A- Overview:
Colonial Williamsburg is the nation’s largest and oldest outdoor living history museum. It portrays 18th-century Williamsburg in all its beauty and grandeur, just as it appeared on the eve of the American Revolution.
Williamsburg is located in southeastern Virginia on a peninsula between the James and York Rivers, which run into Chesapeake Bay. Settled in 1632, it was Virginia’s capital from 1699 to 1779. After that time, the city unfortunately declined, and it was not until the 1920’s that people again took a real interest in Williamsburg. It was in 1926 that the idea of excavating and restoring the colonial site of Williamsburg took root. Williamsburg then underwent a complete transformation from an industrial town to what is now known as Colonial Williamsburg.
Colonial Williamsburg bridges Virginia’s past and present, with remnants of the past preserved amid the cultural and commercial bustle of the modern day. Throughout the city, an engaging mix of sights, sounds and activities helps visitors reconnect with America’s past and become active participants in 18th-century life. Not only can visitors enjoy the restored buildings, but also actors recreate the everyday lives of early settlers. On Colonial Williamsburg’s 173 acres, 88 original 18th- and early 19th-century structures, such as the courthouse, have been meticulously restored. The site curators are dedicated to maintaining the period’s integrity in every detail from pieces of furniture, pottery, china, glass, silver, pewter, textiles, tools, and carpeting, to landscaping.
All year round, visitors can observe hundreds of costumed interpreters wearing bonnets or three-cornered hats and speaking in character. Many residents of the settlement demonstrate their trades in venues open to the public. Historic trade demonstrations, dramatic vignettes, interactive programs and encounters with “People of the Past” take place in 28 exhibition sites and historic trade shops throughout the Historic Area. Visitors can enjoy 18th-century style dining in authentic colonial surroundings at any one of Colonial Williamsburg’s four operating taverns.
For a vacation with the grandchildren, for a holiday celebration with the family, or for a time of personal reflection: treat yourself to the opportunity to become part of our nation’s living history in Colonial Williamsburg!
B- City Information:
Population: 11,998
Elevation: 86 feet above sea level
Land Area: 8.5 square miles
Location: Williamsburg is 150 miles south of Washington, D.C., midway between Richmond and Virginia Beach, Virginia on Interstate 64.
Time Zone: Williamsburg is located in the Eastern Time Zone (when it’s noon in Williamsburg, it’s 11am in Chicago and 9am in Los Angeles). Williamsburg observes Daylight Savings Time April – October.
Weather:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average temp. (°F)
38.5
41.2
48.8
57.8
66.2
73.8
78.1
76.5
70.8
59.8
50.9
42.5
High temperature (°F)
48.9
52.4
61.0
71.1
78.2
85.2
89.0
87.1
81.6
71.5
62.4
53.0
Low temperature (°F)
28.1
29.9
36.6
44.4
54.1
62.3
67.2
65.9
60.0
48.0
39.3
31.9
Precipitation (in)
4.2
3.4
4.6
3.2
4.5
3.4
5.3
5.0
5.0
3.6
3.4
3.3
Climate:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Days with precip.
10
9
11
9
11
9
11
9
8
7
8
9
Wind speed (mph)
9.4
9.9
10.4
10.1
8.9
8.3
7.7
7.4
7.9
8.3
8.7
9.1
Morning humidity (%)
78
77
76
75
79
81
83
86
88
87
82
79
Afternoon humidity (%)
58
55
51
48
53
55
57
59
58
56
54
57
Sunshine (%)
54
57
61
65
64
69
66
64
63
61
58
54
Days clear of clouds
8
8
8
8
7
7
7
7
9
12
9
9
Partly cloudy days
7
6
8
9
10
12
12
12
9
7
8
6
Cloudy days
16
14
15
13
14
12
12
12
12
12
13
15
Snowfall (in)
4.2
3.5
1.8
0.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.2
1.6
Local Seasons:
Summer is the busiest time of year as visitors come to visit and experience the many historic attractions in and around the area. With the summertime temperatures averaging in the high 70s F, with daytime highs in the mid to high 90s and evenings dropping into the 60s F, it is possible to spend the entire day and night seeing the sights. Spring and fall are quite beautiful with the changing of the seasons. In the spring, the blossoms begin to appear as early as March and dot the countryside. It’s a great time to take a walk and enjoy all that Mother Nature has to offer. The same applies to the fall when the area becomes an array of beautiful colors and temperatures to match. Winter is the slower time of year and snow does fall but it does make the town look even more “picture perfect”. While the temperatures do drop during this time, the daytime can reach the 40s F, giving the visitor the choice of both indoor and outdoor activities to pursue.
