Colonial Williamsburg, VA

Today we went to Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia  This historic village is wonderfully touristic and yet able to be so historically fascinating.  This is the amazingly beautiful entry to the Visitor Center.   Colonial Williamsburg was founded in 1699 prior to the Revolutionary War Era.  It was named after King Williams III of England.  Williamsburg became the Capital of Virginia after the first permanent European Settlement in Jamestown, founded in 1607, was abandoned.   But back to Williamsburg.

The Living Village of Colonial Williamsburg is free and open to the public.  Interspersed over about a 1 mile by 1/2 mile area (felt like more) is the original Williamsburg.  This Living Village encompasses not only historic points of interest and museums along with other historic sites but also private homes and offices.  There's limited eating and refreshment and shopping within the area but surrounding the Village is every opportunity to shop, eat, drink, or stay for the night.

So let's get past the Visitor Center.

I didn't mention that there are workers throughout dressed in period garb.  There's even members of the public that go out of their way to dressup in period garb, as these three little girls waiting in line to get cash?

Along the way are flags set to mark those attractions that require a ticket pass.  We opted for free today, deciding to get the "lay of the land" before getting a loan to get the tickets.

Walking along the trail that leads to the Village.  The road to the left of us is the Colonial Parkway that goes from Jamestown, to Williamsburg and on to Yorktown, connecting the Historic Triangle.

Approaching the main road of town we came across a field of sheep and this amazingly gnarled tree.  No idea what type of tree it is either.

Behind this young man in costume is the Randolph House.  Built in 1715 it was the home of Peyton Randolph, first President of the Continental Congress.
















Infantry standing guard at another ticket required re-enactment camp.  We watched as young boys were taught how to load flintlock rifles.

A great view down Duke of Gloucester Street, the main drag.  Just to the left side of the picture is a set of row houses restored and now private residences.

Inside one of the limited shops.

We got involved in an extended conversation with this gentleman to the left and the woman in the buggy below.  She is a tavern owner and an overnight guest skipped out on his bill leaving his horse behind.  She was in a dilemma:  Should she turn the horse over to authorities which would leave her without any compensation or should she keep the horse as payment, though the horse was worth significantly more than the tab.  She feared the man might return and accuse her of horse stealing.  I yelled out "what man?"  We all went round and round with her and the gentleman and having spent enough time with us "tourists" they moved on to entertain others.





That was fun.  They also spoke in the King's english which was sometimes difficult to follow.

A beautiful private residence and tulip garden.

Sherry enjoying another tulip garden alongside another private residence.

A strolling minstrel outside a small tavern.  The woman in costume I have no idea her role.  Maybe the dining host?

The Court House

Horse and carriage.

On the west side of Colonial Williamsburg is the College of William and Mary, founded in 1693, the home of our nation's premier small town university. Presidents Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and John Tyler all attended this college.  The campus is an integral part of this City.  In 1780 the Capital was moved further up the James River to Richmond, where it remains today.

The Trellis Restaurant.  Outside the "Living Village" are numerous shopping and eating places.  We settle on this one.  We were all starving after all that walking.  The Paramedic was shocked that we all walked down from the Visitors Center.  What?  Do we look old or something?  Great burgers!!

Stunning black petunas.

We will return again to Colonial Williamsburg to see more of the historic sites and living village.  Thanks for visiting.  Come back soon.  I'm almost caught up.