Don your tricorner hat, we're off to Williamsburg!
Williamsburg, VA is a working 18th century colonial village. I've been there twice now and each time when I came out of Williambsurg and back into today's world, I experienced a temporary moment of "Oh wait...ok you've re-entered the real world."
Williamsburg is that realistic! You literally
feel like you've been transported back to the 18th century as a time traveler.
Hi, I'm Pat and welcome to my blog, Life's A Trip!
I love traveling, food and getting a great deal on anything - which is what this blog is about.
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To get the most out of your trip to Williamsburg, you definitely want to plan your itinerary ahead of time and plan on spending more than one day there. There's a whole lot to see and do!
When you arrive at Williamsburg you'll park by the Visitor's Center. You want to stop in there to buy your admission tickets if you haven't bought them online. And the staff will tell you what events are happening within Williamsburg that day.
Some attractions require additional an additional admission fee and they can advise you on which ones do.
Get the scoop on the parking fee, Passport Parking and the complimentary bus service here.
I also recommend you pack clothing you can layer as Virginia's weather can vary quite a bit...and WEAR GOOD WALKING SHOES because you're going to be doing a whole lot of walking.
Williamsburg is located at 101 Visitor Center Drive, Williamsburg, VA. Map
Williamsburg Visitor's Center
Here's a sneak peek at what you can expect to see:
You definitely want to visit the Governor's Mansion, where Williamsburg was originally governed from.
And if you're like me, you might run into the Queen of Nepal while you're there.
During my first visit to the Governor's mansion the place was absolutely mobbed. People were literally shoulder-to-shoulder in the crowd. I'd lost sight of my dad in this mob...then spotted him so took off at a dead run to get to him before I lost him in the crowd again. (I was on the high school track team at the time so I was moving like a runaway freight train)...and accidentally bumped into a woman, knocking her to the ground. Suddenly four big burly guys were grabbing me, I'm yelling "LET GO OF ME!" while I apologized to the poor woman I'd knocked on her butt and offered my hand to her to help her up.
The big burly guys slapped my hand away as if to say "DON'T TOUCH HER!" Geeze, ok whateva! I took off at a dead run again to get to my dad.
"Did you see the Queen of Nepal?" he asked.
OOOPS!
"Matter of fact, I did Dad. I just knocked her on her royal a**."
That's my Williamsburg claim to fame. You just never know who you can run into (pun intended) at Williamsburg!
Good thing I didn't commit that little faux pas back in the 18th century! I could've found myself in the gaol, awaiting trial and likely, execution by hanging.
Having worked in a maximum security jail, the gaol was of particular interest to me. If today's inmates think they have it anywhere close to tough, they should spend a couple of nights shackled in the Williamsburg gaol. Yes, if you were facing execution they put your coffin right in your cell with you and at least one of the cells had a view of the gallows where the prisoner would be hung.
They didn't mess around in those days. There were 10 days before trial and execution. No plea bargains or endless appeals. 10 days start to finish, over and done with. Next prisoner please!
THE BLACKSMITH SHOP
Blacksmiths begin their day by lighting fires in the forges outfitted with bellows and a hood to carry away smoke. Once the fires are roaring, they heat bars of iron and use sledges weighing up to 12 pounds to hammer the heated bars into various shapes. The Blacksmiths work with other trades to make tools and other materials, such as nails for the Carpenters.
Many of the colonists clothes were made of materials like wool and I found myself wondering how these blacksmiths didn't just keel over from heat stroke! It got really hot in that blacksmith shop during the summer.
THE TINSMITH
The Tinsmith's shop is right next door to the Blacksmith's shop. The following video will give you a good idea of what the Tinsmiths did and what they made.
THE SILVERSMITH
The Silversmith was also considered part of the armory although I'm not quite sure why since they primarily transformed coins and outdated silverware into more fashionable silver pieces for a home's parlor and dining room (cups, teapots, spoons) as well as items for personal adornment.
THE WEAVER
I did weaving in college so this shop was very interesting too.
When English imports were cut off by the Revolution, local weavers came forward to fill the need for everyday items. Watch how flax, cotton, and wool are converted from tangled masses into orderly, precise fabrics—ranging from simple linens for shirts and shifts to blankets, towels, dyed wool for needlework, and stout woolens for military uniforms.
