A Williamsburg Birthday

When Tom asked if I would like to go on a quick trip for my birthday last week, I didn't hesitate! Yes! Where?

We decided on Williamsburg as our destination. Back in February when I passed through Williamsburg to visit friends, I didn't have much time to tour the area; but on this visit we immersed ourselves in the colonial aura.

The day wasn't the best for traveling! The closer we got to Afton Mountain the darker, rainier, and foggier it became! I was praying all the while that we would be able to see ahead of us to drive safely as this stretch of road is well-known for chain accidents in bad weather. Thankfully, by the time we arrived in the Williamsburg area, the rain had stopped, and there was a vast selection of restaurants for our lunch choice. After checking into our hotel, we made our way to Duke of Gloucester Street and Merchants Square.

Here's Tom checking out our location after purchasing tickets for the afternoon musical performance: The Kimball Theater was the site for the Crystal Concert performed by Dean Shostak playing the glass armonica (spelled correctly without the h). Here's a photo of the glass armonica invented by Benjamin Franklin, and if you click this YouTube link you can hear a portion of what we heard that afternoon. The sample music being played on the Crystal Concert link is nice (hopefully, what I'm hearing on the Home site is what you'll hear, too).
Of all the years we lived in Williamsburg, we had never attended this particular concert, so this was a special treat. We were two of about a dozen folks in the auditorium. Where was everyone on a summer afternoon?

Here I am alone with Thomas Jefferson after doing some shopping in the area: Merchants Square was celebrating 85 years of existence...lots of specialty shops and restaurants for the tourists who visit from across the country and world. One of the shops I visited carried Michelle Allen's modern designs. I had to take a picture because Sarah would have loved the cupcake clock: The next day's main activity was walking from one end of Duke of Gloucester Street to the other and back again, which equals about two miles total. Come along, I'll show you what we saw:I love this walk, and we've done it many, many times. This photo was taken about 10 a.m. on July 2nd. Maybe folks were waiting to travel into town for the big 4th of July fireworks a couple of days later.

In my last post for Bloomin' Tuesday, I showed you the many beautiful flower gardens we saw while strolling along. Here's Tom in one of the gardens: We walked past Bruton Parish Church on Duke of Gloucester Street (below). It was quite an overcast day and rain was predicted again. We have many fond memories of attending evening concerts on Christmas Day each year at Bruton Parish:Colonial wares for sale under the gardening tent: My favorite part of Duke of Gloucester Street - the gardening area: The bee skep photo is especially for Jonathan, our resident beekeeper: We always enjoy going inside Mr. Greenhow's shop which has quite an array of items for sale: And Mr. Greenhow himself is usually in the back room. Today he was demonstrating handwriting with a quill pen: The ever present horse and carriage allow the tourists to see an overview of the colonial town: Hats for sale! Colonial interpreters carry on dialogue along the street for tourists: Resting a bit as I watch the horses ride by:
Well, our wonderful time in Williamsburg quickly came to an end. We needed to get back on the road so we could arrive at home in time for the birthday meal Hannah and Sarah were preparing for that evening.

I'll leave you with one last photo...colonial sheep grazing on colonial grass. :) Thanks for traveling along with me, and I hope you enjoyed the tour as much as I did. If you've never been to Colonial Williamsburg, does it sound like a place you'd like to visit?

~Deb

Comments

[Chris]

AHH, captures it beautifully Deb! :) Going to CW for an evening date has become one of our most enjoyed dates. You never get tired of it, do you? A couple of weeks ago we went and ate at the Cheese Shoppe. Have you ever eaten there? IF not, you must try it next time you are in town, great sandwiches!!
Since it began raining as we were ordering we didn't get to sit outside, a dissappointment, but never the less it was enjoyable. Later that evening it stopped raining and we walked the streets, enjoying the CW evening. :)

[Cathy]

Loved the virtual tour. Now, pix of the birthday dinner would be nice.

[Toni]

Hi Deb, these are great pictures. I'm so glad you posted on CW, again. I really enjoy the photos. Actually, I wish I could live at Colonial Williamsburg. I'd love that. Once when my daughter and I visited there we wore our 18th century reenactment clothing and blended in nicely. I see you're friends with Thomas Jefferson, also. ;)

The last time I visited CW there was a Scottish shop in the Square. Did you happen to notice if it's still there? They had the cutest little jacket I wish I had gotten, I didn't get since I had already spent a bundle on other things. Sigh.

Happy Belated Birthday!!

[Tammy C]

Nice pictures.Interesting that around the area has changed but Colonial Williamsburg thankfully hasn't much.

Chris and I had our first date there.

[Alisha Ann]

Next time you go you should try the Original Astronomical Pancake and Waffle House...IT IS AMAZING!!

It looks like y'all had a great time...we took Momma there for her birthday and also went when Daddy's mom came to visit!

Blessings in HIM,
Alisha

www.alishainprogress.blogspot.com

[Bobbi]

We are so blessed to live in Virginia. We can go to the beach, the mountains, Colonial Williamsburg or many, many other interesting places. I love going to Williamsburg. Did you go to the quilt shop? I'm glad you had a good birthday.

[Stephanie in MI]

I just love that. I really want to go there now. I think it would be such a great, educational trip for E sometime.

[Brenda Nuland]

Sigh... ;)

[Amy, a redeemed sheep]

someday....I hope. So beautiful.

[Dorothy Horton]

Thanks for sharing the pictures! Looks like a perfectly lovely way to spend a birthday!

[Carrie]

I would love to visit! My family and I recently toured Greenfield Village here in Detroit. It is nice too. Instead of horses you can ride in Model Ts!

[Laura]

What a lovely trip, and so interesting. One day we are going to make it that way for a family trip, we hope in the near future. Looks like you did a bit of shopping too...smile:)

I hope your having a wonderful weekend, blessings to you.
Laura

[Nic]

A lovely way to spend a birthday. Looks like you had a great time.
Belated happy birthday to you too (just realised I forgot it from my last comment)