Falling in Love with History Is Easy.
I never knew how much I loved history until I became an adult. I hated history in school. 10th grade history brought the only “D” I ever earned in my life. Bookwork was sooooo boring! But I love museums, I love learning about the events that shaped our country and our world. The good, the bad, the shocking. The children feel the same way. Jackson always has 1,000 questions about every event and Sloan had the same look on her face this year during virtual Social Studies that I always did in class. Learning history on the road is a huge benefit!
When we left our house mid-December, we decided to head to Williamsburg, VA. I did not do much research before our trip (I was in a downsizing frenzy remember). I simply bought tickets to Colonial Williamsburg and that was that. So, when we showed up at the bike trail near Jamestown, I was surprised. I decided we should start there. So glad I did. If you don’t already know, it was the first English settlement (as I was reminded by my 5th grader, duh mom). The Jamestown museum does an excellent job. It was absolutely empty (masks, pointers) and we had a free run of it. My favorite part was the 30 minute video that gives a run down of the first settlers. Ask Sloan about the starving time – the morbid is always a kids favorite. Jackson loved the living history and learned a lot talking to the blacksmith and doctor of the time. Both kiddos walked away with a nail made just for them and a brain full of history.
Colonial Williamsburg a few days later was a different experience. You literally walk back in time (there’s a timeline of events on the bridge). There is a choice for a tram, but the walk from the visitors center to the town is a must do. The events were limited due to covid, but we were still able to tour the Governor’s palace and gardens. It was truly grand and the guide told us all about the Christmas celebrations. Colonial Williamsburg has a beautiful town green and all of the buildings are original or rebuilt to be as close to what would have been just before the Revolutionary war.
We were all a bit tired and historied out and I have to say that my favorite part was having lunch at “Channing’s Tavern” and enjoying a hot rum cider. We even found out what the difference between a tavern and coffee shop was (it’s more than you think, but you’ll have to ask). Ben had a true hot toddy and the tea set was beautiful. The food was good too – especially after the not good meal we had at Busch Gardens the night before! Colonial Williamsburg was truly beautiful and made me very nostalgic – it would be a sweet town to live in (and some people do).
A break from the history came the night before Williamsburg in the form of Busch Gardens Christmas Village. We debated going because of Covid, but we actually felt relatively safe. Masks were required the entire time and they had markings for waiting every 6 feet. It was absolutely gorgeous. The lights everywhere really helped with the Christmas spirit (especially since we felt like we missed out a bit this year). The only bad part was that there were very few rides open. We ended up spending much more time and money at the arcade than expected which made the kiddos so happy – they love trying to win things! If you are going for the scenery, it is beautiful but overpriced. If you are. a thrill seeker – don’t expect to find any thrills.
If we were to return to the area, we would have bought the “History is Fun” pass that allows you unlimited visits to Yorktown and Jamestown. We also would have visited the original Jamestown excavation site (which is a National Park). If I haven’t mentioned it, the National Park Service is currently offering free memberships to 5th graders. It covers a family of 4 and can save you a ton of money. Click here for details. Sloan gets to take credit every time we get in a park for free now – she keeps asking what is her reward for saving us money. Silly girl, this adventure is your reward!
