Williamsburg Yorktown Victory Celebration is October 15 and 16!
Celebrate one of America’s most important military victories at Yorktown, Virginia. See colonial military demonstrations and battle re-enactments at this historic site. This celebration promises to offer endless fun and education for all who attend. If you really want to get in on the action, you can go to soldier school and learn what it was like to be a colonial soldier fighting for independence from the British crown. This takes place October 15 and 16, Saturday and Sunday. Book your Williamsburg lodging and check out some of the other incredible attractions around the area.
Take a step back in time when you visit Colonial Williamsburg. Visit the restored city and watch as re-enactors bring history alive. Visit the historic area, its museums and art galleries, historic homes, old plantations, and more. Choose from a variety of different passes for the one that offers the experience perfect for you.
If you or your children enjoy watching animals, then the Virginia Living Museum will offer loads of fun at an affordable price. This indoor and outdoor museum allows you to see a variety of animals all in their natural habitats. From a 0.75 mile outdoor walk where you can see bobcats and red wolves to a 30,000 gallon aquarium, many of Virginia’s native species are found here. In addition to these exciting attractions you can also enjoy an aviary and science center.
With the Yorktown Sailing Cruises, you’ll have the chance to experience travel on the high seas as it was over 300 years ago – aboard a tall ship! You’ll sail aboard the Schooner Alliance, much like the ship Capt. John Smith used when trading with the Powhatan Indians. The journey will take you past the Yorktown Battlefield, Victory Monument, the banks of the river, and more as you experience the culture and history of America while simultaneously seeing the beautiful sites of the Williamsburg area. If you are lucky, the crew will let you lend a hand at setting sail.
Williamsburg Lets You Enjoy the Water Without Getting Wet!
Want to experience the wonders of the water but not get soaked? Well, Williamsburg has the perfect attractions for you. There are boat rides and cruises so you can spend time on the water completely dry. No need to bring a change of clothes, the only thing you’ll be soaking up is the summer sun. Also, the Living Museum has an enormous aquarium for you to observe the wildlife underwater through the comfort of a glass pane. Water fun without the wet is what you’ll get in Williamsburg, so book your lodging and grab your tickets to these solid attractions today!
With the Yorktown Sailing Cruises, you’ll have the chance to experience travel on the high seas as it was over 300 years ago – aboard a tall ship! You’ll sail aboard the Schooner Alliance, much like the ship Capt. John Smith used when trading with the Powhatan Indians. The journey will take you past the Yorktown Battlefield, Victory Monument, the banks of the river, and more as you experience the culture and history of America while simultaneously seeing the beautiful sites of the Williamsburg area. If you are lucky, the crew will let you lend a hand at setting sail.
Learn about the Chesapeake Bay and Williamsburg coastal area on the informative and exciting Miss Hampton II Harbor Cruise. The fully narrated tour will take you past such sites as the Virginia Air and Space Museum, Blackbeard’s Point, and the Old Pointe Comfort Lighthouse, just to name a few. As the Miss Hampton II is the only harbor cruise vessel in this part of the state you will be able to get up close and personal in places you may not otherwise be able to see.
If you enjoy watching animals, then the Virginia Living Museum will offer loads of fun at an affordable price. This indoor and outdoor museum allows you to see a variety of animals all in their natural habitats. From a 3/4 mile outdoor walk where you can see bobcats and red wolves to a 30,000 gallon aquarium, many of Virginia’s native species are found here. In addition to these exciting attractions you can also enjoy an aviary and science center.
Take Part in Williamsburg’s Memorial Day Ceremonies!
Celebrate all that America has accomplished with a special Memorial Day weekend to Williamsburg. Get the most out of your summer vacation with a visit to several of Colonial Williamsburg’s most historic sites, including the Bruton Parish Church, French Grave site and the Palace. Fresh wreaths will be hung in these areas to commemorate soldiers who gave their lives in conflicts dating back to the Revolutionary War. Honor your veterans by participating in this great event. You can find Williamsburg lodging for Memorial Day weekend as well.
While you’re in the Williamsburg area, you can find all kinds of exciting attractions to keep you busy, including Busch Gardens Williamsburg, one of Virginia’s most popular theme parks! Take part in some of the festivities featuring famous world cultures like Ireland or Germany with shows, cuisine and fun rides. Kids will take their turn on zooming roller coasters like the Battering Ram, Escape from Pompeii, Roman Rapids or the Griffon. Highlighted shows include Sunny Days Celebration, This is Oktoberfest and Celtic Fyre.
Switch from land to water at Water Country USA, providing the full summer experience. Cool off on a hot day with splashing rides like Big Daddy Falls, Malibu Pipeline, Rampage or Adventure Isle. Remember, many of these rides can hold multiple people in one raft, so the more the merrier. Invite your family and friends along with swim wear for a fantastic experience in Williamsburg’s number one water park. For those that would rather relax and tan, the park also provides more than 1,500 lounge chairs within its boundaries.
