Things to do in Williamsburg, Virginia (VA): The Best Gift & Specialty Shops

Rediscover quality...buy handmade! Originally opened in 1997 as Kinks, Quirks & Caffeine, our store was an instant hit among locals. It was surely refreshing to have such a FUNky store in the midst of the colonialism of Williamsburg, VA. In its early years, the store was credited in helping Williamsburg obtain the honor of being named a "Top 25 Arts Destination" by American Style Magazine. It was also named "Williamsburg's Best Art Gallery" in its first year of operation. Since then we have gratefully accepted many honors and accolades. We are regularly voted as one of "Williamsburg's Best" Gift Shops and Art Galleries. In 2011, we were 'reborn' as Quirks of Art...where almost everything we sell is "passionately handmade" in America. We are so proud to represent such amazing and talented artists...there have probably been a thousand through the years! Unique handcrafted works from over 400 artisans from throughout the United States and Canada are on display. Owner Jennifer Raines scours the country in search of new artists and thoughtfully handpicks each item. She notes that most pieces are handmade and many are one-of-a-kind. The store offers a wide selection of handmade jewelry, pottery, hand painted glass, David Marsh and Sticks furniture, local art, and clothing.

Our retail stores are open but out of concern for the health and safety of our customers and employees, we are enforcing social distancing, requiring masks, and have suspended product sampling. Curbside pickup is available but please call ahead. Whitley's "Home-Cooked" peanuts have a wonderful, crunchy freshness and distinctive flavor because our peanuts are still made the old-fashioned way-hand cooked, slowly roasted to perfection. Since 1986, Whitley's Peanut Factory has been producing the finest quality gourmet Virginia peanuts and peanut candies on the market. We have three retail stores in Williamsburg, Gloucester and Richmond, VA.

Art to buy. Art classes to learn. And an art studio to create. We feature an eclectic blend of vintage and contemporary folk art in many media mostly by local artists. We also blend in 100+-year-old books, engravings and maps - art and history all in one. In our studio, we teach classes in ceramics and mixed media for groups and individuals. Our mini-classes are 2-hour lessons with our artist-in-residence and are perfect to spend a few creative hours while visiting. Traveling artists needing a studio can also use our open studio. Book binding and restoration services are available onsite.

A fine American crafts and art shop with a focus on handmade pottery ~ we also feature locally made woodworking, metal, glass, textiles, paintings, and prints.

We are a wild bird seed & supply store dedicated to improving conservation and human-nature relationships at all levels. Backyard Birder Seed & Supply is committed to the well-being of our customers, while supporting principles of sustainability. Your patronage benefits organizations that support wild bird populations and conservation efforts, such as the American Bird Conservancy and the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Independent and Locally Owned - You Make A Difference Here! We take pride that you choose to support independent businesses, and Backyard Birder knows our success is because of you. That's why we'll do our best to keep you and the wild birds happy!

Come explore our iconic Craft House, where we celebrate “yesterday inspiring today,” with a wide variety of folk art, gifts, personal accessories and jewelry made by modern artisans and tradesmen. Updated classics come to life in our exclusive dinnerware and tabletop patterns perfect for any wedding registry. Personalize items for that special someone (including yourself), with engraving.