July 2009 Archives

If you want to shop like a native of Williamsburg, you must take a trip to the Golden Ball just a short distance from the capital building. Here you will find traditional Williamsburg treasures. Beautiful gold and silver jewelry is available here in various styles to please all tastes. The most popular gift over the years has to be the traditional C band silver bracelet . Many a young Williamsburg girl has owned one or more over the years, as they are excellent gifts for baptisims, birthdays, and graduations alike. ( I love mine!) Second to that are the silver pendant necklaces, which come in both circular and octagonal shapes and can be engraved. Happily, if your touring schedule is tight and you can't make it to the Golden Ball, you can shop online, too, at the official Colonial Williamsburg web site. Not only are they a timeless, classic accompaniment to any outfit, they are reasonably priced and a beautiful way to remember your visit to our historic town.

In the middle of the restored area of Williamsburg sits the historic Bruton Parish Episcopal Church. Visitors are always welcome during times the church is open to the public. For those who enjoy choral and instrumental music, I recommend attending one of the beautiful candlelight concerts held weekly in the church. In the tradition set by Bruton's eighteenth century organist, Peter Pelham, there are organ and English style harpsichord recitals. Also, instrumental and choral groups visit from all over the United States to perform in Bruton. Throughout the year, candlelight concerts are held on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings at 8 pm. Attending one of these concerts and listening to the rich, deep sounds of the organ mixed with the delicate, dulcet tones of the harpsichord, may make you feel as though you have slipped back in time!

Located off the Colonial Parkway in a wooded setting, the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor's Center is the perfect place to start your visit back in time! Here you can gather information and purchase tickets. Upon entering the building you will be met by life-sized wall photos depicting eighteenth century life. The music of fifes and drums plays faintly in the background. Maps and other brochures are available, as well as trained staff members to assist you in making your tour plans. If you are looking for a special and unique adventure for your school-age children, you can even rent colonial costumes for them to wear as you tour the restored area! Make sure you browse in the two beautiful shops inside the Visitor's Center. Williamsburg Booksellers Shop has all kinds of books, CDs and DVDs and other publications. Williamsburg Revolutions Shop has many treasures and gifts to purchase for remembering your trip to the Colonial Capital.

One of my favorite memories of growing up in Williamsburg is attending many wonderful events from musical shows, to plays and other productions held inside Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall on the campus of the College of William and Mary. Topping the list is attending the Virginia Shakespeare Festival held each summer. During the summer months between late June and early August, the Festival performs three different plays. This year, the Virginia Shakespeare Festival celebrates its 31st annual season. Anyone who loves Shakespeare or live theatre won't want to miss out on this summertime treat! Currently showing is "The Winter's Tale."