From 1699 to 1780, Williamsburg was the political, social, and cultural capital of Britain's biggest colony in North America. Here, many of America's early founding fathers debated the ideas of liberty, independence and freedom. Its residents included such notables as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, George Mason and other Virginia patriots.

In 1780, the state capital moved to Richmond and Williamsburg reverted back to a quiet college town. In the early Dr W.A.R. Goodwin and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller led a major project to preserve many of the historical structures in town.

Today this popular tourism destination is host to a large living history park, major theme park, premier shopping, resort accomodations, and top quality golf courses.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Widely rated best theme park in America, with outstanding Old European thrill rides, restaurants, shopping, entertainment and much more.

Water Country USA
Water park and family adventure zone.

Colonial Williamsburg
Very large historical park with people, crafts, parades and more.

William and Mary
Second oldest college in the U.S.

America's Railroads on Parade
(757) 220-8725; Open: Daily 10AM-5:30PM;
Hand's on exhibits and remote control model trains with railroad era artwork.

Carter's Grove - Rockefeller Archaeology Museum
(757) 800-8679; Open: Tues-Sun 9AM-4PM (Mar-Dec);
Great estate founded in the early 18th-century by Robert "King" Carter, that at onetime included 300,000 acres and more than 1,000 slaves. His grandson, Carter Burwell, built the mantion (1750-53) that is furnished today in period decor and antiques. Exhibits tell about life in Virginia's colonial plantations.

Williamsburg Music Theater
(888) 687-4220; Showtime: 8PM Mon-Sat; Reservations recommended;
Two hour production with music, comedy and family entertainment.

Williamsburg Specialty Shops:

The Candle Factory
Merchants' Square
Prime Outlets
Williamsburg Antique Mall
Williamsburg Pottery
Williamsburg Outlet Mall
Village Shops at Kingsmill

Other Hampton Roads tourism services:

Hampton Roads - Restaurants - Reviews, menus, specials and pricelist.
Hampton Roads - Hotels - Room search and reservation service.
Hampton Roads - Golf - Golf courses and major events.

Concert and Sporting Events Online Ticket Purchase Center

Shenandoah Crossing Mini-Vacation Getaway
This special offer will save you more than $200 off the standard retail rate to stay at this scenic Central Virginia resort destination. Equestrian Center, nature trails, many historic sites, fine dining and much more adventure awaits. Many exciting outdoor experiences to choose from.

Water Country USA
Williamsburg, VA; (800) 343-7946;
Open: Daily 10AM-6PM Late May-Labor Day (with extended hours in summer);
Admission: Adult $27 / Child (3-6) $10.50;
Location: 3 miles east of Williamsburg - I-64 Exit #242B

This park is an interesting blend of waterplay elements, entertainment and 1950s/60s surfing theme. Wide variety of swimming pools, flumes, chutes and wave pool. Kids' Kingdom includes Pollywog Pond, Guppy Games and slides, fountains and three marionette shows. High-dive show held daily in Aqua Theater.

Free Tickets to Water Country USA
Visit Williamsburg Virginia, home to Busch Gardens, historic colonial park nd other great family attractions. This special MainTour vacation package lets you stay right in the middle of the action. (Free Bonus gift included)

	--- AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA PR RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA DC WV WI WY

Extensive research has worked to preserve an area over a mile long and about a half-mile wide with some 88 historic buildings restored to their 18th century (or early 19th century) appearence. This project includes many colonial homes, shops, taverns and gardens along the main thoroughfare of the city, Duke of Gloucester Street which bustle with entertaining activity.

Interpreters in period attire supplement the historical setting here. Daily events include parades by the Fife and Drum Corps (April-Oct) and military drills at Market Square Garden.

Visitors are invited to rent period costumes and to board a horse-drawn carriage for a guided tour of the town. Williamsburg is also noted for its premier gardens - over 90 acres of 18th-century decorative landscaping designs.

An important part of the experience is to sample colonial cuisine at one of the many taverns and restaurants in town.

