October 13-14, 2009 Virginia – Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown

Tuesday morning we set out for more opportunities to experience some of our American history in Virginia. We visited Colonial Williamsburg enjoying the presentations given by the guides who were well versed in life as is was in the 1700s during the revolutionary times. The layout of the town allows you to walk along several blocks from the capital building to the governor’s palace, along the way visiting homes, shops and other conveniences that were there. One of the most interesting was the shoe maker; he was making men’s shoes of different types and styles from work/field boots to dance pumps. The cobbler was quite skilled in his craft and had a good gift of gab. Lunch was a fantastic meal; we ate at the Trellis Café, well known for its chef Marcel Desaulmiers of Death by Chocolate fame. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch and of course a slice of the famous cake. We walked back along the street following the sound of drums. It was a drum and fife corps performing at a town gathering. There was much shouting, gesturing, cannon firing, music and a short parade – a great ending to an interesting day.
Wednesday we returned to Williamsburg to visit a few more of the sights and do a bit of shopping. In the afternoon we drove out to nearby historic Jamestown and were again amazed by the history right at our feet. The fort that was built there and the many archeological findings that are on display were fascinating. This has been a great chance to experience so much of our history first hand.