Colonial Williamsburg, the historic district of the city of Williamsburg, Virginia, consists of many of the buildings that formed the original colonial capital of Williamsburg. All later buildings have been removed. In colonial times, Williamsburg was the capital of government, education, and culture of Virginia. A return to this has made it a wonderful tourist attraction, attracting patrons from all over the world.

Colonial Williamsburg is, in actuality, a living history museum. That is to say, it is an open-air assemblage of buildings populated with historical re-enactors. Their job is to both explain and demonstrate aspects of daily life as they were in the past. Also known as interpreters, these enactors work, dress, and talk as they would have in colonial times. There are many living history museums in the county, but Colonial Williamsburg is unusual in the fact that it was constructed from a living town whose modern elements, including inhabitants, were removed. Also unusual is the fact that there is no admission cost to walk through the district, and it is open all day. Charges are only to enter historic buildings to see arts and crafts demonstrations, or to attend scheduled outdoor performances.

Due to this, Colonial Williamsburg is a very good tourist destination for the entire family. There are many activities to do to. A good starting place would be to of course, visit the Visitor Center. It features a parking lot, which is important since automobiles are restricted from the restored area. On the first Sunday of December, the Grand Illumination occurs. Based loosely on an English tradition of placing lit candles in windows of homes and public buildings to celebrate a special event, the Grand Illumination involves the lighting of thousands of Christmas lights all at once.

There are many other events, ranging from the reenactment of Revolutionary War era drum teams to “Thomas Jefferson” giving a speech in the garden of the Governor’s Palace. One interesting aspect is the sale of reproduction products. While this is not unusual for any museum, what is unusual is that a visitor can watch a product go from the beginning stages in one of the many craft buildings and then see the finished version in one of the stores.

Connecting Williamsburg to the historical parts of Jamestown and Yorktown is Colonial Parkway, offered by the National Park Service. The roadway is shielded from views of commercial development, keeping the ambiance of the area while using motor vehicles or bicycles.

Unfortunately, Colonial Williamsburg has recently been experiencing financial difficulties and was even planning to sell the Carter’s Grove mansion and grounds to a private purchaser. Dwindling attendance and lack of endowment funds has put Williamsburg in this situation.

Going to Williamsburg would not only be beneficial for them to continue their operations, but also a wonderful and enjoyable learning experience. While it can provide for an old-fashioned romantic hideaway for a couple, it can also be a learning experience for any family with children, but not just for the children. Colonial Williamsburg is a lovely vacation experience for anyone who gets the chance to go.