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Good Morning, Williamsburg!

This is The Early Burg, the local newsletter that’s as refreshing as a Caribbean breeze on your dream beach vacation. With this cold weather, one can dream…right?

Local news, trivia, live music and events, and more in just a few minutes! We do all the digging so you don’t have to. By locals for locals. 

In today’s Early Burg:

• Winter Blues Jazz Fest Returning This Weekend🎶 

• Kohl’s leaving Williamsburg😭😭

• Caribbean Vacations🏝️🏝️

• CoVa Wine Festival 🍇🍇

• The Early Burg’s Official Instagram Account📱📸

• Williamsburg’s Live Music List🎤

• And SO MUCH more!

Let’s get into it. 🏃

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The Lowdown 📰🗞️📰🗞️

Earthfare & Kohl’s to Leave Williamsburg 📉📉
It’s a sad day in Williamsburg as two businesses decided to close up shop. Earthfare, a health food grocery store in Williamsburg’s Midtown Row, is permanently closing it’s doors on January 31st. Additionally, Kohl’s announced last week that they will be shutting down 27 department stores including the one in Williamsburg’s Marquis shopping center. The struggling Marquis shopping complex has already lost two anchor stores including JC Penny and Dicks Sporting Goods. Indoor pickleball facility The Picklr is slated to take over the space formerly occupied by Dick’s, while it was previously reported that the JC Penney building will be converted to a church for Foundations Church Williamsburg. Read the Daily Press Article or read the YWDaily article

The Early Burg Has an Instagram Account 💥💥💥
We’re excited to announce that we have set up the official Instagram account for The Early Burg. Feel free to follow as we plan on sharing all of our favorite events, businesses and places to eat. Follow the account here

Revitalizing Williamsburg: Plans for a Vibrant Downtown 🏫
Williamsburg’s Downtown Vibrancy Study outlines projects to enhance the area, including a new entertainment district, mixed-use developments with housing and a grocery store, and adaptive reuse of buildings for cafes and restaurants. Completed initiatives include streetscape improvements, new public spaces, and the addition of Precarious Beer Hall. Read more 

Busch Gardens to Debut a New Roller Coaster in 2025 🎢🎢
In 2025, Busch Gardens will debut The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge, a family-friendly inverted roller coaster that immerses riders in a thrilling adventure through a haunted Bavarian village. The ride follows the return of a terrifying wolf 40 years after it devastated the town, with riders experiencing over 2,500 feet of track and speeds up to 40 miles per hour. Read more 

Iron-Bound Gym buys Cogan’s Deli 🏋️‍♂️🏋️‍♂️
Iron-Bound Gym in New Town is expanding by acquiring the building housing Cogan’s Deli, allowing for larger aerobics spaces and more fitness equipment. Meanwhile, CrossFit 1607 has relocated to a larger facility at the Williamsburg Indoor Sports Complex, doubling its space to enhance class offerings and sports performance training. Read more 

Winter Blues Jazz Fest Returns This Weekend 🎶
The 11th Winter Blues Jazz Fest, presented by CultureFix, returns to Williamsburg on Jan. 17-20 with four days of live music, workshops, and events at the William & Mary Alumni House. Highlights include Mixology & Music, Big Bluesy, a Jazz Brunch, and a free Martin Luther King Jr. tribute featuring The Legendary Ingramettes. Read more 

Williamsburg Trivia 🧐🤓

What to do? 🤔🤔 (local events for all ages)

🍔🥗🍕🍱 Restaurant Week 2025 | Williamsburg, VA | Jan 12 - Jan 19
Williamsburg Area Restaurant Weeks are perfect for food enthusiasts looking to enjoy delicious meals for a great value while supporting the local restaurant scene. Bon appétit! More information

🎷🎶 Winter Blues Jazz Fest 2025 | Williamsburg, VA | Thu Jan 17 - Sun Jan 20
Enjoy four days of live jazz, soulful performances, and winter festivities in the heart of Williamsburg. This festival is a perfect way to beat the winter blues! More information or pick up your tickets here. 

