History or Hipsters — Williamsburg, Va., vs. Williamsburg, Brooklyn, N.Y.

Depending on which state you’re in, Williamsburg is the land of either bearded and braided hipsters or Colonial history lovers. But both places are more than just their stereotype, with a diverse array of family-friendly, food-coma-inducing activities breeding and harboring a certain type of nostalgia.

The case for Williamsburg, N.Y.

(Photo: Lorraine Boogich/iStock)

This Brooklyn nook has been known as a creative haven for artists, its walls lined with graffiti. But the area is changing. Startups have offices here. Young families are growing in a place where you can bring babies to bars during the day. There’s a diverse influx of recent immigrants.

Population and size: The East River hugs Williamsburg’s waterfront; inland it is bordered by Greenpoint, East Williamsburg, and Bushwick. According to census data, the population of just over 30,000 people in an approximately two-square-mile area hasn’t changed dramatically over the past decade, but real estate companies are betting on growth with quickly developing high-rises. The boom in business and influx of higher-end retail chains are reflective of sprawling price increases that come with gentrification. Still, some longtime residents welcome the addition of new businesses and activities.

Popular ways to get around the neighborhood:

(Photo: Lya_Cattel/iStock)

Just a few stops on the L subway brings you from Manhattan to Williamsburg. One could also take Uber, Lyft, or any other app-based ridesharing service over the Williamsburg Bridge. (Hint: If for some reason you’re bringing a car, don’t forget about alternate-side parking restrictions.) The area is very stroller- and bike-friendly, and it’s pretty safe to walk around in the evening, as there is plenty of nightlife even during the week.

Places to stay:

Wythe Hotel (Photo: Jared Harrell)

While Manhattan provides several options just minutes away, this residential neighborhood also boasts boutique hotels like Hotel le Jolie, where a standard queen room may ring up for more than $200. Or if you have $600 or so to spare, turn in at a factory turned loft space at the Wythe Hotel. Feel like an insider at the McCarren Hotel & Pool, which houses a rooftop bar and calls itself an “urban retreat” at a cheaper rate. If you’re looking at Airbnb, choices include a one-bedroom library loft in a shared space in East Williamsburg at $50 or other small, cozy spaces with interesting art on the wall.

Related: Do Brooklyn Like a Real New Yorker: By Bike

Activities:

If you’re feeling sentimental for teenage weekend activities, you can play an assortment of arcade games at Barcade. Music enthusiasts can visit Brooklyn Bowl for emo, funk, or even orchestra music on Salsa Sundays. Catch local band performances and short film showings at the Knitting Factory.

Nitehawk Cinema (Photo: Nitehawk Cinema/Facebook)

Nitehawk Cinema boasts dinner with your movie for a perfect date night. There are old-time flicks, new releases, and themed weeks. Plus, they have child- and stroller-friendly showtimes.

Blossoming in McCarren Park (Photo: Several Seconds/Flickr)


McCarren Park also hosts movie screenings and other outdoor activities throughout the summer.

Shopping, food, and nightlife:

Antica Pesa (Photo: Antica Pesa Brooklyn/Facebook)

Warmer weather is here, which means foodies can wag their tongues toward Smorgasburg on Saturdays. From cured bacon to chocolate-covered Oreos to San Diego-style French fries-stuffed burritos wrapped with lard tortilla, 15 new vendors will have you curiously culinary in warmer weather by the waterfront. We’re sure there will be lines for the spaghetti lamb burger with leftover frittata di pasta from neighborhood-based Antica Pesa, fresh-pulled mozzarella bombs from Big Mozz x the Atlantic Ave. Company, “cheese on cheese on cheese” curds Wisconsin fair style from Curd’s the Word, and vegetarian sloppy joe’s with housemade breads and peanut butter and jelly cookies from the Cardinal Bakery (hungry yet?!).

Specialty coffee is booming with establishments like Toby’s Estate, where you can take a cupping class. Sit at Blue Bottle Coffee Co. with a pour-over and get some reading or work done with a flat white at Sweatshop Collective, started by Australian industrial designers.

Veggie Ramen at Ramen Yebisu (Photo: Ramen Yebisu/Facebook)

Cut through a juicy steak from the famous Peter Luger or slurp Sapporo-style ramen at Ramen Yebisu. Liquor drinkers can grab a specialty cocktail and sit in a cozy booth at Hotel Delmano.

Radegast Hall & Biergarten (Photo: Radegast Hall & Biergarten LLC/Facebook)

Many spots don’t open until the afternoon, but beer gardens like Radegast Hall & Biergarten get the party started early. You can also tour the warehouse turned Brooklyn Brewery.

As for shopping, the Brooklyn Flea Market is popular for crafts and collectibles. Overalls and plaid shirts with fedoras seem to be the uniform here, but plenty of vintage dresses are also for sale. Statement and graphic tees can be bought at Brooklyn Industries’ first location on Bedford Avenue. The streets are lined with antique boutiques and thrift stores. There’s also a mini-mall that sells consignment clothing.

