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| Replicas of the Godspeed, Discovery and Susan Constant. |
> Five Fun Places to Take the Family
Mention American history, and many people immediately think of our nation’s capital. Indeed, Washington, DC, is known for its wealth of historical treasures. But Virginia has some bragging rights of her own. History books are filled with legendary events that shaped our nation—and the very places cited in the annals of time are open to public exploration.
It’s hard to imagine anyone within a day’s travel who has not visited these engaging sites, but as is often the case, we take for granted our abundant regional attractions. Vacations are spent in more exotic destinations, and the plan to “someday” visit an important museum or park never materializes—or is tabled until a distant relative comes to town. If this describes you, consider what you’ve been missing in Virginia.
The Hampton Roads region in the southeastern portion of the state is considered the birthplace of Colonial America. Here, you can visit Berkeley Plantation, the site of the first official Thanksgiving in 1619 (Charles City); tour St. Luke’s Church, the only original Gothic church in the United States (Smithfield); or marvel at Bacon’s Castle, one of the oldest brick homes still standing in English North America (Surry).
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| Navigators once determined latitude using a backstaff. |
But the region is best known for its “Historic Triangle.” Three fascinating places—Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown—mark the corners of the triangle and the celebrated events that changed the course of history.
JamestownWhen you visit Jamestown Settlement, you are transported back in time, to the very location the first English settlers once lived. Here, you can explore America’s beginnings: a re-created Powhatan Indian village, a Continental Army encampment, and a 1780s farm, complete with costumed interpreters. You can board replicas of the rugged ships that carried explorers to the New World or learn about how the original fort at Jamestown fell to ruin and was buried beneath the soil until 1996, when archaeologists discovered it, as well as their ongoing mission to restore and preserve the site.
Williamsburg
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| At the Yorktown Victory Center, visitors can try on a regimental coat like one worn by a Revolutionary War soldier. |
What does the intellectual and revolutionary center of Virginia look like? Find out for yourself, because Colonial Williamsburg—a functional colonial town and the nation’s largest living history museum—has more history-related attractions and sightseeing opportunities than you can possibly squeeze into a day. Historical re-enactments of significant events take place frequently for a truly enlightening glimpse into the past. Also check out the world-class museums, take a peek at the Governor’s Mansion and Gardens, and stroll the grounds of the College of William and Mary—one of the nation’s oldest educational institutions. A real treat is the college’s Old English-style Sunken Gardens, which are usually bustling with activity. Nature lovers also will relish New Quarter Park, while oneophiles might enjoy a guided tour and tastings at the lovely Williamsburg Winery.
Yorktown
The most important battle of the Revolutionary War was fought in Yorktown, the site where the colonies effectively earned their freedom in 1781. Nine buildings still survive from this tumultuous era. Take a tour of the Nelson House and drive the seven-mile Yorktown Battlefield tour. Time it right, and you’ll catch one of the live firings of an 18-pound siege gun, a replica of the largest cannon used by Americans at Yorktown. Don’t skip the Yorktown Victory Center, a living history interpretive site, where you can watch an informative film and browse numerous artifacts from the famous siege. Plan your trip for Oct. 18-19 and celebrate “Yorktown Victory Weekend,” which marks the 227th anniversary of the American and French victory at Yorktown.
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| Musket firing at the Yorktown Victory Center. |
Colonial Parkway
Connecting Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown is Colonial Parkway—one of the most scenic roadways you may ever encounter. It stretches for 23 miles, from the York River at Yorktown to the James River at Jamestown. As you travel through 400 years of American history, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the James and York rivers, tidal estuaries and picturesque passageways through hardy forests, making the drive to each point of the Historic Triangle a memorable part of the experience.
Five Fun Places to Take the Family
If you’ve already been on a colonial quest, try one of these exciting attractions!
- Virginia Air & Space Center: Hampton, Virginia is the birthplace of America’s space program. Where else could you launch a rocket or pilot a shuttle? Also see the Apollo 12 command capsule that went to the moon, and historic planes. (757) 727-0900 or www.vasc.org.
- Frontier Culture Museum: Staunton. If your kids think they’ve got it rough, they may change their tune after seeing what life was like on the farm! Four different historic farms—German, Scots-Irish, English and American—were moved from their country and reconstructed for an authentic look at heritage. (540) 332-7850 or www.frontiermuseum.org.
- The Toy Museum, Natural Bridge.
Sure it’s fun for youngsters, but adults
will turn into kids again when they see the largest collection of childhood memorabilia
on display in the world—a whopping
45,000 toys, games and dolls dating from 1740 to 2000. (540) 291-9920 or www.awesometoymuseum.com. - Amazement Square, The Rightmire Children’s Museum, Lynchburg. Four floors of highly interactive exhibits will fascinate and educate visitors of all ages. It features the tallest indoor climbing tower in the nation. (434) 845-1888 or www.amazementsquare.org.
- Busch Gardens Europe, Williamsburg. This beautiful theme park has more than 50 thrilling rides and attractions (including its new roller coaster, Griffon, which sends riders up 205 feet, then straight down at more than 70 mph!), 10 live stage shows, and lots of world-class shops and restaurants. (800) 343-7946 or www.buschgardens.com/va.