Every person the works here is rude. There were 6 of us and it cost 200 dollars to walk around in the heat. Every place was so packed and the ones that weren't, the workers were so rude that you didn't even want to go inside. Just look at pictures online and read about the history yourself. read more

We recently visited Colonial Williamsburg with our two teenage kids 12 and 14. This was the first time any of us had visited and was one of the main reasons for our East Coast Trip. I'm happy to report we were not disappointed! The town is preserved exactly as it was a century before. The fact this is still a working town from blacksmiths to book binders to gunsmiths to the apothecary shop is amazing. All the "actors" employees were amazing a special shoutout to the amazing female book binder who had the most interesting stories and history. Another shoutout to the amazing leather making team that was very engaging and answered all of my kids questions with a smile. Both the Musket Shooting demonstration and the amazing history lesson within the courthouse. The Governors house was a real highlight from the tour to the amazing gardens and maze in the back of it. The museum is also included and is absolutely massive and air conditioned. You can easily spend 2 hours there alone, they had a scavenger hunt for the kids that they really enjoyed. Overall an amazing journey through living history that we would really love to see again one day. read more

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After moving my daughter into her freshman year dorm at William & Mary College. I had lots of time on my hands to start my exploration of Williamsburg VA. As a parent of a W&M student, I can get a free (with paid tuition :) annual pass to Colonial Williamsburg. This is the largest and oldest living history museumn in the USA. It spans 301 acres, so I only enjoyed as much as the oppressive August humidity would allow before I took refuge in the Barnes & Noble Bookstore that anchors Merchant Square where CW starts. 40% of the buildings are original to the site, the others were reconstructed in great detail. Museum docents walk around and interact with you keeping very much in character of the period. If your ask for the time, they'll look at the position of the Sun, as they do not wear watches and you certainly won't catch them with a mobile phone! The craftspeople you meet in the various stores (tailor, cobbler, milliner, woodwork, etc) are NOT actors, but have gone through extensive training to develop the skills and use of tools to be masters of their trade. The silversmith on my tour, has a Masters degree in that art. They all have an incredible depth of knowledge of their craft and the culture of colonial time in general. With my annual pass, I look forward to spending more time steeped in the history of the colonial period. This is one 'tourist trap' you want to get caught up in! read more

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In Colonial Williamsburg, you have the opportunity to see then-contemporary life from staff in colonial garb. Between reenactments and actors going to and fro, partying like it was 1599 (actually, years later, but you know what I mean), you get a high-level taste of what it was like to be a colonial citizen. You will be doing a lot of walking. Luckily it's a fun place to walk through - unless you're hideously out of shape or if it's a sweltering summer - and the colonial buildings are interesting to visit. Souvenirs are pricey, but aren't they all? How I wish I had a camera when I was there! read more

So much to see and do here. lots of walking. lots of history. Come early. bring bottled water. take rests and enjoy all you can see. read more

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Do not pay for admission! This was the biggest waste of $40 per person. Then to add the awareness that a tour guide can make or break an experience, for us the tour guide started the day in the Governor's Palace set a sour tone. They first assumed we were all American because we were all white, but one couple was European, which they would have known had they engaged anyone other than talked at us. Never have I felt as insulted on a tour as the gentlemen who lead our tour, waiting and chastising us to offer answers to the questions that clearly nobody knew. Seemingly they seemed to have forgotten that not being steeped in the history weekly we do not have it engrained in our memory the same way that they may. Then to have people sitting outside of the businesses to announce what we were passing, even though we had just read the sign. Instead of offering an opportunity to educate about the importance a tin smith may have or the role of the mercantile, for example. The food was uninspiring and could be bought anywhere. The one thing that seemed remotely exciting were the decorations for the Halloween festivities later in the day. If you have children they may enjoy that. read more

