At its best, Colonial Williamsburg brings forth a wealth of history lessons in the most enjoyable fashion ever imagined. At its worst, the sights and sounds of this beautifully restored national treasure simply provide a great escape from the 21st century.

From the profound events that rocked the Governor’s Palace and the House of Burgesses to humble workaday chores at the shoemaker or tailor’s shop, Colonial Williamsburg is brimming with vivid scenes of American history. Here, impassioned residents live on the brink of the American Revolution, where equality is still just a spirited ideal and liberty is a rather daring fantasy. Along the many tours and historic sites to see, visitors may find themselves immersed in a debate with Thomas Jefferson or even plotting America’s freedom with George Washington.

The vision of Dr. W. A. R. Goodwin and John D. Rockefeller, Jr., this is historic restoration at its finest. When the two set to work in 1926, much of this old city was in ruins. Most buildings and homes of major importance were either built over or gone altogether. Many of the original foundations had been swallowed up by the tides of time. With the most painstaking attention to detail, the following years have seen the salvation of literally hundreds of these historic structures. Furthermore, all restoration was done according to the original specifications or, when not available, thoroughly researched estimates.

Within these colonial gems visitors will find authentic furnishings, decorative arts, and other home crafts from the mundane to the magnificent. Indeed, the world’s greatest collection of seventeenth century British-American antiques is right here in Colonial Williamsburg. Thousands upon thousands of items are on display for the public in over 200 "period rooms". The Capitol, Governor’s Palace, Magazine, and Public Hospital are especially good places to browse such treasures.

Even deeper appreciation can be had for colonial craftsmanship upon visiting any of the bustling artisans’ shops peppered throughout the city. These skilled workers fashion the same type of handicrafts found in the historic period rooms while using centuries-old tools and techniques. Here, visitors will also learn about the everyday lives of these shopkeepers—also known as the "middling sort".

All of the sites in Colonial Williamsburg are open year-round, although the schedules do rotate. The Visitor Center is the best place to get up-to-the-minute information about changing schedules, upcoming events and, of course, tickets. Be sure to take advantage of the various programs and tours held throughout the day and night. They provide a delightful way to feel the true spirit of Colonial Williamsburg!

You start in the very spacious Visitor's Center, buy your tickets, and then you can either take a shuttle bus to the historic town or walk along a beautiful garden path to the town, which is what we did. It was a long, but easy, walk.

We only had one day to visit here, but I wish we would have had two. There is so much to see and learn. Who knew that American history could be SO fascinating? And to think that you are actually walking along the same streets that our famous forefathers walked.

All the employees are dressed in period costume, and even talk and act like they are from that period. Lots of interesting historic buildings and shops to visit. You can tell that the actors put a lot of effort into making it fun for the kids. Everyone is friendly and happy to answer all of your questions.

Starting at 5pm on Christmas Eve, the local militia start firing two cannon at each end of the palace green and their muskets all around the historic district to simulate a Christmas tradition during colonial times of firing their guns to celebrate the arrival of Christmas. The Fife and Drum Corps play and march throughout the city and everything ends with a memorial service and carol sing at the courthouse. The evening is ended with the lighting of a tall pine behind Market Square - this is the only non-18th-century item you will experience in Colonial Williamsburg.

History buff? Then you cannot miss Colonial Williamsburg!

Set in 17th-century colonial style, experience how the first English settlers lived their daily lives, how they entertained at night and how they defended the freedom of what was to become the United States of America.

During the day, you can walk through the colony and visit workshops, taverns and homes, drop in on women's tea chats, observe trials or visit the slave quarters. Several events happen throughout the day, both educational and entertaining.

As night falls, visit the taverns for some refreshments and snacks while the bards entertain you with their games and songs or dine in the colonial restaurants (reservations required). After dinner, experience some of the evening shows, such as gala concerts, story telling around the fireplace or join the newly formed colonial army as a recruit in the defense against the british oppressors.

Colonial Williamsburg is good entertainment for children and adults alike and is a MUST-SEE when going to Williamsburg. Make sure to get the Freedom Pass for unlimited admission for a year rather than just a day-pass -- you are sure to be going there for more than just one day during a week-vacation and the price difference is incidental.

Williamsburg was a great place to start to teach my child and myself about our history. Loved the tours of the courthouses! Eating at the inns was one of the best features -- they really make you feel like you are back in time. Small children would get pretty bored. My son was almost 8 at the time and seemed to get a lot out of it. Be sure to sign up for the evening dance demonstration and ghost stories. Lots of fun for both adults and children. We ventured to D.C. after this and it was nice to see how the old system fits with the new one. Nice to go on a trip where the adults and children both learn something!