Guide to America’s Historic Triangle

What is the Historic Triangle?

This is a region located near the East Coast of Virginia that connects Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown. Here you can find many restored historical buildings and other fun tourist attractions as well as outdoor activities perfect for any family vacation!

How to get there

The Historic Triangle is certainly a place that will require driving to get to. If you are coming from the East Coast and plan on driving, this is probably the best way to get there. Otherwise, there are few airport options as well.

Richmond and Norfolk airports are both located about 50 miles from Williamsburg and have a fairly decent size airports to fly into that wont brake the bank. Your other option for a potentially cheaper flight could be to fly to Washington D.C. This would best if doing this trip in conjunction with a few days spent in the D.C. area.

What to do

Colonial Williamsburg

A unique historic 300-acre district of living history. Around every corner and down every alley way there is something else to see or discover. To fully take in this place, you need at least an entire day, but maybe two. The following is a list of my favorite things to do there, but this is certainly not an all inclusive list!

Governor’s Palace: This was the official residence of the governors of Virginia up until the capitol moved to Richmond in 1780, most notably Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson. Every 15 minutes, there will be a 45-minute tour started about the history of the home. At the conclusion of the tour, take another few minutes to soak in the beauty around the beautiful gardens surrounding the home.

Capitol Building: This is another great tour opportunity. Here you will be immediately transported back to the 1700’s where your guide will tell you about all of the news of the day and the struggles of setting up a new government and union.

Bassett Hall: This turned out to be my favorite part of the entire visit. This home was originally built in the mid 1700’s. Through time, the home fell into the hands of the famous John D. Rockefeller. Mr. Rockefeller had a dream of preserving the historic buildings of Williamsburg for the public’s enjoyment. This home became the home of the family, and up until the early 2000’s the family still made their biannual visits to the home. Today you will see the home set up with all of the original furniture just as it was prepared by Mrs. Rockefeller herself. 

Do yourself a favor while in the area and make time for a few reenactments and shows; you’ll be sure to learn a thing or two as well as enjoy a laugh. The guide for the day should be given to you when you buy your tickets, but if not there are information areas all through the town.

Jamestown

You may remember learning about this settlement in history class as a young child, the first permanent settlement in the U.S, established in 1607. Here you can see the remains of the settlement and recreations of the three ships that brought the first settlers here. Once finished with the settlement, drive a little further down the road to the Jamestown Island scenic drive. If you are like me, park at the visitor center and run around the island (5 miles) for some beautiful views and a chance to encounter some of the local wildlife!

Yorktown

Just a short drive down the road from Williamsburg is the home of the Yorktown battlefield and the American Revolution museum.

Busch Gardens 

When you get tired of the all of the museums and history, take a break and head to Busch Gardens! Here you will find plenty of thrill rides and shows to keep you busy for the day. Arrive early before the park gets too crowded, this will help alleviate some of the longer lines for the major roller coasters.

College of William and Mary

 Founded in 1693 this University is full of history and still in use today. The beauty of the school cannot be overstated so take a tour or find your own self-guided tour!

If these items are not enough to keep you busy for a few days, also check out Kingsmill for a great round of golf, some of the local hiking trails, and kayaking opportunities in the area! If you’re up for it, make this trip a part of a trip to the DC area, only located 2 hours away!