Cool Things to Do in Williamsburg VA
Are you considering a trip to Williamsburg? It’s the original capital of the colony of Virginia. You’ll find so many amazing things to do in Williamsburg, VA and the surrounding area. Whether you love history, nature, food, water fun, the Arts, and beyond you can find it on the East Coast of Virginia.
Did you know that Williamsburg served as the capital of the colony of Virginia from 1699 to 1780? Because of that, it has a significant place in American History. The region was also an important part of the Revolutionary War. Even without those distinctions, you’ll find tons of modern and historical things to do in Williamsburg VA for all ages.
Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area
One of the biggest attractions in the Williamsburg area is “Colonial Williamsburg”. It’s considered the world’s largest living history museum – a historically-preserved town with excellent Colonial period re-enactors, artisans, and craftspeople in the shops and roaming the streets. When you visit you’ll have a chance to engage with them to get a taste of what life was like in the 18th century. Over 300 acres of the village feature more than 40 historic sites, like churches, homes, and stores. Archeology continues here as well.
You’ll have a chance to take guided tours of the 18th-century Governor’s Palace and the original Virginia Capitol Building where early Americans met and made world-changing decisions. The building was completed in 1705 and destroyed by fire in 1747. Unfortunately, its replacement burned down in 1832. A precisely-restored building was opened to the public as part of Colonial Williamsburg in the 1930s.
Watch Tradespeople Create Historically Accurate Pieces with Colonial Tools
You can watch as modern tradespeople from more than 20 trades demonstrate historical 18th-century techniques and sell Colonial artisan crafts like furniture, wood vessels, musical instruments, silver and other metalwork, hand-woven baskets, hand-printed and bound books. If you love seeing these ancient trades demonstrated you can also watch online on “Trades Tuesdays“.
Four historically restored taverns serve foods from the period, like Hunter’s Game Pie or local seafood. The two world-class art museums, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum and DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum house more than 70,000 examples of historical and current decorative pieces, fine art, folk art, and mechanical specimens.
Discuss the Concerns of a Day in History
As you talk with re-enactors at Historic Williamsburg they’ll often address the relevant concerns of the Colonial period, like independence from England, slavery, women’s rights, law, taxes, religious freedom, colonization, creating a new government, and more. If it sounds like their perspectives are outdated it’s because the re-enactors present the ideas that were common in the 18th century, not what they’ve evolved into today. You might be surprised at how many of their concerns are still a focus of our lives in the 21st Century.
Experience Life in the 18th Century
Volunteers and staff try as much as possible to work within the parameters of the period. One example is the 30 gorgeous gardens sprinkled around the property. Workers use Colonial techniques, heirloom seeds, and 18th-century tools to plant, cultivate, and harvest period species of flowers, fruits, vegetables, herbs, and trees. Woodworkers and seamstresses use only hand tools. No power tools are allowed.
Colonial Williamsburg Options for Admission and Combo Tickets
Colonial Williamsburg offers single-day, multi-day, and annual passes for adults and children. If you also plan to visit the other Historic Triangle sites of Jamestown and Yorktown you can buy a special 7-day ticket. This ticket gives you access to five historic sites—including all of Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown historic sites, trade shops, and museums—for seven consecutive days from the first date of use. Find out more about all your options here.
Learn About the Battle of Yorktown
Another world-altering event that happened along the York River near Williamsburg was the decisive Battle of Yorktown during the Revolutionary War. In the Fall of 1781, the Army of the American colonies won a decisive victory over the British Army in a battle that was the turning point of the war to win independence from England. There are two different sites where you can learn more about the Battle.
Yorktown National Battlefield (Colonial National Historical Park) – 15 miles southeast of Williamsburg, Virginia you can find out more about this famous battle at this National Park Service Historic Site. Stop by the Visitor Center to see a film and exhibits about the battle, take a battlefield driving tour, and participate in guided ranger walks and talks about the defining battle of the Revolutionary War.
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown – 25 miles south – this Museum features artifacts, exhibits and a 180-degree surround screen for the film reliving “The Siege of Yorktown”. Outside you can enlist in the Continental Army in a re-created encampment to learn about the life of a soldier and take in daily demonstrations on medical treatment, camp life, and cooking. Watch demonstrations of the firing of muskets and artillery. You can also explore a farm, based on a real-life 18th-century family. Help with chores in the house, kitchen, tobacco barn, gardens, and crops.
