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Visit the 18th Century in Colonial Williamsburg, VA

 

Colonial Williamsburg is a very unique city and I don’t really know where to begin, so I guess I will just begin with the Colonial Williamsburg theme which is “That the future may learn from the past”. What makes this city so unique is that it has been restored as nearly as possible to its 18th century appearance. It is truly remarkable. Everywhere you walk you see people in period clothes and carrying period accessories. It is so fun. Each day they have a paper that tells the town what day it is and what historical events happened that day in the 18th century. The “townspeople” then act out that day as if it were actually the 18th century.

CW-LadiesThese costumed interpreters act as tradespeople, housewives, slaves, freeman, government officials, and soldiers. There is so much to see and do that you could spend a week there and not be bored. But just in case, they have more than 20 guided and self-guided tours offered daily. You can even enter the homes of Williamsburg’s 18th-century residents, get a firsthand perspective from a curator, or see the city by carriage. Here are some of the more popular tours:

CW-StoreOrientation Walk – This 30 minute walk gives you a glimpse at a town on the edge of Revolution and war and learn of the many ways to engage with your fellow citizens—their interpreters. Discover how you would have traveled to the capital city--and why you might have come. What would you wear? What world, colonial, and local events are the talk about town? How should you greet the residents and what courtesies should you show them? Very interesting tour.

CW-GuysLearn of the ghosts that still haunt the taverns and historic buildings of Colonial Williamsburg. Enjoy spirited and interactive 21st-century folklore of the Revolutionary City on the Official Colonial Williamsburg Ghost Walk. There are a lot of companies that do this, but this is the official one by the city. While on the tour, you will hear authentic stories of real ghosts on the only tour that takes you inside the haunted historic sites. Meet the spirits that have inhabited our taverns and residences for centuries and still unnerve the people that live and work there today. It is defiantly a different feel then during the day. I am really glad we did the tour.

CW-BldgTour the Art Museums and get an in-depth look at an exhibit with a guided Art Museum Tour or venture on your own into the collections of furniture, ceramics, and textiles from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. The distinctive collections of the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum are located under one roof. Enter through the Public Hospital of 1773 and be sure to investigate the exhibits detailing mental illness treatments from the 18th and 19th centuries. The hospital was the first of its kind in North America.

CW-CarriageIf you are tired of all the walking, you can see the city sights by horse-drawn carriage. Surround yourself with the sights and sounds of this unique city, far removed from the bustle of modern-day streets. Looks like fun.

CW-Garden If you like gardens, you will love touring the vibrant 18th-century gardens at your leisure or enhance your understanding of heirloom gardening techniques with a guided garden tour. There are more than 100 gardens and green spaces, ranging from sculptured and formal to utilitarian. Get a first-hand perspective and learn about the connection between status and wealth and colonial gardens from a tour guide. They are truly beautiful.

CW-CHorsesHorse enthusiasts will definitely love checking out the Colonial Williamsburg’s modern stable and rare breeds program during Bits and Bridles walking tour. This tour allows guests to view their facilities, discuss animal treatment and training, and get up close and personal with some of the animals. Speaking of animals, make sure to see some of the rare animal breeds living in their pastures. 

CW-CapitolSome of the other unique things to see and do in Williamsburg are the Courthouse of 1770, the Capitol, Governor’s Palace, as well as several taverns. I can’t say enough about this place. It is so cool. I only wish we could have spent a few more days there. The two we had was not enough. If you ever can, or have the chance, don’t pass it up. I left there feeling so patriotic and inspired about the American Revolution and it’s history. I learn from touching, seeing, and feeling. I could have set in a classroom for weeks and not learned as much as I did in a few days. Read about the city and I believe you too will want to go someday too.

 

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Marilyn Jones posted:

I haven't been to Williamsburg in decades. Your photo essay makes me want to return! Very nice piece!!

Thank you Marilyn. Hope you make it soon. I look forward to our next visit, too. 

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