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    The Williamsburg General Store

    3.1 (45 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 3 weeks ago

    Services - The Williamsburg General Store

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    Ric P.

    Great little gift store. Lots of choices and touristy things. Lots of choices in Tervis Tumbler hot/cold tumblers. Friendly staff and to my active and retired Military cohorts ... they offer a military discount!

    Tran L.

    We stopped by looking for postcards. The amount of stuff in the store overwhelmed us. We noticed a lot of nostalgic toys, candies, and trinkets. A large amount of oddities and gag gifts to be had for impulse buyers. The bombardment of shelves, stands, and racks in the store left little room to move around, especially with families who had kids running and playing in the store. We left with 2 postcards. Overall, an exhausting shopping experience.

    Patrise S.

    Such a cute little store. The items are a little pricey. I enjoy this little potato peach time I visit Williamsburg.

    Danielle E.

    Just a heads up that this place is very busy and there's a lot of traffic going in and out of the store since there's an ice cream shop in the back. That is what this review is for; Bubbas Ice Cream. It was really your average ice cream. Nothing special. The plain waffle cone I had was a bit stale. The overall price was a bit too expensive for what we received. Next time I think I'll opt for Dairy Queen.

    Cookie dough sundae

    This is a mixed review. I enjoyed walking through the general store. It had a huge variety of items. I got some great little souvenirs to take home. They had a variety of decor items and shirts, etc. Now onto the disappointment. I wanted to leave a review just for Bubba's ice cream but apparently I can't. The ice cream was average hard serve, nothing to write home about but nothing to complain about either. The service on the other hand was ridiculous. After taking our first order, the girl helping us rudely told us we were reversing the order of the line. Ok, our mistake but say that first in a polite manner and we will move down. It was then awkward because she started making the milkshake and we had moved to the correct location but still needed to order more items. There were so many people who were standing around trying to figure out how to order. I stood in the correct spot and no one ever took my order until I walked to the middle of the counter. I heard the employees chastise two other families about "reversing the line" before we paid and left. Outside eating our ice cream, you could hear people mumbling about the service as they walked out of the store. If you like nostalgic signs, political items and a huge hodgepodge of other things definitely stop and take a few minutes to walk through the store. DO NOT GET ICE CREAM unless you want to be spoken to like a moron.

    Bob R.

    Great ice cream and buy 1 get1 coupons in the Williamsburg coupon books.... what a deal and enourmoud Waffel cones. I especially enjoyed Double fudge brownie... now that is chocolate at its best.

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    3 years ago

    Great little gift shop with a fantastic ice cream store. We visited here several times. Don't skip if you are in Williamsburg

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    5 years ago

    Expensive ice cream with limited flavors. Family of four spent almost $30 for small cones and a milkshake. Find a baskin robbbins instead

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    9 years ago

    Love the wide variety of souvenirs and shirts! Bubba's Ice Cream shop was fun too. We've been there before and it's always been good.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - The Williamsburg General Store

    Review Highlights - The Williamsburg General Store

    Great little gift shop with a fantastic ice cream store.

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    The Velvet Shoestring - Gaoyin

    The Velvet Shoestring

    (29 reviews)

    $$

    This store is incredible. Being an avid shopper, The Velvet Shoestring is the best consignment…read morefurniture and decor store I have ever been in. They offer high end items at reasonable prices. The store is well stocked, clean and the people that work there are friendly and helpful. We go there every time we visit Williamsburg and always find something we can't live without! A tip: if you see something you really want, buy it then as things sell out quickly. Several times I made the mistake of not buying an item at the time I saw it and came back the next day and it was gone.

