Colonial Williamsburg is a historic site that preserves and restores early American life from the late 18th century. Visitors can experience life through reconstructed buildings, shops, homes and public areas along Duke of Gloucester Street. John D. Rockefeller helped save the site from ruin in the 1920s by funding restorations and establishing an endowment. The article recommends several hotels to stay in including The Williamsburg Inn, The Williamsburg Lodge, and Woodlands Hotel & Suites.

1. Colonial Williamsburg
A Step Back in Time
by Russ Davis
Did you ever wonder what life was like in early America before electricity,
the automobile and many other modern-day conveniences that we now
take for granted? Fortunately there is a place where the history of that era is
still intact. Where many of the buildings, private homes, shops, restaurants
and taverns have been preserved in their original state and the day to day
life of early America can be experienced. This historic treasure is Colonial
Williamsburg, located in the quiet countryside of Virginia, about 100 miles
south of Washington D.C. It is uniquely interesting any time of year but
especially so in the fall when the leaves turn yellow, orange, rust and a
thousand hues in between, and the air is crisp and filled with the scent of
pine logs that rise from the chimneys of cook-stoves and fireplaces that are
in daily use at the compound.

2. You can stroll down Duke of Gloucester Street all the way from the College
of William and Mary to the old Capitol Building. Along the way you will pass
famous Raleigh Tavern named after Sir Walter Raleigh, the Palace Green,
the Bruton Parish Church which has been in continuous use since 1715, and
dozens of little shops where clerks, master craftsmen and apprentices in
period costume ply their trade. Turn into one of the many shaded lanes that
wind through tranquil garden, edged with flowers and dotted with weeping
willows. Cross over wooden bridges and stroll past small homesteads
where hug oxen lie facing the morning sun, and dairy cows stare curiously
as you walk past. A few blocks up on Waller Street you’ll find Christiana
Campbell’s Tavern, open to the public and still serving hot and hearty meals
similar to those found on the menu 200 years ago. An entry in George
Washington’s diary indicates that he dined there frequently in 1772.
Williamsburg was the colonial capitol of Virginia and the hub of political
activity during the turbulent days before the Revolutionary War. In 1780 the
capitol was moved to Richmond and Williamsburg quietly slipped into
obscurity. Ravaged by time and the elements many of its historic landmarks
came dangerously closed to being lost forever. Finally in 1926 Reverend
W.A. Goodwin, rector of Williamsburg’s Episcopal Church convinced John D.
Rockefeller of the need to save this important part of our American heritage.
Rockefeller put up enough money to restore Williamsburg to its original
state and also provided an endowment to secure its future support.
Getting There

3. Most major airlines fly into Richmond, where you can pick up a rental car or
take a shuttle. Then it’s about an hour’s drive to Williamsburg. If you are
planning a trip to the nation’s capital, Colonial Williamsburg is a “must see”
side trip. It’s about a two and a half hour drive down I-95. Amtrak is another
option; in fact the Union Station in Washington, DC is a destination in itself
with over 25 million visitors a year. The train ride from the capitol to
Newport News, takes about three hours. Then is only about 20 miles to
Williamsburg, There are also several tour operators that have special 1-3
day bus packages from D.C. to Williamsburg.
Where to Stay
The Williamsburg Inn, is one of the nation's most distinguished hotels, this
rambling white-brick Regency-style inn has played host to U.S. presidents
and heads of state including Queen Elizabeth II. The Regency Dining
Room features classic American cuisine (coats and ties are still required
after 6pm). The Sunday champagne brunch is very good (reservations are
required). All of the spacious accommodations are exquisitely furnished with
reproductions, books, and photos. Rooms in a modern building
called Providence Hall, adjacent to the inn, are furnished in a contemporary
blend of 18th-century and Oriental styles, with balconies or patios
overlooking tennis courts and a beautiful wooded area. Rates start at $320
per night.
The Williamsburg Lodge is just across the street from the Williamsburg Inn.
The foundation's second-best hotel has been restored to its original 1930s
appearance, but with modern conveniences. The new units are notable for
their Colonial Williamsburg-designed furniture and their retro 1930s
bathrooms. Rates start at $179 per night.
Woodlands Hotel & Suites is located beside the visitor center, and is
considered the foundation's third-best hotel. A separate building with a
peaked roof and skylights holds the lodge like lobby, where guests are
treated to continental breakfast in a room with a fireplace. Interior corridors
lead to the guest quarters in a U-shaped building around a courtyard. Their
rates start at $149 per night.
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