Eighteenth-century Williamsburg residents frequented the shops up and down Duke of Gloucester Street and went to Market Square almost daily,

On Duke of Gloucester Street, shops sell the very similar products they sold two centuries ago. Some are still created in Colonial Williamsburg. Find three-cornered hats, Straw hats, leather and iron goods, soaps, baskets, candles, Virginia hams, toys and ceramic items.

Colonial Williamsburg's Craft House stores sells furnishings and accessories inspired by 18th-century designs. There are 16 shops with a wide variety of articles including toys, and slate boards and books about life in the 18th century. 

Next to the Historic Area is Merchants Square. There are restaurants and more than 40 stores. For bargain hunters, brand-name outlet malls are close by.