June 28, 2026

201. Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia - Step Back into Revolutionary-Era Streets and Stories

Show Notes
Transcript

Some episodes use AI for research, writing assistance, and occasional voiceover when Johnny Mac is unavailable. His point of view, and his insistence on finding the best local taco remains entirely human.

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Hey, we made it to Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, and what

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a place to step back in time. Right away, you

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notice the cobblestone streets and the charming colonial buildings that

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transport you to the eighteenth century. You might feel like

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you've stepped right into a scene from a history book,

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but this isn't just any history lesson. It's an immersive

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experience where history comes alive. Start your day at the

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visitor center. It's the perfect place to get your bearings,

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pick up a map, and maybe grab a cup of

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coffee before heading out. Bonus tip. The visitor center sometimes

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offers shuttle service to the historic area, which is great

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if you want to save your feet for all the

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walking you'll do later. Once you've got your bearings, head

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straight into the historic area. You'll want to begin at

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Duke of Gloucester Street, the main artery of Colonial Williamsburg.

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It's about a mile long and filled with historic buildings, shops,

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and places to eat. Picture this. Horse Drawn carriages clatter

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down the street, Interpreters in period costumes chat with visitors,

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and you can hear the distant sound of a fife

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and drum. It's like you've stepped back in time. Your

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first stop should be the Governor's Palace. This is the

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grand residence of the Royal Governor and a must see.

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As you walk through the gates, take a moment to

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admire the beautiful gardens, manicured hedges, colorful flowers, and neat

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pathways that are perfect for a leisurely stroll. Inside, the

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opulence continues. Check out the grand ballroom, the detailed woodwork,

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and the impressive displays of weaponry that line the walls.

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You can imagine the lavish parties that would have been

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thrown here. Next, make your way to the Capitol Building.

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This building was the political heart of Virginia and the

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colonial era. You'll want to take a guide to tour

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here to really get a sense of the history. The

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guides do an excellent job of bringing the past to life,

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and you might find yourself caught up in a lively

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debate or mock trial that captures the political spirit of

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the time. Feeling a bit peckish, grab lunch at one

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of the historic taverns. Chouning's Tavern is a personal favorite.

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It's got that rustic charm with low ceilings, wooden benches,

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and servers dressed in colonial attire. Try the Brunswick stew

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or maybe a Harty pot pie, classic comfort food that

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gives you a taste of the time period. Plus you

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might catch some live colonial music or a game of dice.

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To really set the mood. After lunch, take a leisurely

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stroll down to the Bruton Parish Church. This active Episcopal

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church has been in continuous use since seventeen fifteen. As

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you walk through the old graveyard, you'll find tombstones engraved

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with dates that stretch back centuries. The church itself is simple,

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yet striking a testament to the town's resilience and history.

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One of the best experiences in Colonial Williamsburg is just

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wandering around and popping into various trade shops. You'll find blacksmiths, coopers,

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and wigmakers, each demonstrating their craft using traditional methods. At

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the blacksmith shop, you can watch as iron is heated

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and hammered into useful tools. The smell of the forge

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and the sound of metal on metal add to the authenticity.

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It's a hands on history lesson, and the artisans are

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always happy to chat and answer questions. Don't miss the

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opportunity to visit the Raleigh Tavern. It was a gathering

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place for important discussions during the revolution. Today, it's a

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fascinating spot to sit and imagine the conversations that took

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place within its walls. You might even catch a reenactment

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or an actor portraying a historical figure here as you

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continue to explore. The Colonial Garden is a peaceful retreat.

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It's a working garden where you can learn about the

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plants and gardening techniques from the colonial era. You'll see vegetables, herbs,

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and flowers, some of which were common in the eighteenth century.

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It's a lovely spot to relax and take in the surroundings. Now,

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if you're traveling with kids, or if you're just a

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big kid at heart, you'll want to check out the

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Great Hopes Plantation. It's a bit outside the main area,

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but worth the detour. The plantation gives you a glimpse

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into the agricultural life of the era. You can see livestock,

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try your hand at colonial chores, and learn about the

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lives of enslaved people in Virginia. It's an important and

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educational part of the Colonial Williamsburg experience. If you're starting

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to feel the afternoon slump, a cup of tea might

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be in order. Head over to the Williamsburg Inn for

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an afternoon tea service. It's a touch of elegance that

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feels like a treat after day of walking and exploring.

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The inn itself is beautiful with its classic colonial architecture

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and refined atmosphere. Enjoy a selection of teas, finger sandwiches,

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and pastries while resting your feet and reflecting on the day.

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As the sun starts to set, consider ending your day

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with a ghost tour. Colonial Williamsburg has its share of

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ghostly tales, and the tours are a fun way to

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cap off your visit. You'll wander the dimly lit streets

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listening to stories of apparitions and unexplained occurrences, adding a

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bit of mystery and thrill to your trip. Now, for

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those looking to extend their visit, there are a few

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more things you might consider doing. If you're a fan

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of the arts. The Muscarell Museum of Art, on the

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nearby campus of William and Mary has a small but

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noteworthy collection. It's a nice change of pace and offers

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a bit more modern perspective compared to the historic focus

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of the rest of the town. If you have a

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sweet tooth White Candy and Gourmet Shop on Prince George

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Street is a must visit. Step inside and you're greeted

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by the sweet aroma of chocolate and candies of all kinds.

