Discover 10 exciting Colonial Williamsburg Experiences
Each opportunity provides distinctive insights into life in the 1700’s.
1. Mosey on down the renowned Duke of Gloucester Street, colloquially known as DoG Street. A mile-long bustling thoroughfare that creates the epicenter of Colonial Williamsburg, where period-attired guides, historically renovated shops, taverns, and homes, with beautifully manicured gardens, surround you with the sights and sounds of life in the 18th century.
2. Tour the Governor’s Royal Residence
Visit the Governor’s Palace, the official residence of seven crown-appointed Royal Governors of Virginia. From the extravagant main foyer to the elaborately manicured gardens, this residence displayed the Crown’s power and wealth in the colonies.
3. Check Out Colonial Williamsburg Art Museums
In the summer, when it gets too hot outside, like it does here in Virginia, head on over to the cool interior of the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum and DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum.
Lose yourself in discovery, have a bite to eat at the museum cafe, and find something to take home from the museum shop.
A great place to warm up in the wintertime, too!
4. Enter Historical Workshops and Interact with Knowledgeable Craftsmen
See the mastery of blacksmiths, weavers, wigmakers, tailors, and other craftspeople in action as they skillfully demonstrate time-honored skills and techniques that have been passed down through the ages.
5. Have Lunch or Dinner at a Tavern
Experience eating at a typical 18th-century tavern such as King’s Arms, Christiana Campbell’s, or Chownings, where you can delight in authentic meals in a historical setting and be entertained by roving colonial minstrels.
6. Take a Carriage Ride
Enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the colonial era from an honest-to-goodness European-crafted, horse-drawn carriage with a colonial coachman.
7. Observe a Militia Demonstration at the Magazine.
Colonia soldiers in historic uniforms showcase and fire off military arms at the Magazine, which was a vital ammunition depot for Colonial Williamsburg.
8. Discover the Rich History of Bruton Parish Church
An adored gathering place that has continued to provide worship services and community fellowship for over 300 years, counting lots of esteemed colonial leaders among its members.
9. Participate in a Court Session at the Capitol
Participate in a re-enacted colonial court session in the Capitol building, where interpreters show 18th-century justice and administration.
10. To Hang a Pirate
Don’t miss the opportunity to see the re-enacted trial of Israel Hands, who was a member of Black Beard’s crew.
If you are one of the first 10 people in the door, you may get the opportunity to participate in the show by sitting with the governor and be allowed to ask a question during the trial. If you are among the next 20 people to enter, you may get the opportunity to be in the jury and cast your vote for guilty or not guilty.
I don’t recommend this show for small children, but for older children it’s a unique historical experience.
Each of these experiences provides an abundant, immersive journey into the daily life and memorable events of America’s colonial past.
