Merchants Square
A colonial revival shopping street at the west end of the historic area, lined with restaurants, cafés, bookstores and gift shops, ideal for lunch and shopping after touring the historic district.
Merchants Square was built in the 1930s and is one of the first planned pedestrian shopping districts in the United States. It sits right next to the College of William & Mary and the west entrance of the historic area, and its buildings harmonize with colonial architecture. More than forty shops and restaurants sell colonial-style crafts and local specialties such as Virginia peanuts and country ham. A farmers' market is held on Saturday mornings in summer. Paid parking is available nearby, and walking into the historic area is free.
Opening hours
Shops approx. 10:00–18:00; restaurants open later
Nearby sights
- Bruton Parish Church
- Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area
- George Wythe House
- Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg
- Governor's Palace
- Raleigh Tavern
- Wren Building, College of William & Mary
- Capitol (Colonial Williamsburg)