Let’s Tour Williamsburg, VA
February 18, 2008A VISIT FIT FOR A QUEEN, A PRESIDENT
AND YOUR GROUP.
History and one of America’s favorite destinations, enjoyed a new awakening during this past year as Virginia’s Historic Triangle hosted dignitaries, group tours, and individuals from throughout the entire world during Jamestown’s 400th Anniversary Commemoration.
In May 2007 Queen Elizabeth II made a return trip to Jamestown, 50 years after her visit commemorating our 350th anniversary. There she found a richer, more complex depiction of the people, politics and importance of Jamestown made possible by recent archaeological discoveries and compelling new research.
While in the Historic Triangle, Her Majesty visited the Historic Area of Colonial Williamsburg and the College of William & Mary. Retracing the steps of her 1957 carriage ride down the Duke of Gloucester, she was greeted heartily by throngs of onlookers as well as the national and international press.
During America’s Anniversary Weekend, May 11-13, President George W. Bush and Mrs. Bush joined other dignitaries in this landmark American milestone. Speaking during the 3-day event, President Bush said, “The story of Jamestown will always have a special place in American history. It’s the story of a great migration from the ‘Old World’ to the ‘New.’ It is a story of the Tidewater settlement that laid the foundation of our great democracy.”
ATTRACTIONS
A Brief Overview of Virginia’s Historic Triangle
Williamsburg, Virginia- centrally located 150 miles south of Washington, DC midway between Richmond and Virginia Beach. Virginia’s Historic Triangle of Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown is connected by the 23 mile long Colonial National Historical Parkway. Both the James and York Rivers flow on opposite sides of the Parkway enhancing this scenic drive through history.
Colonial Williamsburg- the restored capital of colonial Virginia. The Historic Area is not just restored buildings and artifacts. It is a living community where merchants sell their wares, craftspeople ply their trades, and brave patriots whisper plans for revolution. Located on 301 acres, Colonial Williamsburg is an outdoor living museum with more than 500 public buildings, Great Hopes Plantation, homes, stores and taverns; craftsmen practicing 30 historic trades and domestic crafts; historical interpreters and character actors; and gardens and greens. Some highlights are the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum; Basset Hall, the Williamsburg home of John D. Rockefeller, Jr.; the Governor’s Palace; and the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum.
Jamestown Settlement - where in 1607, 104 brave adventurers from the Virginia Company of London established the first permanent English settlement in the New World. Jamestown Settlement features full-size replicas of the Godspeed, the Discovery and the Susan Constant, the three ships that arrived in 1607, the reconstructed James Fort, Powhatan Indian Village, Riverfront Discovery Area and museum exhibits.
Yorktown- where General George Washington defeated England’s General Cornwallis in 1781 in the decisive battle of the American Revolutionary War. Today the Yorktown Battlefield is a national park and the battlefield tour includes earthworks, Washington’s Headquarters and Surrender Field; Moore House, scene of the negotiations for the surrender of Yorktown; Nelson House, home of Governor Thomas Nelson, Jr., signer of the Declaration of Independence; and the Yorktown Monument. The Yorktown Victory Center recaptures the drama of the American Revolution through powerful galleries that tell the stories of the everyday people who lived during the war.
EMAIL grouptours@oleta.com or call 757-253-1008 FOR TICKETS!
Presidents Parks- an outdoor museum of the United States presidents, features monuments of all 43 United States presidents in a garden setting. The creation of internationally known artist, David Adickes, Presidents Park offers a patriotic, educational and inspiring experience. (Located across from Water Country USA)
Williamsburg Pottery - offers an unusual shopping experience through 200 acres of pottery, furniture, china, glass stemware, cheeses, plants, and many unique items.
Prime Outlets at Williamsburg - Ranked within the top 10 of the industry, Prime Outlets at Williamsburg is the largest shopping facility in the area with more than 90 brand name designer outlet stores. Shop in a boutique-style atmosphere where you will enjoy incredible savings of 25%-65% off brand name merchandise. Some of the stores include but not limited to: Ann Taylor, Coach, Banana Republic, Jones New York, Timberland, Jones New York, Liz Claiborne, Nine West, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, OshKosh, The Children’s Place, Bose and more. In addition to apparel for the whole family, shop for cookware, cosmetics, china, crystal, handbags, luggage or shoes.
