| Once the seat of early American government, | | | | History lovers will be interested in |
| Williamsburg, Virginia is one of the most | | | | Williamsburg's latest attraction, President's |
| popular vacation destinations in the | | | | Park. Located just on the outskirts of town, |
| Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Its | | | | President's Park is a large outdoor museum |
| proximity to the Chesapeake Bay and larger | | | | featuring gigantic busts of every US |
| cities like Washington, DC and Virginia Beach | | | | President. From George Washington to George |
| also attracts many people seeking a new home | | | | W. Bush, visitors may learn about each |
| for raising a family, or for retirement. In | | | | presidency as they gaze at larger than life |
| the summer months, however, the town provides | | | | replicas of our nation's leaders. |
| ample opportunity for families to explore the | | | | |
| roots of our nation's history and culture, as | | | | Visitors seeking a bit of excitement will |
| well as have some fun. | | | | want to stop at nearby Busch Gardens Europe, |
| | | | a seasonal amusement park sectioned to |
| Situated on the tip of the booming Hampton | | | | celebrate the different cultures that shape |
| Roads metropolitan area, Williamsburg forms | | | | our nation. Spine-twisting roller coasters, |
| one point of the historical triangle of sites | | | | three-dimensional rides and top entertainment |
| (the others being Yorktown and the Jamestown | | | | delight thousands of visitors each year. When |
| colony) that attracts thousands of tourists | | | | the sun is especially brutal, companion park |
| annually. It is easy to find, being a short | | | | Water Country USA offers a respite in the |
| trip off I-64 and accessible through the | | | | form of water slides and a giant wave pool. |
| local AmTrak station. At most, Williamsburg | | | | |
| is an hour's drive from three airports: | | | | For lovers of culinary delights, Williamsburg |
| Richmond International, Williamsburg/Newport | | | | is home to some of the finest restaurants in |
| News, and Norfolk International. | | | | the state. Virginia ham, Chesapeake crabs, |
| | | | and colonial classic cream of peanut soup are |
| In Williamsburg, visitors may experience the | | | | just a few of the items one might find in the |
| life of our forefathers with a stroll through | | | | taverns and eateries around town. |
| the streets of the colonial district. | | | | Williamsburg is home to The Trellis, made |
| Stepping into the cobblestone streets sends | | | | famous by the decadent Death by Chocolate |
| one back in time as costumed folk demonstrate | | | | dessert that is so big, it has to be shared! |
| traditions and vocations of the time period. | | | | |
| Gardens are cultivated for the beautiful | | | | For visitors interested in less touristy |
| floral arrangements decorating each door, the | | | | things, Williamsburg offers opportunities for |
| town blacksmith toils to forge ironworks, and | | | | relaxation as well. Nestled the looming pines |
| the many shopkeepers bustle to serve their | | | | on the northern edge of town is Waller Mill |
| customers with handmade soaps, candles and | | | | Park, favored by locals and tourist for its |
| linens. | | | | many hiking and biking trails. Cyclists |
| | | | especially enjoy riding the Colonial Parkway |
| While many of the buildings situated along | | | | for breathtaking views of the marsh and |
| Duke of Gloucester street charge no | | | | Chesapeake Bay. For golfers, there are three |
| admission, some sites in the preserved | | | | PGA-rated courses within the town borders. |
| colonial area are part of a larger tour | | | | |
| requiring passes which may be purchased from | | | | Williamsburg is a haven for golfers, history |
| the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Among | | | | buffs, and anyone desiring a reprieve from |
| the buildings people may explore at no charge | | | | the bustle and traffic often found in DC and |
| are Bruton Parish, one of the oldest Anglican | | | | Northern Virginia. Because the attraction to |
| congregations in the country, and the Wren | | | | Williamsburg is seasonal and spread out, the |
| Building, the oldest academic structure in | | | | area also allows for a sense of isolation and |
| the United States. The Wren Building is part | | | | peace without being inaccessible. So if |
| of the College of William and Mary, which | | | | you're thinking of Virginia for your next |
| abuts the colonial district. | | | | vacation, be sure to reserve a few days for |
| | | | Williamsburg. You won't be disappointed. |