Washington DC Honors Veterans During Memorial Day!
Memorial Day presents many opportunities to be thankful for the freedom through veterans, and Washington DC provides ceremonies at several of their most famous national memorials during this special day on May 30. You can visit areas like the Arlington Cemetery, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean Veterans Memorial to visualize the symbolic sacrifice that many military personnel have given for the privileges that Americans share. Look for the Eternal Flame near John F. Kennedy’s grave, or stand by as military bands play heartwarming, patriotic tunes. If you’re interested in booking DC lodging while you’re here, you can browse through our Washington DC hotels.
Once you’ve viewed some of the sobering ceremonies in tribute to Memorial Day, you can find some more lighthearted entertainment at Washington DC’s shows, such as the famous dinner show, Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament in Hanover, MD. Walk into the massive arena and watch as the lights dim and six armored knights ride out with lances in their hands as they compete for the princess. At your table, you can cheer on the knights as you eat a delicious meal of roasted chicken, herb-basted potato, garlic bread and tomato soup. It’s a thrilling experience from the start of the tournament to the finale!
If you enjoy a show that will make you contemplate and decipher riddles, you can try out the Mystery Dinner Playhouse in Arlington, VA. Sit down in a classic setting, bite into an array of entrées like top sirloin of beef or grilled fish, and determine who the culprit is. Once the play begins, it will be up to you and those at your table to find out who’s going to be knocked off next! In addition to your meal, you can earn a special prize if you guess the murderer by the end of the show.
Reserve Your Tickets to the Williamsburg Hampton Jazz Festival!
Some of the artists featured in Williamsburg’s annual Hampton Jazz Festival are already selling out, and visitors are encouraged to reserve their seats early for this event taking place from June 24 – 26. Some of the most well-known modern and classic jazz artists such as Charlie Wilson, Frankie Beverly and Anthony Hamilton will fill the stage with their smooth vocals and accompanying instrumentals. You will find an extraordinary mix of jazz and blues during the concert and gain a new appreciation for the live performances of these artists. Be sure to reserve your Williamsburg hotel and tickets ahead of time.
You can learn about the extensive colonial history of Williamsburg with a stop at Jamestown Settlement, where local actors will interact with you and your family to create the authentic atmosphere of the original Jamestown village. Learn about how shelters were made, food was produced and animals were hunted back in the 17th century. You’ll even be able to board the replicated three ships that came from England to Virginia in 1607.
The interactive experience can be continued at the amazing Virginia Living Museum, providing a look a more than 250 species of wildlife that make the water and land its home. Stroll through this vast facility that combines a science center, aquarium, botanical preserve, wildlife park and aquarium all into one. Visitors will see lovable animals like otters and unique wildlife such as horseshoe crabs. Take the kids on your trip for a fun, education experience!
Show Mom How Much She Means to You in Williamsburg!
With Mother’s Day quickly approaching on May 8th, a great place to spend the weekend would be in Williamsburg where there is always something fun going on that the whole family can enjoy. Plan a special evening for Mom that includes a wonderful dinner and dancing aboard the Spirit of Norfolk Dinner Cruise. This cruise gives you a candlelit dinner buffet of gourmet entrées like roasted rosemary beef and wild Alaskan salmon which you can enjoy while sailing down the pristine Elizabeth River. You will enjoy the live entertainment as your meal comes to a close and then you can dance to the music provided by one of the area’s talented DJs. This is certain to be a very special evening for Mom and everyone else in your party. Visitors can book Williamsburg hotel reservations if they’re interested in staying for an extended period of time, and Spirit of Norfolk reservations are available as well!
Another great activity Mom is sure to enjoy is the Mystery Dinner Playhouse, where a talented cast of performers will satisfy both your hunger for a meal and your appetite for mystery! As your four-course meal is served, you can collect clues that will help you solve the mystery, and you can be a part of the fun by interacting with, and possibly even bribing, the wait staff to gain valuable clues. Everyone is sure to have a fun time during this delightful “who-done-it” dinner party!
End your fabulous weekend with Mom on a high note by visiting Busch Gardens Williamsburg. This world-class theme park has something for everyone, from thrilling roller coasters and live shows to authentic food and plenty of shopping opportunities. The park is packed full of fun and features the cultures of the Europe like Ireland, Italy and Germany throughout. It’s a great way to spend an unforgettable time with Mom!
Visit Yorktown Market and Jamestown Days in Williamsburg
During your visit to Williamsburg, you will find a variety of cultural and historical events to keep you and family entertained including Yorktown Market and Jamestown Days. Yorktown Market Days, which starts May 14 and lasts until Sept. 17, is a Saturday morning event that allows you to purchase fresh produce, meat and seafood, baked goods, specialty cut flowers, and art while being entertained with live music. Jamestown Days, on May 14, is a jointly sponsored event at Historic Jamestown and Jamestown Settlement and will provide visitors with views into Maritime demonstrations, military drills, archaeology and programs on English and Powhatan Indian contact, exploration and discovery. You and your family can make lodging arrangements in the Williamsburg area as well.
