The Millstone Times April 2018

Weekend Getaways Williamstown, Virginia By Pam Teel

Williamsburg was founded in 1632 as Middle Plantation, a fortified settlement on high ground between the James and York Rivers. The city served as the capital of the Colony and Commonwealth of Virginia from 1699 to 1780 and was the center of political events in Virginia leading to the American Revolution. The College of William & Mary, established in 1693, is the second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States and the only one of the nine colonial colleges located in the South; its alumni include three U.S. presidents as well as many other important figures in the nation's early history. Modern Williamsburg is a college town, inhabited in large part by William & Mary students and staff. The city's tourism-based economy is driven by its heart, Colonial Williamsburg, the restored historic area of the city. There you can find in the historic district a living history museum where actors in period costume depict daily Colonial life in the streets, stores and workshops. Along with nearby Jamestown and Yorktown, Williamsburg forms part of the Historic Triangle, which attracts more than four million tourists each year. Come springtime, Williamsburg is alive with life, music, and entertainment. Greater Williamsburg offers wild rides, fun and adventure throughout, shopping and fine dining on River Walk Landing, living history museums, sailing on the York River, hiking and biking throughout the many parks and trails in the area and more. There is so much to see and do inWilliamsburg, you might need a few days to experience the many different cultural and historical places to go and visit. Here is only a partial list of some of the Williamsburg attractions. Busch Gardens has always been a big draw for tourists. The theme park is bright and clean and caters to the family. In April it is especially beautiful with its fresh tulips and spring flowers that are abundant throughout the park. The park has many attractions, cool rides and roller coasters, and everything else a theme park has to offer. You can even take a tour to the Anheuser Busch Facility for free beer samples. Colonial Williamsburg- Walk the old town and talk to the guides who are dressed in period clothing. They will tell you all about the history of the area and the people back in the day. The old buildings are a site to see. There is even a ghost tour at night.

Historical Williamsburg

College of William and Mary- The Sir Christopher Wren Building is only one of several historical attractions on the campus. The Wren Building is the oldest College building in America. The College is the second oldest University in the U.S. Dewitt Wallace Museum- has over 8,000 objects in it from the 17th, 18th, and 19th century.

Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum – The original site of the first permanent English settlement. There are ongoing archeological digs. See the replica’s of the old ships in the port. Bassett Hall- Home of the Rockefeller family during the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg. Visit the beautiful gardens and old period furniture that fill the home. Abby Aldrich Folk Art Museum- 19th century folk household objects, toys, furniture and paintings on display. The Governors Palace- A luxurious palace that served the royal Governors of the Colony of VA. The palace is packed with history. Other places to visit: The Yorktown Victory Center, Williamsburg Winery, Go Ape Treetop Adventures. Water Country USA,The Pottery Factory, Benjamin Powell House, Burgess Capital Building, Powhatan Indian Village, Peyton Randolph House, Jamestown Glass house, Kimble Theatre, Williamsburg Botanical Gardens, Merchants Square and Resort, andmore. To plan your trip go to: www.visitWilliamsburg. com

Palace Garden

16

The Millstone Times

April 2018