    On our way to dinner in Williamsburg while visiting family nearby, we stopped at The Velvet…read moreShoestring to check on their latest antiques and consignment pieces. My sister has scored several niece paintings and decor accessories here over the years, and I was close to purchasing a beautiful dining room set a few years ago that was offered at an incredible price. But for the shipping issues, it would be in my Bucks County home today. We were free to wander around the crammed warehouse-like space without disturbance from staff. I found several Asian pieces (wood carved, metal cast, crystal and pastel ceramic) that were tempting and priced to sell. Didn't pull the trigger because I needed more time to consider which would be best at home. But, still had a good time searching, and may give them a call about safe packaging for the two I am most attracted by. No doubt, we will be visiting again this year (2024), and will stop in again, so even if those things are gone, there will be new and perhaps even better ones to capture my imagination.

    John Greenhow Store

    John Greenhow Store

    (4 reviews)

    $$

    One thing to understand about Colonial Williamsburg is the naming of the buildings is not by…read morecoincidence. John Greenhow was a merchant that operated a store on Duke of Gloucester during colonial days. The history of the man is as important to me as the current day store which I do enjoy browsing. John Greenhow was born in England 1724. He has been described as enterprising for the day, a real go getter. He operated a three man eight ton Schooner named "The Robert" along the James River from Virginia to Philadelphia carrying butter, pork, peas and lard to Pennsylvania. His return trips to the Old Dominion brought back coffee, chocolate, flour, bread, skillets, soap and even furniture. Williamsburg was not his only store as he operated a second location in Richmond. Mr. Greenhow passed in 1787 and is buried close to his mercantile at Bruton Parish Church. His stone is visible to this day. The present day store instills some of the old past of products like soap and housewares among lots of other items that may, or may not have been carried in the shop like home decor, clothing and even wine that seemed logical for the colonial time. Visitors can also purchase, or rent period wear. I have shopped at this store dozens of times in the past 30 years. I seem to always find something for purchase. The last time it was a few bottles of Williamsburg Winery Wine. Other occasions it's been soap which is fantastic. During Summer months when mobbed it can be a tad crowded to navigate. Staff typically is not in the floor to assist, but is more than willing to help when asked. It's no fault of their own, it's CW's staffing needs adjusted during the height of tourism. The clerks working the store are super friendly and knowledgeable about their goods and the history of Greenhow. It's fun to throw them a question, or two about the old day store. I would recommend a visit to The Greenhow store when strolling down DOG.

    I'm not a shopping person and sadly I've become not much of a CW person but if you're in CW and if…read moreyou're going to shop, the Greenhow Store is not a bad place to do it. My Yelp brother JD did a great job covering the history of the man who's name is on the building. I have nothing to add other than the current store is not one of the original 88 CW buildings but it was built on the site of the original and on land that Mr. Greenhow owned. Back in the day you could easily see the yard over at Bruton Parish but FWIW this is the final resting place for Mr. Greenhow: makinghistorynow.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/mr-greenhows-tomb-bruton-parish.png Usually I'm in here because I've got people in my family who love the soap balls that they sell here (maybe they have them in other stores but usually I find the bars everywhere - not the balls), the vanilla beans, the musket balls and a few other odds and sods. The other reason I like to shop here is because of the one "sales interpreter" who normally works here. When you walk in he's usually at the register on the left side. He's a taller older guy who wears small round wire rimmed glasses. He's the one guy in the store who usually will engage you in sort of a quasi-in character demeanor. He's hysterical and I always enjoy seeing him and I remind him of that whenever I'm there. While this store is normally very crowded on my most recent visit we walked in to find we had the whole place to ourselves. Three employees in there with just us. After a few minutes another couple came in but that's how dead it was on New Year's Day. One brief negative note regarding that visit. While there were three sales interpreters there. Cluelessly, there was also a supervisor/manager present who kept having a little meeting with the group over in the one corner out front even though they could see that I was at the register ready to go. Experiences like that are the types of reasons people say "Never Again" to CW. It's small but it also shows you a small spot of where management's focus truly is at. That singular visit aside, normally it's a decent experience here and it's always worth a visit to see what they have when on DOG Street.

