About Colonial Williamsburg, Va.
Colonial Williamsburg is an immersive experience for children and families alike. A visit to this historic destination will take you back in time to the 18th century. You can experience hands-on what day to day life in this revolutionary time period was like, and witness exciting reenactments of some of the most historic events of the time.
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History
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Historically, Williamsburg was the capital of Virginia, which at the time stretched north to the Great Lakes and west to the Mississippi River. It was here that George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and others planted the first seeds of what would become the United States of America. The restoration of Williamsburg, Virginia began in 1926 with a small project aimed toward preserving a few of the city's most important buildings. The project quickly grew to include preservation of 85 percent of the original city. Today, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation preserves this historic area.
Function
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Colonial Williamsburg now functions as a vacation destination where visitors can explore and immerse themselves in 18th century life. This historical city is beautifully restored and filled with costumed characters who will make you feel like you've truly stepped back in time. Daily activities include dramatic reenactments of historic events and witch trials, ghost walks and music programs. Visitors will also find costumed interpreters in each home and shop, ready to tell a story about their life in the 18th century. You can visit 20 different tradespeople throughout the town including the apothecary, milliner, blacksmith, saddler, tailor, cooper and weaver.
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Features
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Colonial Williamsburg offers many buildings to visit and explore. Guests visiting the Courthouse can experience and participate in mock trials based on cases taken from historical records, or enjoy the Stocks and Pillory located outside. The Prentis Store offers a chance to watch the printing of colonial newspapers, manuals and political notices. The Prentis Store also offers handcrafted items from the Blacksmith, Cabinetmaking Shop, Miliner's and Shoemaker's Shop. The Post Office is still functional, and you can send your mail from here with a unique "Colonial Williamsburg" postmark. You can also purchase stationary, books and maps. Even your meals can be authentic. At Christina Campbell's Tavern you can enjoy authentic seafood including lump crab cakes, pye of oysters and Gloucester chicken. Stop by in the afternoon on select days and enjoy tea time with Mrs. Campbell herself. Visit Shield's Tavern and you may enjoy some exceptional company, as 18th century characters will regularly stop by in their day to day activities.
Benefits
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Colonial Williamsburg works to reach not only those who can visit the site in person, but anyone interested in discovering more about this historic location. Educational outreach programs offer books, videos, and recordings as well as electronic field trips. For those who do visit Colonial Williamsburg in person, there are many hotels in the area that can even provide historic lodging for your stay.
Time Frame
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Colonial Williamsburg is an exciting place to visit any time of the year. If you're planning a vacation here, you should check the calendar for the time of your visit as activities and programs change frequently. Colonial Williamsburg is sure to have an exciting event taking place during your stay. Especially noteworthy is Christmas in Williamsburg. The town is beautifully decorated for the season and offers festive programs, music and food.
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