Chapter 11, Williamsburg Virginia

We stayed at another Thousand Trails Campground in Williamsburg and once again, had full hookups and an assigned spot. I’m starting to wonder if the first come first serve model for TT is mainly on the west coast because it’s been the exception rather than the rule for us as we’ve moved east. At any rate, we didn’t have any trouble getting into the site here or setting up, thankfully!

This Thousand Trails Park was one of the nicest we’ve been to. Very green and pretty with so much to do here. They have an indoor pool and hot tub, air hockey, ping pong, and video games. They even had free popcorn and a cute little store that sold Hershey ice cream!

Hike at York River State Park

The following day, after waiting all morning for the thunderstorms to subside, we went for a hike nearby our campground at York River State Park. The park was beautiful. There were an abundance of mountain laurel bushes and tulip trees still in bloom, along with a variety of ferns and other trees and plants. The hike covered a diverse range of biospheres in less than five miles, from glens to estuary wetlands, a very wide river, a fairly large pond with ducks, and thick (mostly) deciduous forests.

Inside Governors Mansion, Colonial Williamsburg

After the hike we met Dave’s cousin (by the same name) and his wife Marie at the Dog Street Pub for dinner and a nice visit. The pub was located right outside of Colonial Williamsburg, a famously historic area depicting the way of life in colonial times immediately preceding the revolutionary war. The pub had the old English vibe of the late eighteenth century, which we really enjoyed. In keeping with the theme, Dave and I split a shepherd’s pie for dinner. It wasn’t the best I’ve ever had (that would be Victoria B.C.) but the atmosphere and the company made up for it. We were able to stay there and chat a good long time as it wasn’t very busy, being a Monday with the threat of more rain in the forecast.

The next morning we took the dogs for a run then headed back to Colonial Williamsburg, our planned excursion for the day. Dave bought tickets online (they’re discounted if you buy them in advance), which cost $32 each. Once we got there, we discovered you can walk around outside without having to pay. You only need the tickets if you want to do any of the mini tours or go inside the exhibits and interact with the actors dressed in period costumes. The actors really got into their rolls too, so it was like talking to an actual colonist. The tickets will also get you into the museums (there are several) but we didn’t have time for that.

Kitchen, Colonial Williamsburg

Not all the buildings are open at the same time. To know which buildings are available to tour, you look for the flag outside. Inside, you can visit with the ‘tradesperson’ and learn about their trade. It was very interesting and informative. The first thing we did upon arrival was to tour the governors palace where Lord Dunmore resided after being appointed governor of Virginia. He was not a popular chap as we found out throughout the day there. We bought authentic style pasties from a street vendor as we walked around. I got beef, Dave got the chicken. His was better than mine (we tasted back and forth as is our habit) but I didn’t really care for either of them. Too greasy!

We also watched a street performance depicting the discontent felt by the colonists and the rumors that were running rampant during this period of unrest leading to the revolutionary war (1775).  We learned about the important role Payton Randolph played in bringing the people of Williamsburg together and trying to sooth the widespread fear that was ramping up leading to the first British attacks.

A Fife and Drum, Colonial Williamsburg

Randolph was the voice of the people of Williamsburg and the greater Virginia colony, and led the Virginia delegation to the First Continental Congress. He then went on to be elected President of the Continental Congress before John Hancock. It was so interesting to see that the early colonists were not all that different from us today—they feared for their safety and that of their families and threats to their way of life. And they didn’t trust politicians. Hmm…

After a day in Colonial Williamsburg we had dinner at the Mellow Mushroom, a cool pizza place next to the historic district. We ate outside on the deck and shared a bruschetta appetizer, and a holy shitake pizza, both very delicious! Good day, good experience! I would recommend this if you’re a history buff (even if you’re not, it’s pretty cool) and are in the area. Next stop: Harper’s Ferry and Shenandoah National Park.