I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.
Colonial Williamsburg is one of my favorite places to visit. Not withstanding my little faux pas on my first trip where I managed to knock the Queen of Nepal on her royal a** in front of the Capitol building. Ooops.
There is a self-guided walking tour utilizing a phone app - $15.
If you have kids, then I'd recommend the Pirate Walking Tour with Colin.
Yes, you read that right - a Pirate Walking Tour. Pirates played a big role in Williamsburg's history, especially Blackbeard and his crew. This tour will appeal to adults and kids alike. Colin is walkiing encyclopedia on the subject of pirates and you can get an idea of the lay of Williambsburg while the kids are entertained with true pirate stories and history.
The price is the same for adults and kids - $25 each, the standard price for about any tour. The tour lasts 105 minutes and it is wheelchair accessible.
ARRIVING IN WILLIAMSBURG
Vehicles are not allowed on Williamsburg streets. Park at the Williamsburg Visitor Center at 101 Visitor Center Drive. To park will require you download an app for Passport Parking. The cost to park at the Visitor Center is $10 per day and the app will allow you to take advantage of complimentary bus service to the Historic Area.
Admission Tickets: Williamsburg offers a variety of different admission ticket options to suit you and your family's individual needs. See ticket options here. If you book online, you'll currently save yourself 10%. Not all attractions/shops are covered under your admission ticket. Some buildings require a separate additional ticket.
When buying your ticket(s) be aware Williamsburg comprises 301 acres. You won't see it all in one day. On our first visit we purchased the America's Triangle Ticket that includes admission to Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown. This ticket grants you access to five historic sites—including all of Colonial Williamsburg’s historic sites, trade shops, and museums—for seven consecutive days from first date of use. This was the most cost effective selection for us but it may be different for you and your family. See the Williamsburg website for options.
ACCOMMODATIONS
On my first visit to Williamsburg we stayed outside of Williamsburg itself and drove in all 3 days. On my third visit, hubby and I decided staying at one of the 5 Williamsburg Resorts was far more convenient as we were staying for 5 days.
We chose the Williamsburg Inn's most economical room and took advantage of a Stay More Save More deal - $328.18 per night plus taxes and fees, which I didn't think was at all unreasonable for the 500 square foot room we got - plus nightly turn down service and nightly tray. Our admission tickets to the Historic Area were included.
The Williamsburg Inn first opened to guests in 1937 and John D. Rockefeller Jr. designed the Inn to look more like a gracious country residence than a traditional hotel.
The Williamsburg Inn is intimate with just 62 guestrooms and suites. The Inn's guest rooms are decorated in three distinctive styles: floral, classic, and restoration. All rooms feature period furnishings, original artwork, and handmade silk window treatments.
There is an indoor exercise pool as well as an outside pool, tennis courts, a nearby golf course.
However, there are more budget conscious, family oriented options available. See all accommodations here.
ATTRACTIONS
Good thing I didn't commit that faux pas of knocking the Queen of Nepal on her royal butt back in the 18th century! I would've likely found myself in the gaol, awaiting hanging!
Having worked in a maximum security jail, the gaol was of particular interest to me. If today's inmates think they have it anywhere close to tough, they should spend a couple of nights shackled in the Williamsburg gaol.
Yes, if you were facing execution they put your coffin right in your cell with you and at least one of the cells had a view of the gallows where the prisoner would be hung. They didn't mess around in those days. There were 10 days before trial and execution. No plea bargains or endless appeals. 10 days start to finish, over and done with. Next prisoner please!
THE BLACKSMITH SHOP
Blacksmiths begin their day by lighting fires in the forges outfitted with bellows and a hood to carry away smoke. Once the fires are roaring, they heat bars of iron and use sledges weighing up to 12 pounds to hammer the heated bars into various shapes. The Blacksmiths work with other trades to make tools and other materials, such as nails for the Carpenters.
Many of the colonists clothes were made of materials like wool and I found myself wondering how these blacksmiths didn't just keel over from heat stroke! It got really hot in that blacksmith shop during the summer.
THE TINSMITH
The Tinsmith's shop is right next door to the Blacksmith's shop. The following video will give you a good idea of what the Tinsmiths did and what they made.
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.
