Street Scene: Williamsburg

Hipsters and history-lovers alike converge on Prince George Street — a one-block stretch bordered by Colonial Williamsburg and the College of William and Mary — for its popular restaurants and shops.

1. A Chef’s Kitchen

501 Prince George St, #102
Chef John Gonzales reveals all his secrets at this combo cooking school and eatery. Enjoy a five-course meal with wine while learning to create masterpieces like bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin. 757-564- 8500; www.achefskitchen.biz

2. The Fife & Drum Inn

441 Prince George St
Named after colonial military marching bands, this inn shows off historic artifacts in each room. Built by the owner’s grandfather in 1933 and renovated in 1999, it's Williams- burg’s only downtown accommodations. 888-838-1783; www.fifeanddruminn.com  

3. Retro’s Good Eats

435 Prince George St
Find old-school favorites with a modern twist at this 1950s-themed diner, including funnel cake fries, build-your-own sundaes and hot dogs topped with blue cheese slaw and sweet-potato mustard. 757-253-8816; www.retrosgoodeats.com

4. Aromas Specialty Coffee & Gourmet Bakery

431 Prince George St
This is the archetypal coffeehouse, but with extras like fondue, spiked smoothies and fresh-baked goodies. The lifeblood of the street, its outdoor patio is packed on warm afternoons. 757-221- 6676; www.aromasworld.com

5. Blue Talon Bistro

420 Prince George St
For six years, Chef David Everett has presented his own take on fusion cuisine: “serious comfort food” and upscale French fare. Mac and cheese, meet coq au vin. 757-476-2583; www.bluetalonbistro.com

6. I Must Say

423 Prince George St
Come in for a greeting card, but stay to browse the selection of one-of-a-kind goods, including jewelry made from vintage flatware, period photographs of Colonial Williamsburg and kitchenware dating from the 1850s. 757-229-2755; www.imustsaywilliamsburg.com

7. The Genuine Smith- field Ham Shoppe

421 Prince George St
Virginia ham biscuits are the mainstay here, the only location besides the flagship in Smithfield. The Virginia-themed store also sells local goodies like peanuts and wine. 757-258-8604; smithfieldhams.com

8. Mermaid Books

421-A Prince George St
Filled to the brim with books, vintage magazines, mermaid paraphernalia and other curiosities, this is Williamsburg’s quirkiest spot. 757-229-3603; www.mermaidbookswilliams. burg.com