My baby Belle turned 17 on the 17th. Rather than a gift, she asked for a trip up to Virginia’s Historic Triangle to visit her cousin. And y’all know me: I never say no to a road trip!
So at 4 am on Belle’s birthday, we loaded up the car and headed for the first American colony to visit with family and celebrate in style!
What did we get into on our adventure? I’m glad you asked! I’ve dropped the highlights below.
A Long Weekend in Virginia’s Historic Triangle
Bacon’s Castle

Our first stop in Virginia? Bacon’s Castle!
Built in 1665, this historic landmark holds the distinction of being the oldest brick house in America and one of the few remaining examples of Jacobean architecture in the New World.
While its nickname comes from Nathaniel Bacon, who famously used it as a fort during Bacon’s Rebellion, the house was actually constructed by Arthur Allen, a notable figure in colonial Virginia. Allen was one of the first judges in Surry County.
Here’s the kicker: Belle is his 11th great-granddaughter through her Mimi’s maternal line. Talk about a full-circle moment—walking the grounds of her ancestor’s home!
Williamsburg

After exploring the grounds of Bacon’s Castle, we hopped on the ferry across the James River and made our way to Williamsburg. Instead of purchasing tickets, we chose to roam around, soaking in the ambiance and charm.
The best part of visiting during winter? We practically had the place to ourselves. No crowds, just the quiet beauty of colonial streets and crisp air.
King’s Arms Tavern







Lunch was a highlight, as we finally got to experience the King’s Arms Tavern—a must-see I missed during our last trip. This time, we made up for it, indulging in a four-course meal that felt like a step back in time.
We started with their famous peanut soup, a dish that’s sparked its share of debates. According to Belle, it’s an acquired taste, but I absolutely loved it. Next came a fresh salad, followed by a hearty prime rib entrée.
To top it all off, I let our waitress know it was Belle’s birthday. As we enjoyed dessert, a minstrel serenaded her with a rendition of “For She’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”
While the meal itself cost an arm and a leg—and I wouldn’t say the food quite lived up to the price—the experience was unforgettable. Moments like that are what road trips are all about!
Colonial National Historic Park






Our final stop of the day was Historic Jamestowne, and it did not disappoint. Visiting for the first time, I was struck by how the site’s quiet beauty and haunting history felt especially poignant on a cold winter day. The chill in the air made it all too easy to imagine the hardships the settlers faced during those early years.
We explored the historic church and cemetery, noting the names of families whose descendants eventually settled in North Carolina—a nod to how interconnected our pasts truly are.
A short walk away stands the Archaearium. Belle was both fascinated and horrified to learn about the Starving Time of 1609 when desperate settlers resorted to cannibalism to survive. The exhibit featuring human remains brought the story to life in a way that was both sobering and unforgettable.
Warner Hall

Since our trip was about Belle spending time with her natural-born BFF, the next day was more about family time than sightseeing – but we still managed to squeeze in a few interesting stops. Warner Hall was up first on day two.
Warner Hall was once the home of Augustine Warner. Augustine was a prominent citizen in Jamestown, where he served as both a Justice of the Peace and a Burgess in the General Assembly. He moved across the York River in 1657, where he built his grand home.
It may not sound all that interesting – but Augustine Warner produced a slew of famous descendants, including George Washington, Meriwether Lewis, Robert E. Lee, King Charles III, and yours truly.
That’s right! I really do have royal blood.
YROC Bar & Grill







We stopped for lunch at the York River Oyster Company. As you can tell, we enjoyed another feast. The restaurant sits at the marina on the York River and the view is breathtaking!
I ordered a bunch of appetizers and grazed. The gouda crab dip and bang bang shrimp were phenomenal. And those giant slices of carrot cake? They’ll feed four and were among the best desserts we had all weekend.
Cry Baby Bridge

Later that night, I played chauffeur to all the teenagers (we gained a couple throughout the day) and took them to see Crybaby Bridge.
According to legend, a distraught bride once hung herself from the bridge in her wedding gown, and her ghost is said to haunt the area. Some claim you can hear voices and screams in the night, while others swear they’ve seen her apparition.
We saw no ghosts. But the boys braved the cold, dark night to go up to the top to scream into the void. They came running back to the car claiming, something responded. We later determined they heard a coyote – but watching them scramble down the hill back to the car was one of the best parts of the whole trip.
The Cheese Shop



On our third day, we made it to the Cheese Shop in Williamsburg for lunch – a tradition we just couldn’t skip.
We had sandwiches, chips, and bottled sodas. I sprung for some vegetable beef soup to go with it. The food lived up to the hype, and I will be back.
The Moore House

After lunch, we made our way over to the Yorktown Battlefield. Even in the dead of winter, the place is serene and humbling. Snow clung to the edges of the forest and deer grazed in the fields.
Since it was freezing, we didn’t get out of the car to explore – except for at Moore House.
The house was built in 1754 by Lawrence Smith, who sold it to his brother-in-law, Augustine Moore. Moore owned the house during the Siege of Yorktown – but fled for Richmond to avoid the battle. In his absence, representatives of George Washington and Cornwallis used it to negotiate the Articles of Capitulation.
It was here that American Independence was won.
Bass Pro Shop

Confession: I’d never been to a Bass Pro Shop before. There are only three in North Carolina – none of them are nearby. So I had to go see it and do a little shopping before heading home!
Saying I loved it would be an understatement. It was a country girl’s wet dream. I could’ve put us into debt very easily in there. I didn’t – but I could’ve. Instead, I bought myself a Carhartt hoodie and a new hat before making our final stop.

Blackbeard’s Point


On the way home, we went to Blackbeard’s Point in Hampton.
This is where Blackbeard’s severed head was placed on a spike after he was killed by Virginians. Today, the site is a marina with only a small sign marking the history.
I’ll admit, the visit left me a little unsettled. Maybe it was the overdevelopment of the area, or maybe it was the fact that Virginia mutilated one of North Carolina’s own. Either way, it felt like the right time to turn the car south and head for home.
Our weekend in Virginia’s Historic Triangle was unforgettable, and Belle had the time of her life! We laughed until it hurt, explored new places, and made memories I’ll treasure forever. Seeing Belle so happy warmed my heart, but it tugged at my emotions, too.
It’s hard to believe this marks the beginning of the end of her adolescence. My greatest hope is that, even as she spreads her wings, she’ll still want to hit the road with her ol’ mama for a few more adventures once she’s grown.
You were minutes away from my home in Poquoson. Welcome to Tidewater and the Historic Triangle.
You hit the highlights.
Still more: Fort Monroe, Plantations on Rte 5 on the James, watermen’s waterfront – like in Poquoson, Aircraft Carriers in Norfolk..
This is my home…and you painted the picture perfectly…you certainly hit the highlights..reminded me of a few places like the Cheese Shoppe…I need to revisit. Only thing Id add…is a trip to nearby Carter’s Grove….and Amazing..the Jamestown/Surry ferry is still free!
Happy Birthday to your pretty daughter! The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree! Your trip looked like fun and very historical! Loved living life through y’all!