THE SILVERSMITH
The Silversmith was also considered part of the armory although I'm not quite sure why since they primarily transformed coins and outdated silverware into more fashionable silver pieces for a home's parlor and dining room (cups, teapots, spoons) as well as items for personal adornment.
THE WEAVER
I did weaving in college so this shop was very interesting too.
When English imports were cut off by the Revolution, local weavers came forward to fill the need for everyday items. Watch how flax, cotton, and wool are converted from tangled masses into orderly, precise fabrics—ranging from simple linens for shirts and shifts to blankets, towels, dyed wool for needlework, and stout woolens for military uniforms.
If you've ever done weaving start to finish (flax to yarn to dying to constructing a garment) it's incredibly time consuming and laborious so you can really appreciate watching these weavers at work.
MILLINER & MANTUA MAKER
These are the (primarily) women who made clothing, accessories and updated older fashions into the more modern 18th century fashions.
Most people knew how to sew in the 18th century. As a basic life skill, sewing was taught to boys and girls from all levels of society as part of their practical education. But knowing how to sew didn’t mean that everyone knew how to make clothing. Cutting out the shapes for garments and fitting them to a unique body was something an individual had to be trained to do through a formal apprenticeship.
Only professionals had the full range and depth of skill necessary to produce clothing. While sewing did happen at home, it was the kind of sewing that mended and maintained a wardrobe, rather than the sewing that manufactured it from start to finish.
So how much of a wardrobe did an 18th century woman have? That's actually kind of a difficult question to answer, but we have a list made out by Martha Jefferson, wife of Thomas Jefferson:"16 gowns (18 if you count the 2 “to be made up”), 9 petticoats, 18 aprons, and 20 shifts."
I'm not sure what motivated Martha to make this list. "“Thomas, I only have 16 gowns! I simply must go shopping or I'll have nothing to wear!” ???
THE WOODWORKING TRADES
Woodworking trades include carpenters, who use hand tools to transform trees into lumber, cut and raise timber building frames, and provide finishes such as siding and roofing; joiners, who produce finish work for buildings including doors, windows, shutters, and cupboards; cabinetmakers, who fashion intricate details of luxury products with hand tools; harpsichord makers, specialized craftspeople who build stringed keyboard musical instruments; coopers, who transform flat boards into barrels of assorted shapes and sizes; and wheelwrights, who combine wood and iron to make functional vehicle wheels.
THE APOTHECARY
What was it like to be sick or injured in colonial times? Meet the apothecaries and learn how medicine, wellness, and surgical practices of the 18th century compare to today.
GUNSMITH
Of course since we were fighting the American Revolution and people hunted for game, there had to be a resident gunsmith to make the guns.
THE PRINTER & BOOKBINDER
In an age before TV, radio, and the internet, the printed word was the primary means of long-distance mass communication. Watch and learn as printers set type and use reproduction printing presses to manufacture colonial newspapers, political notices, pamphlets, and books.
Binding books—especially fancy ones—was a specialized and time-consuming craft.
GARDENING & FARMING
The gardeners and farmers of Williamsburg are so interesting to watch working, using 18th century tools and gardening methods.
Plots within the garden represent provision gardens of the enslaved and American Indians, as well as the luxury gardens that ornamented the landscape of wealthy households.
The well-being of the entire colonial economy was dependent on the farmers' crops. This involves the growing and harvesting of tobacco, corn, wheat, flax, and cotton.
THE WIGMAKER
Routinely wearing a wig may seem strange to us, especially for men, but it communicated the wearer's elegance, his station in society, and even his occupation. With the skill of a barber and hairdresser combined, wigmakers fashioned "perukes" of quality and distinction.
MILITARY ENCAMPMENT
Soldiers in the Virginia State Garrison Regiment enlisted for three years, and garrison duty was year-round. This is an active military camp where you'll be encouraged to enlist and be given your first instruction in the manual of arms by your drill sergeant. Take part in drill practice and watch a musket being fired.
I noticed kids really enjoyed this one and being a colonial soldier. The military camp is located just one street over from Williamsburg’s main thoroughfare, on the corner of Botetourt and Nicholson Street.
PLAYHOUSE STAGE
The American colonies' first purpose-built theater opened on this site before 1720. Today, you can take in a lively performance by the Play House Players on an open-air stage. See the calendar of events for a schedule of musical and theatrical entertainment. Admission requires a separate admission ticket. Shows run during the course of a day and in the evening. Wheelchair accessible.
