Williamsburg-Jamestown-Yorktown-Monticello-Alexandria-Fredericksburg
Overview of Road Trip
We flew into Washington DC , a convenient 80 minute flight from Cincinnati. From there, we embarked on our road trip to explore the Historic Virginia Sites & Places.
The plan we laid out tales on a drive down to Williamsburg on I95 until Richmond and then I64 East to Colonial Williamsburg.
Boomer Alert: Be prepared for multi lane slow heavy traffic, and “stop-start-speed” during the whole I95 drive as far as Richmond. Not the casual afternoon drive I was expecting. First stop en route is two nights at the Williamsburg Lodge Hotel in Colonial Williamsburg, with visits to Jamestown and Yorktown.
Next we will drive to The Draftsman Hotel in Charlottesville to stay overnight then tour Monticello following day
Then we plan to head back through Fredericksburg north to stay two nights at The Archer Hotel in Alexandria Old Town, and then view Washington’s Mount Vernon. If time allows we would like to see the Washington monuments lit up at night, which is supposedly a special sight.
The Historic Triangle: Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown
The Historic Triangle includes three colonial communities located on the Virginia Peninsula, bounded by the York River to the north and James River on the south. The three points that form the triangle are Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, and Yorktown.
Colonial Williamsburg
Williamsburg served as Virginia’s capital from 1699 to 1780. The city was a center for revolutionary ideas, news, and political debate, with taverns serving as important meeting places for figures like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.
Colonial Williamsburg claims to be the world’s largest living history museum, where visitors can experience 18th-century American life through costumed guides, historical trade demonstrations, and the restoration of 89 original buildings.
It is instantly impressive, with open spaces and extreme attention to detail. You are invited to explore government buildings, homes, and gardens, and witness daily life in the colonial capital.
The 301-acre historic area showcases the political, cultural, and educational center of colonial Virginia and its role in the American Revolution.
Boomer Advice / Tips – Colonial Williamsburg
- Open Daily: The historic area is open 365 days a year.
- Free and Ticketed Access: While walking the historic streets is free, tickets are required for access to historic trade sites, interpreters, and some buildings.
- Plan Ahead: Colonial Williamsburg is vast, and there is much to see and do. Before you go, check the official website for event schedules, daily programs, and hours of operation.
- The historic area is large, and you’ll do a lot of walking. Wear comfortable shoes and take breaks. The benches scattered throughout the town are great for people-watching and soaking in the atmosphere.
- Explore Beyond the Main Street: While Duke of Gloucester Street is the main thoroughfare, be sure to wander down the side streets and explore the less-trafficked areas. This is where you’ll find some of the most interesting trades shops and quieter corners.
- Eat Historically: Make a reservation at one of the historic taverns, like the King’s Arms, Chowning’s Tavern, or Campbell’s Tavern. The food and the atmosphere are a unique part of the experience.
An Overview of What is Available to Explore
- Costumed Guides: Employees in 18th-century attire interact with visitors, reenacting the lives of colonial citizens.
- Historical Trades: Watch demonstrations of colonial crafts and trades, such as brick making, woodworking, and blacksmithing.
- Architectural Exploration: Tour the restored and recreated buildings, including the Governor’s Palace, the Capitol Building, and the Public Gaol.
- Gardens and Landscapes: Stroll through period-appropriate English gardens.
- Evening Programs: Experience special evening events, including the celebration of American independence.
We strolled down Gloucester Street, and headed towards the King’s Arms Tavern a few minutes walk from our hotel. We highly recommend staying in Colonial Williamsburg itself, the Williamsburg Lodge for its perfect location, overall quality and service.
Restaurants Recommended
The King’s Arms Tavern
We recommend reserving a table well ahead of your visit at the King’s Arms Tavern .
The staff is in historical costumes and the menu reflecting favorite dishes of the colonial era.
“Period-authentic fare in atmospheric 18th-century settings“.
“To Stew a Shoat in the French Way $39
When your pork shanks are brown, place in a stew pan with claret, thyme, marjoram, savory, rosemary, pepper and mace. Martha Washington Cookbook – origin prior to 1759“
Berret’s Seafood Restaurant
Located close by to the Williamsburg Lodge, Berret’s is famous for its fresh seafood especially Oysters.
Berret’s Seafood Restaurant offers the option of formal indoor dining and a more casual outdoor setting at the Taphouse Grill, complete with live music and lawn seating.
The restaurant specializes in fresh, “regional catches like oysters, crab cakes, and various local fish, which are sourced and prepared with local American flavors in mind”. Again we recommend booking / reserving a table ahead of your visit.
