What to Do, Eat & Explore This Week in New Kent, Charles City & the Peninsula Wine Trail

Colonial Williamsburg is in full summer swing with daily living history programs, trades demonstrations, costumed interpreters, and the immersive 18th-century experience that makes this one of the most visited destinations in Virginia. July is a great time to visit because the gardens are at their peak, the outdoor programs are running on a full schedule, and there are often special summer evening events like ghost tours and militia musters. For families new to the area, this is the essential Virginia experience.

Saude Creek Vineyards sits on a stunning property overlooking the Pamunkey River in the heart of New Kent County, and summer is the absolute best time to visit. The vineyard grounds are lush and green, the outdoor tasting patio has sweeping river views, and the winery regularly hosts live music on weekend afternoons. Their Viognier and Norton are standout Virginia wines, and the relaxed countryside setting makes it a perfect afternoon outing.

Jamestown Settlement brings the story of America's first permanent English colony to life with indoor gallery exhibits, outdoor living history in a re-created Paspahegh town and 1607 fort, and replica ships docked on the James River. Summer programming includes special demonstrations and interactive activities for families and kids. The museum setting on the river is beautiful, and the combination of indoor exhibits and outdoor living history means you can spend a full day here.

The New Kent County Farmers Market runs every Saturday morning at the historic courthouse circle, with local growers, bakers, and artisans setting up under the oak trees in one of the most charming small-town market settings in Virginia. You will find fresh summer produce -- tomatoes, corn, peaches, melons -- plus local honey, farm eggs, baked goods, and handmade crafts. The courthouse circle is one of the most photographed spots in New Kent.

Food For Thought is a Williamsburg institution with a jaw-dropping 4.6-star rating from nearly 6,000 reviews -- one of the highest-rated restaurants in all of Virginia. The menu is a creative journey through New American cuisine with global influences, and the atmosphere is warm, inviting, and filled with the kind of positive energy that makes a meal feel like an event. The restaurant also has a book-store-within-a-restaurant concept that makes it uniquely Williamsburg.

Second Street American Bistro has earned a devoted following with a 4.6-star rating and a menu that balances elevated comfort food with creative seasonal specials. The setting on Second Street in Williamsburg's New Town district is polished but relaxed, and the outdoor patio is wonderful in summer. The craft cocktail program is excellent, and the menu changes with the seasons -- which means July brings the best of Virginia's summer produce into every dish.

Upper Shirley Vineyards is not just a winery -- it is a dining destination with sweeping views of the James River and the historic Shirley Plantation grounds. The vineyard's tasting room serves an excellent selection of small plates and wine-friendly bites alongside their estate-grown wines, and the setting on the bluff overlooking the river is one of the most beautiful places to eat in all of Virginia. The drive out Route 5 through Charles City County is half the experience.

Tucked into the Providence Forge area of New Kent, Strantz Pub has become a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. The menu covers classic pub fare with some elevated surprises, and the atmosphere is the kind of unpretentious, welcoming vibe that makes you want to stay for another round. After a day of wine tasting on the New Kent wine trail, Strantz Pub is a great place to land for dinner.

A 52-mile dedicated paved pedestrian and bicycle trail connecting Richmond to Williamsburg through some of the most beautiful historic countryside in Virginia. The trail passes through New Kent and Charles City counties with stunning James River views, farmland, forests, and access to historic plantation sites and wineries along the way.

A 140-acre waterfront park on the Chickahominy River with camping, fishing piers, kayak and canoe rentals, a swimming pool, splash pad, playground, and direct access to the Virginia Capital Trail. This is a complete family outdoor destination.

A 1,000-acre protected marsh and forest preserve along the Pamunkey River managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. The preserve is a haven for birdwatchers, with herons, egrets, bald eagles, and migratory waterfowl throughout the summer.

Route 5 between Richmond and Williamsburg is one of the most scenic and historically rich drives in all of America. Passing through centuries-old plantation estates -- Berkeley, Shirley, Westover -- with the James River on one side and rolling farmland on the other.

A 600-acre park with hiking and biking trails, a working 18th-century farm and grist mill, and the Freedom Park Interpretive Center tracing the journey of enslaved and free African Americans in the region.

A network of hiking and mountain biking trails through mixed hardwood forest at the New Kent Forestry Center. The Wahrani Trails section is particularly beautiful in mid-summer, with dense canopy cover keeping the trails cool and shaded even on hot July afternoons.

The USO Mid-Atlantic team is hosting a Paint and Sip evening for military spouses and families at the Fort Eustis USO. This is a relaxed, creative evening designed to help military families unwind, connect, and build community. All materials are provided, and the event is free for military families.

The USO Book Club at Fort Eustis meets monthly for military-affiliated readers to discuss a chosen book in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Coffee and light refreshments are provided. New members are always welcome.

The MWR Kids Bowl Free program at Fort Eustis gives military kids a fun, air-conditioned indoor activity during the hottest part of summer. Kids bowl free (shoe rental included), and parents can join in for a minimal fee.

Team RWB's Peninsula chapter connects veterans, active duty service members, and military families through group runs, walks, hikes, and social events across the Hampton Roads area. The summer schedule includes morning runs along the Virginia Capital Trail and evening socials at Peninsula breweries.