Purchase of the park's Colonial Pass or Patriot's Pass will provide admission to most attractions and exhibits.

DeWitt Wallace Gallery
Williamsburg, VA; (800) 447-8679; Wed-Mon 11AM-6PM;
Large museum of American Colonial Life located inside the Public Hospital. The broad range of exhibits, paintings, furnishings and artwork give a pretty detailed view of life in 18th century Williamsburg.

Governor's Palace
Williamsburg, VA; (800) 447-8679;
Built in 1722 and home to seven royal governors until 1775 when the revolution deposed them. Then it was executive mansion of Virginia's first two commonwealth governors, Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson. The original was destroyed by fire in 1781 while serving as a military hospital for soldiers wounded at Yorktown. The reconstructed palace includes beautiful gardens, courtyards and canal.

The Historic Trade Sites
Williamsburg, VA; (800) 447-8679; Open: Daily 9AM-5PM;
Costumed artisans demonstrated 200-year old traditional crafts and skills including: apothecary, blacksmith, gunsmith, cabinetmaker, shoemaker, silversmith, cooper, wheelwright and many others.

Special Programs:

Dueling: A Point of Honor - popular and dramatic of this 18th century obsession.
Williamsburg - The Story of a Patriot - 37-minute film about Williamsburg heroes that have inspired millions of visitors over the years.
Grand Illumination - exciting Williamsburg Christmas tradition held on the 1st sunday evening each December.

Notable Landmarks:

Rockefeller Folk Art Center - Several fine collections of American folk art from the 18th to 20th Centuries.
Bassett Hall - Home to Martha Washington's nephew, Burwell Bassett in early 1800's and then to the Rockefellers in the 1930's.
Brush-Everard House - typical middle-class colonial home with rare period antiques located on the northeast side of the Palace Green.
Bruton Parish Church - Built 1712; offers candlelight recitals on Tues and Sat 8PM.
The Capitol - Built in 1705 at the east end of Duke of Gloucester St, burned by fire in 1747. It was then rebuilt in 1753 only to be burned again. Rare portraits of Washington, Jefferson and Madison. Regular schedule of dancing and live entertainment.
1770 Courthouse - Features daily reenactment of 18th century colonial law and justice with costumed interpreters.
James Geddy House and Foundry - home of renowned silversmith
Magazine and Guardhouse - displays of firearms and military artifacts of 18th century.
Peyton Randolph House - home of the president of the 1st and 2nd Continental Congresses.
Public Gaol - early 18th century jailhouse with crude jailcells and indoor plumbing.
Public Hospital of 1773 - first institution in the colonies for treatment of those with mental disorders.
Raliegh Tavern - historic major center of social and political life in town.
Wetherburn's Tavern - historic major center of social and political life in town.
Wythe House - home of famous Virginia lawyer and signer of Declaration of Independence, George Wythe.

State university located at the west of end of Duke of Gloucester St, the College of William and Mary is the second oldest U.S. College (preceded only by Harvard). It was chartered in 1693 by King William III and Queen Mary II of England. Three U.S. Presidents rank amoungst its alumni, Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe and John Tyler.

Muscarelle Museum of Art
College of William and Mary; (757) 221-2700; Open: Mon-Fri 10AM-4:45PM; Free Admission;
Founded in 1732 and home to 3,000 works of art including several national traveling exhibitions.

Wren Building
College of William and Mary; (757) 221-1540; Open: Mon-Fri 10AM-5PM / Sat 9AM-5PM; Free Admission;
Built in 1695 and designed by Sir Christopher Wren, and survivor of three major fires. This is the oldest academic building still in continuous use in the U.S. The chapel, great hall, convocation room and a classroom have been restored to reflect appearence as in the 18th century.

McCormack-Nagelsen Tennis Center
705 South Henry St, Williamsburg, VA 23185; (757) 221-3738; Free admission, charge to play;
Award-winning indoor tennis center with six-climate controlled courts, bi-level lounge and stadium spectator seating. Home to the Women's Intercollegiate Tennis Hall of Fame.