I enjoyed the “day’s special dish” featuring salmon, shrimp, and scallops, baked with fettuccine in a garlic-butter sauce inside parchment paper. Delish!
Jamestown
There are two major heritage sites at Jamestown:
Jamestown Settlement, a living history museum which includes a reconstructed Native American village, colonial fort, and replica ships, this Museum is operated by the Commonwealth of Virginia;
and Historic Jamestown, which is the National Park Service site which includes Jamestown Island and the ongoing archaeological projects.
Start with Jamestown Settlement
- Begin with the documentary film 1607: A Nation Takes Root, shown every 30 minutes.
- Next, visit the exhibition galleries that chronicle the nation’s 17th-century beginnings in Virginia.
- Go outdoors where historical interpreters discuss and demonstrate 1600s life.
- Re-creation of Paspahegh Town – Depicts culture of coastal Virginia’s original inhabitants.
- Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery – Board a re-creation of one of the three ships that sailed to Virginia in 1607 to establish America’s first permanent English colony.
- Re-created James Fort – Venture inside the walls of the re-created 1610-14 fort and discover how the colonists would have lived.
Visitor Center Information
Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown are open year-round 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s days.
Tickets can be purchased on-site or online. Please print e-tickets prior to arrival. If you are unable to print your tickets, simply bring your email confirmation with you on the day of your visit and we can print your tickets on your arrival.
Visit website to see range of different tickets that can be bought to get the best value.
Historic Jamestown
Layout and Sites
- James Fort Site: Visitors can see the physical location of the original 1607 James Fort, with excavated structures and foundations visible.
- 17th-Century Church & Cemetery: Remains of the 17th-century church and the cemetery, where important early settlers are buried.
- New Towne & Building Foundations: “New Towne” contains the excavated outlines of 17th-century buildings.
- Excavated Well: An excavated well, a vital resource for the early colonists.
Key Points of Interest
The local volunteer guides are very knowledgeable and helpful, and willing to take time to answer any questions, we had a long discussion with one inside the church.
- Voorhees Archaearium: This museum houses artifacts excavated from the site, providing a deeper look into the lives of the colonists.
- Jamestown Glasshouse: A working demonstration of glassblowing, a craft established by the early colonists to manufacture products for England.
- Monument to the First Settlers: A memorial dedicated to the first English settlers at Jamestown.
- Archaeological Excavations: The site is actively being excavated, allowing visitors to witness ongoing archaeological work.
- Visitor Center: Offers an indoor museum experience, information, and facilities for visitors.
Planning Your Visit
Boomer Alert:
- Jamestown is a Two-Part Site: Be aware that Historic Jamestowne is a distinct site from the nearby Jamestown Settlement living history museum, and both offer different perspectives.
- To see all the main exhibits involves a lot of walking (in the rain when we visited), so I witnessed many from a distance with my cane in hand.
Yorktown
Yorktown | Sep 28 – Oct 19, 1781
The importance of The Battle of Yorktown is that it proved to be the decisive battle of the American Revolution. The British surrender led to the end of British rule in the colonies and the birth of a new nation—the United States of America.
How it ended
Yorktown was an American victory. The British led by Cornwallis were outnumbered and outfought during a three-week siege in which they sustained great losses.
British troops surrendered to the Continental Army and their French allies. This last major land battle of the American Revolution led to negotiations for peace with the British and the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783.
Summary
After six years of war, both the British and Continental armies were exhausted. The British, in hostile territory, held only a few coastal areas in America. On the other side of the Atlantic, Britain was also waging a global war with France and Spain. The American conflict was unpopular and divisive, and there was no end in sight. For the colonies, the long struggle for independence was leading to enormous debt, food shortages, and a lack of morale among the soldiers. Both sides were desperately seeking a definitive victory.
The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, a living-history museum operated by the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, explains America’s struggle for independence.
It contains an introductory film, gallery exhibits and an experiential theater, and living-history programs in a re-created Continental Army encampment and Revolution-era farm.
The Yorktown National Battlefield, is a National Park Service site, operated by the Colonial National Historical Park, and is the site of the last major battle of the American Revolutionary War.
The Visitor Center features a film, The Siege of Yorktown, a museum with artifacts related to the siege, including the tents used by General Washington, ranger led programs, and information for self-guided tours.
Both are worth visiting despite some duplication.
