Day 2 In Williamsburg Virginia
Colonial Williamsburg Travel back in time at Colonial Williamsburg. Learning about the 18th-century history of America is something that you would be surprised and astonished about.
Historic Jamestowne A lot of awesome artifacts can be seen here. Also, you will witness an ongoing archaeological digging in the area which is really interesting.
Jamestown Settlement Your second day in Williamsburg, VA is a day of learning. Jamestown Settlement is another destination for historical facts. You will see the ruins of the first American settlement and a lot more.
Back In Time At Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg is probably the most popular thing to do in Williamsburg and is one of the best ways to learn about Americas history. With over 300 acres to explore, you can spend a whole day checking out the many attractions here. There are dozens of original buildings as well as recreations so you can see how people lived in the 17th or 18th centuries.
You will have fun spotting the actors dressed in traditional clothing and watching demonstrations of people weaving, blacksmithing, and other historic trades. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride to see the town in style. If you bring kids along with you, they will have fun learning about history in such an interactive way.
America’s Historic Triangle Pass
History can be hot! Feel the temperature rise as you and your history-obsessed honey spend up to a week exploring the renowned Historic Triangle.
With America’s Historic Triangle Pass, you can set your sights on all of the Williamsburg hotspots for one low admission.
Enjoy unlimited entry to:
- Colonial Williamsburg – the country’s largest living history museum is home to over 300 acres of lovingly restored buildings, costumed actors, shops, and museums.
- Historic Jamestowne – tour the famous fort or Jamestown Memorial Church, or witness the magic of craftsmen such as the costumed glassblowers at Glasshouse.
- Jamestown Settlement – America’s first permanent English colony, recreations of the fort, ships, and even a Native American Powhatan Village reside here.
- Yorktown Victory Center & Battlefield – site of the final battle of the Revolutionary War and a museum featuring many artifacts and authentic recreations of colonial life.
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Kimball Theatre Williamsburg Virginia
The Kimball Theatre is located in Williamsburg’s Merchant Square. This quaint Colonial building is the regular site of plays, musical performances, and film screenings, and performers from the nearby College of William & Mary give concerts at the Kimball Theater throughout the school year. On weeknights the Kimball Theater plays movies in its main theater, and on occasion the theater has midday screenings.
Movie tickets are $8 per person.
428 West Duke of Gloucester, Williamsburg, VA 23185, 888-965-7254
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Explore The Yankee Candle Village
Only 10 minutes up the road from Colonial Williamsburg, the Yankee Candle Villages is one of the best-kept secrets in Williamsburg, Virginia. One of the worlds largest candle stores, its home to more than 200,000 candles in hundreds of fragrances.
In addition to the thousands of candles that line the walls, there are several other family-friendly areas. Tour the candle factory, watch a candle-making demonstration, and purchase candles, scented oils, and other candle-making supplies.
And no matter what time of year you visit, children can wander through the Holiday Park, which has a Santas workshop, ornaments, and other exhibits and surprises for the holidays year-round.
But the Yankee Candle Village is more than just a place to shop and take a tourits also a place to satisfy your sweet tooth. Popcornopolis is their gourmet popcorn shop, Yankee Candy shop offers 125 different candy varieties, Hersheys Ice Cream is available, and they even make their own flavors of homemade fudge on-site.
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Jamestown Settlement And Yorktown Foundation
The Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Foundation offer holiday programs for visitors. These programs include special interpretive tours, holiday films, and seasonal activities on both historic sites.
The Jamestown Settlement is hosting Christmastide events to show off how Christmas was celebrated in the 17th and 18th century.
Dewitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum
The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum has a specific focus.
This is an incredible collection of centuries-old antiques.
Established in 1985, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum should be on the itinerary of any serious antiquer.
There are incredible antiques from the United States and England at this museum, which is also part of Colonial Williamsburg.
You can see the excellent craftwork that went into all kinds of items, from textiles to firearms.
These can all be considered artistry in their own way, as they require makers having a clear vision and executing it.
Think of all the things youve bought.
Your decision-making was likely influenced by their looks in some ways.
There are also music performances held at this museum.
Touring the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum is fun and informative.
Its great to see how dedicated Williamsburg is preserving not only their buildings but also the items inside.
Come here so you can see just how much the past has informed the present.