🚗☕ Williamsburg Cars and Coffee | Sat Jan 18 | 9 - 11:30am
Gather with fellow car enthusiasts to showcase vehicles and enjoy a cup of coffee in a relaxed, community-focused setting. Open to all makes and models. More information

🍷🍇 CoVa Wine Festival | Hampton Roads CC | Fri Jan 17- Sun Jan 19
Sip, savor, and celebrate at Coastal Virginia’s largest wine festival! Enjoy tastings, live music, and artisan vendors all weekend long. More information

❄️🌟 Winter Fest 2025 | Mechanicsville | Sat Jan 18 | 10am - 2pm
Willing to make the trek to Mechanicsville? Celebrate the season with a day of winter fun, including live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and local vendors. Don’t miss the community’s biggest seasonal celebration! More information

📅🗂️ Let’s Get Organized in 2025 Workshop | Hope Church | Sat Jan 18 | 11am
Kickstart your year with tips and strategies to get organized and stay on track in 2025. This interactive workshop is perfect for anyone looking to streamline their life. More information

🎵🎤 Music Bingo | Saude Creek Vineyards | Fri Jan 17 | 5 - 8pm
Test your music knowledge with a fun twist on bingo! Match songs to your card and win exciting prizes while enjoying great beer and vibes. More information

✨🏰 Disney Trivia Night | York County Library | Fri Jan 17 | 6 - 8pm
Calling all Disney fans! Test your knowledge of Disney classics for a chance to win magical prizes. Costumes and Disney magic encouraged! More information

🎹🎼 Open Door Concert | Williamsburg Presbyterian Church | Sun Jan 19 | 4pm
Enjoy a captivating organ performance by world-renowned artist Isabelle Demers. This free concert is open to all and promises an unforgettable musical experience. More information

🧘‍♀️🌞 Free Community Yoga | Williamsburg | Sun Jan 19 | 3 - 4pm
Join Leslie McCullough for a rejuvenating hour of yoga suitable for all levels. Bring your mat and unwind in this peaceful, free community session. More information

❄️ Williamsburg Farmers Market: Winter Markets | DoG Street | Sat Jan 18 | 9am
Join us every Saturday, January 11th through February 22nd, from 9 AM to Noon for the Winter Markets, held in the heart of Williamsburg on the 300 block of Duke of Gloucester Street! Discover fresh, locally-grown produce, handmade soaps, baked goods, and seasonal delights to warm your winter days. Whether you're stocking up on farm-fresh ingredients or hunting for handmade treasures, there’s something for everyone. Bundle up, grab your favorite market tote, and experience the cozy charm of Williamsburg’s beloved market during the colder months. See you there! More information

Did we miss anything? Is there something you’d like to see more of? Let us know by replying to this email. We are always looking for ways to improve! 😄 

Photo of the Week 📷📷

Have a great shot you’d like to share? Reply to this email with a picture you would like featured! If we love it, we will share it!

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Williamsburg Weather ☀️⛅⛈️❄️

Thursday, Jan 16
44 🌡️ 26 | Mostly Cloudy | 🌦️ Chance of Rain: 2% | 💨 SSW 12 mph

Friday, Jan 17
47 🌡️ 31 | Sunny | 🌦️ Chance of Rain: 5% | 💨 WNW 8 mph

Saturday, Jan 18
48 🌡️ 35 | Showers | 🌦️ Chance of Rain: 58% | 💨 SSW 8 mph

Sunday, Jan 19
41 🌡️ 22 | Showers | 🌦️ Chance of Rain: 55% | 💨 N 9 mph

Live Local Music 🎙️🎵🎷🎸

Show your support for local artists & businesses!

Thursday, Jan 16

• Frothy Moon Brewhouse | TNV | 5-8pm

• Jukebox BINGO | Alewerks Taproom | 6-8pm

• Two Drummers | Clayton Perry | 6:30pm

Friday, Jan 17

• Highway Pizza | Karaoke Night | 7pm | Occurs Weekly

• W&M Alumni House | Winter Blues Jazz Fest | 7-9pm

Saturday, Jan 18

• W&M Alumni House | Winter Blues Jazz Fest | 12 - 3:30pm

• Saude Creek Vineyard | Nathan Lienard | 2- 5pm

• Frothy Moon Brewhouse | Joes Day Off | 6-9pm

• Alewerks Brewing | Karaoke Night | 6-9pm

• Two Drummers | Johnny St Clair | 6:30 - 9:30pm

• Revolution Golf & Grille | Skinner Box | 7-10pm

• Cowboy Cactus | The Instructors | 8pm

Thank You!

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