Learn About the First Africans in the United States in Williamsburg This February!
With its rich colonial history, Williamsburg is one of the United States’ most visited historical areas. You can learn a lot about early European colonists in Williamsburg, and this February, you can have the unique opportunity to learn about the colonies’ first African population as well. The first slaves to come to Virginia were from Angola, and you can learn all about the Virginia-Angola connection by visiting the “From Africa to Virginia” exhibit at the Jamestown Settlement gallery. At the exhibit, you will learn about the experiences of early Africans in Virginia and all about the Angolian Queen Nijinga. This exciting exhibit will take places February 6-27, and you can catch several lectures on the topic of early African slaves throughout the month of February.
If you would like an in-depth history lesson about our nation’s Presidents while you are in Williamsburg, you will love visiting President’s Park. At the park, you will see 16 foot busts of each U.S. President and plenty of interesting facts about each of them. There are five themed tours at the park, so you are sure to find something exciting to learn about at President’s Park. After a stroll through the park admiring the Presidential busts, be sure to have a snack and some tea at the First Ladies Tea Parlor!
Although Williamsburg is known for its historical attractions, there are a variety of other exciting things to do in Williamsburg as well. At Busch Gardens Williamsburg, you can enjoy thrilling rides and a variety of entertaining shows, making the theme park an excellent destination for families. Whether you would enjoy seeking thrills on Griffon, the tallest dive roller coaster in the world, or listening to great oldies music at the American Jukebox show, you are sure to find hours of entertainment at Busch Gardens Williamsburg!
Williamsburg Takes Aim With the Prelude to Victory!
This upcoming October 9-10, a large army of performers will stage the Colonial Williamsburg‘s “Prelude to Victory,” which covers the events surrounding the battle of Yorktown. You’ll be able to see the deciding conflict that would drive the Redcoats back to their home. Gather along with other onlookers as they cheer on the American rebels including General George Washington, watching as they use their muskets to demonstrate the power of their small battalion. Each soldier will be adorned in the clothes of the Revolutionary period. If you’d like to spend a couple of days there, you can stay in one of Williamsburg’s hotels for a decidedly comfortable rest.
The Prelude to Victory may spark your interest in our first president, in which case you can learn more at the President’s Park, which covers everything from Washington’s 1789 inauguration up to the current period. The park offers up to five themed tours to choose from to specialize your experience, or you may choose your own custom route. The presidents and our nation’s various eras will be shown through not only facts and narratives, but through artistic means by artists such as David Adickes. Take a moment to rest and eat at the First Ladies Tea Parlor, located nearby.
If you have kids or are looking for an interactive experience, the Virginia Living Museum can accommodate you. The attraction is home to many animals, including horseshoe crabs, bobcats, alligators and paddlefish, just to name a few. The museum is known for its touch tank, along with a 30,000 gallon aquarium and a 3/4 mile outdoor trail including river otters, red wolves and bobcats. See for yourself why this science center, aviary and botanical preserve are so well-known throughout the area.
Williamsburg is a great way to begin the cool fall season. Watch the leaves turn colors as you witness American history unfold along with many other activities.
Experience True American History inside Williamsburg
Williamsburg historical attractions are the perfect way to complement your recent Fourth of July celebration with another venue to explore the American way. Learn and interact inside restored settlements, and other fun areas celebrating colonial and modern times. Reignite the patriotic spirit with the city’s greatest treasures.
As one of Williamsburg’s greatest highlights, the Jamestown Settlement, known as one of the first European settlements, has a perfect blend of shelter, environment, galleries, and even costumed colonials to make your experience complete. Walk through the area and interact with the fellow townsfolk to understand their way of life. For additional excitement, you may walk onto three different ship replicas of the original vessels that sailed from England.
If you’re more into the political arena, the President’s Park is a perfect way to get acquainted with some of the most influential leaders in America. Take a stroll across paved trails, walking by the famed reenacted Washington Inaugaration and David Adickes’ stunning sculptures.
Finally, make your trip complete with a trip to the Virginia Living Museum, which presents exotic animals like red wolves and paddlefish in indoor and outdoor environments. The museum is full of interesting habitats, and it melds the the science of animal life with the entertainment of interaction, with several “hands on” discovery centers.
Discover a new realm of understanding in the historical and science arenas through visuals and dialogue! Your Williamsburg adventure will make other vacations small in comparison.
The Mt Rushmore Area Offers a Patriotic End to Winter
Featuring numerous small, inviting towns; patriotic, national landmarks; and a general rustic feel; the Mt Rushmore area offers a perfect escape for those looking to end their winter focusing on charm and revered history of America. Certainly, a visit to the area is incomplete without experiencing Mt Rushmore itself, though amidst the shadow of the national tribute to our forefathers, visitors will find a variety of attractions to compliment all that Mt Rushmore stands for.
Located in Lead, SD, President’s Park is one such attraction. Featuring twenty-foot busts of 42 of our nation’s presidents, President’s Park continues where Mt Rushmore leaves off. From iconic figures including Abraham Lincoln and George Washington to current president, Barack Obama, this larger-than-life attraction features a veritable timeline of the men who have guided our country to greatness.
In Keystone, SD, visitors will find a more life-like rendition of our nation’s leaders with the National Presidential Wax Museum. At the museum, visitors will enjoy scenes displaying each of America’s presidents captured in some of their most memorable moments. Whether reliving President Roosevelt’s visit to Yelta, President Washington overseeing the creation of the nation’s flag, or President Bush’s visit to Ground Zero, each step is a veritable trip into the powerful history that helped shape America.
Travel back in time this winter with a visit to the Mt Rushmore area for a memorable look into America’s rich history and a glimpse into the greatness to come!
Celebrate Past Presidents at Mount Rushmore
For this upcoming Labor Day weekend, you can plan a trip to Mount Rushmore, South Dakota and celebrate the lives of our past presidents by visiting the area museums and monuments.
National Presidential Wax Museum
One of the most unique attractions in the area is the National Presidential Wax Museum. You can see life-size figurines of past presidents, including Abraham Lincoln, Richard Nixon, and Theodore Roosevelt. The life-like figures are set in realistic scenes from events during their presidency. A highlight of the wax museum is the gift shop that offers an extensive array of memorabilia, collectibles, and souvenirs. This attraction is a perfect activity for families as kids of all ages will enjoy taking a look back into the past.
President’s Park in Lead, SD
For a larger-than-life look at the presidents, visit the President’s Park in Lead, South Dakota. This attraction features 20-foot-tall busts of the 42 former presidents. Each bust also features biographical information and state flags from the state where the president lived. Self-guided tours are available here. All of the sculptures are the work of artist David Adickes. A cafe is available on site for meals and snacks.
Mount Rushmore Guided Tour
Of course, no visit to Mount Rushmore would be complete without visiting the monument featuring Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson. The monument also features a gift shop and other attractions. The guided tour at Mount Rushmore includes stops at the Crazy Horse Memorial site, Big Thunder Gold Mine, Sylvan Lake, Iron Mountain Road, Harney Peak, and Custer State Park. In total, the tour lasts approximately nine hours and features knowledgeable guides and narration of the different sites.
