Colonial Williamsburg - Special Place At Christmas Time



news2kilv.org

We both felt like we just stepped into a Christmas card when we arrived at Colonial Williamsburg.  It was the day after Christmas and we were ready to enjoy a few days away.  We had heard that Colonial Williamsburg was beautiful at Christmas time and we wanted to discover it together.  As always, my beautiful and trusted navigator made the trip to Virginia a fun time with ease of traffic and tranquil scenery.  It even included a ferry ride, most enjoyable and unique. 

historylines.net

We chose a hotel close to the historical district.  We figured it would make our weekend just a little easier.  That first night, we selected an Italian Restaurant for dinner called Milano's on Richmond Street.   It was a nice little Italian Restaurant with very good food and a romantic atmosphere.   We both were ready for a romantic getaway and knew we had made the right choice.  After dinner, we walked hand and hand through Merchant's Square checking out all the best places we wanted to shop for the next couple of days.

photos.igougo.com

Our first full day in Colonial Williamsburg was the historical district.  Although not all exhibits were open, plenty were and we had a great time exploring and learning about our nation's beginnings.  "The future learns from the past" is Williamsburg's theme and both of us embraced it.  Visiting every building and listening to the costumed storekeepers was fun.  Ever inquisitive, my significant other would engage with every shop owner asking questions and making the experience all the more richer for us.

Late that first morning, we came upon what they call, "street theatre".  It was our first experience with Patrick Henry.  Sitting right in the first row of the amphitheatre style seating, we listened intently to Mr. Henry's oration on today's and yesterday's politics.  It was immense fun.  Very entertaining and enlightening.  We both walked away excited and feeling almost giddy from the experience.  It really was fascinating. 

Visiting the homes, shops and trades along the Duke of Gloucester Street was great.  The Governor's Palace, The Capitol, The Bruton Parish Church were all most enjoyable to visit.  Our experience in Bruton Parish Church was extraordinary as we sat in the very pews that some of our founding fathers sat in over 200 years ago.  Although we didn't visit all the taverns in the historical district, we did enjoy lunch at the Brick House Tavern.   The day had turned chilly and a little uncomfortable but the robust fire and atmosphere of the Tavern was a good time. 

Loving our time together and enjoying the learning we were experiencing, we fancied time to shop at The Merchant Square Shops.  So many different stores with some very unique art and gifts.  A great candy store, my personal favorite.  Not hers, of course.   Like most visitors, we browsed more than we bought but we both found a number of things that we had to have.  I enjoyed purchasing a few Scottish ties from the Scotland House.  She found an attractive and unique wall sconce to match several existing pieces she has at the Shirley Pewter Shop.  Of course, no trip anywhere for her would be complete without a stop at Chico's.  Go figure, Merchant Square Shops has a Chico's. 

Ending our time at Colonial Williamsburg, we had to stop at one of our favorite little eateries right across from the campus of William and Mary College.  The College Delly has great food and we enjoyed our last evening at this little college hangout.  Colonial Williamsburg was everything we had hoped for.  Romantic, charming, peaceful and relaxing - all the things that make it so special during the Christmas holidays.