Named one of New York Times’ 52 places to visit in 2019, Colonial Williamsburg is a quick 50-minute drive from Richmond east on Interstate 64 where you can learn what it was like for families in the 18th century. But it’s not just about churning butter: You’ll find a large living history museum covering more than 300 acres and more than 40 historic sites and taverns, carriage rides, historic trades and two art museums. Admission tickets are required to enter buildings and experience programming in the historic area.
For the kids, there are children’s tours of the palace of Virginia’s last royal governor, as well as a tour of the Capitol building. Also they can join archeologists as they excavate the cellar of Archibald Blair’s 18th-century store on Duke of Gloucester Street. Or don a tricorn hat and head to Peyton Randolph Yard for Patriots at Play. And if your kid loves spooky stuff, there’s an official Ghost Walk Junior tour with locally inspired haunted tales.
Visit colonialwilliamsburg.com to learn more and purchase tickets. Below are a few evening summer events that might also help you time your trip.
June 21-22: Virginia Arts Festival Presents: Williamsburg Live
Come to the lawn of the art museums of Colonial Williamsburg to catch two Grammy-winning singers and songwriters: Norah Jones performs Friday, June 21, and Country Music Hall of Fame member Emmylou Harris performs on Saturday, June 22, with Americana duo Mandolin Orange opening. Both headliners play at 9 p.m. Various ticket packages are available, visit vafest.org.
July 4: Fourth of July Fireworks
Enjoy a full day of patriotic activities including public readings of the Declaration of Independence, plenty of activities for the kids, live musical performances and a big fireworks display to end the evening.
July 5: African-American Interpretation: Present
As part of a yearlong commemoration celebrating 40 years of African-American historical interpretation, the “African American Interpretation: Present” is the second of a three-part lecture series and highlights current African-American programming. Free. 5:30 — 7 p.m. Held at Hennage Auditorium.
