Williamsburg Local Guides

The Colonial Parkway is a 23-mile scenic Virginia roadway connecting Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. Managed by the National Park Service, it offers picturesque views of the James and York Rivers. It provides access to historic sites such as Jamestown Settlement, Colonial Williamsburg, and the Yorktown Battlefield.

The James River plantations, including Shirley, Berkeley, and Westover, are historic estates along the James River in Virginia. They played significant roles in American history and are known for their colonial origins, stunning architecture, and ties to prominent figures such as President John Tyler. Many of these plantations are open to the public

William & Mary, known as the College of William & Mary, is a beacon of academic excellence. It’s a public research university with a rich history in Williamsburg, Virginia. Founded in 1693, it's the second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States. It’s not just a university but a hub of knowledge, particularly renowned for its strong academic programs, particularly in law, business, and public policy.

Yorktown is a historic town located on the York River. It's famous for being the site of the decisive Battle of Yorktown in 1781, effectively ending the American Revolutionary War. Today, Yorktown is a popular tourist destination, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and significance in American history.

Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum, invites visitors to step back in time and immerse themselves in the 18th-century American colonial capital. The restored area is a living, breathing history book with historic buildings, costumed interpreters, and interactive exhibits, offering a one-of-a-kind blend of education, entertainment, and historical immersion.

Established in 1607, Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in North America in present-day Virginia. Initially fraught with hardships, including disease, famine, and conflict with Indigenous peoples, Jamestown eventually became a thriving colony pivotal in the establishment of the British colonial presence in the New World.