Williamsburg, Virginia
Williamsburg is in southeastern Virginia on a peninsula between the James and York Rivers, which run into Chesapeake Bay. Settled in 1632, it was Virginia's capital from 1699 to 1779. After time the city declined and it was not until the 1920's that the people took a real interest in Williamsburg. In fact, it was only in 1926 that the idea of excavating and restoring the colonial site of Williamsburg took bloom. The once known Williamsburg went through a complete transformation from an industrial town into a what is now known as Colonial Williamsburg.
Colonial Williamsburg bridges Virginias past and present, with remnants of the Confederacy preserved amid the cultural and commercial bustle of modern day. Colonial Williamsburg is the nation's largest and oldest outdoor living history museum and portrays 18th-century Williamsburg as it appeared on the eve of the American Revolution. Throughout the city, an engaging mix of sights, sounds and activities helps visitors reconnect with America's past and become active participants in 18th-century life. Not only can visitors enjoy the restored buildings, but also actors recreate the everyday lives of early settlers. On Colonial Williamsburg's 173 acres, 88 original 18th- and early 19th-century structures, such as the courthouse, have been meticulously restored. The site is bent on keeping to the period's authenticity from pieces of furniture, pottery, china, glass, silver, pewter, textiles, tools, and carpeting, to landscaping.
All year round visitors can observe hundreds of costumed interpreters, wearing bonnets or three-cornered hats. Many inhabitants of the settlement have organized a demonstration of their trades into seminars observed by the public. Historic trade demonstrations, dramatic vignettes, interactive programs and encounters with "People of the Past" take place in 28 exhibition sites and historic trade shops throughout the Historic Area. Visitors can enjoy 18th-century style dining in authentic colonial surroundings at one of Colonial Williamsburg's four operating taverns. Come out and enjoy being part of Colonial Williamsburg living history!
Colonial Williamsburg
I-64 Exit 238
757-220-7645
Colonial Williamsburg is a marvel, a true recreation of the city that was the capital of Virginia from 1699 until 1780. All year round hundreds of costumed interpreters, wearing bonnets or three-cornered hats, rove and ride through the cobblestone streets.
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Water Country USA
One Busch Gardens Blvd.
Williamsburg VA 23187-8785
757-253-3350
A splash of amusing entertainment and a drop of fun-filled adventure add up to gallons of great times at Water Country USA. It is the largest water theme park in the mid-Atlantic region. Watch the breathtaking high-dive spectacular at the Aqua Theatre. Visit Kid's Kingdom. -Just My Size- rides, shows and pools await kids of all ages when they visit this water wonderland. Unique features include unusual water ski boats filled with slides, waterfalls, fountains and water guns.
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Busch Gardens Williamsburg
One Busch Gardens Boulevard
P.O. Box 8785
Williamsburg VA 23187-8785
757-253-3350
Busch Gardens Williamsburg recreates the 17th-century charm of old world Europe. Journey through more than 30 spine-tingling rides and attractions, sparkling live shows and a wide variety of authentic foods and shops. Busch Gardens Williamsburg provides thrills and chills for the entire family. One special feature is the WILD MAUS roller coaster, this colorful and dynamic ride mimics the motion of a mouse through a maze. LAND OF THE DRAGONS is a colorful, musical adventure area designed for younger children. This unique attraction features a three-story tree house inhabited by Busch Gardens' resident dragon -Dumphrey- and his delightful dragon friends.
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Jamestown Settlement
Rte. 31 off Colonial Pkwy
757-229-1607
This is a living-history museum, with a reconstructed fort staffed by docents dressed as colonists. It also features an inhabited "Indian Village" At the pier there are reproductions of the Godspeed, the Discovery, and the Susan Constant.
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Yorktown Battlefield
Colonial Pkwy
757-898-3400
The museum displays George Washington's original field tent; dioramas, illuminated maps, and a short movie tell the story. A free range walking tour is available of the battlefield.
The Yorktown Victory Center
Rte. 238 off Colonial Pkwy
757-887-1776
Located next door to the Yorktown Battlefield, it consists of a Continental Army encampment, with tents, a covered wagon, and interpreters-costumed as soldiers. Inhabitants speak to visitors in the regional dialects of the time.
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Bassett Hall
Francis Street
Williamsburg VA 23185
757-229-1000
Bassett Hall was built in 1760. This home was the Williamsburg residence of Mr and Mrs Rockefeller, Jr. from 1936 to 1979. The house is furnished with antiques and folk art from the Rockefeller's collection.
Jamestown Festival Park
P.O. Drawer Jf
Williamsburg VA 23187
757-229-1607
Jamestown Festival Park features full-size replicas of the three ships, which arrived in 1607 with the Jamestown colonists. The Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery are moored at the Festival Park pier. James Fort and an Indian village have also been reconstructed. Costumed interpreters provide information about these exhibits. A restaurant and a gift shop are located on the premises.
Carter's Grove Plantation
Carter's Grove Plantation was built in 1750 by Robert "King" Carter. The property was purchased and renovated in 1929 and has since been designated as the "most beautiful house in America". The grounds contain a representation of Wolstenholme Towne, a community of the 17th century destroyed in 1622 by an Indian attack. Archeologists uncovered the site in the 1970's. A visitor center, demonstrations, exhibits and a gift shop are available.
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Busch Gardens Brewery
One Busch Gardens Boulevard
Williamsburg VA 23187
757-253-3039
While visiting Busch gardens, you can take the -Eagle One- monorail over for a brewery visit from April through November. Visitors have the opportunity to see our world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales up close in Heather Downs, the Scottish village section of Busch Gardens. While at the brewery, you may take a leisurely self-guided tour.