Places to Eat and Drink Near Williamsburg, Virginia
Awesome Dining Options near Williamsburg
Pierce’s Pitt Barbeque is less than 10 miles from the park. Pierce’s was rated as one of the “Top 10 BBQ Joints in America” by National Geographic. Their menu features smoked ribs, chicken and beef brisket, southern-style collard greens, and their 80-year-old BBQ recipe. They also offer family-style meals to go. 447 East Rochambeau Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23188, 757.565.2955
Beer, Wine, Mead, and More near Williamsburg VA
Williamsburg Winery (15 miles from the park) – offers the perfect spot for a winery tour and tasting as well as a variety of dining options and a wonderful setting to stay overnight. 5800 Wessex Hundred, Williamsburg, VA, 757.229.0999
Aleworks Brewing Company is less than 10 miles from the park. Check out the Brewery Tours and Guided Tastings at this local craft brewery. Pickup and delivery are also available in the region. 189B Ewell Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188, 757.220.3670
Unique Lodging in the Williamsburg Area
Stay in Historic Colonial Houses Within the Village
Did you know that you can stay overnight in one of the historic homes nestled in the village of Colonial Williamsburg? Imagine stepping back 200 years in time to read your favorite book by a crackling fire and sleep in a cozy canopy bed, surrounded by beautiful period decor. A variety of options, from single-room dwellings to multi-room homes, and unique premium houses (all with full baths) are available to enjoy overnight for singles or small groups.
Colonial Williamsburg tickets can also be included in your room rate. Check online for details. An added bonus is that all the income from the Colonial House rentals supports the educational mission of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, the not-for-profit organization that operates the Historic Area.
Williamsburg Inn
This gorgeous inn was established by John D. Rockefeller Jr. in 1937 with 62 guest rooms and lush outdoor spaces. United States presidents, British royalty, and other celebrities have enjoyed stays there.
You may have a tough time choosing when you look at the guest room options if you want to share in the Inn’s history. Would you like to stay in the Queen’s Suite where Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip stayed when they came to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Jamestown Settlement? Maybe you’d prefer the Churchill Suite where the British Prime Minister stayed in 1946. No matter what you choose, you’ll feel like you’re a VIP with their luxury decor and amenities.
The Inn also offers dog-friendly rooms if you’re traveling with your pet.
Williamsburg White House Inn
This elegant historic estate is just a 20-minute walk from Colonial Williamsburg. They offer a full cooked-to-order breakfast in the morning as well as sweets and wine in the afternoon to all guests. Each of the rooms and suites is decorated differently, so every time you stay will be a unique experience. The Williamsburg White House Bed and Breakfast has won numerous awards for “Romantic Getaways” and “Best B and B in Coastal Virginia”. Book your stay here. 718 Jamestown Road. Williamsburg, VA 23185
Other Historical Sites Near Williamsburg VA
Colonial National Historical Park (Jamestown Colony)
18 miles southwest – Visit this historical site to see archaeological digs, and re-created dwellings from 1607. You can also see Artisan craftspeople demonstrating glass-blowing. Or take a guided tour of the first permanent English settlement in America.
James River Plantations
Less than an hour’s drive from Williamsburg you’ll find at least 5 different plantations that are open for visitors in Charles City County, along the James River. Settlements, farms, and plantations in this area began in 1613 and some of the history has survived, despite several battles fought in the region.
Berkeley Plantation
Consider visiting the birthplace of generations of the statesmen of the Harrison family, Berkeley Plantation. It’s the home where several presidents lived and at least 10 presidents (including George Washington) visited. Union Major General George McClellan was headquartered on this land with his troops during the Civil War.
Sherwood Forest Plantation
The 10th President of the United States, John Tyler lived at Sherwood Plantation his last 20 years of life, from 1842 to 1862 and the Tyler family descendants liv there continuously since then. In addition to its well-known residents, Sherwood Forest Plantation is also famous for being the longest-frame house in America. It was extended in 1845 to its present length of over 300 feet long. Self-guided grounds tours are Guided House tours are available by appointment.
Shirley Plantation
The Shirley Plantation dates back to 1613 and is America’s oldest farm and family-owned business. 11th and 12th generation family members still live in the home and work the property.
If you plan to be in Virginia in the latter part of April, be sure to check out Virginia’s Historic Garden Week at the James River Plantations or one of the other tour locations sprinkled throughout the state. It’s the perfect way to see some of the historic homes that aren’t normally open to the public. A few years ago I had the chance to tour “Nordt Family Farm“, one of the plantations in Charles City County that’s privately owned and normally off-limits to the public. The owner of the farm raises her own sheep, creates yarn from the wool, then weaves Merino wool into beautiful blankets and wearable pieces (see the ones on Etsy below). The farm/plantation was also featured in a Thanksgiving issue of “Martha Stewart Living” magazine. It was amazing!
Check out these other posts on my blog about more to do in Virginia.
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Category: Virginia
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