If you live in the Washington, DC, Virginia Beach or Richmond areas, you’ll definitely want to take a weekend getaway to the Williamsburg region. Williamsburg and its surrounding communities have so many great and unique stores — it’s a true window shopper’s, antique hunter’s and boutique aficionado’s paradise.
History buffs, of course, will delight in a weekend stay in Williamsburg. You’ll want to spend at least half a day or more exploring the largest outdoor living history museum in the country, Colonial Williamsburg. Visit and you’ll have the opportunity to see about 500 public buildings, homes, taverns and stores carefully restored to their Colonial splendor. You’ll be able to speak to a real blacksmith as he works, or meet up with a school-age George Washington (be sure to ask him if he really chopped down that cherry tree!).
Several firms offer Williamsburg tours. Why not take a private walking tour of Colonial Williamsburg and then tuck yourself in to a great lunch or dinner at a 18th-century tavern? And don’t forget about the ghosts! You’ll have your pick of Williamsburg ghost tours companies. Ask your Innkeeper for help in choosing one.
Not everyone is as enamored with Colonial history as others (hard to believe, but true). If that’s the case with members of your party, Williamsburg offers a wide array of other activities that are sure to deliver that all-important “wow!” factor.
Nearby Busch Gardens will allow you and your family the chance to get a small taste of European history, albeit in a fanciful but authentic and detailed manner. Explore tiny English, Scottish, French, German, Irish and Italian villages. The thrill seekers in your party will be happy to know that Busch Gardens offers more than 50 rides, including some great roller coasters, the Alpengeist and Apollo’s Chariot.
Visit Williamsburg in the summer and you can take advantage of Water Country, USA, Virginia’s largest water amusement park. Swoosh down water slides, get wet on water-themed rides and enjoy entertainment set to a 1950s/’60s surfing theme. Get ready to get soaked on Big Daddy Falls, a terrific river-rafting adventure in which you can take the entire family on one raft, or ride giant inner tubes individually through water “explosions,” tunnels and flumes.
If you really want to immerse yourself in history, you can venture outside of Williamsburg and head to Historic Jamestown. This historic site is the actual location of the original English settlement (circa 1607). Enjoy guided tours that provide an excellent historical overview of the first European settlement in America.
If you’re a college sports fan, the College of William and Mary is located in the heart of Williamsburg. Enjoy watching some great college athletes as Tribe (the college’s mascot) teams take on opponents in basketball, football, soccer, baseball, etc. from fall to spring.
Williamsburg is like no other vacation destination. It’s living history. It’s a large amusement park. It’s great shopping, dining and entertainment.
It’s a great weekend getaway!
