When you first set eyes on George Washington — standing front and center in a quiet field in Williamsburg, Virginia — you can tell he’s seen some things.
His steely, stoic gaze can’t hide the scars of a tumultuous life etched across his face, but he’s also grown quite a bit since those days of battle and bloodshed. Over triple his original size, in fact; much like the presidential predecessors standing alongside him: Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Jackson, Woodrow Wilson, and Franklin D. Roosevelt, for starters.
They’ve all seen some things, actually. Wilson’s forehead is in shambles, as is Jackson’s chin, and “Honest Abe” can’t catch a break — the back of his head has a hole in it.
I guess history can still repeat itself, even if you’re a 20-foot sculpture.
The Ruins of Presidents Park: Apocalyptic Impressions
It’s not a scene one may think of as “presidential,” but that’s what makes the ruins of 🔺Presidents Park the beginning of an epic itinerary in Williamsburg.
Walking through rows of 20,000-pound decaying heads depicting the country’s most powerful figures is a far echo from when the sculptures were pristinely maintained during the era of Presidents Park. The eerie atmosphere created from this collection is intentional, though, which you can learn about on a 2-hour tour led by photographer John Plashal. (You can come and go as you please within the 2-hour window, but only visit once you’ve purchased tickets to a tour. The ruins are on private property.)
Deep in the Past at Historic Jamestowne
If you think the Presidents’ Heads are wild, just wait until you see what’s been unearthed at 🔺Historic Jamestowne. A military fort, burial shafts, and evidence of cannibalism are just some of the discoveries you’ll learn about here.
See archaeology in action as the Jamestown Rediscovery team continues to excavate parts of this legendary historic site, home to America’s first permanent English settlement. The field team excavates Monday through Friday, weather permitting. Archaeologists and other specialists are on-hand to share true tales of the first colonists and describe the archaeological finds uncovered here.
After witnessing the layers of history being peeled back in real-time, step inside the Archaearium. This award-winning museum houses some of the most spectacular objects out of the three million artifacts found since the Jamestown Rediscovery Project began in 1994.
Flying High: Aerial Tours & Treetop Adventures
Once you’ve seen the surprises found below ground, it’s time to soar into the sky to plot out your next pit stop in Williamsburg. The Historic Triangle Air Tour from Williamsburg Flight Center lays out all the options as you coast above major landmarks, starting with Colonial Williamsburg before passing by Busch Gardens® Williamsburg on your way to Yorktown and its expansive Naval Weapons Station.
Along the way, you’ll get to witness the beauty of the region’s winding rivers, which create a serpentine pattern cutting through sections of untamed wilderness. Country clubs and golf courses dot the landscape, and if you’re lucky, you’ll see a ghost fleet of ships at some point during the 45-minute flight. (Ask the pilot beforehand, and they will be able to point it out.)
Prefer to stay closer to the ground? Head to Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park. An elevated obstacle course suspended in the trees of Freedom Park is what awaits during the Treetop Adventure option.
Ghost Tours: See Williamsburg’s Haunted Side
A nighttime ghost tour with Colonial Ghosts is the perfect one-two punch that could ever follow Go Ape.
You’ll walk into the epicenter of paranormal activity contained within Colonial Williamsburg, as a guide gives you the chilling backstory behind the landmarks where spirits are said to roam.
Of course, not all of Williamsburg’s history is haunting. Colonial Ghosts also offers a daytime Secrets of Colonial Williamsburg Tour that covers other intriguing topics that will give you the chills in a good way.
Dine Your Way Back in Time in Colonial Williamsburg
I can’t think of a better way to enjoy history than by taking it one bite at a time. Luckily, 🔺King’s Arms Tavern allows you to do just that.
After your meal, a walk around Merchants Square is equally essential.
A Strong Blend of Community & History in Yorktown
You’d be hard-pressed to find a family who loves coffee more than the Gucanacs, but if there’s anything they love more, it’s Yorktown. The result? 🔺Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters.
Trish Thomas has also accumulated quite a few stories of Yorktown, and you can book a 90-minute journey with her through Williamsburg Walking Tours.
Antique Gems & Natural Treasures
Now that you’ve been led around to the region’s wildest discoveries, it’s time to make some of your own at Williamsburg Antique Mall.
Once you’ve completed that quest, you definitely deserve some rest.
Timberline Glamping is the go-to option if you’re looking for that wilderness experience without sacrificing comfort.
It’s a fitting end to your walk on Williamsburg’s wild side.
