5 Reasons To Visit Williamsburg

If you’re a history buff, like myself, you might have already thought about visiting Williamsburg/Jamestowne area as it is rich in the beginnings of American history. Jamestowne is the sight of the first permanent English colony settlement. Williamsburg was the capital of the Virginia colony for almost 100 years and played an important role in the American Revolution. Yorktown is the site of the surrender of General Charles Cornwallis during the American Revolutionary War. Some of the ruins of this time period are still available to wonder through and some have been recreated.

You can spend an entire weekend here and still not see everything. If you have 3-5 days available, I would highly suggest purchasing America’s Historic Triangle Ticket as this will give you access to Colonial Williamsburg, Historic Jamestowne, Jamestown Settlement, American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, and the Yorktown Battlefield. More bang for your buck!

Let’s take a look at all Williamsburg has to offer!

1. Colonial Williamsburg

First things first, Colonial Williamsburg. This is a great place to start as you can cover a lot in one day. You can park at the visitor’s center and purchase your tickets here, or online beforehand. This is where you can catch the shuttle to all the Colonial Williamsburg sites. The shuttles stop at every site to pick up and drop off about every 15-20 mins. You can catch one whenever you are finished at a site and move on to the next at your own pace. Skip a site because its busy and come back later if you’d like, it truly is at your pace. You can also walk to different sites if you please, as some of them are clustered together and are an easy walk.
Sites you will see includes the Governor’s Palace, the Capitol, Duke of Gloucester Street which houses many replica storefront, homes, and different places of trade. Walking down the Duke of Gloucester Street is like going back in time. Interact with the actors dressed in colonial apparel and learn about their trade and things of the time period. You can also pay for a carriage ride down the street. Further down, there are many shops and restaurants you can fill you belly and empty your wallet at.
Don’t forget to take the shuttle to the Art Museum as it has a fantastic display of artifacts from the colonial era as well as art. Stash your belongings in FREE lockers so you aren’t carrying it around. Backpacks are not allowed past a certain point so make sure you place it in one of the free lockers. There is also a cafeteria within the museum that offers a nice selection of food.

2. Jamestowne Settlement

During your visit to Jamestowne, you will not only experience the English culture of early Americans, but also of the Powhatan Indians and the west central Africans that were within the colony. (Yes, the slavery part. Which I believe is even more important for our children to see so we do not repeat the bad parts of history! History is history, the good and the bad!)
You will see ruins as well as some recreations, including a recreation of one of three ships that came across the Atlantic to seek a new land.
You will be taken back to the 17th century as you walk through the settlement area. Gardens that kept the settlers fed, weavers, blacksmiths, spinners, and more will keep you interested in the life these early Americans led. It’s amazing to see how they lived back then and compare it to how we live today.

3. Yorktown Battlefield/American Revolution Museum

Continue on to Yorktown and learn more about the American Revolution and see the exact battlefield where the infamous General George Cornwallis surrendered after coming under siege of the American and French troops commanded by General George Washington, later the first president of the United States. This ended the American Revolutionary War. What an amazing experience to be where George Washington defeated the British for the liberty of the American people. I love all history, but as an American, American history is my favorite and I can’t help but feel proud of all our ancestors went through to give us the freedom we have today.
The museum continues to illustrate the life of the settlers in the 17th and 18th century with art and living history displays.

4. Busch Gardens – Williamsburg

In order to keep the kiddos, and maybe even yourself, interested in the history; it’s always good to do something fun….like roller coasters! Nestled between Williamsburg and Yorktown is the theme park Busch Gardens. With a classic European theme, it has been voted the world’s most beautiful theme park since 1990. Kid friendly rides, a train, roller coasters of all sizes, and of course, great food will help you let loose and enjoy yourself.
During the summer, you can also cool down by enjoying the waterpark ‘Water Country USA’. Also check out special events throughout the year, such as the ‘Bier Fest’ from July to Sept, ‘Howl-O-Scream’ from Sept to late October, and ‘Christmas Town’ from November through early January.

5. Virginia Beach

I know this technically is not “in” Williamsburg but it’s definitely something to consider while you’re there. Only a hour drive from Williamsburg, is Virginia Beach. Get your beach fix in the same week or weekend of going back in time and learning about history. You can also visit the First Landing State Park which is where the colonists first arrived before settling in Jamestowne.
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is also here so you can add some science to your history!
Walk along the 3 mile stretch of the Virginia Beach Boardwalk and catch an oceanfront show on one of the four stages while enjoying some ice cream or a light meal.
Venture to the Cape Henry Lighthouse which is within the Fort Story military base, or take a picture with the twenty-four foot King Neptune Statue located on the boardwalk.
Virginia Beach is a good way to end your stay or make your trip to the area even more fun!

Happy travels ya’ll!