How to Get There:
By Car
Easily accessible by car, Williamsburg is conveniently located 150 miles south of Washington, D.C., midway between Richmond and Virginia Beach, Virginia on Interstate 64.
From Interstate 64, visitors may take exits 227 through 242 to reach different points of interest in the Historic Triangle.
Exits 227, 230, and 234 – route travels to Route 60 West.
Exit 238 – route travels to Colonial Williamsburg and the downtown area.
Exit 242 – route travels to Route 60 East.
By Air
Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF)
900 Bland Blvd.
Newport News, VA 23602
757-877-0221
The airport is located 20 minutes from downtown and is served by many of the low cost regional airlines.
Norfolk International Airport (ORF)
2200 Northview Avenue
Norfolk, VA 23518
757-857-3351
The airport is located approximately 50 minutes from Williamsburg and is serviced by many of the national airlines as well as certain regional carriers.
Richmond International Airport (RIC)
1 Richard E Byrd Terminal Drive
Richmond VA 23250
804-226-3000
The airport is located 50 minutes from Williamsburg and is serviced by a variety of the national airlines as well as certain regional carriers.
Ground Transportation
Ground transportation is available at all three airports, including car rental companies, taxis, and limousines
.
By Train
Amtrak
468 North Boundary Street
Williamsburg, VA 23185
800-USA-RAIL
Direct Amtrak service from Baltimore, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.
How to Get Around:
Very few cars are allowed in the Historic Area from 8am – 10pm daily, so visitors must find alternate parking. In addition a shuttle bus is available.
The Williamsburg Visitors Shuttle
757-259-4111
Fee Charged
The shuttle bus operates from Memorial Day until Labor Day, from 9am -10pm.
National Holidays:
New Year’s Day, January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the third Monday in January
President’ Day, the third Monday in February
Memorial Day, the last Monday in May
Independence Day, July 4
Labor Day, the first Monday in September
Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, December 24 and 25
New Year’s Eve, December 31
C- Attractions/Things To Do:
Colonial Williamsburg
I-64 Exit 238
757-220-7645
Colonial Williamsburg is a marvel, a true recreation of the city that was the capital of Virginia from 1699 until 1780. All year round hundreds of costumed interpreters, wearing bonnets or three-cornered hats, rove and ride through the cobblestone streets.
Water Country USA
One Busch Gardens Blvd.
Williamsburg VA 23187-8785
757-253-3350
A splash of amusing entertainment and a drop of fun-filled adventure add up to gallons of great times at Water Country USA. It is the largest water theme park in the mid-Atlantic region. Watch the breathtaking high-dive spectacular at the Aqua Theatre. Visit Kid’s Kingdom. -Just My Size- rides, shows and pools await kids of all ages when they visit this water wonderland. Unique features include unusual water ski boats filled with slides, waterfalls, fountains and water guns.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
One Busch Gardens Boulevard
P.O. Box 8785
Williamsburg VA 23187-8785
757-253-3350
Busch Gardens Williamsburg recreates the 17th-century charm of old world Europe. Journey through more than 30 spine-tingling rides and attractions, sparkling live shows and a wide variety of authentic foods and shops. Busch Gardens Williamsburg provides thrills and chills for the entire family. One special feature is the WILD MAUS roller coaster, this colorful and dynamic ride mimics the motion of a mouse through a maze. LAND OF THE DRAGONS is a colorful, musical adventure area designed for younger children. This unique attraction features a three-story tree house inhabited by Busch Gardens’ resident dragon -Dumphrey- and his delightful dragon friends.
