Halloween is just around the corner and with it the annual sweet craving. Though we might not be able to go trick-or-treating like we did when we were younger, that sweet tooth hasn't aged a bit! Fortunately, Williamsburg is home to several unique and satisfying sweet shops, bakeries, and creameries that you can't find anywhere else. No costume required!
CANDIES AND SWEETS:
A fixture of Colonial Williamsburg, Wythe Candy and Gourmet Shop in Merchants Square is a great local spot to find a large variety of sweets, as well as hand-crafted truffles, caramel apples, and fudge! It's worth the trip just to watch the masters at work.
Likewise, Kilwin's right down the street from the Inn is a great place to find wonderful chocolate-covered creations, plus this location doubles as an ice cream shop! Waffles cones are made fresh all day long, and the sweet smell wafts down the street......ahhhh.
Maybe you're one with a bit of a sophisticated palette? The Cheese Shop is the perfect place to look. It's here that you'll find those really unique things like specialty jars of honey, teas, dried fruits, as well as imported cookies, sweets, and (of course) cheese.
Or maybe you really like that sweet-salty combination? Step across the street to the Peanut Shop of Williamsburg and go nuts! Peanuts, almonds, cashews, you name it, are all covered in high-quality chocolates, and trust us, the peanut brittle is a MUST.
BAKERIES:
Tucked away in between Prince George Street and Merchants Square is Blackbird Bakery, a lovely local bakeshop. In addition to their fresh breads, croissants, and Illy coffee, they also have quite the array of cookies, tarts, and (the claim to fame) some HUGE pecan sticky buns!
Or you can go right up Richmond Road to Extraordinary Cupcakes. Trust us, the smell alone is so heavenly it's hard to leave! With rotating and seasonal flavors like Amazing Apple Brown Betty and Sensational S'mores, plus mini cupcakes and gluten-free options, they're a true Williamsburg indulgence.
If you're haven't traveled much along the East Coast, you may be unfamiliar with Duck Donuts, but around here they're a staple. Hot and made to order, you'll have to check out their season cinnamon apple pie, salted caramel, pumpkin roll, and maple bacon donuts. Or you can create a unique combination of cake, icing, and toppings all on your own to make the perfect bite!
ICE CREAM:
Though hardly more than a walk-up window, Bruster's Ice Cream on John Tyler Highway is the place to go to find wacky ice cream creations. In addition to classic cones and sundaes, they also have Oreo ice cream sandwiches, ice cream cakes, blended ice cream blasts, and lots more. Call ahead to see which flavors from their extensive list are there today!
Finally, we thought we'd bring it full circle with a spot about 10 steps away from the Fife and Drum Inn. Retro's Good Eats on Prince George Street has all the charm of 1950's Americana, but more importantly, has true frozen custard. Thick, cold, and sweet, you can get it in a cone, on a sundae, in a milkshake (so many flavors!), or in a classic soda float. It's a sweet way to top off any evening.
Mouth watering yet? While the little ones are counting and inspecting their annual batch of Halloween candy, why not try one of these local haunts? When you stay in the heart of Williamsburg, rest assured your sweet tooth will be satisfied!
Which sweet treat will you choose, Candies, cakes or cream? Leave us a comment and let us know!