Williamsburg police officers are more likely to be seen writing parking tickets than chasing down would-be criminals. The city has a very low crime rate, but you should always use common sense: Be aware of your surroundings at all times, watch for pickpockets and purse snatchers, don't leave valuables unattended, and don't leave valuables in a parked vehicle.
Williamsburg is a relatively safe area when it comes to health concerns. The summer months, especially July and August, can be very hot and humid, so precautions against sunburn and heatstroke should be taken. Poison ivy does grow in the region, so be on the lookout if you are walking through wooded areas. If a health situation does arise, Williamsburg visitors have several choices when it comes to handling an unexpected sickness, injury or medical emergency.
MedExpress Urgent Care
Just 1 mi/1 km from Colonial Williamsburg, and six blocks from the College of William and Mary. Daily 9 am-9 pm. 120 Monticello Ave. (at Richmond Road), Williamsburg. Phone 757-564-3627. http://www.medexpresswmbg.com.
Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center
This full-service hospital has a 24-hour emergency room. 100 Sentara Circle, Williamsburg. Phone 757-984-6000. http://www.sentara.com/Sentara/HospitalsFacilities/Hospitals/Williamsburg.
Newtown Urgent Care
Open Monday-Friday 8 am-8 pm, Saturday 10 am-4 pm and Sunday 10 am-4 pm. 4374 Newtown Ave., Suite 100. Phone 757-259-1900.
When it comes to attending to visitors with special needs, Colonial Williamsburg is very accommodating, especially if you give them prior notice. Many of the more modern buildings (visitors center, hotels, shops, restaurants) are equipped to handle wheelchairs, but the reconstructed buildings and historical representations aren't always as easy to navigate. There are headsets and escorts for the visually impaired and several signing interpreters available for hearing-impaired visitors. If you have any questions about accessibility or making arrangements, contact the Visitor Services Coordinator at 800-246-2099, TTY 800-637-4677.
Busch Gardens and Water Country USA have similar services available and post more details on their Web sites on specific ride requirements and accessibility. Busch Gardens: Phone 800-343-7946. http://www.buschgardens.com. Water Country USA: Phone 800-343-7946. http://www.watercountryusa.com.
Do volunteer to participate in a historical re-enactment in Colonial Williamsburg—it really adds to the fun of your visit.
Don't miss sampling traditional colonial fare in one of the taverns.
Do take time to see the other parts of Virginia's Historic Triangle—Jamestown and Yorktown.
Do try to spend as much time as possible on Duke of Gloucester Street in Colonial Williamsburg. A group of young musicians dressed in colonial soldier's garb plays patriotic music from the colonial period each evening.
Do take a leisurely drive on the Colonial Parkway from Yorktown to Jamestown through Colonial Williamsburg.
Do get a fishing license and drop a line in the York River off the Colonial Parkway. Saltwater fish can be caught there mainly in summer months.
Do take a ferry ride from Jamestown across the James River to Scotland, Virginia, and have lunch in nearby Surry.
Do spend a night or two in one of the many charming bed-and-breakfast inns in and around Colonial Williamsburg.