Address: 301 S Nassau St, Williamsburg, VA 23185, United States
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The Dewitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum
The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum houses period furniture, metals, ceramics, glass, paintings, prints, firearms, and textiles. The Decorative Arts Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Both the Decorative Arts Museum and the Folk Art Museum are located in the same building, meaning your group can visit one or both for inspiration and entertainment.
Colonial Williamsburg
The Wren Building Williamsburg Va
The Wren Building is located on the campus of William and Mary College. Aside from its use as an academic facility, the Wren Building served as the temporary government headquarters for Williamsburg from 1700 to 1704. A fire destroyed the Wren Building in 1705, but the local government rebuilt it in 1716.
After enduring a total of three fires, the Wren Building achieved its current title as the oldest college building still standing in the United States. Now the Wren Building houses classrooms as well as faculty offices.
111 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185
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College Of William & Mary
Founded in 1693, the College of William & Mary is the second oldest institution for higher education in America and the ninth oldest in the English-speaking world. It is the alma mater of Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and John Tyler as well as many other distinguished Americans.
As you can probably imagine, the campus is bursting at the seams with historic buildings and in the Colleges Ancient Campus, you can find buildings dating as far back as the late 17th century. The Christopher Wren Building is the most famous of these historic structures and it is the oldest academic building in continuous use in the US. Interestingly, the building is named after a distinguished English architect who never even visited North America and features a brick facade with Flemish and English bonds. The building currently houses classrooms, offices, a chapel, and a refectory. You can visit the first and second floors whenever classes are in session during the school term.
Enjoy Busch Gardens And Water Country
If your group is up for wild, gigantic amusement park fun, visit Busch Gardens and Water Country.
Those who are up for it can ride like the wind on Finnegans Flyer Roller Coaster and the Pantheon Rollercoaster . Busch Gardens has a variety of stage shows including Sesame Street, animal shows, singing groups, and seasonally themed performances.
You can also visit Water Country, where you can cool off in the splash pools or relax on a lazy river float. Plan on getting wet and having a great time!
Busch Gardens offers exclusive, behind-the-scenes tours, too. Visit the Clydesdale Horses barn or the Border Collie training center.
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Bike Around Jamestown Island
Going for a bike ride on Jamestown Island is easily one of the coolest things to do in Williamsburg if youre an outdoor enthusiast. Jamestown Island Drive is a paved figure-eight-shaped trail thats open to cars, bikes, and pedestrians.
You can opt to tackle the entire 5-mile loop, or you can just do the first 3-mile loop. No matter which you choose, the entire route is flat and perfect for all levels. Do note that you will have to share the road with cars, so be mindful of your surroundings.
The shorter route will lead you to attractions like Swanns Tavern, the May-Hartwell House, and Historic Jamestowne. Opt to bike all 5 miles, and youll have the chance to visit Black Point. This is the tip of the island that was first glimpsed by colonists in 1607!
Expect to see all sorts of marshland, wildlife, historical markers, and informative signs about the areas history along the entire Jamestown Island Drive.
Other Things To Do In Williamsburg
There are other tours you can do in Colonial Williamsburg.
If youre looking for a ghost tour, you might enjoy this highly rated one.
If youre interested in hearing stories about pirates as well as ghosts, you might like this guided tour.
Interested in doing a day trip to Washington DC? Try this full-day tour of the United States capital including bus transportation from Williamsburg. It comes with free cancellation up to 24 hours before tour departure.
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Governor’s Palace Williamsburg Va
Built in 1706, the Governors Palace served as a residence to seven royal governors and the first two Virginia elected governors. Everything about the palace was meant to impress and convey British wealth and power. The original palace burned down in 1781 and was meticulously reconstructed in 1930, including its grand ballroom, elegant furniture, and the huge display of period swords.
Visit the buildings behind the palace they are original and house an elaborate kitchen and scullery. Watch the demonstration on the old way of cooking, brewing beer, or making chocolate. Reconstructed original formal gardens make for a delightful space to rest and relax from the tour of the palace.
300 Palace Green St, Williamsburg, VA 23185, 800-447-8679
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Visiting Williamsburg Va With The Whole Family: 9 Things To Do
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You are seated in a horse-drawn carriage, surrounded by your loved ones, clomping down the Duke of Gloucester Street while the driver regales you with stories of Colonial Williamsburg. The ride can be a bit bumpy, but your company is top notch. Shared experiences are the hallmark of a multigenerational travel adventure.
