Colonial Williamsburg, VA

Time Warp

Brush up on your American history. On a trip to Colonial Williamsburg, you could find yourself debating politics with Thomas Jefferson, discussing military strategies with General George Washington, or sipping tea with Martha. And the kids? They'll be practicing penmanship with quill pens, playing colonial games, and saluting young patriots in the Fife and Drum Corps.

Eating at a Tavern, copyright Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Indeed, this is not your average restoration village with token townsfolk and gift shops. It's a bustling, living history city. Just about everything in the Historic District -- the people, public buildings, shops, taverns, homes, and gardens -- looks and feels as it did 225 years ago, when Williamsburg was the capital of Virginia and the colonies were on the brink of war with England. It's like being in a time warp.

Plan to spend at least two days in Colonial Williamsburg. The town's 88 restored buildings are spread over one mile, but the best way to see it all is still on foot. (Cars aren't even allowed during the day.)