While vacationing in Williamsburg, VA, don’t forget to visit Colonial Parkway! Journey through colonial America on this 23-mile triangular road that connects historic towns Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown.
The parkway was completed in 1957 and was created to allow drivers to appreciate the surrounding landscape and beauty with little disturbance to natural resources. According to the National Park Service, this road was one of the first of its kind to connect different sites as one unified national park.
Millions of visitors each year travel to this historic spot to enjoy the beautiful nature and rich culture that is has to offer. The James and York River line the roadway which allows for great sightseeing and a variety of fun outdoor activities.
On the western end of the triangle lies historic Colonial Jamestown. This area is known for the first successful English settlement in the New World. Here visitors can tour the remains of the original settlements with a National Park Service Ranger. One can even talk with a 17th century personality and get a true feel for what colonial history was like in America.
If you’re not in the mood to do a whole lot of walking, don’t worry. There are driving tours available that will help you discover the area. Don’t forget to visit historical Jamestown Settlement – a living history museum showcasing 17th-century Virginia through film, gallery exhibits and outdoor activities. Learn how settlers managed their wilderness needs over 400 years ago.
If you travel east on the Colonial Parkway along the James River, you will run into Colonial Williamsburg. Here you will find an abundance of history, entertainment and culture from around the world. Take a guided tour or a relaxing stroll through town and experience moments in history. Visit Merchants Square for an old-fashioned retail center featuring artisan crafts, galleries and gourmet foods. You can also explore homes that Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and Patrick Henry lived and worked in to fight for our nations independence.
The last leg of Virginia’s Historic Triangle is Historic Yorktown. Yorktown symbolizes the end of the English Colonial period in North America . Experience 18th century homes and revolutionary battlefields. Walk down picturesque streets that are lined with art galleries, antique and specialty shops. If you see the trolley, hop on! It’s free. Work up an appetite and dine at one of the many charming restaurants Yorktown has to offer.
Why not immerse yourself in 300+ years of history and enjoy lodging in a bed and breakfast while you’re in town? Williamsburg offers a variety of great B&Bs with elegant bedrooms and unique amenities. To find the perfect one for your vacation, you can find more information here.
Take a trip back in history and visit Colonial Parkway during your next Virginia vacation!
