Grayden and I spent this past week in Colonial Williamsburg. If you have been you know it's a most wonderful place to vacation. We love history and always learn something new whenever we visit. Going in the month of February can be tricky as the weather can still be quite cold in Tidewater Virginia.
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| The Manor House |
We stay in the Williamsburg area at Powhatan Plantation. We have stayed here since the 1980's and always find it enjoyable. The above Manor House is the central focus to this property. Richard Taliaferro (pronounced Tolliver) built the Manor House at Powhatan around 1735. He was a renowned architect and is known for his designs of many public buildings in Virginia. He designed in Williamsburg, The Capitol, The Governor's Palace, The George Wythe House and The Presidents House at William and Mary. Taliaferro passed away in 1779, but the home stayed in the family until 1819.
We checked in and got settled into our home away from home. Since we were celebrating Valentine's I bought my roses from home that I had on the dining table.
The weather was quite cold for the weekend. There was even snow predicted! In fact this is our view in the morning.
I've never seen the Manor House all decorated in snow!
We decided we must go down to the Duke of Gloucester Street to see the snow on all of the beautiful buildings. We drive carefully to the Colonial area.
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We park the car in Merchant's Square and it is beginning to rain.
I know many are sick of winter weather, but seeing Colonial Williamsburg in the snow was quite magical.
"Virginia is for Lovers" is the slogan for Virginia. In many cities one will see Love signs displayed. How lovely for this Valentine's getaway! You are looking toward the College of William and Mary on the Duke of Gloucester Street. Behind us about one mile is the Colonial Capitol.
Come walk with us as I want to show you one of my favorite sights in Williamsburg. First let's look at some of the buildings.
We are now seeing the beautiful Bruton Parish Church. I will write more about it later.
This is the Palace Green that gives a beautiful view of the Governor's Palace. Many events are central to this green. The Grand Illumination and the Forth of July celebrations are focal points of Palace Green and it certainly is a beautiful location for the Governor's Palace.
We are staying for the week, so I'll show you more of beautiful Colonial Williamsburg in a future post.
An entire week! What fun. Williamsburg does look pretty wearing white!
ReplyDeleteIt was a cooperative snow, Vee. It didn't last, but was so pretty. ♥
DeleteA real trip down Memory Lane for me this morning. How beautiful Colonial Williamsburg is in Winter, but again it is just beautiful whatever the time of year. Snow does make it so much more magical {as you have shared here with such great images} and those warm drinks they serve in the hostelries are even more appreciated!
ReplyDeleteI have probably spent more time in Colonial Williamsburg than any other place in America, for I lived in Virginia Beach and it was my go to place most weekends except for the Summer when most weekends were spent down in the Outer Banks.
Virginia certainly holds a special place in my heart.
~~~Deb xoxo
Colonial Williamsburg is one of Grayden's and my favorite places as well, Deb. I was thinking while we were down there last week that I feel like I'm in England again! You know how much I love it there! The step back in time is so special to me. I'm so happy you share a love for this area. Kindred spirits, my friend. Tidewater is just one of the best places Virginia has to offer! I'm happy to have bought you down memory lane. Enjoy your weekend! xoxo ♥
DeleteWhat a lovely place to visit!
ReplyDeleteAnd we have never done so. -pout-
Gentle hugs,
Tessa
I do hope you will visit one day, Tessa. It is quite lovely any season of the year. ♥
DeleteWhat a wonderful getaway, Martha Ellen. I just love looking at all this snow! That gazebo is sweet sitting out there on the water. This place sounds like it is rich in history. What a nice Valentine week you had. Love your red roses and candle.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice weekend, Martha Ellen.
~Sheri
Colonial Williamsburg is full of rich history, Sheri. The snow certainly added to its charm. Enjoy your weekend. ♥
DeleteWilliamsburg in the snow would be lovely to see. Nice to see your photos.
