Virginia is home to the world's biggest naval station, the Pentagon, and Arlington National Cemetery. We take honoring our military and veterans seriously 'round here, so if you're visiting Williamsburg in hopes of discovering our nation's military's past and present, you've come to the right place! Here are 10 ideas for military-themed attractions located in the Hampton Roads/Williamsburg area.
Nauticus -- Nauticus is an engaging and interactive experience where the goal is to connect visitors to today's maritime world. Tour the Battleship Wisconsin, tour exhibits that explore our seaports, the Navy, and the Chesapeake Bay. If you time it right, you might get to see a ship return from deployment! Mariner's Museum -- See ship models, Civil War artifacts, paintings and more. You can also go on a hike on the beautiful, wooded 5-mile Noland trail. American Revolution Museum -- Be a part of history! Tour exhibits featuring period artifacts, watch demonstrations and recreations, and an explore a Revolution-era farm. Yorktown Battlefield -- The final battle of the Revolution took place here! Check the site for a schedule of events, including Fife & Drum marches and artillery demonstrations. Virginia War Museum -- This museum features, uniforms, vehicles, weapons and other artifacts from 1775-present day. Military Aviation Museum -- One of the largest private collections of WWl and WWll military aircraft in the world! Check schedule for flight demonstrations and air shows. Historic Tredegar -- This is the site of a significant Civil War battle and a National Landmark. You'll see the Civil War through the perspectives of 3 main groups - the Confederates, the Unionists, and African Americans. White House & Museum of the Confederacy -- Tour the home Jefferson David lived in and also visited by Robert E. Lee and Abraham Lincoln. You will also learn about and see artifacts relating to southern military history. Hampton Roads Naval Museum -- This museum is located on the 2nd floor of Nauticus and is run by the United States Navy. Their purpose is to celebrate over 240 of history relating specifically to the fleet in Hampton Roads. Admission is free. Civil War Itinerary -- Explore Williamsburg-area Civil War sites on your own time and at your own pace over the course of 4 days.
0 Comments
Chippokes Plantation State Park is a mite out of the way for Williamsburg residents and vacationers, but this gem of a park is worth the ferry trip over to Surry. Named after an Algonquian Indian Chief with whom original English owner Capt. William Powell was friendly, this plantation-turned-park is richly steeped in history, from early settlement to slavery to museum. It's actually a rather remarkable place, one that has continuously operated agriculturally for over 400 years. Recreation With a little planning ahead, a family (hello, homeschoolers) can make a trip to Chippokes an all-day affair. Or plan to stay overnight at their campground. Tent/camper sites are available for a nightly rate of around $30, or stay in one of the four historic cabins, one of which was built in 1850 and served as the overseers house. Located a short hike from the campground is an Olympic-size swimming pool. It's open to the public for a small fee but free for campers. This beautifully-preserved park is stationed on the James River. Access is granted to swimmers, shark-tooth seekers, hikers, and photographers. There are also equestrian trails, picnic areas, and a visitors' center. History The cultural portion of the property is just as breathtaking, and perhaps even more interesting, as the natural portion. There are several structures of historical significance, including plantation houses and outbuildings, slave quarters, farm buildings, and colonial-period agricultural sites. Take a step back in time as you explore the Farm Museum, a 7-structure complex filled with remnants of farming and daily farm life. It's quite an interesting collection of over 600 antiques, and it definitely presents significant educational opportunities. Children will enjoy comparing their modern conveniences with the more crude versions, and they'll be impressed by the items (a toy scooter, for example) that haven't evolved much at all. This tour is self-guided. The last private-owner, the Stewarts, willed the property to the Commonwealth of Virginia for the purpose of serving as a museum of agricultural history. 695 Chippokes Park Rd.
Surry, VA 23883 Virginia's State Fair is held once a year on the sprawling 331-acre historic property, The Meadow Event Park, located in Doswell, Virginia, birthplace of Triple Crown winner, Secretariat. Yes, that Secretariat. Horse and history enthusiasts alike will find their state fair experience enriched by strolling along this official Virginia landmark, which includes the original foaling shed where the racing legend was born. But it's not all about the horses! Cows, goats, chickens, ducks, and a whole herd of other livestock can be found scattered throughout the park. Feeling overheated? Make your way over to the air-conditioned Farm Bureau Center to cool off and perhaps do a little shopping while you're there. Over 100 vendors offering a variety of goods and services will keep you and your pocketbook busy for a while. Some very wise planner(s) decided to separate the children's rides from the rest. Once you pass through the tunnel, you'll find yourself at Festival Loop. This is perhaps the busiest section of the fair because—you guessed it—that's where the bulk of the food is. West of Festival Loop is Midway (rides geared for family w/ older children and adults), and to the east of the Loop is Kidway. Families heading that direction will encounter the historic section of the park, a variety of animals at Young McDonald's Farm, agricultural exhibits, kid-friendly rides, and more food. Ride tickets and wristbands are available to purchase, but families with multiple children might find the price tag a bit steep, especially after footing the bill for admission tickets ($12 for adults/$10 for kids). However, parking is free, and there's about 4-5 hours worth of free stuff to do, so a family on a budget can still enjoy the fair experience without breaking the bank. 2016 fair dates: September 23 - October 2
2017 fair dates: September 29 - October 8 Address: 13191 Dawn Blvd., Doswell, VA 23047 |
The Williamsburg Tourist30-something, homeschooling mom and writer chronicles her family's adventures in and around Williamsburg, Virginia. Archives
June 2017
Categories
All
|