Colonial Williamsburg

Photo "Governor's Palace, Williamsburg" from my personal photos

Mom will love visiting the Governor's Palace. Both a home and an official building for the King's representative to the colonies, the palace is a treat, and the gardens are equally beautiful. There's even a hedge maze. After the Governor's Palace, Mom will enjoy seeing some of the homes actually lived in by the colonists, from well-to-do to more modest. And most Williamsburg homes have beautiful backyard gardens, too.

Moms love to shop, and there's plenty of shopping in Market Square--enough to please any Mom! She might enjoy seeing Bruton Parish Church close by Market Square, too. It was built in 1715 and still serves a congregation. In the historic trades area, Mom will enjoy Margaret Hunter's Millinery Shop. Making far more than hats, the shop features both men's and women's clothing and items such as neckerchiefs, cloaks and aprons.

Photo "A Williamsburg Back Yard" from my personal photos

Photo "Back Garden, Williamsburg" from my personal photos

Photo "Williamsburg Backyard" from my personal photos

Photo "The Magazine, Williamsburg" from my personal photos

Dad will be interested in seeing The Magazine, the octagonal brick building where the colony's supply of gunpowder, muskets, and munitions were stored for safety. The nearby guardhouse was added later, as a place of shelter for the sentries who were guarding the magazine. The Capitol, where Virginia's legislation met could also be of interest to Dad. Patrick Henry delivered his speech against The Stamp Act here, and he, along with Washington and Jefferson, passed the legislation that ended in the Revolutionary War.

Dad might also be interested in seeing what trade he might have learned to make his living in the 1700s. There are working shops carrying on trades such as carpenter, gunsmith and wheelwright. He could also have been a printer, silversmith or cooper (barrel-maker). After a taste of what his work might have been in the 18th Century, Dad might enjoy quenching his thirst at the Raleigh Tavern or stopping by the Wetherburg Tavern for a pint .

Photo by Eamonn http://www.flickr.com/photos/68518558@N00/3278230912/

Photo "Fife and Drum Parade, Williamsburg" from my personal photos

There's so much for kids to love in Williamsburg. They'll never forget going for a ride through the colonial town in a horse-drawn carriage. It's the highlight of many a trip. And what kid doesn't love a parade? Seeing the fife and drum parades as they march down Duke of Gloucester Street (Williamsburg's Main Street) makes everyone want to sing "Yankee Doodle". The authentically costumed colonists working in the historical area will be a treat--some of them are even in character as real historical personages!

While walking through the town, kids and parents alike will love seeing the unusual breeds of animals in small pastures and paddocks. These animals are the breeds that would have been owned by the colonists, and are rare breeds indeed today, with little resemblance to our modern breeds. The kids will love seeing how kids in the 1700s lived, and the toys they played with--some still popular today, and they'll see that learning was much different then--when kids practiced their writing on slates. The New Hope Plantation will give kids a chance to experience a real working farm from the 18th century. Don't forget to visit the Williamsburg Gaol.(that's "jail" to us) The kids will love taking a turn in the stocks (and maybe the grownups will too!)

photo:http://www.flickr.com/photos/hbarrison/2464352752/

The first thing you need to know is that you can't see everything Williamsburg has to offer in just one day. You need to stay a while! A 3-day ticket which will allow you plenty of time for everything is: Adults- $45.95, Kids ages 7 to 17-$22.95 Kids 6 and under-Free. Order tickets online and get a $4 per ticket discount. Ticket price includes admission to the historic area, shuttle buses,(shuttle buses are handicapped accessible with lifts for wheelchairs) museums, programs and Revolutionary City. Guided walking tours and some special programs require extra charges.

Where will you stay?
There are several hotels right on the premises of Colonial Williamsburg, ranging from the unbelievable price of $59 per night to the equally unbelievable $799 per night. The modestly priced rooms are a special bargain, because as a hotel guest, you get a discount on admission to Colonial Williamsburg.For guests, tickets are $30 adult and $15 child, good for the length of your stay. Other advantages enjoyed by Williamsburg hotel guests include:free delivery to your hotel of your purchases in Williamsburg shops, preferential reservations for amenities such as tee times, tennis, carriage rides, and Williamsburg's taverns and restaurants. There's also the convenience of being on the Williamsburg premises-- no worrying about driving or parking. You may need to make reservations considerably in advance of your visit. If you don't stay at a Colonial Williamsburg hotel, there are plenty of motels and lodging near the historic area. But do make reservations.

If your budget allows, there are many other attractions in the Williamsburg area, most notably Busch Gardens. You might enjoy Water Country water park, or Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum,(great reviews from attendees) Go-Karts Plus,(mixed reviews) and The Haunted Dinner Theater (fun but pricey) there are several mini-golf courses--or visit nearby Virginia Beach.

Williamsburg offers a "Bounce" ticket that includes 7 days of admission to 3 attractions: Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens and, in summer, Water Country water park. Prices for The Bounce tickets are $128.50 Adult, and $107.50 Child, with a 20% discount per ticket if purchased online.

More information on Colonial Williamsburg at their website--Great website, packed with information. A link is provided below.

How To Dress
Unlike the colonists, you don't have to dress in 18th Century attire (but there is a costume rental shop, for kids only) Dress comfortably and casually, and be sure to wear comfortable, supportive shoes. Despite the shuttle buses, there's a lot of walking!

I saw this photo of the grand staircase in the house of Carter's Grove Plantation while we were researching our trip to Williamsburg. I thought it was so beautiful and hoped we'd be able to see this plantation during our trip. We did get to tour Carter's Grove Plantation, and the next photo is of me descending that very same staircase! Carter's Grove Plantation was, at that time, a part of the Colonial Williamsburg historical sites. Sadly, the access road to the plantation was later badly damaged by a hurricane, and the site was closed to the public. It was recently bought by a wealthy private party who plans to maintain Carter's Grove in accordance with historical accuracy.

I was trying to sweep down that historic staircase with regal presence as Martha Washington or Dolley Madison might have done. If the hysterical laughter from my companions at the foot of the stairs was anything to judge by, my efforts may have been less than successful!

Photo "Nut Descending a Staircase" from my personal photos

Photo "Williamsburg Church" from my personal photos

Photo "Steeple, Williamsburg Church" from my personal photos

Photo "Baptismal Font ca.1715, Williamsburg" from my personal photos