August 2009 Archives

As autumn approaches, there is limited time to enjoy the beautiful gardens in and around Williamsburg. Blooming in August, you'll find day lilies, asters, clematis, hibiscus and trumpet vines. Many Crape Myrtle trees are still in full bloom. Vegetable gardens are beginning to be ready for harvest and you''ll see watermelon and cucumbers vines bearing large fruit. There are many gardens throughout the restored area, but some good garden spots to check out would be the Governor's Palace, George Wythe House, James Geddy House, Orlando Jones House, and Weatherburn's Tavern behind the kitchen. Some gardens are more formal, while others are not, but all are meant for pleasure and should be enjoyed by everyone.

Located on State Route 31, just 10 minutes from Colonial Williamsburg, you will find the living-history museum of Jamestown Settlement. Founded in 1607, thirteen years before the pilgrims landed in Massachusetts, Jamestown is the site of the first permanent English settlement. You'll see a full-scale re-creation of the colonists' fort and a Powhatan Indian village, too. There are three replicas of the English ships that brought the settlers across the ocean. The Jamestown Settlement Museum has a combination of exhibits and hands-on activities that really involve the whole family in the learning process. My younger brother worked as a costumed interpreter inside the fort area for several years. Interacting and teaching children about the history of this place was what he loved most about working at Jamestown. The museum is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, except Christmas and New Year's Day.

Last weekend I had the opportunity to tour the new museum buildings in Williamsburg. The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum and Abby Aldrich Rockerfeller Folk Art Museum are hidden neatly behind the Public Hospital of 1773. At first I was disappointed to learn that the Abby Aldrich Rockerfeller Folk Art Museum no longer resides in its old building. I have very fond memories of visiting there as a child growing up in Williamsburg, especially at Christmas time. I love the famous "Baby in the Red Chair" painting as well as the Santa Claus statue, which I posed next to for a holiday promotional photo for the museum when I was two years old. Happily, I was very pleased by how beautifully planned and executed the museums are. From the gift shop, to the garden cafe, to the sweeping staircase that leads up to the majority of the rooms where the artifacts are kept, the museums are well lit, spacious, and beautifully decorated. There is something for all tastes to enjoy from weaponry, to silver, to pottery, to furniture, to antique toys for children. The Williamsburg museums provide a positive learning opportunity for all family members.

Something I highly recommend to visitors is the reenactments of historical events throughout the restored area called, "Revolutionary City". All over town you can find actors dressed as merchants and townspeople. You can interact with them and discuss politics or any other topic you may want their perspective on. Special programs are held throughout the day, such as, "A Court Of Tar And Feathers," held in front of Raleigh Tavern, or "A Public Audience With Thomas Jefferson," held at the Governor's Palace, and "Lady Washington Visits The Capital," held at the Capitol building's south side. These are just a few of the reenactments available for your viewing pleasure, and most last no more than 15 to 20 minutes. They are especially thrilling for children and reach them in a way that a lecture cannot. So, as you stroll down the Duke of Gloucester Street and admire the view, allow yourself to be caught up in the fun of returning to the colonial era by way of players dressed as a slave, or soldier, or fine lady or gentleman who help bring the past to life again.

I am excited to announce that I will be at the Williamsburg Visitor's Center this Saturday, August 15th from 2 to 4 pm to sign copies of my book, Momma's Olive Branch. This is my second invitation to the Visitor's Center, Booksellers Shop, to highlight my recently published book. The book is about my life growing up in Williamsburg and my family's struggles with illness and tragedy. It is a book filled with messages of hope and inspiration for readers. I am so honored to be making a second appearance at the Booksellers Shop and I hope many will be able to attend.

On Saturday, August 15th from 8 am to noon, the Farmer's Market in Merchants Square will be open. Over 30 producers participate. Local farmers offer seasonal produce and plants, You can find a variety of baked goods, meats, and cheeses and more. Live entertainment is provided as well as chef demonstrations. The Francis street parking lot is free and the Prince George Street parking garage is $1.00 per hour. Make plans to come and enjoy the fun!

I have always loved watching the Williamsburg Fifes and Drum Corps perform in town. From the time I was very small, I remember the thrill of listening to the shrill fife sound and the booming of the drums that seem to keep time with the beat of your heart. Nothing brings the past back to life more than watching this smart group of colonial musicians march down the street. I encourage you to enjoy this site as well. Performing this weekend on Saturday at 5:00 pm, watch the Fifes and Drum Corps parade down the Duke of Gloucester Street from the Palace Green to the Capital. It's a perfect way to end your day of touring.

I get asked all the time about the beautiful magenta colored, flowering trees found throughout the area. These trees with lacy, crinkled flowers having a crepe-like texture are called Crape Myrtle Trees. They were first introduced to the United States from China by French botanist, Andre Michaux to Charleston, South Carolina, in 1790. The trees flower from July through September and prefer a warmer growing climate, so many visiting from northern, colder climate areas may have never seen these lovely trees before. A Japanese variety is also found today, and it is hardier to cold and more resistant to fungal diseases than it's popular relative from China. I have to say they are one of my very favorite things about summertime in Williamsburg! So enjoy the beauty they give to our town, and take advantage of the photo opportunities they bring... they make a gorgeous backdrop for any picture!