Unwind in Williamsburg
Time travel to a typical day in the 1700s, when Williamsburg was the capital of the Colony of Virginia. Stop by the Governor’s Palace, Capitol, Courthouse, Bruton Parish Church, an apothecary, wigmaker, and other fascinating attractions.
One of the three legs of America’s Historic Triangle, Williamsburg, together with Jamestown and Yorktown, should be on everyone’s bucket list. Experience Colonial Williamsburg against the snowy backdrop of winter. Dig back to another century in Historic Jamestowne’s archeological area, and relive the Revolutionary War at the Yorktown Battlefield.
For some modern-day fun, head to Busch Gardens® Williamsburg and Water Country USA® (open seasonally) and Ripley’s Believe It or Not!® For history buffs and thrill seekers, check out Freedom Park — site of one of the country’s first Free Black Settlements and home to the Williamsburg Botanical Garden and Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park.
Must-Do: Enjoy a nature break from the historical attractions and theme parks by spending a few hours at 2,705-acre Waller Mill Park, celebrating its 50th anniversary. Kayak, canoe, pedal boat, or fish on the 360-acre reservoir, play disc golf or cornhole, hike one of the trails, let your pooch run at the dog park, and have a picnic by the playground (bring your own or visit the snack shop). Hours vary depending on the time of year.
Eat: Food for Thought on Richmond Road has a diverse lunch and dinner menu, including American classics like Grandma’s Meatloaf, ethnic fare like Thai One On pad thai, and seafood like What Big Mussels You Have! (plus gluten-free and vegan options). You’ll know you’re at the right place when you see Benjamin Franklin’s face. The walls bear thought-provoking quotes by famous thinkers, and the tables have cards to spark conversation.
Day-Trip: Explore southeastern Virginia’s pork and peanut industries along the Salty Southern Route. Stop in the quaint town of Smithfield, headquarters of Smithfield® Foods, recognized for its ham and bacon. Sniff around to find the eight painted pigs, and then head south to peanut country in Suffolk, where you can pose for a selfie with Mr. Peanut® and purchase some of the signature Planters® Virginia peanuts, the big, tasty type in the shells, also called ballpark peanuts.
