This week on the blog, we will be sharing the first in a series of itineraries and tour guides. Today, we present you with a walking tour of Colonial Williamsburg!
Walking Tour of Colonial Williamsburg
1. Start at Merchants Square, located at the beginning of Duke of Gloucester street (DOG street). From 7 AM until Noon every Saturday is the local Williamsburg Farmers Market. Check it out!
2. If you would like tickets to gain access to the Governor’s Mansion, the Capitol, the Court House, and other indoor exhibits in Colonial Williamsburg, purchase your tickets online or head to the Lumbar House ticket office across from Bruton Parish Church. Without a ticket, you will be able to tour most of the gardens, shops, and taverns throughout DOG street, but you’ll be unable to enter the indoor historic exhibits or main landmark buildings.
3. And now the walking tour begins. Williamsburg was the second capital of Virginia, and for that matter, British Colonial America. The British settlers first went to Jamestown (only 5 minutes up Jamestown Road from Colonial Gardens) and then moved up the James River to Williamsburg before eventually setting the capital in Richmond.
4. As you are walking along DOG street, keep a look out for the various entrances to the lovely little gardens.The buildings on either side of DOG street are colonial shops for different tradespeople, such as the silversmith and apothecary. You can get a taste of historic flavor at one of the taverns.
5. Colonial Williamsburg’s first big landmark is Bruton Parish Church, one of the oldest churches in America. This church was attended by some of our greatest founding fathers, namely Thomas Jefferson, George Wythe, George Washington, and John Marshall. Inside, you will see the pews have been named after these great figures and attendees.
6. As you continue, you will see the Palace Green on your left, a vast lawn that sits in front of the Governor’s Palace. Follow the road around the Palace Green to get to the Governor’s Palace. To return to DOG street, simply loop around the Palace Green.
7. The next big stop is the Courthouse and the stocks. As you continue down DOG street, you will pass the myriad of colonial style taverns. If you’re in the mood for a hearty meal fit for a patriot, grab a bite to eat!
8. The final stop is the Capitol building. Not only was this the center of Colonial American government, but it has also played a role in modern history as the location of the 9th G7 summit attended by key leaders like Francois Mitterrand, Ronald Reagan, and Margaret Thatcher. Walk back to the beginning of DOG street when you’re ready to tour W&M Campus.
A big thank you to our dear friend Layla Abi-Falah for sharing your tour guide with us!