Celebrating Twenty Years of Making Memories at Riverwalk Landing

In the late 1980s, the Yorktown waterfront looked very different from today’s vibrant and beautiful setting. Back then, buildings sat shuttered and in disrepair. Erosion threatened the shoreline, and tropical storms flooded the area. After extensive research and citizen input, the York County Board of Supervisors initiated a plan to revitalize the five-acre area and create a gathering place for residents, visitors, shoppers, and diners. 

In 2004, the county began construction of a $24 million development known as Riverwalk Landing. The project included a shopping and dining venue featuring nine buildings with over 21,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, performance areas, a parking terrace, and piers. In addition, engineers installed an extensive shoreline protection system consisting of revetments, breakwaters, and sand nourishment. Likewise, the historic Freight Shed was relocated to its current location, where it now serves as a popular event space.  

In May 2005, the project was complete, and Historic Yorktown had a new community space to welcome citizens and visitors from around the world. The grand opening celebration began on May 28, 2005, and featured three days of festivities complete with musical performances, fireworks, and visits from dignitaries such as Senator George Allen.  

The celebration was one of the first events entrusted to Kristi Olsen-Hayes, who served as the County’s first Tourism Coordinator then and has worked her way up the ranks to Director of Economic and Tourism Development. “This anniversary is personally significant to me. It’s amazing to reflect on how far we’ve come,” mentions Olsen-Hayes. “From year-round programming and events to tall ship visits and incredible partnerships with local businesses, the growth and evolution of Riverwalk Landing has been a joy to witness.” 

Since its opening, new additions have enhanced the ambiance of the development. For instance, four statues portraying Revolutionary War heroes George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette, Lieutenant General Rochambeau, and Admiral de Grasse stand near the center of the shopping and dining area. Designed by Virginia sculptor Cyd Player, the first two statues were placed in 2005, the third in 2017, with the last in 2021. That same year, the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s LOVE letters became a permanent site at the waterfront next to the Freight Shed. Since then, thousands of visitors from around the world have posed with the statues and letters. 

Riverwalk Landing quickly became sight of numerous community events. In 2005, the blues and jazz concert series Rhythms on the Riverwalk was introduced. This was followed in 2006 by the Sounds of Summer concert series, which featured bands specializing in beach music, pop, R&B. That same year, the first Yorktown Market Days was held. The popular farmers market features local vendors and artists along the picturesque York River during the summer and fall.

Since its creation, the Riverwalk Landing Piers have served an equally vital role in the tourism and economic growth of the area. Transient boaters from around the world use the piers to visit Yorktown. In addition, numerous tall ships, cruise ships, and military vessels have utilized the piers. Historic ships such as the HMS Bounty, Godspeed, Virginia, Kalmar Nyckel, Hermione, and El Galeon have docked and welcomed visitors aboard. 

“Tall ships have always been one of Yorktown’s biggest draws,” states Olsen-Hayes. “Thirteen years ago, we hosted Yorktown Maritime Weekend, an affiliated port of OpSail 2012, with an unforgettable weekend on the waterfront. In 2026, we’ll recreate that magic with the Sail Yorktown Festival. From June 12–14, majestic ships will once again line the York River, joined by a weekend full of deck tours, a stunning Parade of Sail, live music, reenactments, and more.”

From Thursday, May 22, to Monday, May 26, York County will celebrate the 20^th anniversary of Riverwalk Landing. The festivities will include special discounts from the shops and restaurants, a free outdoor concert with BrassWind, lawn games, a magician, raffles, and a roving musician. Many of the businesses will have extended hours, and Riverwalk Restaurant and Water Street Grill will host a concert with Trevor Daniel & the REEF on Friday, May 23, and a Customer Appreciation Party on Monday, May 26. We invite you to join us for this very special birthday party as we commemorate twenty years of making memories at Riverwalk Landing!