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Why did we LOVE the wig-maker on our recent trip? Click here to find out...plus details on our Top 5 Places to see there.
For ticket info, scroll down. For our Secrets of a Cheap Colonial Williamsburg Vacation, including our tip for getting in for free, click here.
If you're wondering what else to do in Williamsburg, here's a detailed overview of other area attractions, including ghost tours, "Revolutionary City," Haunted Dinner Theater, Busch Gardens, Paramounts Kings Dominion, Prime Outlets Williamsburg, Great Wolf Lodge, and Kingsmill Resort & Spa.
A Little History...
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| With Aunt Cindy at the Printmaker's Shop. |
Part of Virginia's Historic Triangle (which also includes Jamestown and Yorktown), this is a one-of-a-kind spot. It's like they froze 18th century America (before it was America) and then thawed it out just for your visit.
And it's chockful of history. Imagine walking down the shell-strewn streets where Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Patrick Henry, Benjamin Franklin and other heroes of the American Revolution strode from secret meetings in smoke-filled taverns and inns...and into a revolution that shook the world.
But this historic wonder almost didn't happen. While Williamsburg became the second capital of the new English colony of Virginia (after Jamestown), over the 19th century, things started to fall into disrepair.
Luckily, ol' money bags, John D. Rockafeller, saved the day. In 1926, he financed the restoration of the town's Colonial section, even rebuilding certain attractions--like the Governor's Palace, which had burned down--with exhaustively researched detail.
What You HAVE to see...and What to Skip
IF you go on the official tour (scroll down to learn why buying tickets may NOT be right for you), we recommend these shops:
#1 The Wigmaker's
#2 The Pewter Shop (not to be confused with the Silversmith Shop)
#3 The Governor's Palace
#4 The Capitol Building
#5 The Printer's Shop
Click here to learn why we recommend these spots!
#1 Place to Skip - the Gunsmith's Shop - Personally, we have nothing against guns. We base our advice to skip this shop on the fact that the last two times we've visited the same costumed interpreter "gentleman" running this shop was downright unfriendly and unhelpful (face it, if you're paying $39 you should be able to ask the interpreters a few questions, right?).
Admission Facts, Plus How to Get in for Free!
Williamsburg isn't cheap, especially for a family. A lot of visitors purchase tickets ahead of time, assuming that they'll need tickets to see anything. Nothing could be further from the truth!
Check out our "Secrets to a Cheap Colonial Williamsburg Vacation" including tips for seeing the Historic Area for free, cheap places to eat, info on the free Summer Concert Series, and more.
If you DO want to buy tickets, click here for the different ticket packages and how to get discount tickets.
Here's how to get Cheap Williamsburg Hotel Deals...
There are tons of places to stay in and around the Williamsburg area, and there are many price options too. click here for our latest secrets for getting a great hotel rate, plus a cheap hostel...
Or, you might want to try the Orbitz Summer Sale: SAVE up to 50% on hotels! Hurry...offer ends July 6!
What are the "Best" Williamsburg Restaurants?
Want the best-rated Williamsburg restaurants?
Readers of The Virginia Gazette have voted Old Chickahominy House, Peking Restaurant, Pierce's BBQ, and Berret's Seafood Restaurant among their top restaurant picks for "The Best of Williamsburg."
Readers voted in 90 categories. Old Chickahominy House won for "best soup," while Sal's by Victor won for both best Italian restaurant and best pizza. Berret's won for "best crabcakes."
For the full list, PLUS our family's picks for the best bargain Williamsburg restaurants,
click here.
Williamsburg Directions & Getting Around
Ah yes, traffic. At the height of the summer tourist season, it can be slow (not slow by Los Angeles standards, but slow for Virginia). So why not take advantage of the free Historic Triangle Shuttle bus?
The Historic Triangle Shuttle provides service between Jamestown, Yorktown, and the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center. The service is available every 30 minutes between 9:00 a.m and 3:30 p.m. from April 1 to October 31. Riders can listen to an audio program describing the area’s natural and cultural history. Service is free of charge for ticket holders to any Historic Triangle attraction.
Directions
Colonial Williamsburg address: 102 Visitor Center Dr, Williamsburg, VA. The Colonial Williamsburg phone number: 1-800-HISTORY.
Here's a link to a Google Williamsburg map.
Williamsburg is located about a 25-minute drive west from Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport, just over one hour west of Norfolk International Airport, and about 50-60 minutes east of Richmond International Airport.
Colonial National Historical Park is just a short drive from (I-64). If you're coming from Richmond on I-64, head east and take exit 238. When you exit, look for the red, white, and blue Historic Triangle direction signs. Follow the signs to the Visitor Center (Visitor Center address: 101A Visitor Center Drive (Hwy 132Y)). If you haven't already purchased tickets, buy your admission pass there, then walk to the Historic Area or take the free shuttle.
If you're traveling from the Virginia Beach/Norfolk/Hampton area, head west on I-64 and then take Exit 238. Follow the signs as I described them above.
For a link to a free, printable map of the Historic Area itself, click here...
Free Visitors Guide, Free Online Games, and Colonial Williamsburg Books We Recommend
There are several free visitor guides for the Historic Triangle area. They are well worth picking up at area attractions, hotels and major restaurants. They offer dining, shopping, and attraction info, as well as area maps and...coupons!
For details about these guides, which ones we recommend, and how they can help you save money, check out our "Secrets to a Cheap Colonial Williamsburg Vacation." You can find it by the clicking the link in "Admission Facts" above (on this page).
Colonial Williamsburg Offers Free Online Games for Kids
Who says history is boring? Colonial Williamsburg is making history fun by offering imaginative and interactive free online games for kids.
You can dress paper dolls in colonial dress, be a “Dirt Detective,” and more. There's also a "Jamestown Survivor" game offered by Jamestown Settlement. To access these free online games, click here.
Colonial Williamsburg Books We Recommend
There are dozens of fascinating books about the area that we've enjoyed. To the right, I've highlighted three. The "Hauntings" book if you're interested in one of the many local Ghost Tours. The middle one is an excellent, paperback guide to help prepare you for your visit to the Historic Area. And the third is a spooky ghost story our kids enjoyed!
If you love books, don't miss the Barnes and Noble bookstore in Merchant's Square and the bookstore at the Historic Area. The Colonial Williamsburg Bookstore phone number is (757) 565-8450.
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