through October, Merchants Square hosts the enormously popular Williamsburg Farmers Market, with a bountiful supply of fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, herbs, cut flowers, potted plants and much more. Through a contest sponsored by Farmland Trust, the Williamsburg Farmers Market was voted in 2009 the best mid-size Farmers Market in the nation. Holiday activities feature appearances by Santa Claus and Father Christmas, a unique street theater, and strolling musicians in a beautifully decorated setting.
Built in 1935, Merchants Square was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005 along with the Williamsburg Lodge and the Williamsburg Inn® to make up the Merchants Square and Resort Historic District. Last fall the American Planning Association named Duke of Gloucester Street in Merchants Square one of America’s Top 10 Great Streets. The APA recognized Duke of Gloucester Street for its unique ability to evoke the past while also maintaining a lively mix of modern-day uses. |
