Lafayette Rallying The Troops, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

In one of many historical reenactments, Major General, the Marquis de Lafayette rallies the troops on the courthouse green in Colonial Williamsburg. Lafayette was a key player in the American victory over the British, particularly at nearby Yorktown.

Wagon Behind the Wheelwright's Shop in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

The wheelwright at Colonial Williamsburg fashions wheels for the carriages and carts used in the historic district in the same manner his colonial counterparts did in the 1770's; all by hand. It is tedious, hard but very precise work.  You can watch him, and all of the colonial tradesmen, do their jobs each day.

Pierce's Bar-B-Que, Williamsburg, Virginia

Well, what can you say about Pierce's except "Yum!" This is a wildly popular place with locals and tourists.   Not fine dining, but very fine eating.   If we were you, and you are planning a visit to our beautiful Williamsburg area, most definitely make time for a stop a Pierce's Bar-B-Que. : )

Did You Know . . . ? Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Did you know that even the restroom signs in Colonial Williamsburg are colonial?    :  )

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Little Girl Enjoying an Outing In Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

We truly live in a unique place where children are transported back in time to 1774. We happened upon this little girl dressed in her best colonial attire trying to look over the fence at the rear of the Wythe House in Colonial Williamsburg. Whatever she spied through the fence made her turn and giggle with delight to the rest of her party.

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Archaeological Dig at Historic Jamestown Island, Williamsburg, Virginia

Archaeological digs continue at Historic Jamestown Island at the site of the original fort constructed in 1607 which, despite many hardships, became the first permanent English settlement in North America. The stockade represenst the location and style of the original barricade walls.  The dig area is inside the fort where the first settlers lived. The dig season is about to begin again.

The Liberty Pole in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

In Colonial Williamsburg, prior to the American Revolution, merchants were asked to sign a pledge not to import British goods as a protest of taxes and the ill-treatment of colonists.  The "Liberty Pole" was erected on Duke of Gloucester Street in the Fall of 1774 as a reminder to those who were "refractory" and failed to sign the pledge and support the cause of public resistance against England.  The barrel contains tar and the bag  has feathers so that any who declined could be tarred and feathered by their neighbors. Luckily, there are no records of that occuring in Williamsburg, although some nearby areas administered "the cure."

Reflections on The Portal to the Past, Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center, Virginia

The entrance to the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center is this nearly all glass front facing a beautiful courtyard.  In the reflection you can see the small waterfall with flowers on each side, a number of historic plaques, a line of flags, and the base of a bronze, scale replica of the colonial district, pictured below.

Williams-Sonoma Store, Williamsburg, Virginia

Williams-Sonoma is one of our favorite places to browse when we visit Merchant Square. They have the best kitchen supplies and they are always cooking up some good to taste. 

Bald Cypress Trees in The Waters Near Williamsburg, Virginia

Living on a peninsula causes you to encounter water scenes just about everywhere you go. One of the interesting items we see are bald cypress trees.  They grow in and around the tidal waters of the James and York Rivers. The roots look like "knees" sticking out of the water. 

Captain John Smith at Historic Jamestown Island, Williamsburg, Virginia

Captain John Smith was among the original group who came to Virginia in 1607, establishing the first permanent English settlement in America. Although he explored and mapped much of the area and was a primary figure in the success of the colony, he in inextricably linked to Pocahontas who saved his life when her father, the indian chief, was going to kill him.  Smith became Governor before returning to England after an accidental injury. This statue of Smith stands at the site of the original fort at Historic Jamestown where he looks over the James River.  Behind, you can see portions of the stockade around the fort and the church.

A Collage of Colonial Hats In Williamsburg, Virginia

Hats, of all sorts, are an undeniable part of Colonial Williamsburg and its history.  From the stylish to those needed to work in the hot summer sun, hats abound.  Hats are part of the costumes of those portraying historical characters; are a favorite diversion of tourists; and, seem to be a delight of children . . . of all ages. We have provided a few we have seen around town.
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Fife and Drum corps at Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

The Fife & Drum groups in Colonial Williamsburg are an integral part of the colonial experience for tourist. In this photo, they are leading new "recruits" to the parade ground behind the courthouse for an inspirational speech by the Marquis de Lafayette.

Chia Dog at Aroma's, Williamsburg, Virginia

This "chia" dog is leashed outside of Aroma's Cafe and Bake Shop in Williamsburg, Virginia. He's a very good dog and didn't even bark when we took his photo.

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The Craft House at Merchant's Square in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

The  Craft House is not only one of the many beautiful buildings in the area, it carries Colonial Williamsburg licensed products from reproduction furniture to jewelry.  The shop is located at Merchant's Square, which is one of the first planned shopping districts in the U.S. 