If you've ever done weaving start to finish (flax to yarn to dying to constructing a garment) it's incredibly time consuming and laborious so you can really appreciate watching these weavers at work.
MILLINER & MANTUA MAKER
These are the (primarily) women who made clothing, accessories and updated older fashions into the more modern 18th century fashions.
Most people knew how to sew in the 18th century. As a basic life skill, sewing was taught to boys and girls from all levels of society as part of their practical education. But knowing how to sew didn’t mean that everyone knew how to make clothing. Cutting out the shapes for garments and fitting them to a unique body was something an individual had to be trained to do through a formal apprenticeship.
Only professionals had the full range and depth of skill necessary to produce clothing. While sewing did happen at home, it was the kind of sewing that mended and maintained a wardrobe, rather than the sewing that manufactured it from start to finish.
So how much of a wardrobe did an 18th century woman have? That's actually kind of a difficult question to answer, but we have a list made out by Martha Jefferson, wife of Thomas Jefferson:
"16 gowns (18 if you count the 2 “to be made up”), 9 petticoats, 18 aprons, and 20 shifts."
I'm not sure what motivated Martha to make this list. "“Thomas, I only have 16 gowns! I simply must go shopping before the season begins!” ???
THE WOODWORKING TRADES
Woodworking trades include carpenters, who use hand tools to transform trees into lumber, cut and raise timber building frames, and provide finishes such as siding and roofing; joiners, who produce finish work for buildings including doors, windows, shutters, and cupboards; cabinetmakers, who fashion intricate details of luxury products with hand tools; harpsichord makers, specialized craftspeople who build stringed keyboard musical instruments; coopers, who transform flat boards into barrels of assorted shapes and sizes; and wheelwrights, who combine wood and iron to make functional vehicle wheels.
THE APOTHECARY
What was it like to be sick or injured in colonial times? Meet the apothecaries and learn how medicine, wellness, and surgical practices of the 18th century compare to today.
THE GUNSMITH
Of course since we were fighting the American Revolution and people hunted for game, there had to be a resident gunsmith to make the guns.
THE PRINTER & BOOKBINDER
In an age before TV, radio, and the internet, the printed word was the primary means of long-distance mass communication. Watch and learn as printers set type and use reproduction printing presses to manufacture colonial newspapers, political notices, pamphlets, and books.
Binding books—especially fancy ones—was a specialized and time-consuming craft.
GARDENING & FARMING
The gardeners and farmers of Williamsburg are so interesting to watch working, using 18th century tools and gardening methods.
Plots within the garden represent provision gardens of the enslaved and American Indians, as well as the luxury gardens that ornamented the landscape of wealthy households.
The well-being of the entire colonial economy was dependent on the farmers' crops. This involves the growing and harvesting of tobacco, corn, wheat, flax, and cotton.
THE WIGMAKER
Routinely wearing a wig may seem strange to us, especially for men, but it communicated the wearer's elegance, his station in society, and even his occupation. With the skill of a barber and hairdresser combined, wigmakers fashioned "perukes" of quality and distinction.
Those are just some of the sights and working shops you can expect to see at Williamsburg.
We have it so easy now compared to our forefathers. One has to wonder what they would say if they could return and see how their trades and occupations have developed?
During your visit to Williamsburg you'll see their various Fife & Drum Corps marching down the street at various times throughout the day. One of these Corps is comprised of kids!
Accommodations
There are plenty of accommodations for any budget both withing Colonial Williamsburg itself and on its outskirts. During my first visit, we stayed outside of Williamsburg itself. However, on my second visit I wanted to experience staying inside Williamsburg itself. Hubby and I booked reservations to stay at the Williamsburg Inn right in the heart of the Williamsburg historic district. Yes, it was expensive ($450 per night) but I knew we'd never be making another trip to Williamsburg. Nor did one have to argue with traffic to get to Williamsburg, parking and all that.
The Williamsburg Inn first opened to guests in 1937 and John D. Rockefeller Jr. designed the Inn to look more like a gracious country residence than a traditional hotel.
