Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a city in southeast Virginia. Settled in 1632, it was the capital of Virginia from 1699 to 1779 and in 1926, John D. Rockefeller Jr commissioned a restoration project to bring Williamsburg back to its former colonial glory. During this period, 700 modern homes were demolished, colonial buildings were renovated, and more than 400 buildings were reconstructed on their original foundations. Today, the Colonial Williamsburg district in the center of town is a popular tourist center and people visit in droves to immerse themselves in the nation's colonial history.

By plane
The main airport servicing Williamsburg is Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport, in Newport News. This airport is serviced by Delta and American Eagle.

Williamsburg is also within one hour's drive (via I-64) of both Richmond International Airport, in Richmond, and Norfolk International Airport in Norfolk. Both airports offer a wider range of airlines and more competition, which may result in lower ticket prices.



By train
Williamsburg Amtrak Station is just north of the central district at 468 North Boundary Street. Amtrak trains run to Richmond, Washington DC, New York City and Boston via the Northeast Regional line.

By car
Williamsburg is easily accessed by car with Interstate-64 running northeast to Richmond and southwest to Newport News, Hampton, Norfolk and Virginia Beach.

For a more scenic view, VA State Route 5 from Richmond runs along the James River past many of the fabled James River Plantations. US Route 60 and VA State Route 143 parallel I-64 for much of its length east and west of Williamsburg and are alternative routes into the city.

Get around
Public transportation is limited to Oleta Coach Lines and the Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA) buses. They stop at the transportation center (the Amtrak station), the visitors center, and various spots throughout the town. They are mostly designed to serve the community, but the Yellow line goes to Busch Gardens and Water Country USA. Most people get around by car.

The intersection of Richmond Road, Boundary Street, Jamestown Road, and Duke of Gloucester Street (non-vehicular, but with many pedestrians) near Colonial Williamsburg and the historic district is the most notorious (and confusing) feature of Williamsburg driving. Dubbed by locals as Confusion Corner, right-of-way confusion can result in accidents or close calls. For tourists in this area, traffic heading west on Jamestown Road and east on Richmond Road toward Boundary Street has the right of way; all other traffic must stop or yield. This intersection is at the corner of the College of William and Mary's campus, so be alert for pedestrians in this area.

Free parking in the restored area is difficult to find and is generally limited to two hours. Colonial Williamsburg offers hourly and daily parking in numerous short-term lots near the restored district. Parking at other shopping areas is generally free, though it can get crowded at peak seasons.

The Commonwealth of Virginia and Department of Motor Vehicles has certified local bus company Oleta Coach Lines, Inc for a bus route from the Williamsburg Transportation Center to shopping malls around the Hampton Roads area. The Williamsburg bus route runs from Williamsburg to Hampton, to Newport News then back to Williamsburg. It runs twice on Tuesdays.

Nearby
The Colonial Parkway runs between Jamestown and Yorktown, passing through Williamsburg. Jamestown and Yorktown each feature a National Park Service site containing the actual historical site, and a privately-run living history museum nearby designed to amplify understanding. Visitors should be wary of signs designed to draw attention to the more expensive living history museums, rather than the true historic sites.

National Park admission of $15 (adults) will cover the original sites of Jamestown and Yorktown. Free guided tours directed by park rangers run at posted intervals, typically last about 45 minutes, and are the best way to understand the history of the sites.





Near each National Park site is a large, privately run living history museum featuring actors in period dress illustrating life in Colonial times. They also offer a single entry fee providing admission to both locations. ($20 adults).

Do

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Buy
Williamsburg offers a good mix of shops and malls, selling arts and crafts, fashion boutiques, as well as upscale outlet malls.



Eat
There are many places to eat in Williamsburg. They are mostly located in two areas: Merchants Square and a small stretch of Richmond Road. Richmond Road contains many of the chain restaurants found all over the East Coast. In Merchants Square you will find The Trellis, The Blue Talon, The Cheese Shop, The Fat Canary, Lenny's, and Aromas, among others. The Trellis and Blue Talon are popular places for more expensive gourmet cuisine. The Cheese Shop, Lenny's and Aromas are best for lunch and they are also well worth visiting. The Gazebo, on Bypass Road, is a great place for breakfast. Colonial Williamsburg has a few taverns where historically costumed staff serve colonial fare. They are good places to eat and a must-visit for any Williamsburg tourist. Just be warned that most restaurants and shops close at 8PM. Additional options can be found within the historic district in Colonial Williamsburg.

Drink
There are three bars, called the delis, which are conveniently all located at the intersection of Richmond Road and Scotland Street.



Sleep
Additional lodging options can be found in Colonial Williamsburg that offer benefits for guests visiting the historic district.



Go next

 * Busch Gardens Williamsburg - a few miles southeast of Williamsburg, this amusement park features roller coasters and other thrill rides and was voted the world's "Most Beautiful Park" for 20 consecutive years by the National Amusement Park Historical Association.
 * Newport News - about southeast of Williamsburg on I-64, Newport News is home to the massive Newport News Shipbuilding, a shipyard that was founded in 1866. It is where many American aircraft carriers, submarines and other military ships are built.
 * Richmond - about west of Williamsburg on I-64, Virginia's current capital city was settled in 1607, served as the capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War, and today offers a wealth of Civil War history.