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It's the perfect place to pick up a treat for

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yourself or souvenir for someone back home. Don't forget to

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check out the Williamsburg Farmers Market if you're visiting on

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a Saturday morning. Located in Merchant Square, it's a fantastic

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place to browse local produce, baked goods, and artisanal crafts,

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chat with the vendors, sample some fresh bread or cheese,

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and soak in the lively atmosphere. For dinner, consider heading

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to Blue Tallon Bistro just off Duke of Gloss. It's

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a cozy spot with a French inspired menu. Try their

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famous chicken and mushroom creps or the steak Frets. The

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relaxed vibe and delicious food make it a great way

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to wind down after day of exploring, and if you're

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still up for it, a nightcap at the Dog Street

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Pub might be just the thing. It's a traditional English

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pub located right on Duke of Gloucester Street. Whether you're

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a beer aficionado or just looking for a place to relax.

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You'll find a welcoming atmosphere and perhaps even some live

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music to enjoy. Throughout your visit to colonial Williamsburg, take

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the time to appreciate the details. Notice the efforts to

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maintain historical accuracy, from the clothing to the speech of

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the interpreters. Engage with the history and imagine what life

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was like for those who once walk these same streets.

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Every building, every corner has a story to tell, and

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you're a part of that story, at least for a

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little while if you've got an extra day and a

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bit of curiosity. Jamestown and Yorktown are both nearby and

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complement the colonial experience perfectly. Jamestown Settlement tells the story

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of America's first permanent English colony, while Yorktown Battlefield is

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where the American Revolution of Actively came to an end.

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Both sites offer their own unique insights into the history

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of early America. For a more relaxed day, consider visiting

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Bush Gardens Williamsburg, which is not far from the historic area.

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It's a theme park with a European theme, offering rides, shows,

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and attractions for all ages. It's a fun way to

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balance out the historical immersion with some modern entertainment. Remember

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to wear comfortable shoes because Colonial Williamsburg is best experienced

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on foot. You'll do a lot of walking, and the

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uneven cobblestone streets can be tough on the feet, but

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every step is worth it for the chance to fully

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explore this living history museum. As your time in Colonial

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Williamsburg comes to a close, take a moment to reflect

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on the experience. It's not just about seeing historic buildings

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or attending reenactments. It's about stepping into the past and

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understanding the foundations of American history in a tangible way.

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So there you have it, a visit to Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia,

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a place where history isn't just read about, but experienced.

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Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a

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unique getaway, it's a destination that offers something for everyone.

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From the Grand Governor's Palace to the simple charm of

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a colonial garden, every corner offers a new glimpse into

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the past. And speaking of glimpses into the past, let's

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venture over to the Peyton Randolph House. This site is

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one of the most complete collections of original colonial buildings

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in Williamsburg. The home once belonged to Peyton Randolph, the

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president of the First Continental Congress. As you step inside,

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you're immediately struck by the cozy, yet stately feel of

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the rooms. Guides in period costume will fill you in

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on Randolph's significant contribution to the American Revolution. The house

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also provides a poignant look at the lives of the

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enslaved individuals who work there, offering a broader perspective on

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the complexities of colonial life. After immersing yourself in history,

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you might be in the mood for something sweet. Head

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over to the Raleigh Tavern Bakery, where the smell of

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freshly baked gingerbread wafts through the air. This spot is

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famous for its gingerbread cakes, a soft and spicy treat

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that's perfect for an afternoon pick me up. Enjoy your

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snack on one of the benches outside while people watching

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and soaking in the charming colonial ambiance. For a deeper

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dive into the craftsmanship of the era, make a stop

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at the silversmith Shop. Here, skilled artisans demonstrate how silver

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was crafted into beautiful pieces of jewelry and household items.

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It's fascinating to watch them work with such precision, and

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you might even find the perfect piece to take home

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as a unique souvenir. As your day continues, wander over

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to the College of William and Mary. Founded in sixteen

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ninety three, it's the second oldest college in the United States.

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The campus is a pleasant place to stroll, with its

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stately brick buildings and lush green spaces. You might even

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catch a glimpse of students going about their day, a

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reminder of the living, breathing world beyond the historical reenactments.

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Feeling a bit adventurous, rent a bike and explore the

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surrounding trails and areas. The Colonial Parkway offers a scenic

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route that links Williamsburg with Jamestown and Yorktown, and the

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ride offers beautiful views of the Virginia countryside. Whether you

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ride all the way to the historic sites or just

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enjoy the fresh air and open road, it's a refreshing

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way to see more of what the region has to offer.

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For dinner, why not try The Fat Canary, Renowned for

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its innovative dishes and fresh local ingredients. Located in Merchant Square,

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this award winning restaurant is a bit of a splurge,

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but well worth it. Whether you indulge in their famous

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crab cakes or try something new from their seasonal menu,

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it promises to be a memorable meal. If you're seeking

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something more casual, head over to the Chee Shop, also

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in Merchant Square, known for its signature house dressing. It's

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the perfect spot to pick up a delicious sandwich, grab

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a seat outside, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of this

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popular gathering place. Before you call it a night, why

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not take one last stroll through the historic streets to

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see the buildings beautifully lit up. The soft glow of

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lanterns cast long shadows and gives the town a magical feel,

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almost as if the past is quietly whispering to you

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through the crisp night air. And if you're spending another

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day in the area, consider making your way to Yorktown Beach,

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a short drive from Williamsburg. This quaint stretch of sand

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along the York River is a great place to relax,

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with beautiful views and a chance to unwind by the water.

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Take a walk along the Riverwalk landing, where you can

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browse and grab a bite to eat while enjoying the

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riverside scenery. In the end, whether you spend your days

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deep in history or take time to explore the modern

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delights of Williamsburg and its surroundings, you'll find that this

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area of Virginia offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from

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the echoes of the past to the life of the present.

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Colonial Williamsburg is a journey worth taking, filled with stories

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waiting to be discovered around every corner. I'm Johnny Mack

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and Travels Back. Follow travel Is Back wherever you listen

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to podcasts, and find all two hundred plus destinations in

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our back catalog.

201. Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia - Step Back into Revolutionary-Era Streets and Stories

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