When you are not visiting the historical areas of Williamsburg, head to Busch Gardens Williamsburg for a fun day filled with roller coasters, food and entertainment. During the month of May, Busch Gardens will host Ramp Jam, where professional BMX racers, skateboarders and in-line skating athletes perform in Festhaus Park. You won’t want to miss all the exciting events Busch Gardens has planned for it’s guests. If you are looking for a little more H2O action, spend the day at Water Country USA in Williamsburg. Get ready for the slide of your life on the park’s new drop slide Vanish Point. The crest of this 75-foot tower challenges you with two wave paths. You can step into a skybox where you will drop down when the floor drops out. Or get horizontal on the 300’ speed slide where you will drop down as soon as you sit down. Your adrenaline is sure to get pumping on this ride.
In the evening, take your family on a cruise with the Spirit of Norfolk. Explore the beauty and charm of Norfolk’s skyline and Elizabeth River while you enjoy the vocal talents of your wonderful wait staff. After dinner, some of Norfolk’s most popular DJs will spin Top 40 hits that span the genres so you can dance the night away. Whatever you choose to do while in Williamsburg, you and your family are sure to have plenty of memories to share for years to come.
Have a Special St. Patrick’s Day Celebration in Williamsburg
With St. Patrick’s Day quickly approaching on March 17th, it’s time to start planning an exciting St. Patrick’s Day getaway. Spend your time in Williamsburg where many of the area’s top attractions are open and just waiting for you to come and explore them!
Colonial Williamsburg, the top historic attraction in Williamsburg, gives you the chance to visit the world as it was in the 18th century before technology and the winning of the Revolutionary War changed the United States forever. At Colonial Williamsburg, you will see living history interpreters giving demonstrations of everyday chores and activities from that time period. With just the one day pass, you get access to Great Hopes Plantation, complimentary historic area shuttle service, admission to the Courthouse, and admission to a number of other exciting features the park offers. Your whole family is certain to love visiting this attraction.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum
Another top attraction that is not to be missed during your St. Patrick’s Day getaway is Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum. This museum offers over 300 exhibits that focus on the unusual and the downright bizarre. A 500 lb. gorilla composed entirely of nails, a genuine shrunken head, and a two headed calf are just a few of the strange sights that you can expect to see. No matter what you’ve seen in the past, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is certain to amaze you with what it has to offer!
What’s a special trip to Williamsburg without an evening of dinner and dancing? You’ll get both with the Spirit of Norfolk Dinner Cruise. This cruise gives you a candlelit dinner buffet of gourmet treats like roasted rosemary beef and wild Alaskan salmon while you sail down the Elizabeth River. As you drift, you will pass the Norfolk Naval Base where you can get a close look at the ships under an evening sky. Once dinner has finished and you’ve started on dessert, live entertainers will perform for you before you can dance to the music provided by one of the area’s talented DJs. This is certain to be a very special evening for everyone in your party.
Fashion History Brings Style to Colonial Williamsburg
If you love fashion and history, you’re going to be thrilled with the new exhibit at Colonial Williamsburg, Fashion Accessories from Head to Toe: 1600 to 1840. This exhibit features the hottest accessories that were worn up to 400 years ago. Purses, shawls, hats, shoes, and gloves are just a few of the accessories you will see on display. You may be surprised and amused by this exhibit’s pieces of history and interested in the symbolic meaning that many of these fashion symbols carried during that time period. This exhibit will be available from now until August 31st, so plan a visit to the area to get a glimpse of this fascinating bit of fashion history at Colonial Williamsburg.
After visiting Colonial Williamsburg, plunge into the exciting history of ships on the high seas with the Yorktown Sailing Cruises. The Yorktown Sailing Cruises will give you the chance to explore the area aboard a tall ship made to replicate those that sailed over 300 years ago. This incredible sailing opportunity is the perfect setting for a tour just off the shores of Williamsburg where you will enjoy lovely scenic views and get to hear about the historic activities that took place in the area on both land and water.
Your history exploration can continue with a visit to the Jamestown Settlement and the Yorktown Victory Center. At Jamestown Settlement, you will get to explore the 1600′s by visiting a replicated village from that time and interacting with living history performers showing everyday activities from that time period. For your added enjoyment, three replicas of the original ships that sailed to Virginia are also located at the settlement. At the Yorktown Victory Center, you will get to explore the events that led up to the American Revolution through film, galleries, and living history interpretations that have been designed to bring history to life. When you get the Jamestown and Yorktown Combo, you get admission to both for one great price!
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!
