Visiting Colonial Williamsburg
Visitors will enter the village at Colonial Williamsburg from the visitor’s center where tickets can be purchased or picked up. If this is your first time visiting be sure to purchase a pass, which includes the Governor’s Palace and gardens. The recent renovations to this building shouldn’t be missed by anyone interested in colonial history and the gardens are nothing short of fabulous. Don’t forget to ask for a map of the village at the ticket desk. There are also children’s maps available which make it easy for young adults to make their way in the village unassisted.
If a child gets lost there are several places where they can get assistance from village personnel. The visitor’s center also features a gift shop that sells everything from the Williamsburg beverages to jewelry and collectible charms. A large bookstore with a coffee shop is across from the gift shop and it sells hundreds of historical books, music CDs, DVD’s and videos. There is also a costume rental shop for children that want to dress as boys and girls did during our colonial era. On hot days the air-conditioned visitor center is a great place to relax and sip a cool drink.
If you aren’t up to walking a half-mile or so to the entrance of the village there are buses that are handicapped accessible that leave frequently from the visitor center. At gatehouse you have a choice to either have a short group tour of the village by a friendly tour guide or you may choose to go it alone. As long as you have a map you can easily find your way as the streets and buildings are clearly marked. If you become disoriented simply ask any re-enactor and they will help you get on your way again.
New this year is a large collectible plastic covered mug, which is available for purchase at any tavern or the visitor’s center. Drink refills are free and they are well worth their purchase price of $10.00. The mugs are good for any visit until the end of the current year so if you are a frequent visitor or have a pass for several days it is definitely a good investment.
If you think you would enjoy a carriage ride around the village then purchase a ticket at one of the ticket booths within the village. Most of the carriages accommodate four to six people and the drivers are willing to talk to you about the care of their animals as well as features of the village. Children especially enjoy the rides and petting the horses afterwards.
Daily events include re-enactments at the east end of the Historic Area. From 10:30 to 12::30 daily, visitors can step back in time and watch events unfold. Afterwards you can even engage the re-enactors in conversation and gain more information about what life was like during the Revolutionary period.
Undoubtedly during your visit you will end up with a growling tummy. Chowning’s Tavern is an excellent place to eat with tasty fare and you won’t need a reservation. This outdoor eatery is a great place to have the best barbequed pulled pork sandwich or simply a grilled chicken sandwich with a corn on the cob side. During warmer weather you may want to venture inside the adjacent air-conditioned building where peanuts in the shell are served. The other three taverns in Colonial Williamsburg generally require reservations, especially during peak meal times.
After you have walked the length of the village cap off your visit with a visit to several of the stores in the Historic Area. There are 22 shops in and around this area of the village. You may purchase many re-created items from pewter mugs and china to reproduction clothing. If you are tired after shopping there are several bus stops nearby that will provide a shuttle bus back to the visitor center. If the busses are full wait until the next bus arrives. Due to the many twists and turns on the way back to the village, standing on the bus can be treacherous, especially for children.
Once back at the visitor center be sure to visit the bookstore or gift shop for any last minute gifts. Thrifty shoppers will find great holiday gift items that are frequently marked down in the stores.
Visiting Colonial Williamsburg in one day can be an exhausting experience. Many visitors find that it is easier to stay at one of the lovely hotels on the premises so that they can spread out their tours over several days. A discount on village passes are offered to visitors that stay in the village’s hotels. Visitors that stay overnight can also enjoy a ghost walk that is hosted in the village late in the evening. Tickets for the ghost walk can be purchased at the ticket counters and are occasionally offered at the entrance to the village.
Colonial Williamsburg is a great learning experience for both children and adults. Adults often come away from their visit with increased knowledge about politics and the lifestyles during this time period. Children will have fun learning even if they are not aware of it. Whether you visit Williamsburg during the holidays or any other time of the year, most visitors will agree that nothing compares to the Williamsburg experience.
