Williamsburg, VA
We love Williamsburg, Virginia.
It's a 10-12 hour drive from our house in Massachusetts, depending on traffic through New York City and Washington, DC, yet we never seem to mind the distance and the traffic headaches. Once in Williamsburg, we love drowning in Colonial History.
The main focus of Williamsburg is Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, the world's largest living history museum. Visitors step back in time as costumed interpreters tell the story of 18th century Virginia, sharing the lives of merchants, lawmakers, slaves, women, and children.
Colonial buildings, both replicas and renovations, dot the mile-long section of the town. At one end of Duke of Gloucester Street is the College of William and Mary. At the other end is the replica Capitol Building where the House of Burgesses met. In between lie a myriad of Colonial Craftsmen and Craftswomen, a courthouse with stocks and pillory, a church, several taverns, a coffee house, bakery, farmers market, Governor's Palace, and magazine (storage for weapons and supplies). In the summer, horses and carriages take visitors on leisurely rides. Costumed interpreters welcome visitors at each building. Some interpreters are also actors who specialize in a particular historical figure, such as James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, Lady Randolph, or Martha Washington. Visitors often try to get them to break character, but they know their material and subject matter so well, it is often impossible to do.
We have visited in both the summer and the winter. The summer is hot--miserably hot. Some buildings are air-conditioned, but unless you are used to the oppressive humidity of the south, you often find yourself desperately searching for the next cool place instead of enjoying the presentations. February is a mixed bag of weather--we have worn shorts and tees, sweatshirts and jeans, and most recently, base layers and winter gear.
At night, there are programs offered. The ghost tour is a definite favorite. Colonial musical performances and "Audience with a President" also are part of the CW schedule.
Beyond the gates of CW, you can also explore Jamestown, Yorktown, Busch Gardens, Virginia Living Museum, Virginia Zoo, Science Museum of Virginia, and Virginia Beach. In summer, the town is hopping with tourists at every water park and mini golf location. The outlet mall also has some great deals.
We love Williamsburg so much, we have been five times, even though it breaks our "I don't want to go anywhere twice until I have gone everywhere once" rule. Each time we walk away with a new experience.
Helpful hints:
February is a great time to visit if you're looking to save money. Many condos and hotels are as low as $50/ night. The downside is that CW offers a limited program; however, multi-day tickets are at a Discount. But, if you're looking to experience it in a budget-friendly way, you can't beat the prices.
Condos are in abundance in Williamsburg. We have stayed at Historic Powhatan Plantation twice and have rented through a man named Bill Gregory. Target and Martin's Grocery are just minutes away. Just down the road is a great playground called Kidsburg.
Three must-visit places to eat:
Pierce's BBQ. It's a bit of work to get there, but it's where the locals love to eat.
Duck Donuts. Custom-made donuts just out of the fryer. You pick the frosting and toppings.
Mooyah. College Burger spot just across the campus from William and Mary.
A lot of people spend just a day in CW. If you really want to experience it, to interact with the interpreters and attend programming, ideally, you should plan on three 4-hour visits. You easily could spend 5 full days there, but we find that breaking it up into half days is a better way to visit.
The Historic Triangle package is worth the money if you plan to go to Jamestown Settlement, Historic Jamestowne, Yorktown Victory Center, Yorktown Battlefield, and plan to spend a few days in CW.
Do you have any favorites in the Williamsburg area? Comment below.
© Cara Parker, 2015. Photos and text may not be reproduced without the written consent of Cara Parker.
It's a 10-12 hour drive from our house in Massachusetts, depending on traffic through New York City and Washington, DC, yet we never seem to mind the distance and the traffic headaches. Once in Williamsburg, we love drowning in Colonial History.
The main focus of Williamsburg is Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, the world's largest living history museum. Visitors step back in time as costumed interpreters tell the story of 18th century Virginia, sharing the lives of merchants, lawmakers, slaves, women, and children.
 |
| The Courthouse |
 |
| Perfect Time-Out Spot for Preteens |
Colonial buildings, both replicas and renovations, dot the mile-long section of the town. At one end of Duke of Gloucester Street is the College of William and Mary. At the other end is the replica Capitol Building where the House of Burgesses met. In between lie a myriad of Colonial Craftsmen and Craftswomen, a courthouse with stocks and pillory, a church, several taverns, a coffee house, bakery, farmers market, Governor's Palace, and magazine (storage for weapons and supplies). In the summer, horses and carriages take visitors on leisurely rides. Costumed interpreters welcome visitors at each building. Some interpreters are also actors who specialize in a particular historical figure, such as James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, Lady Randolph, or Martha Washington. Visitors often try to get them to break character, but they know their material and subject matter so well, it is often impossible to do.
 |
| Ethan having his "portrait painted" with James Madison |
We have visited in both the summer and the winter. The summer is hot--miserably hot. Some buildings are air-conditioned, but unless you are used to the oppressive humidity of the south, you often find yourself desperately searching for the next cool place instead of enjoying the presentations. February is a mixed bag of weather--we have worn shorts and tees, sweatshirts and jeans, and most recently, base layers and winter gear.
 |
| Same location, 24 hours apart |
At night, there are programs offered. The ghost tour is a definite favorite. Colonial musical performances and "Audience with a President" also are part of the CW schedule.
Beyond the gates of CW, you can also explore Jamestown, Yorktown, Busch Gardens, Virginia Living Museum, Virginia Zoo, Science Museum of Virginia, and Virginia Beach. In summer, the town is hopping with tourists at every water park and mini golf location. The outlet mall also has some great deals.
We love Williamsburg so much, we have been five times, even though it breaks our "I don't want to go anywhere twice until I have gone everywhere once" rule. Each time we walk away with a new experience.
Helpful hints:
February is a great time to visit if you're looking to save money. Many condos and hotels are as low as $50/ night. The downside is that CW offers a limited program; however, multi-day tickets are at a Discount. But, if you're looking to experience it in a budget-friendly way, you can't beat the prices.
Condos are in abundance in Williamsburg. We have stayed at Historic Powhatan Plantation twice and have rented through a man named Bill Gregory. Target and Martin's Grocery are just minutes away. Just down the road is a great playground called Kidsburg.
Three must-visit places to eat:
Pierce's BBQ. It's a bit of work to get there, but it's where the locals love to eat.
Duck Donuts. Custom-made donuts just out of the fryer. You pick the frosting and toppings.
Mooyah. College Burger spot just across the campus from William and Mary.
A lot of people spend just a day in CW. If you really want to experience it, to interact with the interpreters and attend programming, ideally, you should plan on three 4-hour visits. You easily could spend 5 full days there, but we find that breaking it up into half days is a better way to visit.
The Historic Triangle package is worth the money if you plan to go to Jamestown Settlement, Historic Jamestowne, Yorktown Victory Center, Yorktown Battlefield, and plan to spend a few days in CW.
Do you have any favorites in the Williamsburg area? Comment below.
© Cara Parker, 2015. Photos and text may not be reproduced without the written consent of Cara Parker.
Comments
Post a Comment