Celebrities:

Ed Westwick (Photo: Michael Buckner/Getty Images)

Director-screenwriter-producer Mel Brooks grew up here. You may see James Franco with his entourage hanging out in the neighborhood, or Ed Westwick heading to his home on the waterfront. Local NY1 News anchor Pat Kiernan also now calls Williamsburg home.

As said on TV Land’s Younger starring Broadway’s Sutton Foster and Disney’s grown-up Hilary Duff, “We come here (from the suburbs) to check out the hot new restaurant.” As New York City is to several TV series, Williamsburg itself has become an integral character on shows like HBO’s Girls. MTV’s Eye Candy starring Victoria Justice also shoots scenes here. All the activity goes to show Williamsburg is past its prime of up-and-coming; it’s here to stay cool for a while.

The case for Williamsburg, Virginia

(Photo: Ken Lund/Flickr)

Today, Williamsburg is more than just a mandatory elementary school history class visit. It’s evolving in its own right. Old-school charm still thrives under the umbrella of English influence, but there are modern accents that make the town its own slice of new America.

Population and size: The aging population contrasts with the students of the College of William & Mary but there are plenty of demographics in the middle. According to census data, Williamsburg calls itself home to under 15,000 residents in a nine-square radius.

Popular ways to get around: Williamsburg is situated a roughly three-hour drive away from Washington, D.C., and there is an Amtrak stop, but you will definitely need a car. Luckily, parking spaces are generous. If you can, bring a bike and your walking shoes!

Places to stay:

Kingsmill Resort Cottages (Photo: Kingsmill Resort/Facebook)

The restored manor at Historic Powhatan Resort will cost you under $100 a night. Golfers may opt for packages at Kingsmill Resort, where groups can even rent a whole cottage with a close-up riverside view. There are sweet bed-and-breakfast options like the Williamsburg White House with sitting rooms full of antique furniture. Washingtonians looking for a romantic, old-timey getaway may want to try the Applewood Colonial Bed & Breakfast, which serves afternoon tea.

Activities:

The Wigmaker and Barber Shop (Photo: Maggie McCain/Flickr)

Williamsburg highlights old skills in modern ways. Groups from out of state will travel here to spend days getting crafty at the Williamsburg School of Needlework. And if you’ve ever wanted to get an old-school wig made, check out the Wigmaker and Barber Shop.

There’s also the all-encompassing, quiet historical experience of Jamestown, where you can go back in time with characters at the Powhatan Village.

Virginia Capital Trail (Photo: Virginia Capital Trail/Facebook)

But you don’t have to follow a history lesson; instead, opt for a workout in nature by walking or biking along the historic Virginia Capital Trail. Alternatively, go for a slow, quiet, and peaceful ride on the Jamestown Discovery Tour, the only boat tour of its namesake river.

(Photo: Wheninusa/iStock)

Slightly outside Williamsburg proper, Busch Gardens is debuting a new roller coaster and a Broadway-style show this spring, while celebrating its 40th anniversary. And Water Country USA will make a big splash with the commonwealth’s biggest water park opening doors for the summer crowd.

Shopping, food, and nightlife:

AleWerks (Photo: AleWerks Brewing Company/Facebook)

As with its Brooklyn counterpart, it’s all about hops here, too. AleWerks hosts brewery tours and features beer from a 17th-century recipe you can sip at reopened Chowning’s Tavern in the Colonial part of the town.

And while Virginia is becoming well-known in the region for its plentiful wineries, including the picnic-ready Williamsburg Winery, breweries are making their stamp, too. Both the Virginia Beer Company and the Williamsburg Distillery are set to open later this year.

Sliders paired with brews at DoG Street Pub (Photo: DoG Street Pub/Facebook)

The aforementioned Chowning’s Tavern serves dishes reminiscent of the Old Dominion, but several restaurants are serving modern American fare. DoG Street Pub carries an extensive beer list and sells a variety of growlers to go. Recently opened Silt reinterprets Southern dishes. And if you love sandwiches, try the King Arthur at Library Tavern. The Cheese Shop is also popular with locals.

Related: The Virginia Museum Where Parade Floats Go to Die

Browse the selection of used pop-up children’s and leather-bound books just around the corner at the quirky basement establishment that is Mermaid Books. You can also look for seersucker and more around Merchant’s Square, which hosts a bustling farmer’s market on Saturdays. Hint: Get there early if you want to purchase beet cake or boiled peanuts.

The Kimball Theatre (Photo: Kimball Theatre/Facebook)
If you’re not a college barhopper, opt for the Tavern Ghost Walk at dusk. The Kimball Theatre on the main square puts on a show every day, from jazz to opera to improvisational theater.

Historic figures:

(Photo: Patrick Donovan/Flickr)

You can visit the John Smith and Pocahontas statues. The memory of our Founding Fathers will always be here. “Give me liberty or give me death!” exclaimed Patrick Henry. This spacious rural town also produced a president. Thomas Jefferson is a William & Mary alum who even today would be proud to call Williamsburg a special place.

WATCH: Go inside Williamsburg, Va., vs. Williamsburg, Brooklyn, N.Y.


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