What was Jefferson's real opinion on equality?
by steph4867
Ask him yourself.
True, Colonial Williamsburg has been fully restored to its 18th-century glory, but it's not the buildings that make this living history museum such a special experience - it's the people.
Up and down Duke of Gloucester Street and the town's many side streets, the city bustles with human activity - craftsmen hard at work, tavern owners greeting guests, everyday citizens going about their business. Each one has a story to tell.
You'll find tradespeople busy making shoes, furniture, wigs, buckets and other colonial necessities - all using 18th-century tools and practices. They'll hold impromptu talks on technique, and are happy to answer your questions.
Colonial citizens in period costume have assumed specific personas of actual people who lived. By conversing with these townspeople, you can learn the most about 18th-century opinion and state of mind. Keep an ear open as you encounter the 'locals.' The possibility of a free America is on the lips of everyone in town - and then again, you could overhear a bit of gossip involving a recent scandal. You might even be lucky enough to meet Thomas Jefferson, Martha Washington or some other colonial celebrity.
Historical interpreters are also on hand, serving as your personal bridge between the present and the past, helping you to understand the city's culture and history.
Each person you encounter in Colonial Williamsburg has his or her own thoughts on the day's issues. A public official, a slave, a housewife, a soldier, a patriot, a loyalist - each represents the chance to learn something new about this important and exciting place in time.
Raining on your parade?
by nick723
many locals have learn to use virgina's bad weather to thier advage. so your planning a trip to busch gardens but a tropical storm looks like it's going to ruin your plans, well wait it out because if when after the storm clears and the park reopens then the weather is cool and sunny and thiers hardly any people in the park! no lines, no wait, why didn't more people think of this?!
Where are columns?
by matcrazy1
Look at the front facade of the Williamsburg's courthouse built in 1771. There is the classical portico above the entrance with the wide steps but there are no columns. Their absence jarred my eye a little at first. The portico with triangle-shape tympanum looks strange, like hang on the air...
I have never seen anything like that before. I got to know that the steps of the courthouse were imported from London but columns didn't arrive... either someone forgot to order them or possibly none columns had ever been intended.
A must see only 30 miles away
by matcrazy1
Do not skip amazing James River Plantations located just west of Williamsburg. But do not try to visit all nine, better take a few hours trip and visit one or two.
I visited the Berkeley Plantation located only 30 miles west of Williamsburg where:
1. The first official Thanksgiving in America took place in 1619.
2. The first bourbon whiskey was distilled in 1621.
3. William Henry Harrison, the ninth president of the USA (1841) was born in 1773. His grandson, Benjamin Harrison was the 23rd President.
4. The first time Army bugle call "Taps" was played in 1862.
It is a must see off the beaten path, no doubts. Welcome. More details: here.
Get on a boat without ever leaving your car...
by upesnlwc
Take a ferry ride over to Surry. While there isn't much to see on the other side of the river, other than undeveloped farmland, the ride is very nice. While on the ship you can feed the seagulls, take pictures of the James River Coast, or keep your eyes peeled for the Bald Eagle that has been perching on the turn bouy.
In fact, you can take the Colonial Parkway right to the entrance of the Ferry. Don't you like how my off the beaten path tips flow together. :)
The Ferry runs every 30 mintues from the Jamestown and Surry side of the James River.
Located at the end of Jamestown Road.
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rear view of the Governor's palace
autumn/Halloween decorations
Inside the fort
A map of the colonies
