Grayden and I have a tradition of going to Colonial Williamsburg for the week around Valentine's Day. We are only 100 miles from one of our favorite spots. It's a wonderful place to take long walks. Tidewater is certainly warmer than our home town as we get closer to the ocean. Our visit included warm days and chilly days, but always walks down in the Colonial area. Put on your walking shoes and take a stroll with us.
The sky is starting to brighten and we have many lovely homes and tradesmen to view. Colonial Williamsburg is a step back into the 18th century in Virginia.
Bruton Parish Church has been a house of worship for over 300 years in Williamsburg. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry worshiped here when the Virginia House of Burgesses was in session.
Across from the church there is a lovely garden that is still sleeping.
Tiny homes and larger homes line the street that add charm to Colonial Williamsburg.
The Governor's Palace is down the Palace Green. This was the home of seven Royal Governors and the first two elected Governors of Virginia.
Continuing on our walk we pass the many shops that still make products in the manner of the 18th century.
If you wish to bring your horse and buggy, there is a post for doing so.
Or you can ride the streets in this chauffeured buggy.
We prefer walking on this beautiful day. It's in the upper 50's and it feels like Spring is in the air!
There are guest houses one can rent if you are so inclined.
On Valentine's Day Grayden and I enjoyed a wonderful meal at Chownings Tavern.
I always enjoy seeing the trees this time of year as you can see their form so clearly.
The King's Arms Tavern is a lovely place to have dinner as well. If you come in summer there is dining and drinks are served in their outdoor garden patio.
Shield's Tavern is also very nice place to have a meal. We recently learned that Grayden's ancestors opened and operated this tavern in 1745.
You can see we are almost at the end of the Duke of Glouchester Street. The Colonial Capitol is at the end of the block.
Charlton's Coffeehouse is on the left if you want to stop in and have a drink or talk about the impending revolution if you dare.
That is certainly what is being discussed at the Capitol.
Let's walk around the Capitol and continue with a walk on a parallel street.
This old fallen down limb continues to amuse me over the years. It is still attached to the tree, but reminds me of a crocodile. We greeted him every day on our walk.
The Public Gaol (jail) was built in 1701 and sits near the Capitol.
Thankfully, we have no business here. Let's see what other things await us.
This quiet lane is so peaceful and serene. Notice all the different styles of fences in Colonial Williamsburg--All so very charming.
This house always reminds me of my Mama and Daddy. I have a photo of us standing on the front porch of this home during Grand Illumination.
I love this old live oak tree. It has been here ever since I can remember as I've been coming here my whole life.
This was the home of George Wythe. He taught Thomas Jefferson, John Marshall, and Henry Clay law. He was also the first signer of the Declaration of Independence from Virginia.
I'm so glad you joined us on our walk today. If I lived here it would have to be my walk every day as I love Colonial Williamsburg! Thank you for coming along with us. ♥
What a fabulous place to spend a week! Thank you for the lovely tour. I would take Colonial Williamsburg over Mall of America any day!! (We're about the same distance as you are from CW.). :-) I have never visited Colonial Williamsburg, but know I would love it. Thank you for taking us along today.
ReplyDeleteI know you would love Colonial Williamsburg, Judy. You can do as little or as much as you would like. Thank you for visiting with us. ♥
DeleteI don't have many places on my bucket list but this is one. My daughter-in-law has visited here and she tells me I would love it (I'm a real history buff).We are not as close as you are(Ontario)but your pictures are lovely. Hope see it for myself, it looks like you had a wonderful time!!
ReplyDeleteLynn, since you love history I know you will love Colonial Williamsburg. I do hope you are able to plan a trip someday. There is plenty to see and do in this area. Thanks for coming along with us! ♥
DeleteThank you for inviting us along! I can almost hear the birds singing and smell the air as it starts to warm up, heralding Spring is near! Why, from outside even the gaol has a certain quality of charm about it, but I am happy you had no business there too!
ReplyDeleteHow incredible to learn that about Grayden's family history! What a claim he has.
