Virginia - a Place for Lovers

by Doreen Kerby

Virginia is for lovers. There are places we want to visit again and our first choice would be Colonial Williamsburg, the nation's oldest and largest outdoor living history museum. However, the next time we go, we promised ourselves we would know our history so we could converse, debate and fully appreciate this unique Historic Site.

What makes Colonial Williamsburg so special? Step back two centuries and talk to people like Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry and find out what it was like to be alive on the eve of the American Revolution when many Virginians were still loyal to the British Crown.

Three thousand costumed personnel man the town, just as it was when it was the Capital of the Colony from 1699 - 1776 and Capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia from 1776 - 1780.

Revolution is in the air. In homes, taverns and streets, prominent citizens speak of royalty, taxation, religion and slavery. Visitors are invited to join in debates with the interpreters who are skilled actors and well informed about the times. They spend hours doing exhaustive research into the minds of 18th-century residents, from all ranks and stature in colonial society. Their responses are totally immersed in the mind-set of the day.

This vibrant, exciting place exists because of the vision of a small town minister and one of the country,s most prominent philanthropists. Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin rector of Bruton Parish Church, approached John D. Rockefeller, Jr., with the idea of restoring the town to its 18th-century glory. Thanks to his generous support and tens of thousands of other donors, the town is little changed from the one America's Founding Fathers knew.

The Historic Area comprises 173 acres with 88 original 18th-century buildings and 500 structures that have been reconstructed on their original foundations. Here you don't stand behind velvet ropes but are thrust into a living, changing town where people work, dine, shop and visit. The "citizens" wear the fashion of the day and the tradespeople go about their work with the tools of the day. "Free blacks" and "African-American slaves" go about their work, too. The tavern menus include 18th-century fare adapted to 20th-century tastes.

Take part in the demonstrations of trades and crafts to understand the way people lived. If you hear someone yell, "Fire!" join the colonial fire brigade to help pass the buckets. Pick up a Visitor's Companion which lists everything that will happen for the entire week. A three-day stay is highly recommended.

Yes, the British really are coming! Several times throughout the year, powerful revolutionary war reenactments draw participants from around the world. Major confrontations are recreated that happened right on this soil. Men, women and children are invited. Fall into rank and drill as if you were a recruit.

Each day of the week represents a key moment in history, and finally in May 1776, Virginia declared its independence. When the sun goes down, evening programs range from a pirate trial to candlelight tours which invite visitors inside the homes and trade shops. Concerts, dances, duels and ghost stories are part of the night entertainment.

If you think pop music gives you a rush, wait until you hear the Fife and Drum Corps marching down Duke of Gloucester Street. Explore the town and discover private vistas, ponds, hidden pastures where livestock and horses graze and newly built stables house breeds reflective of the times.

More than 100 gardens in Colonial Williamsburg, have been meticulously researched for style and accuracy. Narrow pathways and the abundance of nature add charm and beauty to these gardens. Also designed to impress is the Governor's Palace with its ornate reception halls, formal gardens and private chambers.

At Carter's Grove, five minutes from town, the slave quarters give visitors a chance to learn about slavery. Conditions were harsh but Williamsburg is a place of truth. It shows the world what it means to be American, with all the beauty marks and the scars. It is the most complete story of the early experience of Black Americans found anywhere in the world.

Colonial Williamsburg is made for day trippers so pack a lunch and head east to the beach or west to nearby Civil War battlefield parks. If golf is your game 234 holes surround Colonial Williamsburg. Just a 15-minute drive to the southwest is Jamestown, where English colonization took root in 1607 or Yorktown to the southeast, where Washington and his Continental army defeated the British in October 1781 after eight days of bloody battle.

When night time comes and you deserve a good rest, the Colonial Williamsburg Resort Hotels are convenient and luxurious. Care to reserve the suite where Queen Elizabeth II stayed? Afternoon tea is served on shaded terraces overlooking the same garden views enjoyed by presidents, and royalty. Pools, tennis,lawn bowling, croquet, a fitness center and golf are within a short stroll. Exceptional dining and hospitality are part of the 18th century's gracious living. Checking in is easy. Leaving is difficult.

When You Go:

Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center - Call 800-HISTORY for information and reservations. Check out their web site,www.colonialwilliamsburg.org.