Williamsburg Travel Guide, Virginia

The capital of Virginia between 1699 and 1780, Williamsburg became important when Colonial Williamsburg began to represent its era of glory.

Colonial Williamsburg is carefully restored and offers the opportunity for the visitors to travel in time into another century and see how earlier Americans lived. There are a few modern features like: the clean streets and other people visiting the attractions, but they do not interfere much with the atmosphere the place creates.

The vehicles are not allowed to enter Colonial Williamsburg to preserve the illusion but shuttle buses run continuously to and from the visitor center. Colonial Williamsburg will charm you to such an extent that you will want to stay for days on. Still you should bear in mind that the price you pay for a ticket that will allow you to sites in the restored area, varies according to the number of sites visited and the length of time you spend there. And there are different kinds of passes like The Freedom Pass valid for a full year and the Liberty Pass that equals the other pass plus other benefits. For those with a smaller budget walking around is free of charge.

And if you still haven’t had enough, you can explore the surrounding area passing through 23-mi Colonial Parkway to significant historical sites close to the peninsula. Visiting historic Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America and Yorktown you will have a similar experience, you will emerge in the 18th century and experience the way people lived in that period, their major activities and the buildings they lived in. You will be gracefully introduced to the period by interpreters in period dress just to enhance the feeling. Not far are the Jamestown Settlement - a place to explore the early relationship between the English and Native Americans- and the excellent Yorktown Victory Center - which has re-creations and informative exhibits -are equally worth visiting.

Settled in 1691, Yorktown developed into a tobacco port with a small community. Today it is still a lively, small place, a bit different from the other theme park-like attractions of the area because of its quiet character. The 18th-century buildings overlooking the York River are the main attraction. Some of them worth mentioning are the Moore House and the Nelson House, the residence of a governor and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Then there is the Swan Tavern and Grace Church built in 1697. The Somerwell House a construction from 1707 and the Sessions House are the oldest houses in town, but unfortunately they are not opened to the public.

Colonial Williamsburg is annually visited by one million people who want to have fun and learn about the past in a pleasant way. Everything is set to create the 18th century atmosphere: the costumed interpreters rove and ride through the streets; the craftspeople (the shoemaker, the cooper, the gunsmith, the blacksmith, the musical instrument maker, the silversmith, and the wig maker) explain their trades inside their workshops and invite you to buy their work as a souvenir. And if you want to blend in you can rent outfits. This interactive way of learning about the past lures many tourists that have a great time in the huge but cozy Colonial Williamsburg.

Emerge yourself in the culture and traditions, get to know the people, taste the cuisine, and enjoy the splendors of Williamsburg.