The name says it all. I have been to Colonial Williamsburg more times than I can remember and I always find it interesting. It is exactly what it sounds like: a collection of colonial shops and houses that have pretty much been the same since they were built. The added touch now is that is has become a "living" village of tinkers, tailors, blacksmiths, shoe makers etc that go about life as if it were still the 1600's. This can be fascinating at times when you realize just how far we have come since the old days. They actually lived pretty well and had some ingenious methods for dealing with heat and such. The downside is that this place can get overrun with school kids and if you happen to hit it in July / august be prepared for some serious heat and humidity. Prices are a bit steep, particularly when eating in and around the village but it is not as crazy as say Disney. Getting there is a snap from the highway - everything is well marked. You hit the visitor entrance and you will be charged some sort of fee - or you can walk over (get a map) from town and just stroll in for free... Um, naturally they would like for you to pay... Parking is everywhere. read more

The hubby and I were obsessed with Colonial Williamsburg and the whole historic triangle both times we visited. We're history nuts. Not gonna lie, I've also been obsessed with Pocahontas and Powhatans since I was little. The first time we visited we did the whole works. Stayed on site, hit every structure and watched all the shows, dined on site, and even did a ghost tour. It was awesome, especially if you love history and how genuine and dedicated the actors are at their roles. Our favorite spot was definitely the Governor's Palace and the palace scullery where we were able to see examples of 18th-century cooking and how the well off ate. It's worth it to buy the full day pass ($40 adults/$20 kids) to check out all the sites, trade shops, two art museums, and the comp shuttle. It's a beautiful spot to take pictures and wonder around for a tranquil stroll too. If it's your first time here definitely just splurge for the historic triangle pass (Williamsburge, Jamestown, Yorktown). It was definitely worth it and was about 4 days worth of places to see and things to do. Don't skip warm ginger cookies Raleigh Tavern Bakery with a root beer from Chowning's Tavern! We finished off two bags of the cookies and on the drive back home and bought a whole case of the root beer with us. read more

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Short version: I expected more. The good: Actor performances are cool. Some "streets" are beautifully set. Grounds kept well. The best thing about it was reading the plaques as you walking the bridge in and out of the area, those are creatively written. The bad: Very spaced out, lot of walking. I do not mind a good hike, but architecturally there is no "eye candy" on the end of long hike, it just looooooots of empty space. The ugly: Overrated. Over-commercialized. Tourist trap sounds about right. You can walk around free, tho, glad I did not buy those expensive tour tickets. William and Mary Bookstore and Cafe is really B&N and Starbucks. What happen to old mom and pop bookstores where everyone knows your name and you can browse cool books, old and new? This is colonial Williamsburg??? (Don't get me wrong, I looooove B&N, but this is supposed to be historical place away from modern commercial life, hence my disappointment). There are buses running old streets. Modern convenience that absolutely out of place. Bamboo growing on the farm area. Sure, it's a good fencing, but it does not really scream "native". Note: All the food places here either way overrated or chains, and waiting lines on weekend are horrendous. Final note: I may be spoiled by other historical installations I've seen, this just did not click with me. read more

Colonial Williamsburg - Tours Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

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Is it touristy? You bet. But for historical entertainment on an epic scale, nothing beats Colonial Williamsburg. This is Disneyland for nerds. The scope of this recreated Colonial town is staggering - you'll need the better part of a day to take it all in. The tours of the Governor's Palace and the Capitol will take more than 30 minutes apiece, and you can spend hours exploring the dozens of historical shops, homes and businesses that comprise the historic district. No, not everything is open to the public, but I challenge anyone to find another period recreation with as much to see as Williamsburg has to offer in one place. A few tips: 1) Most of the food options are sit-down, period restaurants, and the wait time can be LONG on a crowded day. So either eat early (or late) or be prepared to walk around for an hour or more after you put in your name. 2) Few, if any, of the buildings here are authentic, although they are built in period style and in much the same location where they originally stood. The tour guides will not volunteer this info, but will fess up if asked. 3) Check the Daily Schedule before you start out. There are lots of reenactments throughout the day, but the town is so spread out, you'll miss them if you're not in the right place. Don't let the naysayers keep you from visiting one of the coolest historical attractions on the East Coast. Colonial Williamsburg is well worth the trip, and we'll definitely be coming back. read more