We saw To Hang A Pirate which was very well done and well worth the $19 per ticket.
In late 1718, a Royal Navy expedition was dispatched from Virginia. The pirate Blackbeard was killed off the coast of North Carolina, and 15 members of his crew were captured and brought to the Public Gaol in Williamsburg. They were tried for piracy at the Capitol by Virginia Governor Alexander Spotswood in early 1719. This show is a recreation of the actual trial of Israel Hands, a member of Blackbeard's crew.
Those are just some of the sights and working shops you can expect to see at Williamsburg.
During your visit to Williamsburg you'll see their various Fife & Drum Corps marching down the street throughout the day. One of these Corps is comprised of kids!
CARRIAGE RIDES
No visit to Williamsburg is complete without a good 'ol fashioned 18th century carriage ride,
Carriage rides close during the winter months but reopen in March.
You can book on 4 different varieties of carriages or opt for a stage wagon. It's a fun and unique way to tour Williamsburg when your feet are worn out.
Visit the link above for more information.
FIRE A MUSKET AT THE WILLIAMSBURG FIRING RANGE
You don't have to be a gun enthusiast for this one...It was fun just firing a musket for the experience.
Fire live rounds at a target from two different reproduction 18th-century flintlock firearms commonly used during the Revolutionary War, and learn about the history of the weapons.
Book your time: 9:30 am; 11:00 am: 1:30 pm; 3:00 pm Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday (with some exceptions see their calendar) Closed Monday, Wednesday and Thursday)
DINING
Christiana Campbell's Tavern is my Williamsburg favorite and it was George Washington's favorite hangout, having eaten over 100 meals there.
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.
It's known for it's seafood so enjoy the historically inspired, locally acquired menu of shrimp, scallops, and fish, and of course their world-renowned crab cakes and spoon bread.
The crab cakes and fried chicken are my personal favorites. The food is great as was the service. Again, a bit on the pricier side but not quite as expensive as the Terrace Room at Williamsburg Inn and you'll get more than enough to eat as the portions are large. Christiana's is only open from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday for dinner. Reservations are a must.
Please note: Campbell’s Tavern is not ADA-accessible and Cellar experience is exclusively walk-up only. Seating is limited, so be sure to arrive early to secure your place.
KING'S ARMS TAVERN
King Arms Tavern is my second favorite restaurant in Colonial Williamsburg.
Originally opened by Jane Vobe in 1772, this authentic reproduction public house serves up a transporting experience for the senses in Colonial Williamsburg. Everything is true to the time period at King’s Arms Tavern, from the fashion sported by servers to the pewter candlesticks—all adding to an air of colonial elegance. Inspired by 18th-century recipes but with updates to suit 21st-century tastes, tuck into a chophouse menu featuring prime rib, pork chops, and more..
There's always live music of some kind, performed by musicians in colonial dress. The food is very good as was the service. The only drawback to King's Arms Tavern is that it can get quite noisy when it's full of diners.
There is an ADA accessible dining area but one must check in at the front desk and you will be taken to that dining room in what's called the "Purdic Kitchen". Reservations are a must.
SHIELD'S TAVERN
Shields Tavern, originally operated by Jean Marot in 1709, later came under the management of his daughter Anne and her husband James Shields.
By 1750, it was one of Williamsburg’s seven licensed taverns, catering to the lesser gentry and upper middling ranks with food, drink, and entertainment.
Today, Shields Tavern continues this tradition with the Groaning Board menu a historically accurate family-style service, where guests enjoy a lively, communal dining experience reminiscent of 18th-century tavern hospitality. Reservations are a must.
TERRACE & GOODWIN ROOMS
While staying at the Williamsburg Inn, hubby and I did have breakfast at the Terrace & Goodwin Rooms before setting out that morning to explore more of Williamsburg.
Relaxed yet luxurious, The Terrace and Goodwin Rooms retain The Williamsburg Inn’s charm and sophistication while serving up contemporary expressions of American classics.
At breakfast in the Terrace Room or Goodwin Room, enjoy Chef’s morning amuse-bouche to jumpstart your day, followed by a two-course prix-fixe menu featuring new creative dishes and showcasing signatures such as the Tidewater Omelet with Chesapeake blue crab and the Goodwin Benedict with Virginia ham.
