We spent quite a few days in Colonial Williamsburg and we still didn't see everything. Since there are a number of blog readers from outside the United States, I should explain that Colonial Williamsburg is a living history museum (I believe the largest in the world) set in the time immediately prior to the American Revolution.
I love to study American history and this period is my favorite, there is so much to learn and walking the streets of Colonial Williamsburg helped me "see" that time period. I was more familiar with this time period in New England and was quite surprised when we found out Virginia was more "English" in its' culture at this time than New England.
I could wax poetic about this place for days but a pictures truly do tell it best. The children wore colonial clothing on our first "all day" visit. The weather was lovely although a little hot for our New England family. We certainly enjoyed pleasant breezes.
Stephanie and I not only appreciated the history reenactments but we both love pretty houses. I think either of us could have enjoyed living in many of the homes and neighborhoods.
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| The "tavern" where we lunched one day |
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| I never got tired of viewing all the gardens |
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| Inside the cabinet maker's shop |
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| Outside the "magazine" where weapons were stored |
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| Inside the Governor's Palace |
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| Inside the palace |
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| Granddad and Faith can often be found together. |
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| I was often behind the others taking pictures instead of walking. |
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| Or... jumping out in front for a surprise photo! |
This place is fabulous to visit at least once (but give yourself days to go through it all). For homeschoolers, there are at least two special weeks with one in spring and the other September. I noticed they offer other specials on their web page.
14 comments:
What fun! I am devastated that you were two hours from me and I didn't get to meet you in person! Williamsburg is well done and so much fun! We take our college students there and enjoy just watching them playing, learning, and seeing things they haven't before! The tea look spectacular!
What a wonderful trip! I am in Minnesota but my husband grew up just 1/2 hour from Williamsburg so we have been there often while visiting his family. It is like a world away, so different in geography and culture, from the Midwest. My favorite thing at Wmsburg is the gardens, too. Also, at Christmas the homes have a decorating contest in which all decor has to be a natural item, available in the 18th century. They do amazing things with greenery and fruits, vegetables, candles and ribbon. And the kids get a lot out of learning living history. What a treat to go for homeschool week!
Wonderful pictures, Brenda! I haven't been since '90 and I think there are even more fascinating things to see. I've always loved the gardens, especially herb gardens there. And to see it with your grandchildren and daughter and sil must be a great joy!
Oh how wonderful! That is our goal to visit soon! We go to Conner Prairie near Indianapolis often. (That is a living history museum that represents many time periods in Indiana history.)
Thanks for the wonderful pictures!
The gardens are one of my favorite things about Williamsburg!
The other is the houses. I really think I could live there!
Thanks for sharing your photos...
Deanna
Another thing that I also didn't know...Virginia being more English than New England. Lovely pictures of a wonderful period in history. I find that the living history museums can really "fake you out" they're so well done.
Thanks for sharing the photos, etc!! We are not that far away and yet have not gone either!! Maybe we will get to take our grandchildren ere long. Did your daughter make or buy the outfits for the children? SO CUTE!!
Elizabeth in NC
Brenda, have you read any of Elswyth Thane's wonderful books set in Williamsburg, following one family through the generations? It's fascinating.
We have spent many hours on those streets over the years. Such a charming place to visit. I'm glad you got to enjoy it...especially with the Grandchildren. I got choked up seeing Faith and her Grandad....reminds me of a time with my Dad, not long before his passing, and our own children. Precious memories. Thank you.
We lived in Williamsburg for 10 years (1992 - 2002) but haven't been back to visit since. We LOVED living there, so these pictures really bring back some memories of our homeschool field trips. My favorite place on Duke of Gloucester Street was the Colonial Bakery...did you buy one of the ginger cakes while there? Of course, I loved the gardens, too, and walking the street in the winter when there was snow. All the photographers were out then capturing scenes that were just spectacular. I'd love to go back...but the house values have increased so much that we couldn't even afford to buy back our previous home!
This looks like a wonderful time...and so many inspiring ideas from the visit! Thank you for including us in your adventure via photos. :)
Love and good thoughts to you.
Warmly,
Tracey
x0x
GREAT POST THANKS FOR SHARING...
I love Williamsburg! My aunt was a costumed interpreter there in the 60's and 70's working mainly in the Governor's Palace and Capitol Building. She had many famous people on her tours and was so upset when Busch Gardens opened and drew tourists away from her beloved historical area. My great Aunt lived in Williamsburg during the reconstruction back in the 30's. It is amazing how dilapidated and run down the whole area was. It is beautiful now and one of my favorite places to visit!
Sarah V., North Carolina
OOooooo...ooooooo...oooooo...I am SO excited (and maybe just a tad jealous) that you were able to visit Williamsburg! It is one of my favorite places. Rich in history...such beautiful homes and gardens...sigh...
Thank you for sharing your sweet pictures!
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