Yorktown Free Trolley Service
This FREE air-conditioned (and heated) service will take you from the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center all the way to the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, making several stops along the way including Yorktown Beach and Riverwalk Landing. Each trolley is ADA accessible, and service dogs are allowed onboard.
Self-Guided tour of Yorktown and Yorktown Battlefield
The Yorktown Battlefield Auto Tour is a 7-mile driving route that takes visitors to significant locations within the Yorktown Battlefield, a key site of the Revolutionary War.
You can collect a more detailed map at the Yorktown Battlefield Visitors Center.
Key Details:
Duration: Allow at least 45 minutes to complete the tour, but allow for more time to fully explore the sites.
Red Route: The tour is also known as the “Red Route” and is a popular way to experience the battlefield.
Monticello – Charlottesville
After Yorktown we head to Charlottesville to visit Monticello. Roadworks and 2 lane highway make this a slow and tiring journey.
We are impressed by Charlottesville and also with our hotel The Draftsman located in the University of Virginia district of the city.
It’s good to know Monticello is nearby, 15 minutes drive from our hotel, and the weather forecast is sunny and 80F.
We booked The Draftsman with Expedia and enjoyed a comfortable night’s rest and the Tacos in the hotel bar restaurant, good choice.
Monticello
Thomas Jefferson once wrote:
“I am as happy no where else and in no other society, and all my wishes end, where I hope my days will end, at Monticello.”
Monticello is the mountaintop home and masterwork of Thomas Jefferson, America’s third president and author of the Declaration of Independence, built over a 40 year period.
Key sights include the main house with its unique architecture, the botanical gardens, the workspaces and domestic life of the enslaved community, and the Jefferson family burial ground.
Monticello is a National Historic Landmark and welcomes visitors to tour the house and grounds, which include extensive gardens and the archaeological sites of Mulberry Row where enslaved people lived and worked.
The visit is one of the highlights of our road trip.
Tour of the House, Gardens, and Slave Cemetery
A tour of Monticello provides a glimpse into the complicated world of the Thomas Jefferson and the hundreds of enslaved individuals who made his lifestyle possible.
House Tour
- First-floor interior: We took the The Highlights Tour through the main level, where Jefferson’s public and private life took place. Starting with the Entrance Hall, which served as a museum for his collections of art and artifacts, and the Parlor, where he entertained guests
In the Dining Room, including a unique dumb waiter that brought wine from the cellar and revolving serving shelves. The house is also full of natural light thanks to the many skylights.
Gardens and Grounds
- Vegetable garden: Explore the 1,000-foot-long terraced vegetable garden, where Jefferson experimented with hundreds of varieties of fruits and vegetables. Enslaved gardeners maintained this space, and today it is used to grow food for the café.
- Flower gardens: Surrounding the house, flower beds bloom with plants cultivated by Jefferson, including native species and varieties he acquired from his travels.
Slave Cemetery
Honoring the deceased: Located near the visitor center, the burial ground provides a dedicated space to honor the enslaved people of Monticello. A commemorative marker and a seating area for quiet reflection are included.
Ongoing research: Only a small number of the hundreds of enslaved people who lived and died at Monticello have known burial sites.
Jefferson’s Grave
Thomas Jefferson left detailed instructions regarding the monument to be erected over his grave and the epitaph to be enscribed.
Here was buried
Thomas Jefferson
Author of the Declaration of American Independence
of the Statute of Virginia for religious freedom
& Father of the University of Virginia
Fredricksburg
During the drive towards Fredericksburg, we pass Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Spotsylvania, regarded as the American Civil War most brutal battleground.
Fredricksburg reflects the War’s cost in all its tragic forms. The town was bombarded and looted. Farms large and small were ruined. Refugees by the thousands forced into the countryside.
More than 85,000 men wounded; 15,000 killed–most in graves unknown.
Fredericksburg Battlefield
We stopped at the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center which is located at Marye’s Hill/Sunken Road.
With nearly 200,000 combatants—the greatest number of any Civil War engagement—Fredericksburg was one of the largest and deadliest battles of the Civil War. It featured the first opposed river crossing in American military history as well as the Civil War’s first instance of urban combat.
Fredericksburg, the Irish Brigade
The Irish Brigade, made up of Irish immigrant soldiers in the Union Army, played a significant role in the Battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862. They were known for their bravery and suffered heavy casualties in their assaults against Confederate positions at Marye’s Heights. The brigade’s participation in the battle, particularly their charge up the hill, has become a legendary part of Civil War history.