    Brick & Vine - Beautiful Home Decor Furnishing

    Brick & Vine

    (3 reviews)

    This is my favorite shop in Williamsburg. Whenever we visit, I make sure we make stop here to see…read moreall of the festive decorations and home goods. It's also attached directly to a coffee shop where you can pick up an espresso while you shop and perk up for all the great gifts. The shop is particularly perfect around the holidays. They have so much decor and beautiful decorations. On this past visit, I ended up picking up an electronic candle and a candle holder. I rarely buy items for the holidays, but was just taken so much by the beautiful display. My kids love the many soaps, and the nutcrackers and snow globes they have out for Christmas. On my latest visit, I went upstairs. I didn't even know there was actually an upstairs level. There is gorgeous furniture and decor. My kids loved it up there and pretending it was their home. Though, I prefer the main level with the wide variety of beautiful gifts. This is a must-stop for Williamsburg.

    I love this shop and was surprised to see no photos of reviews for it just yet…read more It's a very classy space connected via glass walls/doors to the Ily coffee shop in the old downtown shopping area of Williamsburg just adjacent to the Colonial entrance. Inside you'll find tons of beautiful home decor, soaps, lotions, etc. on the cute first floor and, don't leave before going upstairs! On the second floor - there are some really beautiful furniture, lamps, decor and art on displace as well as a full on custom design center with color selection area for fully custom-designed furniture for your home. I always find something beautiful while here to take home with me. If you are trying to decorate your home from top to bottom and need a few special pieces, I'm sure they can help you get them here. Plus, you can do some other shopping and dining too!

    Prentis Store - Colonial Williamsburg Prentis Store

    Prentis Store

    (4 reviews)

    $$

    We shopped here four times during our week-long visit. Each person knew all the products so…read moreexpertly! I was over-the-moon impressed. I am very very very hard to be over-the-moon impressed!

    When taking a stroll down DoG street don't miss this shop. Oh, where are my manners...DOG street is…read morean acronym for Duke of Gloucester. I personally have found it to be one of the most unique shopping experiences in CW. So what's in the store, well a little bit of everything. However, think of a Nordstrom of the 18th Century it's high end quality goods and you have the idea. Leather luggage, pewter, jewelry, cuff links, wine, beer, baskets, dishes, mugs, hats and there is more. This is the hard to find unique item gift store of the CW. Some items are within a price range that makes it difficult to justify a purchase. However, the quality is great! Many items I would consider affordable lower price point and still very nice. The store presents beautifully and the two staff members on the day of my visit were extremely helpful and ready to answer questions. This is a store that usually has a lot of foot traffic and the day I visited was no exception. One of my favorite aspects of the store has to be the long counter and next would be it's wonderful front window with dishes and other items displayed. When striking up a conversation with the older male staff member about the history of the building the place got much more interesting. It is one of the 88 original structures in CW. That alone made it intriguing to me because I believe there are more originals off DOG street than on, but could be wrong. The Prentis shop holds the distinction of being the longest continual running commercial brick building in the CW. That is a bold statement folks because the building is early 1700's. To give how old the building perspective George Washington was 7 years old when it was completed. It's built like a fortress with four layers of brick on the bottom half of the walls and three up to the rafters Most of the bones of the original structure are present. The original wood floor was replaced due to a modification in the 1920's when it service as a tire and parts store of all things. Cool shop, cool history, cool people working here. Don't pass on it.

    The Mole Hole - Strawberry Salad

    The Mole Hole

    (20 reviews)

    $$$

    This very very small restaurant that looks interesting. It's very quaint. It's not family friendly…read more Service was great and the place was nicely decorated. I would say it's for more older adults wanting a very quiet lunch. Great place to have tea and a dessert. Selection of food...well..lunch menu is small. Not much to choose from so I would say it's really just fair. I was disappointed in the quiche and you don't get any choices. There's so many quiches to make these days. We only had one choice that was a big disappointment and it tasted just OK if it had a better menu or a little bit bigger menu that expanded to have some real choices we might be back but I don't think so that's why the three stars is for the fact that it's a lovely place to have a very nice cup of tea....

