Williamsburg: A Blast to The Past
Williamsburg, Virginia, is a city rich in history and culture. Named after King William III, the reigning King of England, Williamsburg served as the capital of the Virginia colony from 1699 to 1780. Today visitors can still experience what typical life was like in colonial Williamsburg. My family has been visiting Williamsburg since before I could walk. The site continues to awe families like mine with the chance to see, smell and taste history. Whether you're interested in learning about the city's past or exploring its present, Williamsburg is a great place to visit.
Best of Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg is one of the most extensive living history experiences on earth. The entire site spans 300 acres with live-action role players from the 1700s to give you the whole Colonial experience. Visitors start their journey in the Welcome Center. After receiving their passes, you can either walk through the farms to the main street or enjoy the more modern transportation with their shuttle. If you really want to dive into the experience, they also have costumes for rent. One of the best things about Colonial Williamsburg is it's very budget-friendly. Those with little time on their hands can enjoy viewing the buildings and the entire 300 acres free of charge. However, suppose you're looking for a more enhanced experience. In that case, you can pay for a daily or annual pass that provides access to different buildings and shows while participating in conversations with role players. Depending on the season Colonial Williamsburg has unique offerings for various holidays such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, President's Day, and the Fourth of July. Some of the daily highlights include the governor's mansion, which is open for tours, the slavery experience, which allows visitors to see what everyday life was like for enslaved people in colonial Williamsburg, and the daily market that sells colonial-style goods.
Must-See Tours
Talk of the Town Walking Tour: For first-time visitors, this tour will give you a whole perspective of life in Williamsburg
Freedom's Paradox: A look into what slavery was like in the Randolph household
Place Exploration: Tour the governor's palace to see how the most powerful family in the city lived.
Fifes and Drums: See a colonial military drill up close.
Haunted Williamsburg: Ghost story lovers will enjoy this tour through Williamsburg's haunted past
Seasonal Activities
Juneteenth
Juneteenth, June 19, marks the day that slaves were freed in Texas, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Colonial Williamsburg honors this holiday by hosting various events focused on the slaves of the region.
Veteran's Day
In honor of those who served our country, Colonial Williamsburg offers military discounts. Visit during this time to experience the beautiful fall colors with events highlighting those who served our country three hundred years ago. In addition, veterans are encouraged to visit Liberty Lounge, an exclusive area for active and retired military and their families.
Holiday Season- The Grand Illumination
Each year Colonial Williamsburg turns into a winter fairytale with The Grand Illumination. There are ice skating, Christmas carols, candle-lit streets, and visits from Father Christmas. Although it may be colder outside, Williamsburg has you covered with hot apple cider and smores. Visit during the holidays to see how they were celebrated in the 1700s.
Jamestown
Jamestown is the first English-speaking settlement in North America, founded in 1709. today you can still visit historical Jamestown and see the port where the ships arrived over 300 years ago. Although much smaller than Colonial Williamsburg, Historic Jamestown has access to the river's original port. You can board the boats and see the initial setup for the United States' first colony. Jamestown is about 10 miles Southwest of Colonial Williamsburg. On average, touring this historical site can take up to a full day. Be sure the visit the Jamestown glasshouse to learn how the famous green bottles were made.
Yorktown
Yorktown is a great stop for history Buffs and Hamilton fans alike. Although it's much smaller than its brother and sister cities, Jamestown and Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown Battlefield is a national park worth checking out. The Battle of Yorktown was critical in the development of the United States, and that history is explored in-depth at this site. If you miss the fifes and rifles at Williamsburg, then you're in luck, as Yorktown hosts a similar event daily. Your tone also has an artillery demonstration with a cannon firing. Check out the Yorktown app to plan your visit.
Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens is a fantastic theme park. Yes, it has the traditional roller coasters and drops features that all thrill-seekers yearn for in a theme park. However, what makes the Busch Gardens unique is that it is European-themed. Each part of the park represents a country in Europe, from England to France to Germany. Each country has rides that represent its culture in addition to traditional food and cultural performances. After exploring many theme parks around the United States, I can confidently say that this theme park is the most shaded theme park I've ever seen. It's also full of indoor rides similar to Disney World for those who want to avoid the heat in the summer. Like Colonial Williamsburg, this park is open for most seasons and has different events for standard American holidays. Not only is the park full of luscious Greenery, but they provide many options for transportation around the park, including Gondola rides, a train, and a trolley for those who aren't too keen on extreme walking. Busch Gardens is not only entertaining for children but also for adults. For those who like to partake in alcohol, I highly encourage you to drink around Europe, stopping at the different bars and restaurants in each country.
Water Country USA
For those traveling as a family or with anyone that enjoys water rides, Water Country USA definitely needs to be one of your stops. This water park is one of the largest in the country and is an entire theme park dedicated just to water rides. If you plan on going to Busch Gardens, both parks can be attended through their hopper pass that you can buy at either park or online before you get to the park.
Where to Stay in Williamsburg
There are hotels on the property for those centering their trip around Colonial Williamsburg. The on-site properties are slightly more expensive as they provide a unique experience that reflects the culture of the time.
The Williamsburg Inn
This Inn dives into the culture of the 1800s while maintaining the luxury of the 21st century.
The Colonial Houses
These houses allow you to live as George Washington with a few upgrades, like electricity.
The Tavern Rooms
In true 1700s fashion, stay about the tavern in downtown Colonial Williamsburg.
If Colonial Williamsburg is one of your stops but not the only attraction you want to check out, there are other chain hotels worth checking out.
DoubleTree by Hilton
This hotel is within a 30 min drive to colonial Williamsburg and closest to Busch Gardens for early park access.
Marriott's Manor Club at Ford's Colony
This Marriott is north of Colonial Williamsburg. It has both single hotel rooms and suites with a fireplace, a full-sized kitchen, and a jet tub.
Great Wolf Lodge
For families that want a lot of entertainment in their hotel, this hotel features an indoor water park included with your stay. In addition, Great Wolf Lodge has themed suites to fulfill every child's nature fantasy. Their largest room sleeps 12, perfect for a large family getaway.
Conclusion
Williamsburg is a great destination for visitors of all ages. There’s enough history and new age activities to go around. If you’re down for a bit more excitement sign up to fire a colonial rifle! Enjoy living through some of the United States earliest history.