We found the small memorial close to where the Irish Brigade crossed the river, it’s location is by the boat slip public park near Sophia Street. During the Battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862, the Union Army’s Irish Brigade marched along Sophia Street on their way to launch a frontal assault on Confederate positions at Marye’s Heights.
Memorial epitaph reads:
To the sons of Erin
who put God, country, and duty before self,
we must never forget
the sacrifices they made for our freedom.
Erin go braugh.
Alexandria
We picked out The Archer Hotel from a review of choices with Booking.com, comfortable hotel in a great location for seeing Alexandria, visiting DC and Mount Vernon.
Old Town Alexandria is a blend of colonial architecture and modern amenities. The cobblestone streets lead you to the famed King Street, renowned for boutiques, antique shops, and dining spots.
Its accessible via the FREE King Street Trolley or the FREE DASH bus service, the neighborhood is also just a short water taxi ride from Washington D.C.
Eating and Drinking in “Old Town”
We can recommend the following places for casual eating and drinking, but there a host of other places along King Street to choose from:
Home Grown Eatery (part of The Archer Hotel) has great breakfast / lunch menu, and serves an excellent Cappuccino !
Augie’s Mussel House and Beer Garden is a popular open style bar restaurant with big servings of Mussels and a wide choice of local brews.
Daniel O’Connell’s close to the waterfront, great for people watching and listening to street musicians, recommend getting a table outside. They served a good Fish and Chips, alongwith a cool pint (or two) of Smithwicks ale.
George Washington’s – Mount Vernon
Location: Situated along the Potomac River in Virginia, just south of Washington, D.C. about 25 minutes drive from our hotel.
Early History: The land was part of a grant secured by the Washington family in the late 17th century.
George Washington’s Home: George Washington began leasing the property in 1754 and inherited it outright in 1761. Over the next 45 years, he oversaw two major expansions, transforming the modest house into the prominent, 21-room mansion seen today.
The Estate: Washington was a keen and innovative farmer, expanding the estate to nearly 8,000 acres at its peak.
Slavery: Mount Vernon was a working plantation whose operation depended on the labor of hundreds of enslaved people. In his will, George Washington stipulated that his slaves be freed upon Martha’s death, though she freed them in 1801.
Boomer Alert:
Unfortunately Mount Vernon is going through a major restoration, and there is limited access to the house itself.
Check before you visit or buy tickets online to tour the house.
Mount Vernon Preservation Work
The New Room, servants’ hall, kitchen, and study are open. All other rooms are off-view due to preservation work.
In the diagram to the right, rooms in red are currently off-view.
Water Taxis Connection to Washington
There are various options to get to DC from “Old Town” Alexandria, the water taxi ride along the Potomac is worth checking out.
Water taxi service in the DC and Alexandria area is provided by the Potomac Riverboat Company, a division of City Experiences.
The service offers routes connecting Old Town Alexandria to Georgetown, The Wharf, and National Harbor.
Check out the website City Cruises for details.
DC Monuments Tour at Moonlight
The tour of the DC Monuments is something special, Viator offer different tours, we chose the Trolley Tour.
Monuments by Moonlight Tour
Daily
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Boarding – choose from two departure locations: Union Station
50 Massachusetts Ave, NE OR The Washington Welcome Center
1001 E Street NW
Reservations are required. Date and time confirmed with booking. Reservation based tickets are non-refundable. You may reschedule up to 24 hours in advance of tour time.
Summary
Our road trip was a wonderful journey through American history, filled with memorable experiences. The route took us from Washington, D.C., and into the heart of Virginia’s past.
- Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown: We loved immersing ourselves in the Historic Triangle. Walking through Colonial Williamsburg did feel like stepping back in time, and seeing the foundations of Jamestown and the battlefield at Yorktown brought the story of our nation’s founding to life.
- Monticello: A visit to Thomas Jefferson’s home was a highlight. The beauty of the estate and the intricate design of the house were truly impressive.
- Fredericksburg and Alexandria: Exploring these historic towns was a pleasure. We enjoyed finding and honoring the Irish Brigade memorial in Fredericksburg. The colonial architecture and bright lights of Old Town Alexandria and DC was wonderful way to finish our journey.
Overall, the trip was a perfect mix of with educational and enjoyable moments, tiring at times but the two us support each other and travel well together.
Visit other Pages on the Blog
- About John and Lynn profiles of the traveling Boomers
- Boomer Travel – Wellness and Comfort lists Boomer essential Travel Accessories by category
- Art Inspired from our Travels shows some of my acrylic paintings inspired from our travels
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