The Williamsburg Inn is intimate with just 62 guestrooms and suites. The Inn's guest rooms are decorated in three distinctive styles: floral, classic, and restoration. All rooms feature period furnishings, original artwork, and handmade silk window treatments.
We booked from the most economical level of rooms, called "Superior" and this is what our room looked like. (King sized bed + nightly turn down service and turn down tray)
Colonial Williamsburg has packages that include tickets, meals, golf, and spa treatments so bed sure to scope this out before booking a reservation.
Incidentally, if you're a dog owner the Inn has dog friendly rooms.
Inside Williamsburg there are a variety of other accommodations as Williamsburg owns 4 other rental properties:
Wiiliamsburg Lodge
There are also 4 establishments offering tavern rooms and deluxe suites.
Dining
Williamsburg offers great dining options but my personal favorite is the King Arms Tavern if you want an authentic colonial dining experience.
Originally opened by Jane Vobe in 1772, this authentic reproduction public house serves up a transporting experience for the senses in Colonial Williamsburg. Everything is true to the time period at King’s Arms Tavern, from the fashion sported by servers to the pewter candlesticks—all adding to an air of colonial elegance. Inspired by 18th-century recipes but with updates to suit 21st-century tastes, tuck into a chophouse menu featuring prime rib, pork chops, and more..
There's always live music of some kind, performed by musicians in colonial dress. The food is very good as was the service.
The only drawback to King's Arms Tavern is that it can get quite noisy when it's full of diners.
There is an ADA accessible dining area but one must check in at the front desk and you will be taken to that dining room in what's called the "Purdic Kitchen".
TERRACE & GOODWIN ROOMS
While staying at the Williamsburg Inn, hubby and I did have breakfast at the Terrace & Goodwin Rooms before setting out that morning to explore more of Williamsburg.
Goodwin Room
Terrace Room
Relaxed yet luxurious, The Terrace and Goodwin Rooms retain The Williamsburg Inn’s charm and sophistication while serving up contemporary expressions of American classics. At breakfast in the Terrace Room or Goodwin Room, enjoy Chef’s morning amuse-bouche to jumpstart your day, followed by a two-course prix-fixe menu featuring new creative dishes and showcasing signatures such as the Tidewater Omelet with Chesapeake blue crab and the Goodwin Benedict with Virginia ham.
I ordered the Cinnamon Brioche French Toast which was delicious and filling.
Hubby ordered the Eggs Benedit and they too were delicious, especially the blistered tomatoes that neither of us had tried before.
While the atmosphere is casual but elegant, there is a bit of a dress code.
Casual attire is fine but sportswear and flip flops are both a no-no.
The Terrace & Goodwin Rooms are open for breakfast and dinner.
Menu items are a bit on the pricier side.
I'd recommend reservations at any of the sit down Williamsburg restaurants.
CHRISTIANA CAMPBELL'S TAVERN
Christiana Campbell's Tavern is another of my Williamsburg favorites and it was George Washington's favorite hangout.
It's known for it's seafood so enjoy the historically inspired, locally acquired menu of shrimp, scallops, and fish, and of course their world-renowned crab cakes and spoon bread.
The crab cakes and fried chicken are my personal favorites.
The food is great as was the service. Again, a bit on the pricier side but not quite as expensive as the Terrace Room at Williamsburg Inn and you'll get more than enough to eat as the portions are large.
Christiana's is only open from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday for dinner.
Please note: Campbell’s Tavern is not ADA-accessible and Cellar experience is exclusively walk-up only. Seating is limited, so be sure to arrive early to secure your place.
There are three authentic taverns at Williamsburg at which you can dine. The third is Shield's Tavern but I've never eaten at Shields so can't comment on it.
Besides the taverns there are several restaurants within Williamsburg:
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Terrace and Goodwin Rooms
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Sweet Tea & Barley
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Rockefellers
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Restoration Bar
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Traditions
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Social Terrace
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Goldcourse Grill
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Museum Cafe
You can read about any of those restaurants here
There are also Grab & Go eating establishments if you want something on the run. From fresh, healthy snacks and cold-pressed juices to hearty sandwiches and pastries, there’s something for every taste.
