Colonial Williamsburg: where the future learns from the past
From 1699 to 1780, Williamsburg, Va., was the political, cultural and educational epicenter of the American colonies. It was a place where those loyal to the English crown lived alongside patriots yearning for national autonomy. It was a place where revolutionary ideas were born, discussed and disputed, and it was the place where a consequential vote set the colonies on the path toward independence.
For nearly 100 years, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation has faithfully maintained the world’s largest American history museum. Thanks to the efforts of Bruton Parish rector Rev. William Archer Goodwin and the largesse of John D. Rockefeller Jr., what started as a passion project to preserve the community’s original buildings became a full-scale restoration of the former colonial capital.
Located 2.5 hours south of Washington, D.C., and an hour north of Virginia Beach, Colonial Williamsburg offers 21st century guests an authentic 18th century experience. With 301 acres featuring 89 original buildings, over 500 structural recreations, more than 20 trade demonstrations, world-class art museums, active archeological sites and more, why not take a trip back in time to this unique period of U.S. history?
Footsteps of the founders
Colonial Williamsburg is more than a peek into the past; it is a living history museum. In this immersive and interactive experience, guests have the opportunity to meet with historic interpreters to learn more about the lives of the men and women who lived in the area before and during the American Revolution.
Tour the buildings that were central to the colonial capital city, including the richly appointed governor’s palace, the courthouse, and the public jail. Visit the family homes of Williamsburg residents and stop by the sites where both loyalists and patriots reenact their day-to-day activities. A visitor might even run into Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry or George Washington.
While the admission fee opens the door to a world of possibilities, Colonial Williamsburg can seem overwhelming to the uninitiated. Not to worry: The facility’s website offers several curated itineraries to help a visitor make the most of their time on the campus. No matter if they are looking for a family adventure, a romantic couples’ getaway or something tailored for a particular interest, there are plenty of experiences to help make any visit worthwhile.
A first-timer’s multiday itinerary might include stops at all the popular hot spots, such as the governor’s palace and the capitol building, as well as time to visit with the local tradespeople to learn about their crafts. A couples’ getaway might include a romantic carriage ride, an evening performance, a visit to the spa and a round of golf at one of the local resorts. There are even suggestions for garden enthusiasts, military buffs, foodies and Bridgerton fans. No matter what a person’s area of historical interest, Colonial Williamsburg has something for everybody.
“There is enough fun to be had at Colonial Williamsburg that it’s sure to make even the saltiest redcoat say ‘Huzzah!’ Take yourself back in time with a single or multiday ticket, which gets you access to live demonstrations, performances, museums, shops and more,” said Anna Hider on Roadtrippers.
A combination experience
For those who want to get the most of their experience, Colonial Williamsburg offers vacation packages throughout the year that bundle admission tickets, hotel accommodations, dining, amenities and more. For example, the Discover Colonial Williamsburg Package offers nightly hotel accommodation at one of the five Colonial Williamsburg resorts, two admission tickets, a welcome amenity and daily breakfast for two.
Or, a visitor may wish to take advantage of the America’s Historic Triangle package, which includes a two-night accommodation at an official Colonial Williamsburg hotel, daily breakfast for two, a seven-day ticket to the five historic sites of the America’s Historic Triangle – Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement, American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, Historic Jamestown and the Yorktown Battlefield – and coupons for the resort outlet stores.
The Governor’s Palace is a must see when visiting Colonial Williamsburg. Although it is heavily associated with the royal governors of the colony of Virginia, it was also home to post-colonial governors, such as Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson. (Photo by Fr. Louis Manna/Archdiocese of Indianapolis) 
Visitors to Colonial Williamsburg can enjoy musical performances by those who supported both the Red Coat and Patriot armies during the Revolutionary War period. (Photo by Fr. Louis Manna/Archdiocese of Indianapolis) Visitors to Colonial Williamsburg can take a carriage ride or watch as the historic vehicles clop down the street. Who knows? You may even see the Royal Governor pass by. (Photo by Fr. Louis Manna/Archdiocese of Indianapolis) 
Williamsburg’s Capitol was the center of British Authority in Virginia for most of the 18th century and was the place where laws were passed, revolutionary ideas were debated and people appeared in court to plead their case. (Photo by Fr. Louis Manna/ Archdiocese of Indianapolis) One highlight of any trip to Colonial Williamsburg is a visit with one of the many tradespeople in town who still make their wares the old-fashioned way. They are always happy to share their craft with the public and show the tools they use, which are authentic to the 18th century. (Photo by Fr. Louis Manna/Archdiocese of Indianapolis)
