Happy Halloween From Williamsburg, Virginia

This guy is resting up for the festivities this evening. Hope you don't run into him when he's up and about.  Happy Halloween!

The Landau Carriage, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

The Governor's Palace houses a variety of carriages used for formal events. This "Landau" carriage was built by Colonial Williamsburg artisans and is used for VIPs.

The Peanut Shop, Williamsburg, Virginia

The Peanut Shop of Williamsburg is one of our favorite places to visit for snacks.  It also has a really neat chimney.

The Wagon Maker, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Making wagons using traditional colonial tools and methods is one of the interesting trades exhibited at Colonial Williamsburg. It was interesting to learn that the wagon being built is an order for another history program in the country.

Street Dogs, Williamsburg, Virginia

These "dogs" were hanging out on the street in front of Aromas Coffee Shop, which is very dog friendly. They keep water dishes out at all times and on warm summer days provide a kiddie pool for pooches.

The Greeter, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

When you visit Colonial Williamsburg and use its shuttle bus system, the most popular place to get off and begin the tour is the Palace stop.  You will be greeted by costumed employees happy to usher you into the city while staying in character. This gentleman is a fine example.

Great Room At The Governor's Palace, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Every palace should have a Great Room in which to host balls or "routs" as they were at times referred. The Governor's Palace as a really great room complete with heat to take the chill off for Christmas holiday parties. 

DOG Street Pub, Williamsburg, Virginia

The DOG Street Pub is the newest addition to Merchants Square and a definite must try for visitors.  It sits on Duke of Gloucester Street, affectionately known to locals as "DOG" Street and hence the name. It is a great atmosphere inside and out as you can see from this portion of their patio.  We love their website which opens with the simple instructions "Sit. Stay."  

A Well Supplied Garden, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Every good colonial garden must be well supplied. This one has all a gardener needs;  rakes, plants, bird bottles, and cressets to light for a little night gardening. 

Working The Well, Great Hope Plantation, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Early in the morning, the laborers at the Great Hope Plantation draw the day's water from the well.

Cock Of The Walk, Williamsburg, Virginia

This fine specimen strutted the chicken run at the Wythe House proudly displaying his fantastic hair do.  

The Spring House, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

On the outskirts of the colonial district is a small pond into which runoff is directed and captured. Not to give in to modernity, Colonial Williamsburg placed this wonderful little spring house on the edge of the pond.

The Carriage Post, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Under the massive arms and shade of the live oak, tourists climb the stairs to reach the comfort of a horse drawn carriage tied to the hitching post nestled next to the trunk. It is a wonderful way to view the historic district and feel the part of an 18th century traveler. 

Randolph Birdhouse, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

This outbuilding in the pasture behind the Peyton Randolph House comes equipped with its own bird condos.

Colonial Camouflage, Colonial Williamburg, Virginia

Southern hospitality being what it is, Colonial Williamsburg must provide modern amenities such as drinking fountains. As you can see, they are cleverly camouflaged as crates so as not disrupt the ambiance.

The Colonial Garden, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

The Colonial Garden operated by Colonial Williamsburg is open to the public to see traditional growing methods as well as purchase a wide variety of plants, herbs, and implements. It is very inviting and ever changing.

Serious Business, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

This gentleman crossed the Palace Green with a seriousness not usually noted in the early colonial morning.  Perhaps, he was part of one of the dramatizations presented throughout the day in which historical events are depicted. Wonder if he is a Loyalist or Patriot?

Strange Market Critter, Williamsburg, Virginia

The Merchants Square Farmer's Market usually attracts many dogs.  This critter's presence was quite unexpected.

Great Hope Plantation, Colonial Williamsburg Virginia

This corn crib at the Great Hope Plantation, Colonial Williamsburg's representation of an average farm setting during the 1770's, is one of the many agrarian exhibits on the site which also focuses on slave life.  It is in stark contrast to the massive plantations of the wealthy of the time.

St. George Tucker House, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

The St. George Tucker House sits prominently on the Courthouse greens in Colonial Williamsburg and is a long, sprawling home worthy of a lawyer, Revolutionary War officer, and prominent judge. 

In addition, Tucker built the first bathroom in town by converting his dairy building and in which he featured a copper tub into which hot water was piped. As an additional oddity, it had a drain; unheard of at the time. 

A friend of his son erected the first known Christmas tree in the house 1842.

The house is used by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation as a reception area for those who donate. 

Governor's Palace Foyer, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

This is the foyer into which visitors to the Governor's Palace in Colonial Williamsburg must enter. It provided ample proof of the power of the crown as firearms, swords, knives and well-appointed decor greeted all who entered. The gentleman giving the tour was an excellent guide who brought the smallest detail into historic perspective.

The Spice and Tea Exchange, Williamsburg, Virginia

The Spice & Tea Exchange is a new business in Merchants Square. It has a wide variety of teas, spices, herbs and accessories as well as a very cordial staff. 

Toymaker of Williamsburg, Virginia

/>

The Toymaker of Williamsburg is a fun shop to visit for children of all ages. They have a great selection of really cool toys and unique items. They have a blog with information about some of the collections available at http://www.toymakerofwilliamsburg.com/blog

Cresset, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

As the days get shorter and cooler, colonials wanting to have outdoor events but lacking electricity had to have light.  This cresset - an iron frame with metal basket - allowed for fires to be lit and contained off the ground to light the way. This sample is made and sold by Colonial Williamsburg.

The Passage, Colonial Williamburg, Virginia

For those who choose to walk rather than ride from the Visitor Center to Colonial Williamsburg, the trail takes you through these archways in the overpass along a babbling brook.  It is a nice way to begin exploring the largest living history museum.

Respite Tree, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

This sprawling live oak provides respite from the sun to dozens of tourists who sit on the ground or benches beneath, for the carriage horses tied to one of the two hitching posts, or to children who cannot resist its low hanging but massive branches. It is a favorite spot for many visiting Colonial Williamsburg.

Reflecting Green, Williamsburg, Virginia

The green bell jar, sold at Colonial Williamsburg's garden nursery, provides a neat reflection of its garden environment.

Costuming History, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Many visitors, particularly children, enjoy dressing in period costumes while visiting Colonial Williamsburg. For those not so handy with needle and thread, the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center will rent costumes to children of all ages.

Rare Oxen, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Colonial Williamsburg helps to maintain rare breeds of animals. The foundation maintains Durham and Devon/Lineback oxen. Oxen are basically cattle trained to work for a living. In colonial times, they pulled carts, plowed, and did a variety of jobs in addition to providing milk and meat. These still earn their keep doing many of these tasks for tourists.

The Tools, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Colonial gardeners weapons of choice and used by Colonial Williamsburg's gardeners replicating the work as done in the 18th Century.

Walk Through Time, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

If you opt to walk from the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center to the Colonial District rather than use the bus system, you must cross the bridge that transports you through time. Depending on your direction, you will be either "Walking Back In Time" or "Becoming Americans."  Along the route you will pass historical milestones and changes in status, such as the second photo; the point at which you cease being an American living in a democracy and are relegated to being subject to the king.