Merchants Square- Situated adjacent to Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area, Merchants Square is recognized nationally for its merchandise and cuisine, with shops offering everything from traditional and designer clothing to handmade candies, antique quilts, folk art, and a variety of exclusive Williamsburg linens, reproductions and other products. In this uniquely re-created atmosphere of 18th-century architecture and tree-lined streets, Merchants Square furnishes a selection of quality services, from entertainment and nationally rated restaurants to quality banking and investment services. More than 40 privately owned & operated shops and restaurants in Merchants Square offer the highest quality merchandise and friendly service.
Busch Gardens Europe- Voted the world’s “Most Beautiful Theme Park” for 17 consecutive years, Busch Gardens is a European-themed park bursting with adventure at every turn. Brave guests can get their fill of thrills on Busch Gardens Europe’s, Curse of Darkastle. Using cutting edge theme park technology, guests board golden sleighs for a mesmerizing journey through an ice bound world. Busch Gardens boasts more than 50 thrilling rides and attractions, nine main stage shows, a wide variety of award-winning cuisine and world-class shops.
Water Country USA - voted one of America’s best water parks by the Travel Channel, and is the Mid-Atlantic’s largest and most exciting water-play park with more than 35 super soaking water rides and slides and attractions to amuse and entertain visitors of all ages.
Mystery Dinner Playhouse- Now in their 15th smash year, Mystery Dinner Playhouse is Williamsburg’s popular comedy murder mystery dinner theatre. Fun for all ages. Solve a comedy murder mystery while enjoying a delicious four-course dinner. The shows are fully scripted, hilarious mystery spoofs that take place in five scenes. Between the scenes of the show, dinner is served to you at your table by the characters/suspects, who all the while are providing clues to help you solve the evening’s crime.
The Muscarelle Museum of Art- The Muscarelle is the only fine arts museum in the Historic Triangle so each season they bring a different show to the galleries, shows from around the United States and beyond. Opening January 25, 2008 for eight weeks is Painting the Italian Landscape: Views from the Uffizi, followed by a full series of shows celebrating our Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Year. In March 2008, we will reinstall the permanent collection of the College of William and Mary.
The Mariners’ Museum- America’s National Maritime Museum offers a captivating look at centuries of seafaring adventures. Experience the dramatic new USS Monitor Center that brings to life the historic battle between the Civil War Ironclads USS Monitor and CSS Virginia in over 63,500 square feet of space. The Center also boasts one of the largest state-of-the-art conservation centers on the East Coast. Other features of the Museum allow you to escape to the eras of early exploration and mahogany Chris-Crafts and delight in the displays of intricate miniature ship models and fascinating figureheads. Groups can spend an entire day at the Museum and enjoy the beautiful 550-acre park with a 5-mile walking trail, as well as the Museum Shop. Boxed lunches are available upon request.
West of Williamsburg on historic Route 5 are the famous James River Plantations:
Berkeley Plantation- In 1916 it was the site of the first Thanksgiving and birthplace of Benjamin Harrison, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and three time Governor of Virginia.
Sherwood Forest Plantation - a 1730s house, was President John Tyler’s last home from 1842 until his death in 1861. It is the home of President Tyler’s grandson and family today.
Shirley Plantation- Settled in 1613, Shirley Plantation has been home to the Hill-Carter family for 12 generations. This 18th-century mansion features the famous square-flying staircase, which has no visible means of support, and a unique Queen Anne forecourt.
There are many more attractions in Williamsburg including but not limited to: Candlelight Ghost Tours, Go-Karts Plus, National Park Service Colonial Parkway, The Glebe, Student Educational Programs of Colonial Williamsburg, Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, Student Dinner Theater. So why not visit Williamsburg now and let us customize a tour for your small and/or large group? We can provide tickets and/or additional information for virtually any of the attractions in Williamsburg. Email grouptours@oleta.com or call 757-253-1008 for tickets and/or additional information.
This blog is brought to you by Oleta Coach Lines and Oleta Tour and Travel. Providing charter bus service & package group tours to individuals, small groups, and/or large groups anywhere in The United States and Canada.
Please click on the links below for two of our many tour packages available. If you don’t see the tour you are looking for, we can customize one for you.
Jamestown / Yorktown 4-Site Excursion Bus Group Tour
Williamsburg Historic Triangle Bus Group Tour
Information from this post taken from Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance Group Tour Planner 2008.
