Check the discount coupons
by matcrazy1
The USA is discount coupon country. I was surpriced again and again during my trip when I saw numerous folks showing various discount coupons in stores, restaurants and even in the ticket offices to various museums and galleries.
In Williamsburg, I found the discout coupons (called Colossal Coupons) in free Colonial guide. They gave various discounts (usually 10% off) for dining, activities and shopping. Well, the coupons didn't rule me but... I looked at them not to skip the occasion to save some money in a restaurant I ate or a store I was doing shopping.
They drank BOHEA!
by matcrazy1
There are numerous, different containers put on shelves of the kitchen of the Governor's House. Each is signed, so I got to know what was stored inside: sugar, salt, pepper, coffee and... secret BOHEA.
The name "bohea" was formerly applied to superior kinds of Chinese black tea. The name originates from the mountain range where it grew (on the border of Jiangxi and Fujian provinces of China). In 18th and early I9th centuries tea generally, including more and more often an inferior kinds of tea, was called bohea.
I found Bohea in local grocery in Colonial Williamsburg. I have no idea whether it was primarily choicest grade or later an inferior variety of Chinese black tea. The price indicated rather the first option but... it's pricy Colonial Williamsburg.
Packing List
by Venturingnow
In September the weather is great. It is often mild-warm and gets cold at night. I though it was great. Bring some shorts along for the days, and then pants and a long sleeve shirt for the nights out on the town.
Countryside in Williamsburg
by matcrazy1
Most of Williamsburg is off the beaten path. Colonial Williamsburg offers a lot of green space, I can even say that it's a park with wide alleys and boulevards lined by large trees and houses hidden behind them. So, you can easily find such lovely countryside landscapes crossed by driving horse carriages like on my picture. The early British settlers found a lot of empty lands in this area, so they could plan their communities without worrying about limited space on which to build.
Generally, one of the most characterisic feauture of old colonial and then US modern cities is a lot of space they usually cover. Forget about compact European old towns, packed with narrow and crowded streets. Many American modern cities and towns offer huge green spaces and look more like a village, always in vast suburbs but sometimes even in downtown.
For children but not only
by matcrazy1 about Tarpley's Store
Tarpley's Store is designated for the most important folks in the world - for children. But I found it interesting as well. It offers toys, games, candies, clothing and hats of colonial era and jewelry for children of all ages. Add some ceramics and fans for both old and young ladies. Some goods are imported from England.
HISTORY
Original buiding was put up at this place prior to 1755 and burned in 1860. From 1759 to 1763 it was owned and occupied by James Tarpley as a store. The building was reconstructed in 1930s. Colonial tricornered hats for boys, fans or jewelry for girls and chocolate bar, candies, dried fruits for everyone. Rather expensive, although... look:
Chocolate bar (plain or almond, standart size) - $2.00
Coffee (1/2 lb bag) - $8.00
Candied almonds, pistachios, apple slices, chocolate almonds - $1.00 per 2 oz
Are they all much cheaper in say Wal-Mart food center?
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Bird wallpaper in the Governor's Palace supper roo
The Sir Christopher Wren Building
Curing tobacco
The gaol