William and Mary's Marshall - Wythe School of Law, Williamsburg, Virginia

The William and Mary Law School, in Williamsburg, Virginia, is historically known as the Marshall - Wythe School of Law. It was established in 1779 and is the oldest law school in the United States. Its namesakes are giants in legal history.

John Marshall was the fourth Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court and studied law under George Wythe at William and Mary.  George Wythe was the first law professor in the U.S.    In addition to Marshall, Wythe taught law to Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe. Wythe's home is one of the exhibits open to the public in Colonial Williamsburg.

Entrance to the Wren Building, William and Mary College, Williamsburg, Virginia

This is the entry and foyer of the Wren building on the College of William and Mary.

This doorway faces Duke of Gloucester Street in Colonial Williamsburg.

Horse Drawn Carriages in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Colonial Williamsburg carriage rides cover most of the nearly mile long and half mile wide restored district allowing the rider to see the town much as vistiors would in 1770.  Motor vehicles are not permitted in the historic district at most times.  Each carriage is driven by a driver clad in colonial attire. 

Shiny Gnomes Lurking at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Virginia

These shiny gnomes caught our eye while visiting Busch Gardens Williamsburg where there are many unusual items for sale.

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Sunset Over the James River from Jamestown Island, Virginia

The sun sets over the James River as seen from the island where Historic Jamestown is located. This is the site where, in 1607, the first permanent English settlement was established. It was the capital of Virginia until 1699. John Smith and Pocahontas are probably the most well-known historic figures from Jamestown. It is also provides beautiful views of the river.

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A Beautiful Garden on the Campus of William and Mary College, Williamsburg, Virginia

This is the garden at the President's house at William and Mary College. The President's guest house is the building on the left. The wisteria is draping what looks to be a gazebo but is actually the well.

The Sir Christopher Wren Building at The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia

The Sir Christopher Wren Building is the original school building of the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.  William and Mary was chartered in 1693 by King William III and Queen Mary II of England, for whom it is named, and is the second oldest college in America. The Wren Building continues to be used for classes and is the oldest college building in continuous use in the U.S. Building began in 1695 and was completed in 1700.  This side of the building faces the 1200 acre campus.  Colonial Williamsburg lies on the opposite side.

Jacob's Mill Pond from the Colonial Parkway, Williamsburg, Virginia

This pond is adjacent to the Colonial Parkway near Williamsburg, Virginia.  The parkway is a beautiful 23 mile drive from Jamestown through Williamsburg to Yorktown. It runs along the James River, pasess under Colonial Williamsburg, and then follows the York River.  Along the way it provides beautiful forest, pond and river vistas and the occasional glimpse of deer, eagles, osprey, and other wildlife.

Weather Vane in Newtown, Williamsburg, Virginia

This fox weather vane is on a free standing ATM at a local shopping center in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Williamsburg Trolley in Williamsburg, Virginia

This trolley provides inexpensive transportation to local shopping and areas of interest.

Bicycle Display at Newtown shopping Center, Williamsburg, Virginia

This is a rather unique display outside a bicycle shop at the Newtown shopping area in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Yankee Candle, Williamsburg, Virginia

We took our great-nephews to Yankee Candle today to meet the Easter Bunny.  The Williamsburg, Virginia location is one of their flagship stores and quite an adventure.  The "Round the Clock" animation above features characters that are about six feet tall and sing and move.  They keep a perpetual countdown to Christmas; 266 days to go!

The second shot shows the lobby area in the opposite direction revealing blue skies, clouds and lampposts.  There is also a large fountain in the middle of this area. The decor gives the area an outdoor, sunny, summer day feel all the time. 

Aside from the huge selection of candles, there is a general store, unique household items, toys, and our favorite spot, the Christmas store.  It sells Christmas items year round, has massive decorated trees, and it snows in the Christmas area every few minutes but immediately evaporates off the floor.  This is a favorite place of all our visitors.

Happy Easter.

Water Reflections Near Jamestown Island, Williamsburg, Virginia

This is part of the water dividing Jamestown Island from the remainder of the peninsula near Williamsubrg, Virginia.

Vegetable and Herb Gardening Already Going Strong In Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Colonial Williamsburg maintains some of the most beautiful gardens.  This is the Colonial Nursery Garden, primarily a vegetable garden with some flowers and decorative shrubs.  As the seasons change, so do the gardens with an array of plants and colors.

Spring Blossoms at Merchants Square, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

The trees are beginning to blossom at Merchants Square at the edge of the Colonial District in Williamsburg. The weather is warming and growth is everywhere.  Hmm, new photo topics appear to be on the horizon.