Colonial Williamsburg is a destination of historical significance all year long, but the city really comes alive when it throws a birthday party for America.  Come celebrate 4th of July in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia and learn below what to do and where to stay.  This 301-acre, walkable 18^th-century village is filled with preserved buildings, taverns, craft shops and friendly villagers in period costumes, providing education about the former capital of Virginia and its role in the birth of our democracy.  This year the excitement starts on Friday, July 1^st and the activities continue until the evening of Monday, July 4^th.

WHAT TO DO:

Friday, July 1^st – Start your holiday weekend with a lively discussion of Colonial events by Paul Aaron, author of the new book “Founding Feuds: The Rivalries, Clashes, and Conflicts that Forged a Nation”

 

Saturday, July 2^nd – Go for a guided tour of the “Mapping the Declaration of Independence” at the Art Museum

Sunday, July 3^rd – Watch a reenactment of May 15, 1776 in “To Be Free and Independent”.  Listen to the USAF Heritage of America Band as they perform patriotic tunes at a concert in Merchant’s Square.  Join in a torch-lit march on the Palace Green to the tunes of a revolutionary-style fife and drum band.

Monday, July 4^th – Start your day with the Salute to the States and Reading of the Declaration of Independence on the Courthouse steps.  Attend the 18^th Century Colonial Faire where guests can participate in games and watch cannons, tomahawk throwing, drills and foot races. Watch a performance of Colonial founders as they establish laws for the nation’s new government in a Broadway-style musical called “1776 – Director’s Cut” at the Kimball Theatre. Witness a colonial-style auction, various patriotic musical presentations, and finish the weekend with a bang as fireworks ring in our nation’s 240^th Birthday.

There’s so much to do in this historic city and surrounding area. Take a carriage ride or museum tour, eat in an authentic tavern, go on a spooky ghost walk, ride a bike around the village, fire an 18^th-century firearm at the Musket Range, or take a relaxing garden tour. Children and adults alike can really get into character by renting costumes and hats during their visit.  For more information, event tickets and dining reservations go to: www.colonialwilliamsburg.com.

WHERE TO STAY:

The Historic Powhatan Resort by Diamond Resorts

The Historic Powhatan Resort has all kinds of things to do. Enjoy both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, an outdoor pavilion, and even a playground for the kids. Each three-bedroom unit has a fully equipped kitchen for making meals if you choose to and a loft for the ultimate in relaxing vacations.

Greensprings Vacation Resort by Diamond Resorts

You will be able to enjoy some rest and relaxation, lounging in your own private whirlpool, or stretching out in front of the fireplace at Greensprings Vacation Resort. You can take a swim in either the indoor or the outdoor swimming pools or enjoy a game of tennis. There is also plenty of great golfing at the resort adjacent Jack Nicklaus designed golf course.