On The King's Business, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

The staff at the King's Arms Tavern compare notes regarding the needs of its patrons in an effort to give each the royal treatment. Okay, it's not really the King's business.

Hungry Lamb, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Spring is the time for lambs to entertain us doing the most common of activities.

Brafferton At The College Of William And Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia

The Brafferton at the College of William & Mary is framed by the setting sun behind and protected by a colonial era canon in front. It is a classic colonial style building.

Fashionable Kids, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

These children, as many do, dress in the mode of their colonial counterparts while taking in the history at Colonial Williamsburg.  While they may not fully appreciate the amazing detail and research of the historic exhibits, they all want the look.  Long dresses, bonnets and tri-cornered hats abound.

Beautiful Ceramic Tiles, Dewitt Wallace Museum, Williamsburg, Virginia

These beautiful hand painted tiles are part of the collection at the Dewitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum.

Memorial Wall, Yorktown, Virginia

These plaques are among a number adorning a wall at Yorktown's Riverwalk Landing to memorialize events and people related to Yorktown, presidents born in Virginia or who visited Yorktown.  Pictured are Presidents George Washington and Ronald Reagan; Compte De Rochambeau and Compte De Grasse, Frenchmen who assisted in the revolution; and the USS Yorktown. Plaques not shown feature presidents born in Virginia, in addition to the first President, George Washington, are Thomas Jefferson, 3rd; James Madison, 4th, James Monroe, 5th, William Henry Harrison, 9th; John Tyler, 10th; Zachary Taylor, 12th; and, Woodrow Wilson, 26th. In addition to President Reagan, other Presidents not born in Virginia who are memorialized are Chester A. Arthur, 21st, who visited for the centennial celebration in 1881, and Herbert Hoover, 31st, who visited for the sesquicentennial in 1931.  Other, non-presidents celebrated on the wall include the Marquis De Lafayette, a French nobleman who assisted in the revolution and Friederick Von Steuben, a military teacher who led a division at the battle at Yorktown in 1781.

Easy Flight, Williamsburg, Virginia

This goose floated just above the James River in search of his flock.

Easy Rider, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

This gentleman took advantage of the weather for a easy ride through town.

A Sure Sign Of Spring, Williamsburg, Virginia

Here's a sure sign of Spring and one that won't sting if you get too close.

World's Wildest Stereo, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, Williamsburg, Virginia

This is the wildest stereo we have ever seen. This little beastie carries its turntable in its back just in case a party breaks out. It is an exhibit at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum and one of many very interesting items. 

Colonial Gathering, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

This group of costumed colonial characters all hit the right place at the right time for us to catch this colonials only shot on Duke of Gloucester Street in Colonial Williamsburg. Its a rarity not to have tourists in the shot.

Captain John Smith At Historic Jamestowne, Williamsburg Virginia

 

Captain John Smith - or at least his statue - stands watch over the James River on Jamestown Island near the site of the original fort built by the 1607 settlers. It is now known as Historic Jamestowne.

Dandy On The Town, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

This dandy, complete with carved walking stick, bright red stockings, and striped skirt, strolled Duke of Gloucester Street in Colonial Williamsburg.

Spring Has Sprung, Williamsburg, Virginia

The daffodils and other early risers have burst forth in a big way with the quick warm up we recently had. We are looking forward to the colors of Spring.

Happy St. Patrick's Day From Williamsburg, Virginia

This is a wee leprechaun from one of the shows at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Hope you all find his pot of gold and have a great St. Patrick's Day.

Presidential Birdhouse, William and Mary College, Williamsburg, Virginia

We noticed this unique birdhouse in the dormer on the garage at the President's house at the College of William & Mary. We never saw one like this before.

Catching A Moment In Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

This costumed employee of Colonial Williamsburg took a moment to watch the activities from her post outside the James Craig Jewelry Store. Her mug and cloak wait behind her on the bench while her bag hangs on the porch rail.

Sunset Over College Creek, Williamsburg, Virginia

The sun began to set over College Creek and peeked over the hill to provide a touch of light and color. The tide was low as the muddy embankments are visible on both sides.

Shoemaker Shop and Greenhow Tenement, Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia

The Shoemaker's shop, next to the Greenhow Tenement, is working through it wood pile trying to stay warm during the winter season. The exhibits in Colonial Williamsburg create authentic conditions and use wood fires (along with modern heat and air conditioning) in the shops. 

Yorktown Victory Monument, Yorktown, Virginia

The Yorktown Victory Monument stands high on the hill above the York River and at the edge of the historic Yorktown where George Washington defeated Cornwallis and the British to bring about the end of the Revolutionary War.

Bearing Arms At The Dewitt Wallace Museum, Williamsburg, Virginia

This display shows the workmanship and variety of firearms in colonial times. It also shows the dramatic differences and advances in weaponry today.

In Time For Justice, Williamsburg, Virginia

This is the Williamsburg - James City County Court House; a beautiful three story blend of architectural history and modern amenities. The three large cupolas on top provide ambient light to courtrooms and offices. Another interesting component is the large clock over the door reminding those entering to arrive on time. We wonder who bears the burden of making that large clock "spring forward" for Day Light Savings time tonight?

Isham Goddin Shop, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

This small shop is adjacent to Christiana Campbell's Tavern. It was purchased by Isham Goddin, a militiaman from New Kent in 1778 for 200 pounds but sold for 90 pounds in 1783. According to Colonial Williamsburg, the property values were quite inflated and when the capital moved to Richmond, quickly dropped.

Today it is a two bedroom guest house available to visitors who want the full colonial experience.

The Big Guns, Yorktown, Virginia

As part of the Revolutionary War historical presentations in Yorktown, canons are placed in areas at which they were likely deployed during the battle. On occasion, canon and period guns are shot. They create quite a noise and smoke.  Click for more information on the Yorktown Victory Center and the Yorktown Battlefield.

Corner Chair, Dewitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, Williamsburg, Virginia

This corner chair is representative of 18th century furniture. It is beautifully appointed yet functional. The Dewitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum features many examples of colonial furnishings.

Gardener Out Of Season, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

We rarely think of gardening in the winter but the gardener at the nursery in Colonial Williamsburg uses the extended growing season provided by the climate to grow a variety of cold weather vegetables. Here he explains his work to tourists.

Entrenched In History At Yorktown Battlefield, Yorktown, Virginia

These earthen work entrenchments are found throughout the Yorktown Battlefield. They were built by the English and used during the battle in 1781 and, during the Civil War, were enlarged. They provided some protection during battle.

Lady In Winter, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

This lady keeps her spirits up and herself warm in her bright red winter coat while strolling near the public gaol  (jail) in Colonial Williamsburg. While winter is generally mild here, on occasion it makes itself known.

King Neptune, Neighbor Within An Hour Of Williamsburg, Virginia

This gigantic statue of King Neptune dominates the boardwalk at nearby Virginia Beach; a very popular shore destination drawing multitudes to the area each season.  Blue skies, wide sandy beaches, waves and sun are enticing.

We are periodically presenting items of interest from neighboring locales within an hour of Williamsburg and who, like all good neighbors, contribute to the quality of life for all.

Music To Colonial Ears, Dewitt Wallace Museum, Williamsburg, Virginia

As hard as it may be for us to conceive, colonials could not turn on the radio, iPod or MP3 player to have music; they had to make it their own. The Dewitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum displays a number of musical instruments, including this fine wood working specimen.

The Man At The Window, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

This shopkeeper took a break to get some fresh air and check out the action in Colonial Williamsburg.