Jamestown Settlement
Rte. 31 off Colonial Pkwy
757-229-1607
This is a living-history museum, with a reconstructed fort staffed by docents dressed as colonists. It also features an inhabited “Indian Village” At the pier there are reproductions of the Godspeed, the Discovery, and the Susan Constant.
Yorktown Battlefield
Colonial Pkwy
757-898-3400
The museum displays George Washington’s original field tent; dioramas, illuminated maps, and a short movie tell the story. A free range walking tour is available of the battlefield.
The Yorktown Victory Center
Rte. 238 off Colonial Pkwy
757-887-1776
Located next door to the Yorktown Battlefield, it consists of a Continental Army encampment, with tents, a covered wagon, and interpreters-costumed as soldiers. Inhabitants speak to visitors in the regional dialects of the time.
Bassett Hall
Francis Street
Williamsburg VA 23185
757-229-1000
Bassett Hall was built in 1760. This home was the Williamsburg residence of Mr and Mrs Rockefeller, Jr. from 1936 to 1979. The house is furnished with antiques and folk art from the Rockefeller’s collection.
Jamestown Festival Park
P.O. Drawer Jf
Williamsburg VA 23187
757-229-1607
Jamestown Festival Park features full-size replicas of the three ships, which arrived in 1607 with the Jamestown colonists. The Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery are moored at the Festival Park pier. James Fort and an Indian village have also been reconstructed. Costumed interpreters provide information about these exhibits. A restaurant and a gift shop are located on the premises.
Carter’s Grove Plantation
Carter’s Grove Plantation was built in 1750 by Robert “King” Carter. The property was purchased and renovated in 1929 and has since been designated as the “most beautiful house in America”. The grounds contain a representation of Wolstenholme Towne, a community of the 17th century destroyed in 1622 by an Indian attack. Archeologists uncovered the site in the 1970’s. A visitor center, demonstrations, exhibits and a gift shop are available.
Busch Gardens Brewery
One Busch Gardens Boulevard
Williamsburg VA 23187
757-253-3039
While visiting Busch gardens, you can take the -Eagle One- monorail over for a brewery visit from April through November. Visitors have the opportunity to see our world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales up close in Heather Downs, the Scottish village section of Busch Gardens. While at the brewery, you may take a leisurely self-guided tour.
D- Family Fun Attractions:
Colonial Williamsburg
I-64 Exit 238
757-220-7645
Colonial Williamsburg is a marvel, a true recreation of the city that was the capital of Virginia from 1699 until 1780. All year round hundreds of costumed interpreters, wearing bonnets or three-cornered hats, rove and ride through the cobblestone streets.
Water Country USA
One Busch Gardens Blvd
Williamsburg VA 23187-8785
757-253-3350
A splash of amusing entertainment and a drop of fun-filled adventure add up to gallons of great times at Water Country USA. It is the largest water theme park in the mid-Atlantic region. Watch the breathtaking high-dive spectacular at the Aqua Theatre. Visit Kid’s Kingdom. -Just My Size- rides, shows and pools await kids of all ages when they visit this water wonderland. Unique features include unusual water ski boats filled with slides, waterfalls, fountains and water guns.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
One Busch Gardens Boulevard
P.O. Box 8785
Williamsburg VA 23187-8785
757-253-3350
Busch Gardens Williamsburg recreates the 17th-century charm of old world Europe. Journey through more than 30 spine-tingling rides and attractions, sparkling live shows and a wide variety of authentic foods and shops. Busch Gardens Williamsburg provides thrills and chills for the entire family. One special feature is the WILD MAUS roller coaster, this colorful and dynamic ride mimics the motion of a mouse through a maze. LAND OF THE DRAGONS is a colorful, musical adventure area designed for younger children. This unique attraction features a three-story tree house inhabited by Busch Gardens’ resident dragon -Dumphrey- and his delightful dragon friends.
