Country Vacations & Resorts

Historic villages, quaint shopping venues, museums, live demonstrations of colonial era craft-making, and fabulous scenic drives…there is something for everyone at Destination “W” – Williamsburg, Virginia.

Getting there…

I’m guessing that most current day visitors to Williamsburg will be arriving via something other than horse – which transportation used to take Thomas Jefferson four days just from Charlottesville! Williamsburg is located halfway between Richmond and Norfolk, Virginia with easy access (driving) via Interstate 64, or by air via one of the area’s three airports (25 to 45 minutes away): Newport News-Williamsburg, Norfolk, and Richmond International.

Get in the proper frame of mind to fully experience Williamsburg by touring any of its museums. The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum with its store and cafe, also houses a large collection of furniture, metal, glass, and paintings including 17th and 18th century American and British antiques. Tour the Public Hospital of 1773 and make comparisons between medical treatments then and now. Help celebrate this museum’s 25th year in 2010.

Interested more in early artisans and craftsmen? Visit the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum. You won’t be disappointed.

Governors Mansion, Williamsburg

Historic Area

With over 300 acres of grounds and 88 restored 18th century structures, slip on some comfortable shoes and plan a full day walking the paths of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Patrick Henry. Not all buildings are open to the public so check for a flag at the door before attempting entry. Gardens, colonial architecture, historic trades shops, plantations, and political sites…a day spent in this area of Williamsburg will put you in touch with the past. Don’t forget to “Make way” for the horses!

Note: I took my latest trip to Williamsburg early last November, 2009, and though it was a little chilly, the absence of crowds and cloudless, blue-sky, Virginia days made it well worth the timing.

Horse & Buggy Ride, Williamsburg Historic Area

Shopping and Dining

Although there are many shops and cafes in Williamsburg proper in which to stop and quench your thirst or buy a souvenir or two, the entire area has much more to offer visitors.

I was a little disappointed that the old outlet shopping area in Lightfoot, Virginia is almost empty – the shops and stores having moved to the new outlet shopping centers. There was a certain charm of the old buildings with their flea market atmosphere and their soft ice cream and popcorn vendors. However, most of the former outlet merchants can still be found nearby. You can even download a voucher for coupon savings of up to $100 here.

The James River – Dog exploration!

Don’t forget to allow time to visit Jamestown and the historic James River mansions and plantations. The scenic drive is breathtaking almost any time of year but to me, Fall, with it’s cooler temperatures and remarkable color, provides the best time to tour this historic and unique area.