Ozarksbill

We will be at a Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg program mid-December. What's changed since we visited more than a dozen years ago? What do you like best about Colonial W-burg? BTW, I remember drinking a harmless (I thought) glass of hard cider and getting unexpectedly loopy.

And how about Jamestown? I think I've heard that it has been further developed. Also isn't there a restored village and an archeological dig and if so are they adjacent?

ozarksbill

MikePinTucson

Hi Bill,

We did our first visit there in late September. They are really going all out at Jamestown building new things tor the 400 year anniversary of the founding of Jamestowne.

They have Jamestown Settlement, where they have lots of exhibits, replicas of the 3 boats that brought the first settlers, and a recreation of the stelement.

http://www.historyisfun.org/jamestown/jamestown.cfm
About a mile away is Historic Jamestown, where the original settlement was. They recently opened a new hall showing artifacts from the dig.

http://www.nps.gov/archive/colo/Jamestwn/jamestown.htm

What we liked about Colonial Williamsburg was the daily shows that wer put on about what was happening before and during the revolutionary war.

http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/...Visit/revCity/

Have fun on your visit.

www.MikePinTucson.blogspot.com

milford88

We go almost every Christmas season, and we have always enjoyed the historical musical performances. Dean Shostak and his Glass Armonica are particularly entertaining.

One change that comes to mind since your last visit is the closing of Carter's Grove. During our first few Williamsburg Christmas visits, we really enjoyed the Christmas program there.

MelissaBeckoff

what was done with carter's grove?
IS is just closed ?
Melissa

MFNYC

My husband first went to WIlliamsburg about 45 years ago, and the movie shown in the visitor's center left a permanent impression. This summer we took out son (my son and I have never been). He joked that they will show the same movie. Wouldn't you know it was the same movie! That's one thing that hasn't changed a bit.

FLmom

We visited that area in March and we loved it. We did a day trip to both Historic Jamestown and the Jamestown Settlement. We did Historic Jamestown first, they have an authentic glass making building and we got so engrossed driving the loop and taking short hikes exploring that we almost ran out of time to go the Settlement. The day just melted away in shear relaxing enjoyment. What was nice about the Settlement is that they have replicated the ships, the fort, the Indian village and costumed historians are there to tell you about how things were in all of the areas. The two venues combine to give you a real sense of what it might have been like back then, we just love places like that. Have a great time Bill !

rb_travelerxATyahoo

The C.W. orientation movie, "Story of a Patriot", is said to be the longest continously shown movie in America, having debutted in 1957. I recently bought the DVD of the new completely restored edition, then shortly after received a free copy as a "gift" for my donations to Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

The movie is really great, and sets the groundwork for what you'll be seeing. I now lend out my copies to friends & acquantances considering the trip.

Carter's Grove is closed, and C.W. is trying to find a buyer who will continue to operate it as a historic site / living museum. A change at C.W. that I'm not very pleased with is the closing the the Abbie A. Rockerfeller folk art museum. The exhibit will share space with the other (name excapes- DeWitt-Wallace??) while the building will be used as a high-priced health club.

One of the taverns has been converted into a coffeehouse. I've been going to CW multiple times a year for 10 yr now and enough things keep changing to keep the visits interesting. Also consider some of the evening programs.

BoniseA

Will any of the folk art be displayed at all? That was one of the best things at Williamsburg. I didn't know about it and could have spent a whole lot more time in there. I didn't because I assumed I'd get back someday.

rb_travelerxATyahoo

I'm sure the folk art is (or will be) in the same building as the Public Hospital and the DeWitt-Wallace (?) Ornemental arts arre located. I loved the old building, right across the street from the Lodge.

Ozarksbill

I do thank you guys for comments and updates. We are flying to Richmond, then after the W'burg stay, flying to Boston for a family Christmas, then back home to Spfld, MO.

MikePinTucson...thanks for those web sites...and BTW we're doing our library travelogue next week on "Our Trip to Arizona." Remember help you gave earlier?

Now a question: I have heard that Williamsburg has struggled to compete as a family tourist destination with theme parks and such places. I am wondering if this has led to less historical emphasis and more entertainment, i.e., cutesy stuff. I'm not a purist here but commercialism can undercut authenticity. It does sound like you-all have positive reactions.

ozarksbill

FLmom

No worries about commercialism at CW. They've done a good job; they've gone to extreme measures to restore original buildings and replicated others. They have professional historians dressed in authentic costumes on the original site, so no Disney or Busch Gardens here.

We really enjoyed our dinner at Christina's Tavern. You need reservations and it's a little pricey, but we loved it. They've gone all out to not only use the original building for the intended purpose but to immerse you in the experience of the life and time of the people who lived there. The food was really good too!!

FLmom

I think it's Christina Campbell's Tavern, yeah, that's it.

MikePinTucson

Hi Bill,

Yes, I remember giving you advice for your Arizona trip. In fact, I have put all of my ever-expanding list of things to see and do around Tucson onto the internet.

http://mikepintucson.blogspot.com/

I din't notice lots of commercialism aroudn Williamsburg. The only thing really was Busch Gardens.

One thing I forgot to mention. A friend and I went exploring while the wives were spending all day at Williamsburg Pottery.

http://www.williamsburgpottery.com/

We ended up at fascinating Fort Monroe, in Hampton. That was a fascinating discovery -- a 19th century stone fort, on an island, surrounded by a moat. You are able to walk through the casement museum and all along the top of the walls.

http://www.geocities.com/~jmgould/monroe.html


http://www-tradoc.army.mil/museum/museum.asp

MelissaBeckoff

Any one know about the 400th anniversary celebration in may?
Do you need tickets?

Thanks

Melissa