This week’s location has the appeal of history, the lure of actual coins, and even amusement parks: It’s a visit to Williamsburg, Virginia.
Of course, Colonial Williamsburg, the Revolutionary City, as the website calls it, offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in our nation’s past, to "meet" the citizens of that time and experience their lives by visiting homes, government buildings, shops, taverns and more. A variety of guided and self-guided tours are available as are hands-on experiences for adults and kids and many special events scheduled throughout the summer. Tickets of all types are available, for those who want just a brief experience to those who want to spend multiple days exploring the past. Dining and shopping opportunities abound as well. The attraction’s website is ColonialWilliamsberg.com.
For numismatists, Colonial Williamsburg has an added attraction. The website (www.history.org/history/museums/collections/Numismatics.cfm) states:
"Through the generosity of the Lasser Family, Colonial Williamsburg’s collection of coins, medals, and currency associated with early America is one of the most comprehensive in existence. Primarily focused on the period 1500-1800, it contains thousands of specimens."
In fact, you can experience the numismatic collection (sort of) and not even leave your home by exploring their online numismatic exhibit at history.org/history/museums/online_exhibits.cfm.
If you or members of your family get tired of history, don’t despair. In fact, there are "Summer Bounce" ticket packages available that include Colonial Williamsburg AND the nearby Busch Gardens amusement park AND Water Country USA. See below for even more stuff to do while in the area.
Additional attractions near Philadelphia
The Colonial Parkway, a 23-mile scenic roadway operated by the National Park Service that connects Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown, encompassing a whole lot of history.
Ripley’s Believe it or Not — A Museum of the Odd and Unusual. http://www.ripleys.com/williamsburg/
Virginia Capital Trail: A 50+-mile pedestrian and bicycle trail that stretches from Virginia’s capital, Richmond, to historic Jamestown and Williamsburg.
