From Colonial Sites to Theme Park: Top Things to Do in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Williamsburg, Virginia, is a charming, historical city in the state’s eastern region. Founded in 1632, it is a significant tourist destination often referred to as the “Colonial Capital” of Virginia.
Walking down the streets of Williamsburg is like stepping back in time to the 18th century, with many of its buildings and homes restored to their original colonial state.
Visitors can explore the town’s rich history by touring historic sites like the Governor’s Palace, the Capitol Building, and the Wythe House.
One of the most popular attractions in Williamsburg is Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum that recreates life in the colonial era. Here, visitors can watch costumed interpreters do their daily tasks, such as blacksmithing, woodworking, and cooking.
The museum also features exhibits detailing the colonial era’s political and social climate, as well as many interactive exhibits allowing visitors to experience life as it was centuries ago.
In addition to its rich history, Williamsburg is home to several other attractions. The city is located just a few miles from Busch Gardens Williamsburg, a popular theme park that features a variety of roller coasters, water rides, and other attractions.
The area also has several golf courses, shopping centers, and restaurants. For those looking to get out and explore the great outdoors, Williamsburg is surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and scenic waterways.
Williamsburg, Virginia, is a must-see destination for anyone interested in American history and culture. From its colonial architecture and living history museum to its theme parks and natural beauty, there is something for everyone in this charming and historic city.
Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center
Located on a 100-acre parcel of land, the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center has been the gateway to the former capital of Virginia for more than six decades. Despite its small size, the facility has many programs and activities for visitors.
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a nonprofit organization that works to teach the next generation about the history of America.
It employs more than 7300 people in the local community, and the Foundation’s primary goal is to allow the public to see the country’s past at its best.
The Foundation commissioned a consultant to create a new, more relevant visitor experience. The consultant suggested that redesigning the Visitor Center was the best way to do this.
The new facility will allow the Foundation to engage the local community and increase the number of tourists visiting the region. In addition, the Foundation hopes to use the facility to provide sports tourism opportunities.
Governor’s Palace
Located in the historic town of Williamsburg, Virginia, the Governor’s Palace is the grandest reconstructed visible reminder of the colonial past in the United States.
It was the official residence of the Royal Governors of the Colony of Virginia during much of the eighteenth century.
The Governor’s Palace was a military hospital during the Revolutionary War. During the Battle of Yorktown in 1781, it served as a temporary hospital for American soldiers. The original structure, damaged by fire in 1781, was eventually reconstructed in the 1930s.
The Governor’s Palace is one of the two most significant buildings in Colonial Williamsburg. It is open to the public daily from 9 am to 5:30 pm. Visitors can explore the Palace independently or participate in a guided tour.
The tour lasts about 30 minutes and begins at the entrance on the left side of the Palace. Guests can also spend time in the Palace’s garden.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is an excellent place for a family getaway in James City County, Virginia. The park is home to many animal exhibits and thrill rides. Guests also enjoy live stage shows, Broadway-style music, and various dining options.
With more than 30 attractions, Busch Gardens is one of the most popular amusement parks in the nation. In 2015, the park had an attendance of 2.78 million visitors.
This was the twentieth-highest attendance among amusement parks in North America.
The park is located in the Historic Triangle of the United States, near the Kingsmill Resort complex owned by Anheuser-Busch. The area has been a favorite destination for travelers for decades.
The park’s theme is European, featuring six countries. In addition to the various attractions, there is a wildlife refuge that features a variety of animals.
Historic Jamestowne
Located near Williamsburg, VA, Historic Jamestowne is a cultural heritage site that preserves the history of early English life in North America.
This historic settlement was the first permanent English colony in the New World. It was established in 1607 and served as the capital of the Virginia Colony until 1699.
Located on the eastern tip of Jamestown Island, Historic Jamestown is a cultural attraction worth visiting. You can tour the replica James Fort and armory or follow the settlers’ footsteps. You can also watch costumed historical interpreters demonstrate the settlers’ daily life.
The Jamestown Settlement Museum and outdoor exhibits tell the story of the colony’s founding. You can also learn about the culture of the Powhatan Indians and West Central Africans who settled here.
The museum has a large visitor’s center with a theater and galleries and features immersive films and exhibits. The exhibits also include outdoor re-creations of the Jamestown Settlement.
The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg
Located in Williamsburg, Virginia, the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg are a significant tourist attraction. These art museums house some of the world’s most renowned folk art collections, ceramics, and sculpture. These museums are open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.
The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum features American and British folk art. The Museum Gift Shop offers a wide variety of crafts and unique items. The Museum Gift Shop also sells prints and reproductions inspired by the folk art collection.
The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg present several exhibits each year. The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum features colonial folk art, contemporary folk art, and British antiques. The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum houses the Foundation’s renowned decorative arts collection.
In addition, it features the most extensive collection of southern furniture in the world. The Museum Gift Shop also offers an assortment of handmade pottery and replicas of period-period furnishings.