Yorktown, MD

Thursday, June 25, 2009 Island Hopper departed Hampton Public Pier at 9:32:46, then stopped for fuel. Back on the water at 10: 23. He weather; winds North 5 -10, seas 1 - 2. The day is warm, sunny and humid. There is a very nice breeze on the water. Overall a great day for cruising. Today Island Hopper is heading to Yorktown, VA for a three day visit. Yorktown is 14 miles northeast of Colonial Williamsburg via Colonial Parkway.

Approaching York River Yacht Haven

It was at Yorktown that the combined American and French forces surrounded Lord Cornwallis's British troops in 1781; this was the end to the Revolutionary War and the beginning of a nation. In Yorktown today, as at Jamestown, two major attractions complement each other. Yorktown battlefield, the historic site, is operated by the National Park Service; and Yorktown Victory Center, which has re-creations and informative exhibits, is operated by the state's Jamestown - Yorktown Foundation. As well, a stately Waterman's Museum educates visitors about those who earn their living from nearby waters. Yorktown has three major places to visit: Yorktown Battlefield, the town of Yorktown, and the Yorktown Victory Center.

Settled in 1691, Yorktown had become a thriving tobacco port and a prosperous community of several hundred houses by the time of the Revolution. Nine buildings from that time still stand, some of them open to visitors. Moore House, where the terms of surrender were negotiated, and the elegant Nelson House, the residence of a Virginia governor ( and a signer of the Declaration of Independence), are open for tours in the summer. Riverwalk Landing is a group of specialty shops, an upscale restaurant , and an outdoor performance venue on the shores of the York River. The Island Hopper Crew dined at Nick's Riverwalk Restaurant on the landing. The menu featured baked crab meat imperial, sauteed fillets, and local oysters.