~~~Waving~~~From Across the Pond~~~Deb in Wales xoxo
Deb, this recent find about Grayden's family took us by surprise. You never know what's lurking in our backgrounds. Shield's Tavern was closed during this month or we would have eaten there again knowing this information.
DeleteSpring certainly could be felt in Colonial Williamsburg last week. Tonight we are expecting snow!
Enjoy your day. xoxo ♥
What an amazing tour you took us on, it was simply stunning. A wonderful link to fame, shame the Tavern was shut for business.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed coming along with us. We've eaten many times in Shield's Tavern, but without the knowledge of my husband's ancestor. We'll surely be back to eat there again. Have a great day! ♥
DeleteWhat a nice Valentine's Day outing you had at Colonial Williamsburg. It was interesting to see the church that George Washington went to. The garden looks dry now in Winter, but I'm sure it's blooming at Springtime. What a sight to have seen the horse and buggy. The Coffeehouse is charming, and would love to stop there for a hot cup of coffee. You look cute in Red standing next to the tree limb. Red is definitely your color, Martha Ellen. That old oak tree is HUGE! I wonder how old it is? I've never seen a tree spread out like that. So much history here, and I'm glad you got to revisit again and enjoy the day. Loved hearing about the old house and your mom and dad.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Sheri, in winter the gardens go dormant and have a dry look about them because of the freeze. I've wondered for some time about that live oak tree that spreads its limbs out and its age. I don't know. It's a beauty to see year after year. Thank you for stopping by and leaving such sweet comments. I do love red and wear it often, especially on Valentine's Day. ♥
DeleteWhat a wonderful Valentine's Day gift, it has been many years since I visited Williamsburg, and after seeing thesis photos I would love to visit again. Thank you for sharing, and like you i would love to walk there every day.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Sue
Sue, I do hope you will visit Colonial Williamsburg again. It's one of my favorite places in Virginia. Thank you for stopping by. ♥
DeleteOh how I enjoyed this post!! I've never visited there but have always wanted to do so. As a Daughter of the American Revolution, this would be right up my alley. So.. thank you so much for taking us along with us on this visit. I'd love to see inside one of the taverns! How cool is it that your husband's family once owned that tavern.. there is an organization for colonial tavern owner descendants that he could join. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteTeresa, I qualify for the DAR as well but have never joined. My aunt was quite active in the organization. Next time we visit Colonial Williamsburg I will take photos of the inside of one of the taverns, probably Shield's Tavern, and post it for you. ♥
DeleteWilliamsburg is one of my favorite places to visit! The last time I was there was with the grandchildren and their parents. We also spent time at Jamestown. The high point of our stay was the visit to the cheese shop. We bought a cheese sampler plate to bring back to the condo where we were staying. To simply state that our grandson loves cheese is an understatement.:-) You have a wonderful tradition of returning to the area around Valentine's Day! - xo Nellie
ReplyDeleteNellie, I'm with your grandson as I adore cheese as well. The cheese shop has a wonderful selection, don't they? We are lucky that Colonial Williamsburg is close enough to enjoy often. Thank you for visiting. xo ♥
DeleteYou sure picked a beautiful day to visit! Plus, it doesn't look crowded at all.
ReplyDeleteCathy, we had one rainy day during the week we were there, but most days were very pretty. February is a really slow month in Colonial Williamsburg so we enjoyed our time without crowds. ♥
DeleteMe and my husband are planning our visit in May. I have been to Virginia many times but never to Williamsburg. Your photos are beautiful. Thanks for taking us along .Your friend Boos_Mom aka Peggy ❤
ReplyDeletePeggy, I'm so glad you are going to Williamsburg. You are really going to love it. The gardens should be lovely in May! Have a wonderful time. Thank you for visiting here today!
