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.

Our “C” travel wish destination is Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.

Charlottesville is in Albemarle county, near the center of the Commonwealth of Virginia, United States, nestled near the Blue Ridge Mountains, and full of American history. At only 150 miles from Washington, DC and about 75 from Richmond, Virginia, a trip to Charlottesville is both easy to navigate and rewarding for tourists and other interested visitors.

Home to the beautiful University of Virginia, Charlottesville was named for Charlotte, Queen Consort of King George III of England.  One has to wonder how George then viewed his wife after England lost the American colonies!  Those pesky Americans may have had something to do with George’s bouts of madness later in his reign, but the American colonies did manage to hang on to Virginia and Charlottesville is one of Virginia’s true gems.  Thomas Jefferson designed the Rotunda at the University of Virginia and the campus itself is a tourist attraction.

History and things to see…

Plan on making at least one if not two days of your time in Charlottesville devoted to the manors and mansions formerly owned by early political luminaries such as Thomas Jefferson (Monticello), James and Dolley Madison (Montpelier), and James Monroe (Ash Lawn-Highland). If you love colonial architecture, you will not be disappointed.

The nearby Shenandoah National Park offers recreational activities and beautiful scenery, with rolling mountains and many hiking trails. Skyline Drive is a well-known scenic drive that runs the length of the park, alternately winding through thick forest and emerging upon sweeping scenic overlooks. The Blue Ridge Parkway, a similar scenic drive that extends into neighboring North Carolina, terminates at the southern entrance of Shenandoah, where it becomes Skyline Drive.

You’ll want to have or rent a car to do justice to this rural area of Virginia.  The drives, whether through the Shenandoah Park, up or down Skyline Drive, or back and forth between the historic manor houses, require a bit of thoughtful navigation but it is well worth the effort and you’ll find scenic and tourist attractions clearly marked for your convenience.

Stop here and you’ll never be sorry or hungry!

One of my favorite stops in Charlottesville is The Ordinary at Mitchie Tavern. Don’t stop anywhere else for your mid-day repast if anywhere near this location!

Great and plentiful food such as Colonial fried chicken, Black-Eyed peas and stewed tomatoes, baby beets and killer coleslaw and let’s not forget the homemade biscuits and corn muffins. Wash this down with a mason jar full of sweet tea and you’ll be ready for the rest of your day’s travels and adventures. The building and shop offer a quaint look back in time and the staff is capable of handling an enormous crowd in record time so don’t panic if a tour bus or two is there when you stop by. You’ll be refreshed and rested once you’ve visited The Ordinary at Mitchie Tavern.

Back to downtown for the afternoon? The Albemarle Historical Society offers walking tours of the downtown area. Check their web site for details and schedules.

Shopping and entertainment

Don’t miss the Charlottesville City Market if you happen to be in the area on a Saturday from April to November.

Local fresh produce, herbs, plants, grass-fed meats, crafts, and baked goods are waiting for you. How about making your own picnic basket for a day’s driving tour of the area? Like fresh food? You’ll find it here. November 28th to December 19th sees the Market take on a holiday flair. Wreaths, ornaments and everything you can think of handcrafted for Christmas decorating and gift-giving is available for winter visitors and tourists.

Do you like antiques – looking or buying?

If you don’t, stay clear of Charlottesville since it is an antique lover’s paradise!

Here’s a great list of all local shopping venues.

Charlottesville is a scenic area, a great historical destination, and full of fun things to do…traveling solo or with your family. What better place to stay in Charlottesville than a B & B? Start with the best…bedandbreakfast.com!

Search Charlottesville,Virginia, USA

Or visit here to win a
$2500 Romantic Bed and Breakfast Escape

You’ll want to take a lot of pictures while touring this area.  I found a great deal for file storage perfect for heavy-duty vacation digital photography.  You won’t want to leave home without a FreeAgent once you have one.

Have fun!