Colonial Williamsburg

Recently, I made my second trip to Colonial Williamsburg and I never ceased to be amazed. A visit around July 4 is a real treat. Colonial Williamsburg pioneered living history. It is preserved by a private foundation, not the U.S..S. government. A mix of historians and reenacters stroll the park. You never know when you'll run into such a character. We were lucky enough to find a prisoner in the jail who told us about the dangers of those involved in the revolution. Colonial Williamsburg is also full of taverns, bookstores, great places to spend a few hours. You can eat and drink 17th century faire. Rebels and English troops face off several times a day - a real treat for kids. To get the most from your trip, get a weekly guide. Everything is not offered everyday. One of the most interesting conversations we witnessed was between two slaves and one freed black discussing the pros and cons of supporting each side. In addition to conversing with themselves, they involved the audience, answering questions and even asking their advice. This particularly conversation was available only on two days, hence the importance of careful planning. Colonial Williamsburg prices are comparable to other amusement parks. I think it's about $35 for adults. It's well worth it. If you can't afford it, though, you can give your family a taste for the park by visiting the merchants mall connected to Williamsburg. From here, you can see some of the comings and goings. It's nothing like being in the park, but if you don't have the money for tickets, it beats nothing. (Go ahead - put the tickets on the charge card and work a few extra hours. You won't regret it!) more

We were at Colonial Williamsburg at Christmas Time. We truly enjoyed just walking the streets of the city and enjoying the atmosphere. The restaurants, the shops and the decorations in Colonial Williamsburg makes one feel as though they have stepped back in time....to a time that was a very important and historical time in our history. We did not purchase any tickets for the exhibits. more

Colonial Williamsburg is a great place to step back in history. There is so much to see and do there. The tours of the buildings are great. You are totally emerged in the colonial times there. We love marching behind the Fife and Drums and watching the court house reenactment. It's always fun to take a carriage ride there and to eat at one of the colonial restaurants. Everyone should make it here at least once. more

Colonial Williamsburg is a wonderful place to visit. It is great for both children and adults. The interpreters are wonderful; we have always enjoyed listening to Patrick Henry. The restaurants are so much fun, as are the shops. Spring and fall are the best times to visit. Every American should visit at least once! more

I have been to Colonial Williamsburg many times and it's a wonderful place to stroll and visit. The best times of the year there are spring and fall, summer is way too hot to be enjoyable. There are many little shops and exhibits to explore, and you can buy a package that allows you entrance into some of the period craftsman's stations. One thing they lack is plentiful dining areas, so pack a lunch to carry, or head over to the bookstore where you can get a sandwich without waiting all day! more

So much to see and do. If you have a day or a week, you will be busy! Enjoyed the history. All employees are dressed in period dress and educate visitors about the way life was in colonial times. Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Very good shuttle service to/from visitors center. Abundant parking. Well marked directional signs so easy to find. more

We love to go to Colonial Williamsburg during the fall months. It is not too crowded and the trees changing colors is just beautiful. There are so many shops to look through and great restaurants to eat at. Wonderful place just to go and walk around. It is a place rich in history and beauty. more

...this is a great place to visit. The costumes and scenery really draw you in the entire time, and you learn so much. It gets really busy during the summer, but if you go more towards early spring, fall, or winter, you'll have more of the place to yourself. Duke of Gloucester street also provides a number of good shopping places as well as some good places to eat! Definitely a great place for a fun and educational vacation! more

We just returned from a wonderful time at Colonial Williamsburg . I would go there again in a heartbeat. We took out 13 year old son and used the Govenors Key to the City Passes. These allowed 3 days access to the village and allowed us to watch the craftsmen at work, All of the people were so patient and gave freely of there time . The programs are very good. They also have a mug that you can purchase for $10.00 and get free refills all day, The shopping is very nice too more

Colonial Williamsburg is a great place to go and spend a weekend. Admission is slightly high at $30+ a person, but there's lots to see and do for your money. All staff are in character and dressed as they would have dressed during the colonial era. The employees are friendly and the food is good. Also, if you choose not to spend money for admission, you can walk through the grounds for free - you can't go into any of the exibits, but it makes for a nice leisurely stroll anyhow. If you're at all interested in early American history, Colonial Williamsburg is a great choice. more

We go to Colonial Williamsburg at least once a year because it's so fun for the kids -- there are people in period costumes, museums, special shops, even the shops that aren't offically "Colonial" get in on the act! We usually go annually for the huge 4th of July special where they read the Declaration of Independence and a band of drums and fifes play patriotic tunes -- I don't think there's a better place for a person to learn about our country's origins. more