October 21-26 we spent in Williamsburg, VA I think my family would say the best part was Busch gardens where we spent the better part of three days. It was cool, but for me Colonial Williamsburg is THE place to visit!
Every store is as authentic as possible and they are all so charming.
No cars allowed in the historic district.....I love that rule!
The Courthouse
Magazine
Open air market
The kids really loved this market.
On Sunday night of our trip Rebecca and I came to colonial Williamsburg for a girls night out. We shopped the modern stores and wandered the streets at dusk in the crisp air with the smell of wood smoke drifting on the breeze......lovely!
Everyone who works here is in character.
Homes on Duke of Gloucester Street. Rebecca and I day dreamed about what it would be like to live in one of the privately owned residences. When we told Aaron his reply was " I'd rather live in Antacrtica". Boys! ;)
Bruton Parish Church....we missed the organ concert a couple nights before, but I imagine it was beautiful.
The modern shops at the end of Duke of Gloucester include the amazing Scottish shop where we looked up our clan tartan, the cheese shop, candy store, book store and many others.
Cabinet Maker
Bruton Parish Santuary
Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, George Washington, Patrick Henry all attended church here.
Quite the podium!
The ever humble Governor had his own box, right up from, with curtains he could draw for privacy and this lovely comfy chair.
My mom sent me some 'mad money' and I found the perfect splurge item! Tea spoons, from the Peanut Shoppe in Williamsburg. So many fun memories from this place and afternoon tea with my mom and sister.
Isaiah liked the basket weaver "dis one just my hize" he said
George Wythe house was staged as if General Washington and his troupes were staying and planning their seige of Yorktown.
George Wythe was like a second father to Thomas Jefferson and one of the first professors at William and Mary College.
A regimental uniform
Going into the cellars of the Governors Palace. Down here you can see where the original foundation changes over to the reproduction. When Rockefeller bought Williamsburg and began restoration the Williamsburg Public High School sat on this spot. After they torn it down they found the foundation of the palace and from historical documents built it back using 18th century methods for producing brick and glass, etc.
A huge seal reminding all the citizens of whose rule they were under.
The palace maze was a high point for the boys.
The architecture is so pretty!
a Saltbox in brick red...classic!
Cooper
A bit of nature play too.....
More tour guides in colonial garb.
Inside the jail....one of the nice cells for not so dangerous criminals or ladies.
The cells out back for the 'worse' criminals. This cell once housed 15 of Edward Teach's mates....better known as Blackbeard.
Our big day at Williamsburg was actually pretty warm and this guy got tuckered out!
Apothecary
Little Patriot
Not everyone loved the colonial style hot cocoa, but I bought for myself to put back for a really cold winter day. The added nutmeg, cayenne and anise are such a nice touch!
A picture from the palace green.
I'd never seen pomegranates growing before.
I didn't coordinate their clothes on purpose, but its cute.
Front of George Wythe's House
Palace Gates
Palace tour guide....her enthusiasm for the history of the town was infectious!
The entry hall is quite imposing and its done on purpose to just reinforce that everyone in town was subject to the British throne.
Over 500 pieces of weaponry were showcased in just the entry hall and when the patriots broke in and stole them they made an inventory. Thanks to meticulous thieves, the historic society knew just how many swords they needed.
The governor's daughter's room. He had 6 children that crossed with him and his wife, one young son was left in England and once in the colonies a baby girl was born and named Virginia.. (how appropriate)
Dining must have been a lovely affair.
THIS ROOM. THIS ROOM. Since I was Rebecca's age and read the Felicity books I have wanted to see the Governor's ballroom....it did not disappoint!
Pretty coal stove and very green walls! Its surprising to see how much the colonials liked and lived with vibrant shades.
The outdoor kitchen.
Naughty children!
Too cute to be naughty!
A hat like Felicity
Isaiah liked this hat, so we had to explain its a ladies hat......
much more suited for a young man
Inside the magazine....toting his own pistol.
The octagonal magazine was really interesting and the story of Lord Dunmore's treachery in stealing the gun powder during cover of night was titillating!
Williamsburg never disappoints!
