Looking Back, With Williamsburg Sightseeing Districts and Attractions

Colonial Williamsburg

Restored City

There is no place quite like Williamsburg for gaining a perspective on our collective pasts. Why do we look back, revisit the sites of our ancestors--even those of us that have ancestors that arrived long after the founding of our country--why do we feel the compulsion to come "back"? I suppose that the individuality our forefathers we placed so much faith in will shine through as we each give our own, unique answers to this question. But if there is any place in America that allows so many individuals to retrace the steps of the past, it is here, in Williamsburg. And let's face it, the amusement parks aren't bad, either.

Colonial Williamsburg: If you do nothing else during your visit to Williamsburg, spend a day at Colonial Williamsburg. This living history museum is a phenomenal recreation of colonial America. Interpreters in period dress will demonstrate and encourage guests to actively participate in every aspect of colonial life. Children are encouraged to play games from the 18th century.

Museums display authentic folk art, English and American silver, ceramics, textiles, weapons, paintings and prints. (If you are planning to stay a few days, you may want to take advantage of the 3-for-1 Flex Pass, and visit Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens, and Water Country USA. And the 5-for-1 Flex Pass allows access to five area attractions.) And at the end of the day, when you aren't quite ready to leave the historical characters behind, you can always go back in time a bit further, and travel to the 16th century London Pub/Dinner Theater, Rosie Rumpe's Regal Dumpe. Here you'll be encouraged to act as 'bawdy' as your hosts in 'Williamsburg's bawdiest dinner theater!' (Parents beware: the show is rated PG13.)

Busch Gardens: Anyone who thinks that the past can't be treated with a reckless joy and youthful abandon hasn't been to either of Williamsburg's favorite amusement parks. Busch Gardens Williamsburg is one of the most beautiful theme parks in the country. More than 40 rides thrill guests--the backdrop is a recreation of six 17th Century European countries. Nonstop entertainment--from shows to 'street' mimes and magicians--authentic foods, and charming shops round out the experience. Surf's up at Water Country USA, where you'll step into the 1950's and 60's and enjoy state-of-the-art water rides, pools, shows and restaurants.

Touring Williamsburg: Touring Williamsburg can cater to a variety of interests. A visit to Williamsburg Winery Ltd. will provide insight into long-standing wine making techniques as well as more modern methods. Colonial Tours conducts custom, private walking tours of Williamsburg and the surrounding areas. Suspend your belief in the physical realm for an evening of supernatural fun by following up an Original "Ghosts of Williamsburg" Walking Tour with an evening at the Haunted Dinner Theater.

Yorktown and Jamestown: Williamsburg is only one corner of Virginia's Historic Triangle. You'll find that the scenic 23-mile Colonial Parkway will lead you to the other connecting corners: Yorktown and Jamestown. Jamestown, America's first permanent English colony, can be experienced from a historical perspective at the Jamestown Settlement. Here you can board replicas of the three English ships that dropped their anchors on Virginia shores and set history in motion. You can visit a native village, and truly gain an understanding of the trials and hardships the first settlers endured. As the site of the American Revolution's final battle, Yorktown is truly a celebration of America. The Yorktown Victory Center combines an outdoor living history with film and exhibits to trace the events that led to the Revolution.

Until you visit Williamsburg and it's equally historic neighbors, history is found in the classroom, in the dusty corner of the library, perhaps stored a little too far in the back of our memories. But a visit brings to our lessons, our heritage, our lives, a different kind of appreciation--Because even if it was only a short trip, we were there. We saw it happen--and we've got a better understanding of our country for having had the experience.