There is lots to see and do in Williamsburg. The joy of watching a young child experience farm animals up close, riding in a horse-drawn carriage, and reminiscing over stories as the senior generation recounts their personal history will bring your family closer together. Williamsburg offers enjoyment opportunities for the very young while making accommodations for those who need to move at a slower pace, too. Here are nine of the best things to do together.
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Public Hospital Museum Williamsburg Virginia
The Public Hospital Museum served as a treatment center for the mentally ill during the 18th century. It was the first building of its kind in North America, and historians often describe it as part jail, part infirmary. At the museum, visitors can learn about the bizarre and macabre methods doctors used to treat patients throughout the 1700s. In addition to touring the hospital, guests can participate in the museum’s special events, which are held throughout the year.
325 W Francis St W, Williamsburg, VA 23185, VA 23185, 888-965-7254
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Spend A Day Playing At The Amusement Parks In Williamsburg Va
Looking for some family-friendly things to do in Williamsburg? Do you love amusement parks? Williamsburg has three!
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is located outside the city center, and it a ton of fun for all ages. During the summer, you can travel around the park to various sections designated by international countries, where you can see performances inspired by that countrys culture. Halloweens Howl-O-Scream and Christmas Town transforms the park for its holiday season.
Be sure to check out Celtic Fyre in the Irish Pavilion for some incredible Irish dancing performances, and thrill rides like Apollos Chariot, or the Griffon.
Water Country USA
Just under four miles away from Busch Gardens is Water Country USA. Virginias largest water park is packed with 17 different water rides, play areas, a lazy river, a childrens area, swimming pools, and aquatic performances. And the 1950s/60s beach theme is a fun throwback touch.
If youre planning to visit both Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA, look into tickets that combine both parks with a bit of a discount.
Great Wolf Lodge
The Great Wolf Lodge also has a hotel on the property. With suites and dining options, you might never run out of options for things to do in Williamsburg on your family vacation!
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Go Ape Treetop Adventures
Looking for some exercise and challenge? Go Ape offers a 2-3-hour obstacle course filled with 38 obstacles. The course features climbing obstacles, zip lines, net bridges, and even Tarzan swings. With breathtaking views and fun for all ages, it is the perfect summer day outing for the family. While some requirements must be met for the Treetop Adventure , Treetop Junior is open to all ages. Located in the heart of Freedom Park, this obstacle course will take you soaring 50 feet above the ground!
Historic Triangle Of Virginia
The other two towns making the Historic Triangle of Virginia, Yorktown, and Jamestown have their own unique Colonial history.
Jamestown
Established in 1607 as James Fort, the settlement in Jamestown, Virginia, is considered the first successful settlement by English colonizers in the United States. Today, you can visit Historic Jamestowne and Jamestown Settlement. Re-creations of many of the original buildings still stand on the grounds, as well as a museum, replicas of the original ships in Jamestowns pier, and a recreated Native American Powhatan historic village.
Yorktown
The Battle of Yorktown was a defining instance in the American Revolutionary War. British General Charles Cornwallis surrendered to General George Washington in 1781. Although the war officially continued for another year, this moment is noted as essentially the end of the war. This city was also a battleground during the American Civil War. Visit The American Revolution Center at Yorktown, walk through the Yorktown Battlefields, and spend a day strolling along the rivers edge.
If youre thinking about visiting either of these historic areas, you can purchase a combined ticket for Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown to visit as often as you want for 7 consecutive days.
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Head North To Visit Winchester Virginia
Located in the Shenandoah Valley along the Potomac River, Winchester, Vir has respected and protected its rich heritage in the states northern region. The city has many unique, significant locations to visit as well as interesting museums housed within its historic buildings.
Winchester is known for historic sites such as George Washingtons Office Museum, the Patsy Cline Historic House, and the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley. And, spend some time strolling through the Winchester Historic District, a lovely neighborhood with over 1,100 protected buildings from the 1700s to the mid-1900s in the Late Victorian and Italianate styles.
If youre interested in learning more about all of the incredible things to do in Winchester, take a look at my guide.
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Battle Of First Manassas Manassas Va
More Civil War battles took place in Virginia than anywhere else in the country. One can find signposts designating battles almost anywhere in the state, but one of the most important battles was the Battle of Manassas. The Manassas Battlefield was where the first clash of armies during the Civil War took place. Follow the trail to see the fort and various interesting sites along the way.
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