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Absolutely amazing! We spent three days and can't wait to come back! I loved that you can make your stay as busy or relaxing as you desire. It was fun to step back in time! Just a note, if you are active or retired military or a veteran, discount admission is available. If you love American history, make plans to visit soon! read more

Colonial Williamsburg is very one of a kind experience because it is so well done. The history is rich and the staff that works here make it more than just a typical visit to a historic sight. It is large and there is much to see, but that is a good thing because it provides hours, if not days, of learning and entertainment. Make sure you grab the map/schedule of events and study it well to plan out your visit. For us it required two visits and we still didn't get to see everything we wanted to see. One of my favorite things is the interactive performance that occurs daily on the streets. Actors perform a reenactment of moments that occurred before and during the Revolution. It is quite intriguing as the actors will immerse themselves in the crowd and engage people to hear their opinions. The various locations that can be visited are all special in their own way. For instance, the Powell House is geared towards children and how they lived during those times. It's a great learning experience for those that are growing up in the digital age. The gunsmith is interesting because you get to watch them make firearms right in front of you. Or at the Weaver house where they have a beautiful garden and they weave clothes. They have a cool spy game called RevQuest which is basically a treasure hunt. We didn't participate in it, but I talked to many others that were and they seemed to be enjoying it very much. The food and drinks are a tad bit pricey, but not unreasonable. Everything tasted great and I'm happy to pay a little extra knowing that it goes to preserving the history and paying the awesome staff here. Speaking of the staff, they are all great. We did not encounter one person that wasn't pleasant, friendly or helpful. This is probably the best part of visiting here because it adds to the existing history of the place. They make you feel like you're truly back in history and that is why it is a one of a kind experience. If you're a fan of history, please visit here and make sure you put enough time aside to see it all, because it is all worth it. read more

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Wanted to love it, but wasn't super impressed. I went as a child and remember it being much better. I'm not sure if it was off season, but it seemed half the places to see were closed. A few great characters at the Governor's mansion, but otherwise the character actors didn't have much to say and seemed grumpy. I assume they are struggling to find help like everyone else. Definitely call ahead or get there early and purchase tickets if you want to do a buggy ride, we were there at 10am and they were sold out for the day. I didn't see an option to purchase these online. We walked the entire way and it was beautiful! read more

Where do I start lol. The price was for 4 adults and 2 children under 10 over 200. Busses were good but Williamsburg was basically mostly closed. It was Hot on the day we decided on going but a lot of walking and nothing really open Or close to any exhibit that was open. Employees were very nice and I felt sorry for them It was so hot. Hard to find cold drinks. We were not the only ones complaining about the tour. Wish I could say we had a good time but we didn't . Hoping this was just do to COVID but will never return to find out. Kids and I laughed about how bad it really was . read more

Cool place if you like old shit and history. Check it out. I enjoyed my time there. read more

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This was my No 5 visit to Colonial Williamsburg in last 24 years. It always feels the same as far as the fun/learning but it is certainly more pleasant if you can avoid summer heat and winter cold. If you do not care about history you are better off skipping this place because Colonial Williamsburg is 100% history. The small letdown is that many buildings are rebuilt (not original) but you would not know that by walking. You can walk the place for free or you can pay the ticket to learn more and get into the places. There is not much emphasis on the slavery or the fact that our founding fathers served England in the House of Burgesses but you can hear about it and you just have to push to get more information. I would recommend to indulge and get (modified from original) root beer and eat in Kings Arm tavern for the experience. Trivia Fact - College of William & Mary is the second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, after Harvard University and it is just a block away from the Colonial Williamsburg. read more

