September 2009 Archives

On October 10-11, Colonial Williamsburg will feature a new reenactment piece for Revolutionary City, called, "Prelude To Victory." The show includes the American army preparing for the upcoming battle in Yorktown. Soldiers demonstrate firing techniques of weapons from the period, and General Washington addresses his men, discussing concerns and strategies for the battle to come. As I have said before, in my opinion, Revolutionary City is one of Colonial Williamsburg's best ideas yet in trying to bring history alive for visitors. Any time you are able to catch one of these short skits, you should take advantage of it.

I remember as a little girl visiting the Williamsburg Pottery with my mother when she needed new dishes or glassware. Back then, it was a chaotic treasure trove of stuff! The Pottery expanded and grew over the years, and as a young adult, I enjoyed shopping there for framed prints, dried flower arrangements, and other such bargains items not found anywhere else in Williamsburg. But by 2000, the Pottery experienced a serious decline, and wasn't pulling in many visitors, or locals either. Now you'll find upscale changes have been made to the Pottery, in an effort to get shoppers back... especially the locals. They have opened some new stores, like a Linen store, Kitchen store, and a Home Expo Shop. Some old favorites are still around like the Christmas Shop. You'll see new decor and landscaping. So, take a trip out Richmond Road to see the new improved Williamsburg Pottery. As in the "good old days," you are likely to find a bargain or two!

Want to eat like a native of Williamsburg? Go to the Cheese Shop in Merchants Square. They make the greatest sandwiches... hands down! There are plenty of choices to please most tastes. Their special, secret sandwich sauce is the perfect addition to any sandwich. They have fresh bread, fresh baked items, a wide variety of drinks and chips, and of course, Cheese... all kinds! Its a fun place. The locals love it and I bet you will too!

There is something quite special about autumn in Williamsburg. The air is so crisp. The skies more blue, and the fall colors of the old maple trees lining the Duke of Gloucester Street are truly magnificent. I highly recommend taking a walk down the street to admire the view during the hight of the fall colors. Breathe in the spicy wood smoke and stop by the Raleigh Tavern for a gingerbread cookie or a pumpkin muffin. Another must is taking a leisurely drive along the Colonial parkway to see all the bursting fall colors. Don't be surprised if you spy a deer or two, some scampering squirrels, and perhaps a lazy box turtle trying to cross the road! Saturday mornings are the time to stop by the Farmer's Market in Merchants Square and check out all the delicious harvest items to buy. Pick up some mums and a pumpkin or two. Keep a sweater handy if you are out touring as evening arrives. There is a nip in the air and a hot cider from Chownings Tavern is the perfect thing to warm you up again!

Bacon's Rebellion is known as the first act of rebellion from English rule and occurred long before the revolutionary War took place. It was a power struggle between two of Virginia's strongest personalities, Nathaniel Bacon, a wealthy planter, and Virginia's Royal Governor Berkeley. Frustrated by the Governor's lack of action and help in guarding against indian attacks, Nathaniel Bacon led a rebellion on September 19, 1676 in which the house of Burgesses and Governor Berkeley were threatened at gunpoint, and the colonial capital of Jamestown was burned to the ground. Anniversary activities marking the event are sponsored by the National Park Service and Preservation Virginia. Begin your day by touring Bacon's Castle, the oldest surviving brick home in Virginia. Then take the ferry across the James River to historic Jamestown. The Jamestown tour takes visitors through the colonial town site and presents events that lead up to the burning of Jamestown. Jamestown fees are $10 for adults and children 16 and under are free. For more information, try the following websites: www.apva.org/baconscastle and www.historicjamestowne.org/calendar

If you like to hear a good story, you won't want to miss the story telling concerts Colonial Williamsburg is having on September 19th at the Kimball Theater. There will be two shows. The first is from 2 until 4 pm and features four different story tellers. The second is from 7 until 9 pm and is a solo performance from world-renowned story teller, Donald Davis. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8.50 for children.

Fall is a busy time at Edgewood Plantation in Charles City. On Tuesday Sept. 8th through Thursday Sept 10th they are hosting a haunted luncheon tour from noon to 3 pm. For $32, you will enjoy a four course lunch and listen to the old tale of former resident, Lizzie Rowland. It is said that she lost her only love in the war between the states and her spirit still lingers in the house as she continues to wait for his return. Following lunch is a tour of the old house where you can see in a bedroom window, the spot where Lizzie etched her name in the glass. Edgewood Plantation has been featured on PBS specials and was most recently on the T.V. show, Ghost Hunters. I saw that episode, myself, and throughly enjoyed it! For more information on Edgewood Plantation and other fun events they host, such as their Haunted Candlelight Dinner tour, go to www.edgewoodplantation.com/events Fall is the perfect time to visit!

Prime Outlets, located on Richmond Road, is a wonderful shopping spot. Whether you are looking for something exotic and unusual, or practical and classic, you are sure to find it here in one of hundreds and hundreds of stores. They are having a Labor Day weekend sidewalk sale where many stores are trying to sell the last of their summer merchandise. Starting Tuesday, Sept 8th, the outlet stores begin their fall fashion sale, lasting until September 27th.