Riverwalk Landing
By Melissa James, York County Contributor
When York County officials and residents dreamed up the concept of Riverwalk Landing, no one could have imagined how successful it would become as a destination. The area was conceived as a way to enhance the Historic Yorktown waterfront, and 20 years later, locals and tourists continue to flock there for strolling, sunbathing, watching boats sail by, indulging in an ice cream cone, sipping a nightcap after a nice meal or unfolding a lawn chair for live music.
Though Riverwalk Landing officially opened in May 2005, the idea for the project actually started in 1989, when 70 community members gathered to discuss potential improvements to the waterfront. The committee’s suggestions to revitalize the area included making it more pedestrian-friendly with additional shops, restaurants, attractions, events and other amenities.
At the time, J. Mark Carter—currently a member of York County’s Economic Development Authority—was the director of planning and community development. He served as staff coordinator of the Yorktown Steering Committee assigned to come up with a plan and was present for its first 1989 workshop. Opening remarks at the worskshop were made by Dr. Ward Anderson, a member of the Board of Supervisors and chairman of the Yorktown Steering Committee.
“He said, ‘This could be the start of something big,’” Carter recalled. “I’m sure that the late Dr. Anderson would be proud to see what has evolved since.”
Construction would begin many years later, in 2004, on a new shopping and dining venue along the waterfront featuring nine buildings. The initial development had more than 21,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, performance area, a parking terrace and piers. Three businesses in the original concept—Ben & Jerry’s, Viccellio Goldsmith and Riverwalk Restaurant—remain open today. Eight others have since entered the fold: Auntie M’s American Cottage, Yorktown Bookshop, Umi Sushi, Gangsta Dog, Patriot Tours & Provisions, Carrot Tree, Alexander’s Photography and Water Street Grille.
“I think Riverwalk Landing provides a place that both residents and visitors can enjoy in many ways,” Carter said. “It's a place that they can come to for shopping, dining, farmer's markets, cultural and musical events, the beach, walking, exercise and simply to relax and enjoy the view of the waterfront. I believe that most County residents take pride in Riverwalk Landing and what it has to offer. It’s the County’s ‘downtown.’”
It's a huge transformation from the waterfront’s previous condition. It was popular but overcrowded during the 1970s, and by the ’80s, many buildings had fallen into disrepair, the roads had significant traffic management issue and the shoreline was in danger of erosion. The area frequently flooded during storms, but none as devastating as Hurricane Isabel in 2003. The storm surge inundated Water Street, leaving widespread damage in its wake and accelerating the need for the long-envisioned redevelopment.
One of the storm’s most significant casualties was Nick’s Seafood Pavilion (shown above), a beloved local landmark and longtime dining destination. The building, already owned by the County, was flooded beyond repair, and most of the priceless antiques inside were destroyed. While its loss was deeply felt by the community, the destruction of Nick’s—combined with the broader damage throughout the area—energized support for moving forward with plans to revitalize the waterfront. What had once been a slow-moving vision suddenly became an urgent priority, allowing York County to begin development much earlier than originally planned. As Riverwalk Landing took shape, it became home to a mix of new and returning businesses—many of which are now beloved fixtures of the community.
Jeweler Hank Viccellio grew up in Yorktown. Though he’s lived and worked elsewhere in the United States and in Europe during his more than half a century as a jeweler, the Historic Yorktown waterfront holds a special place in his heart. He’s operated Viccellio Goldsmith since Riverwalk Landing’s inception.
“I’m astounded it’s been 20 years,” Viccellio said. “It’s always been a dream of mine to be in a place like this. The County guided me in the beginning and has been wonderful throughout the years. I’ve seen quite a bit of change here. Riverwalk Landing is a great place to be. The County is always looking forward and improving upon things, and it shows. I am grateful.”
Riverwalk Restaurant was the first eatery to open at the development. Its decor contains several pieces of Yorktown history, such as the mermaid mosaic embedded in the lobby floor that was salvaged from Nick’s Seafood Pavillion. Historic Hospitality Group operates the restaurant, along with Water Street Grille next door.