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If you want a truly authentic, historical experience visit Philadelphia or Boston. You and your family will learn far more about Colonial times and the American Revolution at places such as Independence Hall or the Freedom Trail in Boston.... for a lot less money. The National Park Service does a fantastic job... far better than the employees of Colonial Williamsburg. Also - before you purchase tickets, ask yourself if you really think it is valuable to go inside the individual houses/shops to hear the speeches of the staff. Would be a lot better if the staff was in character (I don't think Nike was the shoe of choice in Colonial America). Without a ticket you are able to stroll the area and experience the pretty setting. This may be enough for you. I personally had a very unpleasant experience with an employee who chose to openly share her political views..... I filed a complaint and did receive a very quick response. But.... still left me with a bad feeling. read more

I never been to Colonial Williamsburg before and I must say it is something that everyone should see. I visited over Memorial day weekend and I thought it was nice that they allowed military free passes for the weekend. They even had a special lounge (liberty lounge) where military members can get refreshments and sit in a cool place. My husband and I explored the grounds to include the Governors house. The grounds are quite lovely and a sight to see. We also payed to do other activities to include shooting muskets and taking a carriage ride. My favorite activity had to be the musket range. It was an hour long experience and sure was fun. A group of 6 went along and we each had the opportunity to shoot 2 different types of muskets. Definitely something everyone should experience. The carriage ride was sweet. Something I had always wanted to do. We rode the randolph and had the prettiest horses (Diamond and Jewel) take us around the grounds. It was really nice. Overall, I thought it was a great experience! read more

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How the mighty have fallen. Came for Memorial Weekend and was shocked with how many of the venues were closed. I am not kidding. Over a third of them are closed on Saturdays and a third are closed on Sundays. If you get a day ticket, forget trying to see most of the locations that you want to see. I understand not opening them every day to save money, but not having them open on weekends when most everyone is here? What kind of customer service is that? I have to say though that the interpreters were fantastic. The Capital Building, Courthouse, weaver, brick makers, shop keepers, Cherokees, and more - they were world class. I love that the interpreters are just as good as they always have been. The grounds were great and the crowds were huge - but I was expecting that. Beautiful location. Wonderful history. Need to make sure that they understand that most of their customers come on weekends and that most of the locations should therefore be open during the weekend. It seems like their hours are set more for their staff than their customers. read more

Anyone who doesn't give this place five stars simply doesn't appreciate American history. This place Is incredible. The large and pristine grounds are kept in 1700's style condition, and can be walked on foot for free. There are tons of historic buildings and sites that do require the purchase of a day pass, but the pass grants you full access to the sites, and there are professional re-enactors who are very knowledgeable, and give presentations on their particular building or site. If you are in the area, leave half a day open to visit this incredible site. History happened right there. read more

Colonial Williamsburg - A re-enactment of the confrontation between the colonists and the British governor over the confiscation of gun powder - Tours Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

I have been bringing the kids to Colonial Williamsburg for years. Our favorite time is during Easter. The flowers are blooming and the gardens look lovely. Sometimes we get the passes but most times we stroll through at our leisure. You can park behind the shops on Duke of Gloucester Street. For the younger kids it's better for us to do it a little at a time. Learning about this time period is fascinating. The employees really get into character. There are several authentic restaurants too. read more

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Seriously when you set a start time for an event, paid or free- you need to start on time!! The tree lighting was scheduled for 5:30, at 6pm it still had not happened . Finally they made some kind of announcement on a crap ass system that didn't work and if you were farther away than five feet you couldn't hear anything anyway. Seriously someone needs to learn to plan properly and get their act together- I would fire them. read more

There is simply nowhere else like Colonial Williamsburg. We've lived here for three years and still find new things every day.

