Pocahontas At Jamestown Island, Virginia

This 1922 statue of Pocahontas stands outside the fort at Jamestown Island. As you can see, her hands are often held during photo shoots with tourists as they are shiny rather than tarnished green.

She was born in about 1595. Captain John Smith credits her with twice saving his life. While she was a frequent guest in 1608, before tensions grew, in 1613 she was kidnapped and held at Jamestown.  In 1614, she married John Rolfe which helped relations between the Native Americans and settlers. She died in England in 1617 and is buried at St. George's Church in Gravesend, England.

Yorktown Onion Season, Yorktown, Virginia

The Yorktown Onions are springing up all over Yorktown and portions of the Colonial Parkway. The first photos shows them before the "head" opens; the second shows a group with the heads; and, the final shows a close up of how they will soon look.

The Yorktown Onion, in this country, is supposedly native only to York County, Virginia. Though no one seems certain, it is believed to have come from Russia via England during colonial times. It is tall and gangly but eye-catching; standing about three feet tall or more with a thee inch purple head.  It is against the law to harvest or collect them. Along the Colonial Parkway there are large patches of them growing wild which they mow around to avoid damaging the plants.

Carriages and Coachmen, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Carriage rides through the historic district help create the feel of the colonial era, particularly since cars are rarely permitted there. Click here for more info on the carriage rides and to see photos (at the end of the article) of some of the famous people - royalty, heads of states, and celebrities -who took the carriage tour.

Memorial Day Tribute, WIlliamsburg, Virginia

This tribute to veterans seems to be a permanent fixture at this intersection. We thought it an appropriate Memorial Day post to thank those who have and do serve.

Helping Trees, William And Mary College, Williamsburg, Virginia

This tree on the campus of William & Mary College is so sprawling that it needs a little help to stand as you can see by the beam propping the branch in the foreground.  Everyone, even trees, need a little help from friends from time to time.

Tercentennial Monument, Jamestown Island, Virginia

The monument stands on the island commemorating the founding of Jamestown in 1607.

The James Fort House, Jamestown, Virginia

 

This photo shows a skeletal presentation of one of  the buildings located in James Fort on Jamestown Island. The posts and framing are placed based on the archaeological research.

The Wren Portico, William And Mary College, Williamsburg, Virginia

This is the rear portico of the Wren Building with graceful arches, hanging lamps and a huge doorway on each end.  Even the back porch is impressive on this building.

Archaeological Dig, Jamestown Island, Virginia

 

The Jamestown Island archaeological dig is back in full swing. They dig a portion of the interior of the fort, very carefully removing artifacts, fill in the hole, and move to a new spot. As the second photo shows, the dirt is painstakingly scraped away to unearth artifacts.

Kayak Fishing, York River, Yorktown, Virginia

This fisherman has the most fully equipped kayak we've ever seen. He worked his way along the shore and into the dock near Riverwalk Landing easing in and out of the would be hotspots.

The Welcome, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

This gentleman welcomes visitors to a tour in one of the Colonial Williamsburg historical buildings. He cuts quite a figure in his long coat, vest and knee socks.

Turkey In The Woods, Jamestown Island, Virginia

We came across this turkey wondering in the underbrush on Jamestown Island's nature drive. Getting a photo was tough as it kept bobbing and weaving among the trees and shrubs.

Building A Better Boat, Yorktown, Virginia

This gentleman was building a boat the old fashioned way, as you can tell by the hand tools on the table. This is part of a program with the Waterman's Museum which is opening an annex in one of these buildings. The program provides an opportunity for youths to spend some time each week working on the boat, spending a little time doing honest labor with mentors with maritime skills. 

The Carriage Maker, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

The carriage maker in Colonial Williamsburg is responsible for building all the wonderful carts and carriages gracing the streets of the colonial capitol just like they did in the 1700's.

James Fort Scale Model, Jamestown, Island Virginia

This bronze scale model of James Fort is displayed next to the archaeological dig on Jamestown Island in the middle of where the actual fort stood. The part in the foreground in the light green area represents the portion of the fort which is now under the James River due to erosion.

Duo Of Does, Colonial Parkway, Williamsburg, Virginia

These lovely ladies paid close attention when we interrupted their meal time on the Colonial Parkway. Lucky for us they waited long enough for a photo before gracefully disappearing into the tall grass.

Most Beautiful Park 22 Years Running, Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, Virginia

 National Amusement Park Historical Association recently awarded Busch Gardens Williamsburg the "Most Beautiful Park" award for the 22nd time.  We agree it is a beautiful sight to see. And, with its new roller coaster, "Verbolten" opening up this week, it will be one of the most exciting.

Fifes And Drums At The Farmers' Market, Yorktown, Virginia

Saturday was the first day of Farmers' Market season at Yorktown's Riverwalk Landing. The Yorktown Fife and Drum unit opened the with lively music. Everyone seemed impressed with the musical skill and dedication of these young men and women.  There was good music, good food, and a wide variety of vendors on hand.

Happy Mother's Day From Williamsburg, Virginia

Happy Mother's Day to the most important women in our lives.

Graduation Congratulations, William And Mary College, Williamsburg, Virginia

The College of William & Mary Alumni Association loudly congratulates new graduates with a banner hung on their office building. As thousands head out into the "real world" we wish them all well.  Congrats!

Glass Blowing At Jamestown Island, Virginia

The 1607 Jamestown settlers came in search of money making endeavors. One of the early efforts was the establishment of a glasshouse in 1608 and the importation of German glass makers to run it. The glasshouse was built about a mile from Jamestown along the river to provide easy access to sand and timber to fuel the furnaces.  The items made are replicas of artifacts found in the area and are sold on site.

Strawberry Picking, College Run Farms, Surry Virginia

Monday, we managed a day off and went strawberry picking at College Run Farms in Surry County. We took the car ferry over the James River and drove to the farm.  You can pick whatever happens to be in season. We grabbed a gallon of strawberries from the rows and rows of raised strawberry beds. The last photo is of some of our co-pickers carefully searching for the perfect berry. This is a tasty and fun post in our "Good Neighbor Within An Hour" of Williamsburg series.

Gateway To History, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

This gate to one of the properties in Colonial Williamsburg includes a gate closer; a chain with metal ball heavy enough to pull the gate shut, unless you prop it open like we did.

Courthouse And Magazine, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

One evening we were walking in the colonial district and were able to take this photo of the courthouse and powder magazine without a crowd of tourists.

The Gull, Yorktown, Virginia

This gull checked out the beach at Yorktown, seemingly indecisive about whether to fly or land.

Sunday Driver, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

A Sunday afternoon drive, colonial style.

Island Rangers, Jamestown Island, Williamsburg, Virginia

The park rangers walk the nature drive on Jamestown Island, the site of the original settlement and fort built by Captain John Smith and company in 1607.

Art On The Square, Part 2, Williamsburg, Virginia

These are more examples of the beautiful work presented at the annual "Art On The Square" event. The first is a fantastic painting; the second, very interesting gourds; and, the last is a sampling of stunning eggs.

Art On The Square, Williamsburg, Virginia

The annual "Art On The Square" event was held Sunday at Merchants Square. 175 artisans were selected to participate and show their work which included painting, sculpting, ceramics, jewelry woodworking, rug hooking and more.

The first photo shows a painting that includes a bubbled glass which is also painted to create a 3-D look. The second is a colorful array of stained glass butterflies and the last is beautifully painted pottery.

We will post more photos of the event tomorrow.