Jamestown Settlement
Rte. 31 off Colonial Pkwy
757-229-1607
This is a living-history museum, with a reconstructed fort staffed by docents dressed as colonists. It also features an inhabited “Indian Village” At the pier there are reproductions of the Godspeed, the Discovery, and the Susan Constant.
Yorktown Battlefield
Colonial Pkwy
757-898-3400
The museum displays George Washington’s original field tent; dioramas, illuminated maps, and a short movie tell the story. A free range walking tour is available of the battlefield.
The Yorktown Victory Center
Rte. 238 off Colonial Pkwy
757-887-1776
Located next door to the Yorktown Battlefield, it consists of a Continental Army encampment, with tents, a covered wagon, and interpreters-costumed as soldiers. Inhabitants speak to visitors in the regional dialects of the time.
E- Events & Entertainment:
Events
January
Williamsburg Quilt Festival
Usually held the third week of February
215-862-5828
Explore an American art that has developed and grown with the nation. Williamsburg Festival Week is a compilation of four exciting quilting, fiber arts, and wearable art shows, and is the perfect place for quilters and wearable, textile and fiber artists of all levels and ages to explore these arts. These four festivals revolve around the textile arts: the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival; the Mid-Atlantic Wearable Art Festival; the Mid-Atlantic Fiber Arts Fair; and the Williamsburg Quilt & Vintage Annex. In all, more than 500 quilts, wearables, dolls and textiles on exhibit; workshops, lectures and special activities offered; four Merchant Malls with more than 140 vendors.
May
Spring Native Wildflower Sale
Held in early May
Virginia Living Museum
Newport News, VA.
757-595-1900
Admission Free
More than 40 species of native perennials, grasses and shrubs are available for purchase in this joint sale by the Virginia Living Museum and Virginia Native Plants Society. All plants are nursery propagated.
Civil War Weekend
Held in late May
Yorktown National Cemetery and Confederate Cemetery
757-898-2410
Tactical demonstrations, encampments and a Confederate field hospital interpret the role Yorktown played during the Peninsula Campaign. Special Memorial Day ceremonies take place at the Yorktown Victory Center,
July
The Road to Independence: People of Vision
Held over the Fourth of July weekend
888-593-4682
Salute America during the third annual Fourth of July event, leading up to the anniversary of the momentous American victory at Yorktown. The two-day event explores the important personalities of the American Revolution. Visitors can join in military drills and learn about the sacrifices of our nation’s founders, including those who signed the Declaration of Independence.
Fourth of July at Colonial Williamsburg
Held on the Fourth of July
Colonial Williamsburg
800-HISTORY
A salute to the 13 Colonies, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, a garden party at the Palace, and fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Fireworks viewing open to the public. Garden Party requires admission.
Yorktown Independence Day Celebration
Held on the Fourth of July
757-890-3500
Hours: 9am – 10pm
Admission Free
Celebrate the Fourth of July in the place where independence was won. This family-oriented event is staged in Historic Yorktown and has something for everyone, including an arts and crafts show, a classic car show, parade, children’s game area, food and beverages, musical entertainment and of course, a spectacular fireworks show over the York River.
Watermen’s Heritage Festival
Held in mid July
Watermen’s Museum
309 Water Street
Yorktown
757-887-2641
Admission Charged
The Work Boat races start with a parade of Work Boats at 12:30 pm followed by the blessing of the fleet and the races. Activities include exhibits, contests, demonstrations, crafts and artwork for sale. There are children’s activities and displays from local military bases including the Naval Weapons Station and the Coast Guard Training Base. The Yorktown Trolley runs from the parking areas in town to the Watermen’s Museum.
September
National Public Lands Day
Held in mid September
Colonial National Historical Park
Historic Jamestown and Yorktown Battlefield
757-898-2410
Admission Free
A celebration of the role that publicly owned lands play in the preservation of America’s natural and cultural resources at one of the 387 areas nationwide administered by the National Park Service.
Bacon’s Rebellion Weekend
Held in mid September
Historic Jamestown
757-898-2410
Evening walking tours will relate the details of Bacon’s Rebellion as they occurred at Jamestown, including a symbolic burning of the town site. Living history programs during the weekend highlight the actions of key events of the rebellion.