How can anybody not like this place? For a history fanatic, such as myself, this little gem is heaven! I went a few years ago and I sorely wish I could go back and spend at least 3-4 days here. One day isn't enough time to do much of anything. I remember that I liked the print shop the most. Maybe it was because I was into Journalism, but I enjoyed the demonstration a lot. Not many people were in there, so we got special attention. Food is expensive, as it is at all tourist destinations, but if you come at the right time, you can nibble on some historically accurate food from the demonstrations. Definitely take the tour of the main house. I don't think I've ever seen so many swords in one room, on one wall, ever. Oh, the leather "wallpaper" is tre cool. I can't imagine PETA being too happy about it. ;-) During the summer, people can participate in a colonial parade with soldiers and flute players. People get pretty into. I am for sure a fan of this place and can't wait to go back! :-D read more

Haven't been here since I was 8 years old, and needless to say, I was not a fan as a bratty kid. I remember being "bored" (my favorite word). However, as an adult...LOVED IT! My husband and I spent about a day and a half exploring all of the little shops, historical places, and shows. The reenactments were entertaining and informative. There truly is something for everyone and I recommend all who are interested in history to check it out at some point in their lives. Yes, it was hot. Yes, we were tired from all of the walking we did. Yes, it was a great vacation and we will be back. read more

Ever since my long time soul mate took me here, it's now something we must visit every so often! I love the history and it has never once lost its charm we love this place and will continue to visit when we can read more

Colonial Williamsburg - The horses - Tours Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

If you like history, this place is a must see. Colonial Williamsburg is a living-history museum and private foundation representing the historic district of the city of Williamsburg. There so much stuff to do here. The main thing is the tour of Governor Palace, widely known as the official residence of the Royal Governors of the Colony of Virginia. It was also a home for two of Virginia's post-colonial governors, Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson. It is quite educational and interesting knowing significant events. Several taverns have been restored or reconstructed that are open as restaurants or inns. Other buildings include craftsmens' workshops for period trades. The operations of Colonial Williamsburg extend outside the historic area an interpretation of colonial American city. The Merchants Square, is a colonial revival commercial area where novelties, souvenirs, and variety of restaurants are situated. Most of the stores and shops are located on Duke of Gloucester Street right across from The College of William & Mary's campus. Its fascinating and captivating that most of the buildings in the area are well restored. Military discount is on. Do not hesitate to ask. read more

Colonial Williamsburg - Tours Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

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We spent 2 nights and three days there across he 4th of July. It was fantastic! Spend time in each shop and ask the reenactors about their trade. We were sad to hear the print shop may have to stop because paper is hard to find at reasonable cost and there are just fewer people that know how to make the type set. It could vanish in a few years. Also, people just are not interested in paper products like they used to be. The fife and drum corps were fantastic. It's a marvelous step back into colonial America. Learn about our past or lose it forever. read more

Colonial Williamsburg - Fireworks on the 4th of July. - Tours Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

Very cool place to visit and a quaint little area next to the College of William & Mary that you can do everything on foot and it won't cost you too much money. Definitely take a guided tour if you didn't do any research before coming or didn't pay much attention to your history teacher in high school. The guided tours make Colonial Williamsburg even more enjoyable and interesting because most of the guides are characters themselves. If you would rather go at it alone or your own pace exploring the old shops & buildings and watching snippets of historical reenactments of yesteryear, that's totally acceptable, too. You can see Colonial Williamsburg in about 2-3 hours so if you don't have much time, but you're in the area--it's worth the stop to experience it and then shop for some cool souvenirs. read more

It's amazing how beautiful our country is. Learning the history just makes Williamsburg one of the most favorite place to visit with the family. You must bring your children to experience what the text books can't show. It gives them an idea how our country developed. My children learned a lot on this trip out here. read more

Colonial Williamsburg - Tours Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

