The Colonial Capital
In the 1920s, when Mickey Mouse was still on Walt Disney’s drawing board, the reconstruction of the old Colonial capital in Williamsburg, Virginia was being undertaken courtesy of John D. Rockefeller, Jr., who would consider this project the one dearest to his heart.
Meticulously researched, the mile-square town authentically recreates what Williamsburg was like some two hundred and fifty years ago, on the eve of the American Revolution. At that time it was arguably the finest and most elegant capital in the Colonies.
Today, you can walk in precious footsteps. Costumed interpreters take on the roles of the town’s most prominent citizens – George Washington, Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson – as well as the town's residents, craftsmen and merchants. You can visit their stops and see how printers, blacksmiths, barrel-makers and shoemakers plied their crafts by hand. The interpreters and docents are happy to engage in conversations and questions from visitors. And if you are bringing the children, consider renting a colonial costume for them! It is a nominal cost for priceless photos and experiences.
Visits to the Capitol building and the Governor’s Palace are guided by staff members steeped in the authentic stories of our nation’s beginning. The taverns along Duke of Gloucester Street, offer traditional colonial fare, like Sally Lunn and peanut soup, according to centuries-old recipes. There are also places for modern traditional food – like hamburgers and hotdogs, served colonial style.
A recent addition to a Colonial Williamsburg visit includes a variety of interactive “shows” about what was going on circa 1775. And don’t forget carriage rides, and the fife and drum corps! Children of all ages are invited to march along with the marchers.
Your ticket also includes admission to the DeWitt Wallace Museum of Decorative Arts and Abby Aldrich Museum of Folk Art, located a short walk away. Guided tours are available, as well as special programs and exhibits.
No trip to Williamsburg is complete without a stop at Merchants Square, which links “CW” as the locals call it, to the College of William and Mary, Mr. Jefferson’s alma mater. The shops range from ice cream parlors to fine furnishings and accessories, and from souvenirs to Fenton glass. And, of course, plenty of restaurants.
Plan an evening's Ghost Tour of the old town, with a candlelight walk and storytime. A separate ticket is required, but it is well worth it!
JAMESTOWN AND YORKTOWN
Only fifteen minutes' drive from Colonial Williamsburg along the wooded Colonial Parkway is Jamestown, on the majestic James River. It is the site of the first English settlement in the New World. Recently spruced up for its 400th anniversary in 2007, Jamestown is one of Virginia’s most honored treasures. It was important enough to rate a visit from Queen Elizabeth of England.
A brand new first class museum recounts the three civilizations that helped grow the area: the native Powhatans, the English settlers, and the African population. A delightfully recreated fort-settlement and ocean-worthy reproductions of the original three ships that founded the colony will delight both children and adults. Costumed interpreters will take you through the gardens, the cabins, the crafts, the little church, and of course, the vessels. Visitors are encouraged to touch, play, and climb aboard!
Also onsite is the actual ongoing archaeological dig where visitors can see the original foundations and a museum to house artifacts which are being uncovered practically every week.
About twenty-five minutes in the opposite direction from Jamestown, along the same beautiful Colonial Parkway, is Yorktown, which claims both Revolutionary War and Civil War credentials. The actual battlefield besieged by General Washington, comes to life as narrated by knowledgeable staff members. The recently added Victory Center, another museum-with-outdoor-demonstrations and venues, appeals to all ages.
Yorktown’s newly renovated waterfront along the equally majestic York RIver is nearby, with shops and restaurants, and, in season, a two-hour river cruise on a schooner.
BUSCH GARDENS AND WATER COUNTRY
Within minutes from Colonial Williamsburg, you will find two world-class theme parks: Busch Gardens and Water Country, where kids can be entertained, and parents and grandparents can be just as enchanted.
Busch Gardens is built a la “The Old Country”, with mini-villages and rides and shows and shops and events based on merrie olde England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, France, Italy, etc., etc.
Less than three miles from Busch Gardens is Water Country: pure pleasure and clean fun – especially when a romp and splash is needed after a few days of walking and touring.
AFFORDABLE, AFFORDABLE!
With all the activity available in the Historic Triangle, it is important to know that there are Williamsburg accommodations in every price range. There are family-style motels and romantic bed-and-breakfast cottages. There is also the elegant Williamsburg Inn (specifically designed and built by Mr. Rockefeller, Jr). The Queen stayed there! There is even a large RV campsite only twenty minutes from Colonial Williamsburg. Meals are affordable at the usual chain-style restaurants, and more than a dozen “local” places for lunches, dinners, pancakes and pizzas. Some invite kids to eat free. Your free Williamsburg Magazine (available at your hotel) will give you a list of all of them.
Williamsburg also boasts a big Prime Outlets mall, for those inclined to shop. Top-of-the-line stores, like Kate Spade and Coach and Burberry are alongside moderate retailers like Izod, Van Heusen and Carter’s. And coming in early 2012, there will be a completely renovated Williamsburg Pottery, which has been a landmark for nearly eighty years – a place where bargains abound!
Tickets to any of the venues, whether educational or amusement, are competitive and reasonable. Various combination packages are available.
But the best combination in Williamsburg and its immediate environs, is the opportunity to learn by enjoyment, and enjoy while learning.
Feather Schwartz Foster - Feather Schwartz Foster, author-historian. Making the First Ladies come to life.
