To enhance the enjoyment of your visit to Williamsburg, we suggest that you phone 1-800-HISTORY (447-8679) and ask Colonial Williamsburg to send you their free calendar of events, scheduled for the time you expect to be here. Many events, especially evening programs, require advance reservations, such as: special tours, plays, re-enactments, concerts and lectures). When you have decided what your evening schedule will be, then you can phone 1-800-TAVERNS (828-3767) to reserve dinner at any of the 3 historic Colonial Taverns; all of which provide different experiences and we recommend them all. Reserving ahead will prevent overlapping dinner and program reservations. We suggest making dinner reservations anywhere from 2-4 weeks ahead of your visit, whenever possible, as seating is limited at certain times.
Try to allow 2 full days to see Colonial Williamsburg, which was the capital of Virginia 1699-1780, and was carefully restored beginning in 1926. You will want to visit its historic buildings, see its beautiful antiques and gardens, and watch craftsmen at work making things as if it were still 250 years ago.
Many people also plan to visit Jamestown, only 6 miles away, where the first permanent English settlement in the United States was made in 1607. Be warned: there are 2 Jamestowns – the National Historic Park, “Historic Jamestowne,” where you can see the results of over 12 years of exciting archaeology, and the revival of America’s first glass factory of 1609; and the State Park, “Jamestown Settlement,” where you can walk through careful reproductions of an Eastern Woodland Indian village, the 1607 fort, and the 3 ships that brought the settlers over, as well as an excellent indoor museum with cafeteria. Allow one full day for the 2 Jamestowns.
Yorktown, only 12 miles from Williamsburg, is where Washington, De Grasse and Rochambeau defeated the British army of Lord Cornwallis on 19 October 1781, ensuring American independence. Yorktown also has both a national and a state park (both worth visiting), along with attractive waterfront shops and a restaurant, and the Tall Ship Alliance available for a short sail in season.
Many of the historic James River Plantations are open to the public, but some are a lot more worth seeing than others. Please check with us if you would like us to advise you of the best ones to visit or if you wish us to help plan your itinerary. Some of the best plantations are closed on Mondays, and some are closed in the winter. We can also help arrange local spectacular historic tours by airplane.
Many people also plan to visit Jamestown, only 6 miles away, where the first permanent English settlement in the United States was made in 1607. Be warned: there are 2 Jamestowns – the National Historic Park, “Historic Jamestowne,” where you can see the results of over 12 years of exciting archaeology, and the revival of America’s first glass factory of 1609; and the State Park, “Jamestown Settlement,” where you can walk through careful reproductions of an Eastern Woodland Indian village, the 1607 fort, and the 3 ships that brought the settlers over, as well as an excellent indoor museum with cafeteria. Allow one full day for the 2 Jamestowns.
Yorktown, only 12 miles from Williamsburg, is where Washington, De Grasse and Rochambeau defeated the British army of Lord Cornwallis on 19 October 1781, ensuring American independence. Yorktown also has both a national and a state park (both worth visiting), along with attractive waterfront shops and a restaurant, and the Tall Ship Alliance available for a short sail in season.
Many of the historic James River Plantations are open to the public, but some are a lot more worth seeing than others. Please check with us if you would like us to advise you of the best ones to visit or if you wish us to help plan your itinerary. Some of the best plantations are closed on Mondays, and some are closed in the winter. We can also help arrange local spectacular historic tours by airplane.
"A wonderful experience! It made our trip to Williamsburg extremely pleasant – outstanding!"
Quotes from letters to Newport House (Click Here)
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"We enjoyed the comfortable bedroom, and delicious breakfasts of Jonnycakes and waffles. But most of all we enjoyed meeting you and hearing your stories."
"A wonderful three days for us – made especially enjoyable by your kindness, those delicious hot breakfasts, history lessons, and tips on local “dos and don’ts.” We three felt so comfortable in your home, which is as beautiful as it is warm and welcoming."
"Newport House and the Millar family provided the most gracious and welcome B&B experience we have enjoyed in 12 years of married life."
"Thanks for the quiet and peaceful rest."
"We had a wonderful stay. The breakfasts were a delight, from the delicious assorted dishes to the interesting historical stories by John. This started our days with a real flavor for times gone by."
"Williamsburg was fascinating – however, John, you made it more so. The breakfast history lessons were wonderful."
"I’m still remembering those delicious apple waffles, as well as the beautiful architecture and décor of Newport House."
"We were very impressed by the comfort and attention to detail. We were travelers both in distance and time."