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I love coming to Colonial Williamsburg. It is fascinating, fun, and educational. It's a history nerd's dream, honestly. People complain about the pricing, but it all depends on what kind of experience you want to have. Plus pricing changes based on the season! Sometimes it's fun just to wander through, without necessarily going into the buildings--which is free! It's great for people watching as well. You'll also get to enjoy some fantastic food at the different restaurants. Personal favorite--the peanut soup! Make sure you make time for a ginger cake with some spicy ginger ale! I think the most important thing that a visitor can do is to really research and prepare prior to their visit. Look at the map online, look at your calendar of events, make a plan--whether or not you're going to take in a performance or a conversation with a National Builder, and make time for just wandering. But also, you'll need to find out ahead of time (I recommend calling) if there are places, such as restaurants, buildings, or exhibits, that are not available due to the season. This is where Colonial Williamsburg needs to improve. It's all well and good to have all of these great places listed on your online map, but all but one of your restaurants are closed in the winter, that's not very helpful. The app they offer is nice, but it doesn't seem to consistently work, which is unfortunate, because it's another big opportunity for Colonial Williamsburg to extend their reach and improve their offerings. I think something that improved my own experience was taking the time to load up my phone with podcasts related to Colonial Williamsburg. An audio tour is lacking, as is a cohesive guide book. While the private buildings are labeled, 'Such and such store house,' I think it would be really great--and an income opportunity--if CW offered a book or additional app content specific to the buildings that are not open to the public, to provide overall context and enrich the experience. As I mentioned, an audio tour does not seem to be available (unless it was in the portion of the app that I could not get to work,) which is a pity, as I think it would be another chance for them to add to their income and increase and enrich the experience. That's why a playlist of podcasts can be helpful. Consider the season as well--the Governor's Palace is stunning in the spring time. The plant market is delightful at harvest time. The newly offered ice skating rink is a fun experience to take in. All seasonal, and all fun ways to add to your experience. A few more items: Don't overlook evening activities as well, as many are fascinating. Outlying museums often go missed because of CW's other offerings, but do make time for their exhibits too! Don't try to do it all in one day--you'll run yourself ragged and rush through things! Again, do your homework, have a plan, add to your experience, consider your time of year and day, and make time for as much as you can, and you'll have a great time. read more

This place is truly beautiful and full of history. I went here with my family for my grandmas 80th birthday. She's in a wheelchair as she had a serious back surgery so she couldn't go inside many places, she can walk with her cane but barely. So she missed out on a lot. My only wish is that there was more wheel chair access for handicapped individuals. read more

The shuttle bus comes by often, every 15 mins. They are narrative, and A/C. This is like back in the 1770s, Colonial times. It brings me back to my history book, I really REALLY enjoy this place. Today, was our lucky day, it was a beautiful day, no rain, not hot, sunny, overcast some, so I can't complain! $40 for adults, you clip on your shirt for the rest of your visit . . . .but the hats for children ARE SPENDY. I paid less than that for mine! Some bathrooms, flush before you get a chance to sit down, but they're clean. One didn't have water to wash your hands, but the toilet flushed 3x while I was there! Yes, that's what sensor does, what a waste of water, so the reason why no water for the faucet? We saw the parade, a band dressed in colonial style. After lunch, we saw another band middle school from Florida. I'd come again, and maybe even stay @ the lodge! read more

Colonial Willaimsburg in Williamsburg Va was actually one of the coolest trips I've been on in my life. My wife and I were vacationing and we decided to check this place out, in lieu of the local nightlife we decided this would be a good bet. Basically you drive there and you are forced to park in this big parking lot, then there is an enterance to the town, it's not free to get in like i thought. You have too choose your pass (the better the pass the more things you're entitled to) We got the most basic that we could, which was aprx. 35 dollars per person. We then walked across a huge bridge that had access to the 'historic district of the town' This basically is a walking / self-guided tour, with a shuttle that takes you back and forth, but if you're young you can just walk it. There were carriages going around with people on them. Everyone was in period dress from the colonial times, I dont know if they were actors or just doing it for fun. there was a blacksmith, a few restaurants, taverns, homes, the jail, etc. There are at least 40 different exhibit buildings to visit with all kinds of demos and workshops being done all the time. People riding around on horses its was so fun. the College of William & Mary is right next to this place. There were also some pay per visit museums there too. All in all it is worth if if you appreciate any kind of history that deals with our country. read more

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Given how expensive it is to visit here with a family, I hoped that the experience would have been more valuable. With the exception of the performance in the heritage theater inside the art gallery. Most of the program seemed light weight to me. read more

