"Stepping back in time" Williamsburg by toonsarah

Williamsburg Travel Guide: 770 reviews and 1,237 photos

Governor's Palace, Colonial Williamsburg - Williamsburg
Governor's Palace, Colonial Williamsburg

Here you can experience as fully as I imagine could be possible the life of an 18th century colonial town.

There is a whole town full of restored buildings, both houses and public buildings (shops, taverns, gaol, courthouse etc), and it is “populated” by actors known as interpreters who immerse themselves totally in the life of the times and go about their daily business as you watch.

Meeting the locals
Wig-maker, Colonial Williamsburg - Williamsburg

Wig-maker, Colonial Williamsburg

Visitors can interact with these “residents” and ask questions about their lives, but the answers will always be totally consistent with what an 18th century person would know, and what they wouldn’t. So a question about whether they’d researched their role on the internet would get a very blank look!

Soldiers on parade, Colonial Williamsburg - Williamsburg

Soldiers on parade, Colonial Williamsburg

We were there back in July 2000 and I’m writing this in early 2007, so I should warn you that some things may have changed. However I’ve checked through the internet that all the things I’m recommending are still there, and the prices I quote are the up-to-date ones based on that research. But if anyone has been more recently and spots any mistakes, I’d be glad to hear from you and to make the corrections.

Pros and Cons
  • In a nutshell:Bringing history to life
  • Last visit to Williamsburg: Jul 2000
  • Intro Updated Dec 24, 2011
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Reviews (10)

Girl spinning, Colonial Wlliamsburg (by Chris) - Williamsburg People listed on website Favorites (2)

If like me you’re fascinated by the human stories behind the big historical events, check out this... more travel advice

Loyalist prisoner, Gaol, Colonial Williamsburg - Williamsburg Visit the Gaol Things to Do (5)

The Gaol dates from 1704 and was used to house all kinds of prisoners, from 15 henchmen of the pirate Blackbeard,... more travel advice

Slave at Colonial Williamsburg - Williamsburg Meet one of the slaves Things to Do (5)

At Colonial Williamsburg they aim to recreate all aspects of 18th century life in this part of the world, so that... more travel advice

Fife & Drums Parade, Colonial Williamsburg - Williamsburg Watch the Fife & Drums Parade Things to Do (5)

During the afternoon of our visit there was a Fife and Drums Parade, which seems to be a regular event in the Colonial... more travel advice

Comments (7)

  • Reply
    Yaqui's Profile Photo
    Apr 12, 2012 at 6:40 PM

    One of my favorites places to explore. Wish I had spent more time here. Great page!

  • Reply
    sourbugger's Profile Photo
    May 1, 2011 at 3:16 PM

    now this looks a good bit of history that is worth exploring. best wishes. sb

  • Reply
    deecat's Profile Photo
    Jan 19, 2010 at 9:32 AM

    Williamsburg is one of our favorite places ever. You certainly captured the flavor of the place with your well written tips. Terrific photos, too. Great restaurant tips.

  • Reply
    sue_stone's Profile Photo
    Jan 4, 2008 at 2:21 PM

    So you enjoyed the chicken in Willamsburg then ; )

  • Reply
    JessH's Profile Photo
    May 7, 2007 at 3:57 AM

    Wow! Never knew that even the people there were THAT authentic in their behaviour and conversation. Really interesting page here with good tips. Thanks for sharing! Greetings from Dubai :-) Jess

  • Reply
    Trekki's Profile Photo
    Apr 11, 2007 at 1:22 PM

    :-) This sounds so lovely - history kept that good alive today :-) And I also like the way they present the dishes - this kind of restaurants is starting off here now as well :-)

  • Reply
    LoriPori's Profile Photo
    Mar 19, 2007 at 10:17 AM

    Hans and I visited here with relatives from Holland many years ago. It was a wonderful place to spend a day. Great little page Sarah. ( I see you had another busy weekend - hope you were finished with this page) xxx Lori

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