Sid Hall, the third owner of Riverwalk Restaurant, said he’s thrilled it continues to be an essential piece of Riverwalk Landing.
“Riverwalk Landing has been a cornerstone of the Yorktown waterfront since it opened in 2005,” Hall said. “It’s brought energy, tourism and year-round activity to the area. Beyond just economic growth, it’s created a place where families, locals and visitors come together to enjoy the best of what our region has to offer. It has truly helped define the character of Yorktown. There’s something special about being part of a place that balances history, beauty and community.”
In addition to the vibrant businesses, people have long been drawn to Riverwalk Landing for its scenic charm and relaxing waterfront atmosphere. That experience doesn’t happen by accident.
Senior Landscape Technician Ashleigh Randolph and her team in the County’s Grounds Maintenance Division have spent years keeping the area clean, welcoming and beautiful—and they’ve taken those efforts to the next level in preparation for the 20th anniversary celebration.
In the weeks leading up to the festivities, the County has been busy making sure everything looks its best. Crews have refreshed landscaping throughout the site and pressure-washed walkways, buildings and public spaces. From fresh flowers and neatly trimmed greenery to polished surfaces and pristine pathways, every detail is being fine-tuned to welcome visitors and mark two decades of Riverwalk Landing in style.
“We do this for our community and our visitors, so they can enjoy their visit and experience the beauty of Yorktown,” Randolph said. “We create a feeling, and we keep our visitors in mind when we’re creating the landscape for them. This is why we put so much heart into what we do.”
A lot of time and effort has also gone into the upcoming multi-day anniversary festivities, which are set for May 22-26.
“This milestone isn’t just about the businesses; it’s about the people who’ve supported Riverwalk Landing for two decades,” Hall said. “We’re planning special events and offerings that pay tribute to our roots, and I can’t wait to see familiar faces come out and celebrate with us.”
Commemoration events include special discounts from Riverwalk Landing’s shops and restaurants (which will have extended hours), a free outdoor concert with BrassWind on May 22, lawn games, a magician, raffles and a roving musician. Riverwalk Restaurant and Water Street Grille will host another outdoor concert with Trevor Daniel & the REEF on May 23, and a Customer Appreciation Party on May 26.
In June, the celebration continues with the “Sounds of Summer” concert series kickoff—bringing free outdoor live music to the waterfront every Thursday through August. Saturdays feature the award-winning Yorktown Market Days, showcasing fresh produce, baked goods, art and handmade crafts. This summer also marks the return of the Workboat Races on June 1, now in their second year, offering exciting waterfront competition and family fun. In addition, York County will host one of its official Virginia 250 commemorative events with a program highlighting the role of Lord Dunmore in the American Revolution.
The festivities extend into in 2026 with two major milestones—the Sail Yorktown Festival and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
“Tall ships have been one of Yorktown’s signature attractions,” said Kristi Olsen-Hayes, director of York County Economic and Tourism Development. “Back in 2012, we welcomed visitors for Yorktown Maritime Weekend—an affiliated port of OpSail 2012—and created a truly unforgettable waterfront experience. From June 12-14, 2026, we’re bringing that excitement back with the Sail Yorktown Festival, an official SailVirginia℠ 2026 Affiliate Harbor event. The York River will once again be filled with majestic ships and military vessels, offering deck tours, a Parade of Sail, live music, historical reenactments and much more throughout the weekend.”
Riverwalk Landing’s grand opening event in 2005 was one of the earliest projects entrusted to Olsen-Hayes, who served as the County’s first tourism coordinator.
“This anniversary holds personal meaning for me,” she said. “It’s been remarkable to see how Riverwalk Landing has grown over the years—from expanded year-round programming and special events to visits from tall ships and strong collaborations with local businesses. The transformation has been both exciting and rewarding to watch.”