The Grab & Go establishments are:
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McKenzie Apothecary
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The Cupboard
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Dubois Grocer
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Raleigh Tavern Bakery
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Chowning's Garden Bar
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Chowning's Cider Stand
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Green Course Clubhouse Bar
You can read more about the Grab & Go establishments here
I have eaten at a couple of them.
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McKenzie Apothecary
We liked Chowning's Garden Bar because as crowded as Williamsburg was during our visit, I don't think many knew the Garden Bar was even there! (It sits behind Chowning's Tavern)
McKenzie Apothecary is the ideal place to go if you need to take a break from touring and a pick me up.
It offers treats, drinks and baked goods.
The atmosphere is cozy and a blend of history with a modern cafe vibe. It's family friendly.
McKenzie's is located near the Governor's Palace.
Chowning's Garden Bar
Or maybe we just hit it at the right time that it wasn't packed? Either way, it was a nice place to escape the crowds for a bit in an 18th century garden atmosphere.
The menu at Chowning’s features offerings inspired by the 18th century as well as modern takes on those 18th century foods. Hubby and I grabbed a meal inside the tavern, then went out to the courtyard to eat it. I had the Beef Trenchers which were very good although I would have preferred them au jus.
Hubby ordered the Cobb Salad and well, you really can't do much to mess up a salad if you know how to dice.
As you can see above, it's not cheap to eat anywhere inside of Williamsburg.
Other Williamsburg attractions
Carriage Rides
No visit to Williamsburg is complete without a good 'ol fashioned 18th century carriage ride,
Carriage rides close during the winter months but reopen in March.
You can book on 4 different varieties of carriages or opt for a stage wagon. It's a fun and unique way to tour Williamsburg when your feet are worn out.
Visit the link above for more information.
The Pirate Walking Tour
I'll bet this is one tour you didn't expect to see in Colonial Williamsburg! But the fact is, pirates played an important part in the history of Williamsburg and this tour is not only pirate-informative but fun for kids and adults alike.
From the moment we set out, our guide – dressed in authentic pirate attire – captivated us with tales of daring buccaneers, colonial intrigue, and the real-life pirates who roamed Virginia’s waters. The tour is well-paced, blending pirate legends with historical context, so you feel like you’re stepping back in time. Along the way, we learned about the brutal realities of piracy, and even picked up some “pirate lingo.” Highlights included hearing about Blackbeard’s dramatic capture and the significant role of piracy in colonial economics and politics. Whether you’re a history buff or just in it for the swashbuckling fun, the Pirate Tour at Colonial Williamsburg is a fantastic way to experience this part of history.
Cost of the tour is currently $25 per person. Tours last approx. 1 hour 45 minutes.
Wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Ultimate Pirate Walking Tour in Colonial Williamsburg for more information and to book online.
Dead of Night Tour
If you're into the paranormal and if you can swing it, try to visit Williamsburg when the Dead of Night Tour takes place.
This ghost tour is not just a walk through a historic town. It’s an immersive experience that will leave you feeling spooked. You’ll be transported back in time to the colonial era, where you’ll learn about the lives of the early settlers, and the spirits that still linger in the shadows.
Knowledgeable guides in costume will take you to the most haunted sites in Williamsburg, including the Peyton Randolph house, often referred to as one of the most haunted houses in America, and the jail house, where people have reported eerie experiences that defy rational explanation. The Dead of Night Ghost Tour is an opportunity to experience the darker side of Williamsburg history and uncover the secrets of its past.
Your expert guides will use paranormal equipment to summon the ghostly spirits!!!
This is the most popular ghost tour at Williamsburg and sells out FAST so you need to make your reservations early.
Ages 12-99, max of 25 per group. Price of tour is currently $30 per person. Tours last 1 hour and 45 minutes and start after dark, usually 9 to 10 p.m. Check the link above for more details.
The tour is completely wheelchair accessible.
Fire A Musket at the Williamsburg Rifle Range
You don't have to be a gun enthusiast for this one...
It was fun just firing a musket for the experience.
Fire live rounds at a target from two different reproduction 18th-century flintlock firearms commonly used during the Revolutionary War, and learn about the history of the weapons.
Book your time: 9:30 am; 11:00 am: 1:30 pm; 3:00 pm
Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday (with some exceptions see their calendar)
(closed Monday, Wednesday and Thursday)