Besides the taverns there are several restaurants within Williamsburg:
-
Terrace and Goodwin Rooms
-
Sweet Tea & Barley
-
Rockefellers
-
Restoration Bar
-
Traditions
-
Social Terrace
-
Goldcourse Grill
-
Museum Cafe
If you're visiting the Museum or in that area, then I recommend the Museum Cafe. $$ and family friendly.
Give Elizabeth Powel’s Ham and Cheddar Melt a try.
There are also Grab & Go eating establishments if you want something on the run. From fresh, healthy snacks and cold-pressed juices to hearty sandwiches and pastries, there’s something for every taste.
The Grab & Go establishments are:
-
McKenzie Apothecary
-
The Cupboard
-
Dubois Grocer
-
Raleigh Tavern Bakery
-
Chowning's Garden Bar
-
Chowning's Cider Stand
-
Green Course Clubhouse Bar
Museum Cafe
MCKENZIE APOTHECARY
McKenzie Apothecary is the ideal place to go if you need to take a break from touring and a pick me up. It offers treats, drinks and baked goods.
The atmosphere is cozy and a blend of history with a modern cafe vibe. It's family friendly.
McKenzie's is located near the Governor's Palace.
CHOWNING'S TAVERN GARDEN BAR
We liked Chowning's Garden Bar because as crowded as Williamsburg was during our visit, I don't think many knew the Garden Bar was even there! (It sits behind Chowning's Tavern)
Or maybe we just hit it at the right time that it wasn't packed? Either way, it was a nice place to escape the crowds for a bit in an 18th century garden atmosphere.
The menu at Chowning’s features offerings inspired by the 18th century as well as modern takes on those 18th century foods. Hubby and I grabbed a meal inside the tavern, then went out to the courtyard to eat it. I had the Beef Trenchers which were very good although I would have preferred them au jus.
Hubby ordered the Cobb Salad and well, you really can't do much to mess up a salad if you know how to dice.
WILLIAMSBURG NIGHT LIFE
Indulge yourself with the Williamsburg’s Food Tours like the Modern Gastronomy Walk or the Historic Taverns Taste Tour. They're a blend of colonial history and moder - the Historic Taverns Taste Tour being the colonial era fare.
DEAD OF NIGHT TOUR
The Dead Of Night Ghost Tour is a don't miss. The Colonial Ghosts Tour is renowned for its authenticity and research, often regarded as one of the best ghost tours in the country. It'll leave you looking over your shoulder when it's done.
Guided by lantern light, you’ll wander through ancient streets, uncovering tales of ghosts and legends that linger in the shadows. Each story is a blend of historical facts and spine-tingling lore, making the past come alive in a chillingly unique way.
Your expert guides will use paranormal equipment to summon the ghostly spirits!!!
This is the most popular ghost tour at Williamsburg and sells out FAST so you need to make your reservations early.
Ages 12-99, max of 25 per group. Price of tour is currently $30 per person. Tours last 1 hour and 45 minutes and start after dark, usually 9 to 10 p.m. Check the link above for more details.
The tour is completely wheelchair accessible.
VISIT NEIGHBORING MERCHANT'S SQUARE
Next door to Colonial Williamsburg is Williamsburg Merchant's Square. It's great to hit it up in the day time but it's also a place for nightlife with live entertainment, restaurants, etc. It has the same colonial flavor as Colonial Williamsburg does with its cobblestone streets and architecture.
You can even see musket holes in some of the buildings!
I absolutely love the Cheese Shop with cheeses from all over the world - especially the Champagne Cheese and Herb Crusted Goat's Cheese. Whythe Candy Shop is another must stop, For the kids, there's a toy store that even features colonial toys.
My tips for visiting Colonial Williamsburg
-
Wear comfortable shoes and layered clothing! Weather can vary.
-
Plan to spend at least 15 minutes in each of the trade shops.
-
Pick up a map at the Visitors Center to locate historic buildings, restrooms, and eateries.
-
Look for the Grand Union Flag outside the historic buildings that are open for the day.
-
Attend an evening program, which is not included with your daytime tickets.
-
Visit the official Colonial Williamsburg website to check out the schedule of open sites, trade shops, programs, and activities.