    We enjoyed lunch at The Gathering Place at The Mole Hole today, and it was delicious! The cafe is…read morehoused within The Mole Hole boutique, which sells gifts, decor items, jewelry, purses, and ladies clothing. Today's review really is about The Gathering Place cafe, which is why we went to The Mole Hole. It's absolutely lovely. They have about 4 to 5 tables that could accommodate 4 people. Plus they had a cute table for two. The tables are elegantly decorated with linen floral napkins on pretty placemats. See photos. The food is light fare, but with ample portions. We started with iced teas (they also offer beers, wine, and champagne). For entrees, we ordered the spinach salad with salmon and pecans as well as the ham and spinach quiche with the southern pea salad. The pea salad contained peas, corn, pimento, and shredded cheddar cheese -- quite unique and very good. My husband can't stop raving about it. We really enjoyed our meals. All food is made in house. See photos. Service is prompt and friendly. You pay at the final checkout up front so you can pay for food and any shop purchases together. Bring cash for your tip, as their receipts don't include a line for a gratuity since they are primarily a shop. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday for lunch until 3 p.m.

    The Shops at Carolina Furniture of Williamsburg

    The Shops at Carolina Furniture of Williamsburg

    (32 reviews)

    $$$

    Customer service was deplorable. The 'gentleman' in the rug…read moredepartment was actually outright rude and degrading of my purchase. In no uncertain terms said he would not help me with my problem. He was dismissive of my situation. Never will I recommend that store again.

    Poor Customer Service I purchased 100 square feet of Hancock…read moreand Moore Leather at $1800.00 for an Office Chair. The Upholsterer needed 74 square feet and said to get an additional 30% for imperfections. On Monday July 14 the Upholsterer texted me "We will need another hide to complete your chair. These hides have several large flaws that we cannot cut around." He also sent me 10 pictures showing the large flaws. I went to The Shops at Carolina Furniture of Williamsburg and spoke with the President Joseph Steele III. He provided his e-mail address and said to send the pictures so he could submit them to Hancock and Moore. Before I sent the pictures I spoke with the Upholsterer and he stated with an additional half hide (25 square feet) he could complete the chair. I e-mailed Joseph Steele III the pictures and relayed only a half hide was needed. On Tuesday, July 15, 2025 I received e-mail from Joseph Steele III stating he would submit the photos to Hancock and Moore and that I was requesting another half hide. He also stated " I can tell you from 20 years of ordering their leathers on furniture for the store, that many of these dark spots, "healed scars", would in fact be deemed acceptable and used on their furniture". This was a lie. If manufacturers like Hancock and Moore produced Leather Furniture with dark spots and healed scars individuals like Joseph Steele III would not be able to sell their products. It was also a signal that Joseph Steele III would not hold Hancock and Moore accountable for their poor-quality issue. On Thursday July 17, 2025 I received e-mail from Joseph Steele III stating "Hancock and Moore is willing to sell you more leather, but they do not feel that the hides you have are defective". Further they advised if I needed a half hide to purchase an entire hide. So, a $900.00 hide only has 50% of useable leather? Really? I was assured that this was adequate for my need of seventy-four useable square feet of leather at the time of purchase. In fact Joseph Steele III 's representative said that I needed to order two hides (100 square feet) inorder to have 74 square feet of useable leather. I would not have placed the order kowing only 50% of this leather hide provides useable leather. Joseph Steele III has zero concern for customers who have purchased products from him some at large sums of money and have poor quality issues. He does not hold the vendors accountable and gives them total authority as to how they want to handle the situation. Buyer Beware.

    The Williamsburg General Store - giftshops - Updated May 2026

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