ReplyDeleteThe snow added a magical look to Duke of Gloucester Street, Dotsie. ♥
DeleteI have never been to Williamsburg. It looks like the perfect place to vacation in the winter, seriously! Who even remembers the snow when there's so much interesting history to explore. It's someplace we need to visit. Aren't those colonial buildings just gorgeous! What a nice way to spend Valentine's. Good idea to bring the roses. I enjoyed your wonderful photos.
ReplyDeleteJudy, you would love Colonial Williamsburg! It reminds me of England--now that's high praise! Anytime you visit there it is charming. ♥
DeleteWe were there after Christmas 1999 and rented one of the colonial houses in the historic area for two nights. It was wonderful to be able to walk out our door and be a few steps away from the Duke of Gloucester Street. We haven't been back since then so I'm looking forward to your tour.
ReplyDeleteCathy, I will share what we did during the week. As far as a tour I will share what I know about Colonial Williamsburg. It must have been nice to stay close to the Duke of Gloucester Street! ♥
DeleteMartha Ellen ~~~ I was thinking of you last evening while watching a lovely programme series on 'More4' television channel. It is called "Penelope Keith's Hidden Villages" I believe it was first broadcast at the end of 2014 and I think you will just love it if you can manage to find it on American television. The delightful Penelope travels all over the UK to find hidden villages. Yesterday she was in the Lake District, the week before she was in Devon. Such a gentle peek at some of Britain's treasures.
ReplyDeleteAnother programme you might enjoy is anyone of the train travel series hosted by Michael Portillo. Currently, having exahusted the UK and European routes, we are treated to American train travel!
~~~Deb xoxo
Thank you so much, dear Deb! I will look this series up and hopefully we will have it available. You are so right, it sounds like I would love "Penelope Keith's Hidden Villages"! When we were in England I did see some of Michael Portillo's train travel. He was in Scotland on the most lovely train. I had forgotten about that series and must look it up as well.
DeleteHave a lovely Sunday evening, dear Deb! xoxo ♥
Martha, Colonial Williamsburg in the snow! Somehow, it makes the snow look even prettier. Can you believe that I have done shows in Richmond and Williamsburg at least a dozen times and NEVER visited Colonial Williamsburg?!! Outrageous,,especially since history is my favorite thing in the world next to nature.It just seems we never fit in into the schedule, but we really must. I am sure you've been there many times? Do you recommend the Spring?
ReplyDeleteJeri, you must go to Colonial Williamsburg! It is right up your alley, dear one. I find all seasons to be special there. The spring is lovely as there are gardens to visit behind all of the buildings. Fall is pretty as well as at Christmas when all of the homes have natural wreaths and beautiful fruit adornments. Yes, being a Virginian, I have visited there hundreds of times. We learn something new every time we visit! ♥
DeleteHi Martha! Oh, I love Colonial Williamsburg and we've been quite a few times but never seen it in the snow. It's just glorious! I'll bet is simply wonderful at Christmas time. I hope you're doing well and have a great week. Thanks for popping in to see me.
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Shelia, it is just beautiful at Christmas. I'm so glad you have been. Sending you happy days ahead! ♥
DeleteIt looks like this place has a lot of atmosphere at any time but in the snow - it is magic.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
That is so true, Amalia. Have a wonderful day! xo ♥
DeleteWilliamsburg is one of our favorite places!! How wonderful to have the opportunity to see it in its winter glory!
ReplyDeleteSeveral years ago (before blogging!), a friend's sister generously gave us a week at Powhatan Plantation. My married daughter and I went together (our husbands couldn't get off) along with our children (my girls and the three she had at the time). We had adjoining suites and we had the grandest time!!
That's neat you have been to Powhatan, Cheryl. We have been there so many times over the years and always enjoy ourselves! I'm not surprised Williamsburg is a favorite of yours! ♥
DeleteOh this is just breathtaking Martha Ellen! Gorgeous winter photos! We lived in Virginia Beach for one year and often visited Williamsburg! There is a wealth of history there....thank you SO much for sharing your trip!
ReplyDeleteBetsy, it's so nice to hear that you have been to Williamsburg! We are so lucky to be able to travel a couple of hours to get there. We also love VA Beach. I'll probably show some places you have been for sure. Have a wonderful day! ♥
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