October
Howl-O-Scream
Held during the entire month of October
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
800-343-7943
Admission Charged
The creeps come out at night as Howl-O-Scream returns to haunt Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Monstrous mayhem is on hand as this 17th century European-themed adventure park transforms into a “scream” park full of Halloween fun.
Spirits and Witches Brew Lunch and Tour or Candlelight Dinner Tour
Held various days throughout the month of October
Edgewood Plantation
Charles City, VA
800-296-3343
Reservations required
Edgewood Plantation has a lunch or dinner and a tour of the plantation where countless ghost stories have been written, including one about the legendary lost Civil War love of Lizzie Rowland.
An Occasion for the Arts
Held in early October
Merchants Square
757-259-1206
Admission Free
Annual juried festival of nationally acclaimed artists; performances by jazz, classical, Dixieland, acoustic, country and rock musicians; youth art and stage.
Italian Festival
Held in mid October
On the grounds of the Williamsburg Winery
757-220-5535
Admission Charged
Italian food, Virginia wines, entertainment and artisans, plus an Alfa Romeo classic car exhibit and activities for children.
Yorktown Victory Celebration
Held in mid October
Special programs also are held in Yorktown at Yorktown Battlefield, administered by Colonial National Historical Park.
Yorktown Victory Center
888-593-5682
Military life and artillery demonstrations mark the anniversary of America’s momentous victory at Yorktown. To experience Continental Army life firsthand, visitors may enroll in “A School for the Soldier,” where they can try on uniforms, march to the beat of a Revolutionary drum and join in other hands-on military activities.
Night of the Living Museum
Usually held the third week of October
Virginia Living Museum
Newport News, VA.
757-595-1900
Hours: 6pm – 9pm
Admission Charged
A family Halloween celebration returns at the Virginia Living Museum, featuring live animal shows, a night trail walk, and various creatures of the night. Hear Halloween and night animal myths dispelled and experience a haunting planetarium show filled with little known Halloween facts. This is a non-scary event for families with children ages 12 and under.
November
Berkeley Plantation First Thanksgiving Festival
Held in early November
Berkeley Plantation
Charles City, VA
888-466-6018
Hours: 9am – 5pm
Admission Charged
Celebrate the 1619 landing of the original colonists at Berkeley Plantation; the site of the first official Thanksgiving in America, for a day dedicated to history, food and fun with tours of the 1726 manor house, Thanksgiving dinner at Berkeley Coach House Tavern, walks in the colorful autumn gardens and a formal living history program.
Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia
Jamestown Settlement & Yorktown Victory Center
888-593-4682
Admission Charged
Explore Virginia food of the 17th and 18th centuries during this three-day event beginning on Thanksgiving Day. At Jamestown Settlement, learn how food was gathered, preserved and prepared on land and at sea by Virginia’s English colonists and Powhatan Indians. At the Yorktown Victory Center, learn about typical soldiers’ fare during the American Revolution and trace the bounty of a 1780s farm from field to kitchen.
December
Annual Williamsburg Area Community Christmas Parade
Held in early December
757-229-6511
Hours: 9am
Admission Free
Starts at Merchants Square.
Annual Christmas Homes Tour Presented by the Green Springs Garden Club
757-565-7844
Admission Charged
Tour private residences in or near the Historic Area that are not usually open to the public. Each location will be decorated with holiday floral arrangements.
The Grand Illumination
Colonial Williamsburg
800-HISTORY
Admission not required for viewing
Colonial Williamsburg welcomes the Christmas holiday season with candles, fireworks and music.
A Colonial Christmas
Held mid to late December
Jamestown Settlement & Yorktown Victory Center
888-593-4682
Admission Charged
Experience 17th-and 18th-century holiday traditions. At Jamestown Settlement, a film and special guided tours compare and contrast English Christmas customs of the period with how the season may have been observed in the difficult early years of the Jamestown colony. At the Yorktown Victory Center, hear accounts of Christmas and winter in military encampments during the American Revolution and glimpse holiday preparations on a 1780s Virginia farm.