This was my first time here and I'd like to give a few tips to fellow newcomers. -Stay at the Woodlands Hotel for a comfy stay that is right next to the visitor's center and just a few hundred feet from the bus stop. (The front desk lady, Coffee, was very nice and helpful! The free breakfasts were great, too). -with a hotel stay, you get a discount on each admission to the colonial city, discount on paid activities, and 10% off at most shops. -If you want to explore the whole colonial city, you will need at least 2 days. I stayed for one day and barely even touched the surface...there is SO much to do. -bring your military card to enter a certain building only for those who served for their country and their families. -Make sure you have spending money because there are some neat shops. -The Official Colonial Williamsburg Ghost Tour was good with fun stories (I even got two pictures of a ghost and a weird green light). -A carriage ride is a must do -Take advantage of the free shuttle service that runs every 10-15 minutes and the last shuttle is at 10pm -Go during fall as it's not too hot or crowded (I went on a Monday, the week of Thanksgiving and it was almost empty). -Don't be afraid to ask the colonial dwellers questions about their trade...it's very interesting and immerses you in the land. I had a great time and would definitely go again. The only negative was that the Visitor Center help desk had two teenage girls working and they weren't very helpful. If you buy tickets online, get to the visitor center at least an hour before closing! If you miss the chance to get your actual tickets at the Visitor Center, there is a building in the colonial city that closes late...once again, the shuttle is VERY helpful. read more

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Since I enjoy learning about America's history, it was a fun $40 experience here. It was a little rainy when I was here but it was bearable. If you're going to do one thing, do the tour of the Governor's Palace. Hopefully your guide is enthusiastic so it's easier to listen. Every other attraction was alright but ultimately it was just nice to stroll around town and check out random things here and there like the blacksmith, silversmith, gunsmith, and the apothecary. There is a lot of opportunity for learning. A show going on at the Capitol building of some British army leader preaching to the citizens--I didn't stay for it. From the gift shop, I bought some ginger ale and some beer, both brewed in the area. If I were a kid, I would be sure to get the British solder hat to wear the whole day. There are a lot of hotels in the area--I am guessing a lot of people stay in the area for a few days to really check out everything. If I am ever back, I would want to do the ghost tour. read more

So many fun things to do and see! Many fun little shops. Get ready to walk ALOT. There is a bus system in place around the outskirts of colonial Williamsburg for your convenience but within CW there were some areas and store that were not very handicap/baby stroller friendly. read more

A truly singular experience. It's easy to see why this is the most popular destination for tourist coming to the US. It's quite unique in every way. You can wander the grounds and get some great exercise and be educated by all the free displays, shops and stores. The College of William & Mary is the highlight. The architecture of Sir William Wren is worth seeing; old, very old. read more

Cool place, great place to learn about American history. We're Canadian on a East Coast road trip and thought it would be educational to stop at Colonial Williamsburg. I've read other reviews and considered not buying tickets and just walking around the town without going into any of the buildings. But we decided to pay for a day pass $40.99 per adult (with the Canadian dollar not doing so well exchange worked out to be $54 CA). We thought why not we're already here might as well have the full experience. Wear walking shoes, its a big place with lots to see and do. Make sure you plan you day and check the schedule for things you wants to see and do. Some actives need reservation. Others are just wait in line for guided tours. Some of my favorite experience is watching a mock trial in the court house and seeing all the horse carriages walking up and down the streets (no cars here). You can pay to have them show you around town. Visiting the coffee house was also great we had some delightful hot chocolate. Pros: Really well done, workers "towns people" were great and helpful. The town is really well preserved. Very educational, everyone was knowledgable. Great guided tours. They offer deals and specials for groups. Cons: Depending on which day you go, a place that you want to see might be closed. Schedule changes daily. Not much food options around. I found it to be a little pricey for the day pass. Overall it was a good educational experience, highly recommend it for those wanting to learn about American colonial 18th century. read more

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