OK, folks I am going to Colonial Williamsburg this summer, with the family. I know they have a forge and a woodshop (and of course I will have to stop into both) but anything else I should be aware of? I have never been thier befor.
Doug
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Replies
Keep in mind that the entire state of VA is a speed trap. And the state cops have radar detector "detectors"; so keep 'em OFF. Radar detectors are illegal in VA.
Yes it is.. not only keep them off, remove them from the windshield. my buddies and I were pulled over in VA a few years ago and we had the detector unplugged but since the cop saw it in the windshield he gave us a ticket anyway..$60.00 + the speeding
Edited 4/4/2008 8:31 am ET by mvflaim
The "shop" is great but you can't spend ALL of your time there.
They have re-enactors at a theater that were great. These people dress and talk "exactly" as the personality they assume: John Adams, Tom Jefferson, etc. They will answer contemporary questions as they assume their personality would do if alive today.
Frosty
"I sometimes think we consider the good fortune of the early bird and overlook the bad fortune of the early worm." FDR - 1922
I think it's all pretty interesting. In addition to the obvious cabinetmaker's shop, the gunsmith, blacksmith, foundry and silversmith shops are all good.
-Steve
Just spend some time taking in the beautiful grounds and architecture. And a few hours at the Dewitt Wallace Gallery if you are interested in period furniture or other decorative arts. One of the great collections in the country.
There are several incredible 18th century plantations in the surrounding area if you are looking for more places to visit.
Lots of shopping if that is what you or your wife are interested in.
Enjoy, Cal
Lunch at the Inn is obligatory as is trying the peanut soup. But suggest only getting one bowl and passing it around ;-)
Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
Doug,
The Chrysler Museum in Norfolk is well worth a visit while you are in the area.
-Jerry
Wonderful place and if you are not careful you will learn a lot of history. If you can see if you can get reservations at one of the Taverns for dinner, great food and period entertainment. Look at their website and you will get the layout of the restoration area. If you have children Bush Gardens is just down the road and there is a lot of other things to do in the area.
Enjoy,
Greg
Make sure you check out the weekly schedule. Some of the exhibits are only open for limited times and others have special pass requirements. One I would look out for is the carriage makers shop and the cooper. When I was last there, they were in the Governor's Palace grounds, but look around. Also there is a tour of the stables with the carriage collection being worth seeing and the heirloom farm animal tour can be worthwhile. Both the stable and heirloom farm animals were special tours that required passes that last time I was there.
My wife and I visited Colonial Williamsburg last May. I did the same thing you're doing--asked advice from the folks at Knots. Their kind and informative responses added immensely to our enjoyment of the visit. A highlight of the trip was, thanks to Adam Cherubini's recommendation, a visit to the Governor's Palace for a concert by candle light.
If you can stay at one of the Colonial Houses in the historic district it greatly adds to your immersion into 18th century life. Don't miss dinner at Christiana Campbell's Tavern where the food was so exquisite that I felt compelled to tell Mrs. Campbell that if I weren't already married I would propose to her on the spot. Her reply: "Sir. it is good you are married for I would not give up my Tavern for a man." Also visit the King's Arms Tavern for either dinner or the incredible buffet breakfast where you can dine and visit with interpreters. Spend an evening listening to 18th century music and playing 18th century games while enjoying your favorite ales at Chowning's Tavern.
No woodworker should miss the Carpenter Shop (talk to Bill) and the Anthony Hay Cabinet Shop where you can pick the brains (and see the work) of Mack Headley, Kaare Loftheim and other expert cabinetmakers. They were extremely kind to us in answering all our questions and showing construction details of pieces they were working on.
If you recall in the movie "Cars", Luigi the tire dealer said to his assistant, "Punch me Guido--this is the most glorious day of my life." I had some days like that last May in Colonial Williamsburg. I can hardly wait to go back.
My wife and I moved to Williamsburg about 4 years and we love it. Now, let me recommend some places to eat: Try the Chickahominy House for breakfast or lunch, good home cooking. If you like Italian try Giuseppe's or Sal's for good pizza. The Blue Talon is good French/American style. If you like to play pool, the Corner Pocket has about 12 billiard tables and pretty good food, also live music on the weekends.
Let me also suggest going to Jamestown, they have a new gallery/museum that opened last year. Also, Yorktown is about 25 minutes away and a good way to spend half a day.
There is also the Williamsburg Winery where you can take a tour or wine tasting.
If you like the colonial architecture, take a walk down Duke of Gloucester Street, this is the main st. where most of the historic buildings are located. Enjoy your stay.
Robert
Doug,
Just the mention of the name brings back happy memories. I was ten or eleven when my folks took me. I have vague memories of talking to the carpenters. Mostly, I remember riding facing backwards in my cousin's Volvo station wagon and my dad starting me on my miniature cannon collection. Oh, one other memory. My mom wouldn't buy me a Union kepi. She said we should remain neutral so she got me Patriot's triangle hat. Still have it.
Sorry, not really much help. But I hope your kids have some wonderful memories too.
Enjoy!
Len
Well, my family is all older then me, but other then that...
Doug
:)
It's never to late to start that miniature cannon collection. (LOL)
Len
I started mine years ago at Cedar Point
Doug
Doug,
First, you should go to the visiters center and watch the introduction movie and buy a pass which will give you entrance into the many restored buildings.
It is fun to eat at one of the on site places, but you should call now [1.800.history] and make reservations.
Not knowing how long you will be there, some of the places that we enjoy are, The Wyth House, Peyton Randolph house,The Palace and the Rockefeller House. Be sure to go to the Museum.
If you walk down Duke of Gloucester Street, on your way to the palace(a must see), look to the right and you'll find the riflesmith's shop. There's always something going on: stock shaping, wire inlay work, horn work and the guys there will spend a bunch of time with you. I am a little partial to the shop for lots of reasons(been there about 30 times) but one of the nicest things about it is you can handle the pieces. Just ask George Sutter or Clay. They are so generous with any information they can share.
Like someone mentioned earlier- the blacksmith shop, silversmith, wheelwright shop, cobblers shop... its all great. Bring your camera.
Question: When are you going? I have to go back to get a board I bought from a man in Wburg. A killer piece of curly maple sitting in a barn for 15 years.
If you are going before the end of April, check out the William and Mary theatre arts schedule. I have seen a couple plays for next to nothing. William and Mary College is almost attached to the historic site and sometimes its fun to visit if you have time.
dan
Edited 4/6/2008 10:11 pm ET by danmart
I will be going the last week of May. I foget the date. But I only really have time to spend one day.
Doug
Doug,
One day isn't enough for all the great things to see
while there. My wife & I were there this past October
and spent 4 days there - and we were tempted to alter
the balance of our vacation plans to spend more time
there.
If you only have one day - do check out the cabinet
makers shop - which was closed when we went!
The Governor's Palace is a must.
Go on-line & download the tour guide of the campus
along with their calendar of scheduled events to plan
your day. With so little time there you won't want to
spend your time figuring it out as you go. Plan ahead.
Also plan on going back someday!
Bill-
Yes, well at one time I had hoped to spend a couple days but after having to change jobs last year this vacation was cut short by about a week. So it was either try it in one day or not go at all. And I have been putting this off for several years so I figured I would just do what I can in one day.
Doug
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