The world's largest living-history museum covers more than 300 acres/120 hectares with re-created American heritage. Costumed interpreters, impromptu dialogues (feel free to participate), countless re-enactments and a marching fife-and-drum corps add to the authentic display of pre-Revolutionary life. Don't expect to see the place in an afternoon: It can take two or three days to explore the grounds and 500 buildings. For a richer experience, attend evening performances, watch the mock witch trials, visit artisans, stroll the galleries and tour the immaculate gardens, country churches and archaeological digs. When your feet get tired, head to the taverns for an 18th-century drinking and dining experience.
The Capitol Building: You can almost hear the debates that formed U.S. democracy in this building, which is a reconstruction of the earliest 18th-century Capitol. It has a dramatic facade with arched windows. Once a year, a naturalization ceremony is held there, during which a new group of immigrants becomes U.S. citizens.
The Courthouse: It was on the steps of this courthouse that citizens gathered to hear the Declaration of Independence and to celebrate the Treaty of Paris and the end of the Revolutionary War. During the Civil War, it served as a hospital. Now renovated to its 18th-century grandeur, the courthouse is the place to witness mock trials—the cases are taken from historical records. Don't miss an opportunity to serve on a jury.
Governor's Palace: In its original incarnation, this elegant mansion was home to governors appointed by the British crown. After the revolution, it was the home of Virginia's first two governors—Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson. Destroyed by fire in 1781, it was reconstructed with the aid of drawings Jefferson had made in 1779. The terrace hosts special galas, and its kitchen is used for culinary-arts demonstrations. Kids of all ages will have fun going through the maze in the back garden. Not included in the basic one-day pass, but can be added for US$6.
Pasteur & Galt Apothecary Shop: View the raw materials—chalk for heartburn, cinchona bark for fevers and Keyser's Pills for giddiness—that two apothecary surgeons once used to treat ailments. Tools for extracting teeth and setting broken bones are on display, too. Visitors can explore traditional medications and folklore, as well as shop for cooking spices, oils and candles.
The Public Hospital: Officially known as The Public Hospital for Persons of Insane and Disordered Minds, this institution opened in 1773—it was the first in the U.S. to treat mental illness. Destroyed by fire in 1885, the building was reconstructed after archaeologists uncovered the ruins of its foundation. The current structure opened in 1985. Replicas of six patient cells can be viewed on the ground floor of the east wing. An underground concourse from the west wing leads to the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum. Not included in the basic one-day pass, but a combo ticket including Bassett Hall, the Folk Art Center and the DeWitt Wallace Gallery can be purchased for US$9.
Colonial Williamsburg is open daily 9 am-5 pm. Admission to the grounds is free. Entry fee required for various sites. US$37 adults, US$18 for children ages 6-17 for a one-day pass covering admission to many buildings and exhibits, an orientation walk, shuttle bus through the historic area, the movie Williamsburg: The Story of a Patriot, and free parking. Multiday options and other packages are also available; see Web site for prices and details. 102 Information Center Drive, Williamsburg. Phone 757-229-1000. Toll-free 800-447-8679. http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com.
