Colonial Williamsburg Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
living history museum in WIlliamsburg, Virginia
About Colonial Williamsburg
From 1699 to 1780, Williamsburg was the capital of England's oldest, richest and most populous mainland North American colony and the seat of power in the new nation's most influential state. Named in honor of William III, King of England, and designed by Royal Gov. Francis Nicholson, Williamsburg is one of the country's oldest planned communities. In the late 1920s a project was started to recreate the town as it would have existed in the 18th century, led in part by John D. Rockefeller. In 1928 public land was transferred for the project, and thereafter 720 buildings that postdated 1790 were demolished. Reconstructions of colonial buildings were built on the original foundations using period illustrations, written descriptions, early photographs, and informed guesswork. In total, 500
Top Attractions in Colonial Williamsburg
Explore the best things to see and do in Colonial Williamsburg:
- ★Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum
- ★African American Religion
- ★Anderson's Blacksmith Shop & Public Armoury
- ★Apothecary
- ★Basketmaker
- ★Bassett Hall
- ★Bindery
- ★Brickmaker
Where to Eat in Colonial Williamsburg
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Chowning's Tavern
- 🍴Christiana Campbell's Tavern
- 🍴Huzzah! BBQ Grille
- 🍴King's Arms Tavern
- 🍴Shields Tavern
- 🍴Terrace Room
Where to Stay in Colonial Williamsburg
- 🏨Colonial Houses–Historic Lodging
- 🏨Governor's Inn
- 🏨Providence Hall Guesthouses
- 🏨Williamsburg Inn
- 🏨Williamsburg Lodge
- 🏨Woodlands Hotel & Suites
Colonial Williamsburg Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 10 sections including: