Williamsburg named among Good Housekeeping's best U.S. travel destinations for 2026

Plus: A lawsuit has been filed to halt construction on the new James City County government center, VDOT is seeking feedback on road safety in York County and more news.

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Nov. 21, 2025 Good morning, Historic Triangle! Another warm fall day is in store as highs reach the upper 60s this afternoon. More rain is expected through midday, according to Forecaster Derrah Getter of WTKR News 3. Sunday will be sunnier but cooler, with highs struggling to reach 60 degrees.  The 7-day forecast. (Image by Derrah Getter/WTKR) Warmer temperatures will return on Tuesday and Wednesday as rain chances increase.  A cold front will move through on Wednesday night, leading to cooler temperatures on Thanksgiving. Now to the news. -Christin Good Housekeeping names Williamsburg among the best travel U.S. destinations for 2026 An interpreter awaits visitors at the William Pitt Store at Colonial Williamsburg. (Photo by C. Spencer van Gulick) Williamsburg is the recipient of another prestigious honor, this time from one of the nation's most well-known magazines. The city was selected as a Good Housekeeping 2026 Travel Award winner. Visit Williamsburg announced the honor on Wednesday, citing the area's history, charm and appeal to families as reasons for the honor. "This recognition reinforces what families have known for generations – Williamsburg is a place where history, discovery and connection come together," said Edward Harris, President & CEO of Visit Williamsburg. The accolade comes as the Historic Triangle prepares to take center stage for the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. As one of America's most notable historic destinations, Virginia's former colonial capital will play a leading role in America250 commemoration initiatives. Major events planned for 2026 include a Great American Birthday Quilt collaborative art project and Sail250 America, a gathering that will bring a fleet of tall ships from across the world to dock in Yorktown. Another initiative titled Colonial Williamsburg's Path to 2026 will commemorate the 100th year of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, inviting scholars, museums and civic leaders to reflect on America's founding. Several new attractions and community experiences are also slated to launch next year, according to Visit Williamsburg. From Feb. 19-22, the city will host the Virginia Black Film Festival, recognizing diverse voices in film through screenings, panels and community events. In April, Colonial Williamsburg will welcome the new Colin G. and Nancy N. Campbell Archaeology Center. The state-of-the-art educational facility will aim to further strengthen the nation's understanding of colonial America. Other events on the horizon for 2026 include the return of the family-friendly Pancake Festival and the debut of the Williamsburg African American Heritage Trail, which will share untold stories of the local Black community through art and immersive interpretation. "Williamsburg is where America's story began, and we're honored to lead the nation's celebration of our shared story," Harris said. "From hands-on experiences that bring history to life to initiatives like The Great American Birthday Quilt and Sail250 America, Williamsburg continues to inspire visitors of all ages to explore the rich history and wide range of new attractions that create lasting memories." Good Housekeeping's editors highlighted not only Williamsburg but also "its neighbors Jamestown and Yorktown," noting that the three localities are "packed with activities that bring the Revolutionary War... to life."  An artillery firing at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. (Photo courtesy of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation) The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown was among the area's featured destinations, receiving a nod for its outdoor encampment that brings into focus the ways soldiers lived, traveled and survived during the Revolution. This year's award winners were determined based on the assessments of hundreds of travel experiences spanning five continents.  More than 125 travel testers, comprised of industry experts, editors and consumer evaluators, rated destinations according to their attractions, accessibility, lodging variety and safety, as well as the overall appeal and quality of the travel experience. The full list of Good Housekeeping 2026 Travel Award winners can be found at goodhousekeeping.com/travel2026. For more information about Williamsburg and its upcoming 2026 programming, visit visitwilliamsburg.com. Lawsuit: James City County supervisors violated Virginia code by proceeding with $189M government center without referendum A rendering of the proposed James City County government center. (Photo courtesy of James City County) A group of James City County residents has filed a lawsuit to block further construction on the new county government center until a referendum can be held. Christopher Woodfin, an attorney representing the citizens, announced the suit during a Board of Supervisors meeting last week. Woodfin, a resident of the county himself, said the supervisors violated state law by "taking on a long-term debt that's going to saddle a future board" with the cost burden.  According to Virginia code 15.2-2638(A), "no county has the power to contract any debt or to issue its bonds unless a majority of the voters of the county voting on the question at an election... approve contracting the debt, borrowing the money and issuing the bonds." The seven plaintiffs named in the suit are Charles and Sandra Colgrove, Kathleen Rothschild, Karen Rollins, Agnes Manzie, Michael Joseph and Linda Wise. Each of the residents spoke out against the proposed center during previous meetings, Woodfin said.  Some background: A facility space needs assessment was conducted for the county's administration buildings in 2020. Two years later, officials entered into government center negotiations with developer Henderson/Gilbane. Over the last four election cycles, the board has declined to allow taxpayers to weigh in on the proposed project via referendum, Woodfin said. "If it's a good deal, sell it to the people," Woodfin told the supervisors.  "You've had four elections to do it, and you haven't wanted to do it." The saga surrounding the $189.5 million government center has been building in recent months as residents have urged the board to allow the public to vote on the proposed project. But Board Chair Jim Icenhour and County Administrator Scott Stevens have pushed back on those requests. They say ballot initiatives in Virginia are only necessary when a municipality plans to use general obligation bonds to fund new construction, which does not apply in this case. The majority of county residents who spoke during public meetings this year have been skeptical about the large-scale project, which includes a $25 million library annex.  "I haven't heard anything that convinces me this [new center] is essential," plaintiff Karen Rollins said at a Board of Supervisors meeting on June 10. "I, for one, am totally against what appears to me to be unnecessary development." County officials broke ground on the center on Wednesday, just hours before the suit was announced at the supervisors' meeting. The 177,000-square-foot facility is in the beginning stages of construction on Longhill Road, next to the current James City County Recreation Center. What county officials say: There is a general consensus among the supervisors that the existing county government complex, built 50 years ago on Mounts Bay Road, is falling into disrepair and should be replaced. Stevens has argued that the cost of renovating the existing administrative buildings would be nearly equal to the price tag of building a new, consolidated government center. Supervisor Ruth Larson said over the summer that a new facility is necessary to accommodate the county's growing population. That sentiment was echoed by Supervisor John McGlennon in an op-ed published last month. Hipple suggested the backlash around the project is coming mostly from a small, vocal group of residents. He has defended the board's approach to building the facility, saying the supervisors have a solid track record of careful spending. Supervisor Barbara Null was the sole "no" vote on a special use permit for the project, saying she heard "a lot of pushback" from constituents who are upset about the project. What's next: Woodfin's request for an emergency injunction was filed on Nov. 12 in the Williamsburg-James City County Circuit Court. A hearing for the case has been set for Nov. 26, according to The Virginia Gazette.  Man dies after being struck by cement truck at Monticello Marketplace James City County police responded to a pedestrian-involved collision in front of Monticello Marketplace on Wednesday. (Photo courtesy of JCCPD) A 66-year-old James City County man has died from his injuries following a collision with a cement truck on Wednesday afternoon. Perry Allen Mendel St. was crossing the street using a walker in front of Monticello Marketplace - where Publix and Target are located - when he was struck by the truck, according to police. Mendel was found unresponsive at the scene and was transported to Riverside Regional Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries on Thursday.  According to preliminary evidence, the man was unlawfully crossing the roadway when the collision took place. The driver of the cement truck, also a James City County resident, has been exonerated and will not face charges. The accident happened just one day after another serious collision occurred on Ironbound Road. On Tuesday morning at about 6 a.m., a 62-year-old man riding on an electric bicycle was struck by a sports utility vehicle. Police say the man entered the intersection of Monticello Avenue and Casey Boulevard against a red light and was hit by a 2008 GMC Envoy. He was left in critical condition and had to be airlifted to VCU Medical Center in Richmond. The driver was a 72-year-old York County man who had a green light, according to police. No charges have been filed against him. Both crashes remain under investigation, authorities say. VDOT seeks public input ahead of York County road safety study The York County study location. (Photo courtesy of VDOT) The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is asking for public feedback surrounding issues of safety and traffic between Mooretown Road and Lightfoot Road in York County. Through Nov. 24, the public can weigh in by filling out an online survey. Participants will be asked to rate concepts for an upcoming study so that VDOT can determine the best path forward for their research. The goal of the study is to improve overall safety, ease congestion and enhance pedestrian, bicycle and transit access in the area. The initiative is part of the Commonwealth Transportation Board's Project Pipeline, which is designed to support cost-effective transportation solutions. The study should be completed by next summer, according to VDOT. CRIME REWIND Tractor supply suspect caught following York County car chase: A man is in custody after he allegedly stole $500 in merchandise from a York County Tractor Supply store and then led police on a 3-mile chase. Investigators say a police dog tracked him down after he fled into the woods behind the store. The suspect, Charles Evans, 38, is charged with shoplifting and drug possession. (WAVY)  Man faces charges following Lowes robbery in York County: A man has been arrested in connection to the theft of more than $2,600 in power tools from the Lowes located on Rochambeau Boulevard. John Levy Dozier, 45, of Williamsburg, faces two counts of felony larceny and two counts of misdemeanor larceny. He is currently being held at the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail. (YPSO) LOWEST GAS PRICES TODAY All prices shown are per Gas Buddy. To check the latest prices based on zip code, click here. This newsletter was written by Christin Nielsen. Thanks for reading! 📰  Sign up to receive The Triangle's weekly newsletters here. 🖥️ Visit our website to read previous articles. 📧 Want to reach out? Email christin@thetriangle.news or reply to this email. The Triangle exists thanks to generous donations from our readers.  Support Our Work Sent to: godlyman@alexanderofyork.com Want to change how you receive The Triangle? Update your preferences here or unsubscribe here. The Triangle, P.O. 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