DeleteAnd, if you lived close to this beautiful old colonial town, I would so gladly walk along with you. However, I am not sure we would walk our mile in a quarter of an hour, for we would be dillydallying along enjoying all the wonderful sights along the way. :~)
ReplyDeleteDillydallying is the order of the day in Colonial Williamsburg. I would gladly join you in the walk, no matter how long we take. ♥
DeleteSo beautiful! If I had a time machine, I would have gone back to that era to experience the life. :)
ReplyDeleteThat would be quite an experience, Krishna. ♥
DeleteI so enjoyed this post! As a child, my parents and grandparent took us their on a summer vacation once. I loved seeing the pictures very much!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Roxy
Also think the background wallpaper on your blog is gorgeous.
Thank you for stopping by, Roxy. I think Colonial Williamsburg leaves quite an impression on us when ever we visit. It's nice to hear you have visited there as well.
DeleteMy background wallpaper is by William Morris--it's his Strawberry Thief wallpaper. I just love his art and his work. If you are not familiar with him you should look him up. ♥
BTW, I love the header. It's gives me the color that we are so lacking this week in the midst of a huge white-out! xo
ReplyDeleteThank you, Judy. The primroses have been a bright spot for us as well this winter. Even though we don't have a white-out we did get snow/sleet/rain today! Stay warm and cozy with Tommy and Smokey. ♥
DeleteIt certainly is a beautiful walk past many beautiful historical homes. I couldn’t help but notice that some of the homes looked as if they had some very modern architecture such as the first. That huge oak tree is something else totally amazing!
ReplyDeleteVee, I am stumped by the modern architecture you mentioned as I don't see it. The live oak is so beautiful and a wonderful spot to linger under in the summer. Glad you came by for a walk with us. ♥
DeleteColonial Williamsburg is one of my favorite places! Thank you for taking me along on your walk today! So many beautiful homes and gardens. (Even if the gardens are sleeping right now, we know that they will be bursting with life soon!)
ReplyDeleteYou have some special ties to Colonial Williamsburg, having visited since childhood days. I am sure that the photo with you and your parents on the porch of that home is a treasure to you. And how cool that Grayden's ancestors opened and operated Shield's Tavern!
Cheryl, Colonial Williamsburg is your style, my friend. We love it there as well and go whenever the opportunity presents itself. I guess one of the reasons I love England is because of loving Williamsburg my whole life. After all, it was settled by the English and the influence is evident.
DeleteThank you for walking with us! ♥
Martha, thank you for the tour! It's been far too long since our trip to Williamsburg. It's someplace we've always wanted to visit again, but you know how that goes. Love it! And your photos are outstanding.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you enjoyed the tour, Jean. There are so many places to see in this big ole world it's hard to repeat them. Have a nice afternoon. ♥
DeleteWhat wonderful photos! I haven't been to Williamsburg in probably ten years or more. Probably more. Your photos bring back wonderful memories along with details I didn't know!
ReplyDeleteJeanie, there is so much to learn about the early years of our country in Colonial Williamsburg. Glad to have you visit today. ♥
DeleteWhat a Grand Tour..Thank You... I learned so much. Travelling with you was like moving back in time... Your photos were brilliant for viewing the historical moments that one can only read in books ... I love that you can ride a horse and buddy down the street...Thank you for sharing some of your childhood memories....Hugs
ReplyDeleteZaa, it is my pleasure to share Colonial Williamburg with my friends here. It's such a charming place and always shows me a good time. Do you know I've never taken the horse and buggy ride there? One day we should do that, but for now I'm trying to get exercise. Thank you for visiting today, my friend. ♥
DeleteYou have captured it beautifully Martha Ellen. I love all your photos of very familiar places. We have been to Williamsburg often over the years and I love walking around this area. So much history and so very pretty. Thank you for sharing these and enjoy the upcoming weekend :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind comments, Denise. Williamsburg is a special place to me and I really enjoyed sharing our time there. I hope your weekend is lovely. ♥
DeleteI love Williamsburg! Such a great place to visit and so much history! Amazing you were able to get pictures with no one in them, usually it is quite busy there :-) Have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jill
February is quite a slow month in Colonial Williamsburg, Jill. As you know, it can get quite crowded as the weather warms. I hope you enjoy your weekend as well. ♥
DeleteA lovely selection of photographs … I thoroughly enjoyed my walk with you, thank you.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan