Happy Memorial Day America! - from Williamsburg, Virginia

From our little colonial town of red, white and blue here in Williamsburg, Virginia, 

 we wish all America a Happy Memorial Day.  

We express our extreme gratitude and respect to those who have served, are serving, 

and will serve our country.

-Darryl and Ruth

Gazebo at Riverwalk Landing, Yorktown, Virginia

Just before sunset, the light reflects on the water around the quaint gazebo which serves as the entryway to the marina at Riverwalk Landing in Yorktown, Virginia.

Costumed Visitor at Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia

Tourists really get into visiting Colonial Williamsburg. Many make their own or rent costumes from Colonial Williamsburg's costume shop.  This young lady and her bunny were clearly ready for a day in the burg where it's almost always 1774.

Inside the Colonial Williamsburg Visitors Center, Williamsburg, Virginia

This is the entry hall to Colonial Williamsburg's Visitor's Center.  It is the beginning of an unusual experience in the world's largest living history museum; Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia.  Williamsburg was the capitol of Virginia before and during the Revolutionary War.  It played host to George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Patrick Henry while they were members of the colonial legislature.  The town was restored to its colonial splendor beginning in the 1930's through the persistence of the rector of Bruton Parish church and the generosity of John D. Rockefeller.

The Shutter Bug Award - Thank You Patrick

We are pleased to receive the Shutter Bug Award from an awesome blogger, Patrick Tillett. 

He is a witty writer and skilled photographer who we enjoy.

Hop on over to his site and see what we mean.

http://patricktillett.blogspot.com/

Thanks again Patrick!

Tree House in The Land of the Dragons, Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, Virginia

This elaborate three story tree house is the center piece of the Land of the Dragons section inside the Germany area of Busch Gardens Williamsburg.  It is a magical mix of tree house, mini-water park, rope bridges, and dragons of all shapes and sizes topped off with a ferris wheel, boat ride, and other theme related activities. Kids love it and parents get a chance to rest.

Beautiful Vista, Riverwalk Landing, Yorktown, Virginia

There just isn't an ugly place to look when you visit the Riverwalk Landing area of Yorktown, Virginia.  This is the view that greeted us from atop the parking deck; beautiful trees, classic street lanterns, and the Schooner Alliance on the York River, all wrapped up in a warm breeze.

Drummers Call Weekend, Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia - Photo 6 of 6

This mosaic is the end of our series on the participants in Colonial Williamsburg's "Drummers Call" in which fife and drum music was presented by corps from the U.S. and Canada last weekend.

Our awesome Colonial Williamsburg Fife and Drum corps and/or guest corps perform regularly at Colonial Williamsburg and other locations.  It is an experience not to be missed; catch it if you can.

Drummers Call Weekend, Colonial Willliamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia - Photo 5 of 6

This drummer tucks away his sticks in the laces of his drum after performing in Colonial Williamsburg's "Drummers Call" last weekend. He is one of many participants from the U.S. and Canada who shared his talents.

This is photo five in a series of six.

Drummers Call Weekend, Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia - Photo 4 of 6

This group appears quite happy to be done with their portion of the "Drummers Call" fife and drum corps event in Colonial Williamsburg. Canadian and U.S. corps participated.

This is photo four in a series of six.

Drummers Call Weekend, Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia - Photo 3 of 6

These girls are catching a break from their part in the "Drummers Call" weekend in Colonial Williamsburg. The young lady on the left seems to be part of the color guard, carrying the U.S. flag; a duty dad appears to have inherited.  Canadian and U.S. fife and drum corps participated in this event.

This is photo three in a series of six.

Drummers Call Weekend, Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia - Photo 2 of 6

Fifers of all ages participated in the "Drummers Call" last weekend in Colonial Williamsburg. The gathering attracted fife and drum groups from Canada and the U.S.  Here, two fifers entertained passersby with lively tunes while sitting on a bench along Duke of Gloucester Street.

This is photo two in a series of six.

Drummers Call Weekend, Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia - Photo 1 of 6

Colonial Williamsburg hosted the "Drummers Call" last weekend. This was a gathering of fife and drum corps from across the United States and Canada.  Here, a trio of fifers relax and wander down Duke of Gloucester Street where similarly talented musicians walked more than 200 years ago. 

This is photo one in a series of six.

Waterman's Museum, Riverwalk Landing, Yorktown, Virginia

The Waterman's Museum in Yorktown, Virginia is a unique tribute to those who have earned their living from the sea, Chesapeake Bay and rivers in Virginia. The museum was founded as part of the 200th anniversary of the Siege of Yorktown in which local waterman assisted the French Navy in bottling up the British and bringing an end to the war. The buildings which now form the museum were donated to the cause and moved from the opposite side of the York River to their current location in 1989.  The museum offers insight into the lives, history, and equipment of those who work the water.

Ornate Entry Gate and Cupula at the Governer's Palace, Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia

The Governor's Palace was the sign of power and control in Colonial Williamsburg before the revolution.  It was destroyed by fire but reconstructed in meticulous detail using writings and other historical information. Here you see the ornate gate and cupola each of which includes the monogram "GR" which stands for "George Rex." Rex is Latin for king.

Kalmar Nyckel, Riverwalk Landing, Yorktown, VIrginia

Looking through some of our photos from last year, we happened upon these of a gorgeous three-masted ship.  There are many beautiful ships that visit the York and James Rivers and one of them, the Kalmar Nyckel, docked at York Riverwalk Landing for a few days last summer.  It is a reproduction of the Swedish ship of the same name that, in 1638, brought settlers to establish what is now Wilmington, Delaware. 

Yorktown is just a few short mile from Williamsburg and is a trip we make often.

Quenching Your Thirst the Colonial Way, Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia

There are many things we take for granted each day; like quenching our thirst. In colonial times, you just couldn't reach into your refrigerator and grab a Deer Park  or turn on the faucet and have a drink, You had to go out to the well and fetch a pail of water just to have a sip. Here, some properly costumed young ladies prepare to help the gentleman fill his pails.  That'll work up a thirst.

Barber and Peruke Maker, Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia

The Barber and Peruke Maker (Wig Maker) was an important person in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. He not only made wigs and cut hair, but provided lice treatments, sold soaps and tonics, and provided "immersion bathing facilities" for clients. Their wigs and hairpieces were signs of social status and importance as only a small portion of the population - the wealthiest 5%- could afford them.

Colonial Faces, Colonial Williamsburg, Williamburg, Virginia

Colonial Williamsburg is awash with so many costumes, sights, and great facial expressions on visitors and colonial characters, alike. We caught this character in deep thought near the end of the work day as he checked visitors for passes outside one of the many trade shops on Duke of Gloucester Street. The tradesmen still make their products in the colonial manner using time period tools and materials.

Chownings Tavern Sign, Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia

This is a large silver cup advertising Chownings Tavern in Colonial Williamsburg. On a hot summer day in Virginia, it is quite enticing. Chownings was established in 1766 and catered to the "ordinary sort" of citizen. The tavern continues to serve tasty fare and beverages, along with colonial entertainment, on Duke of Gloucester Street.

The Yorktown Onion, Yorktown, Virginia

The  Yorktown Onion, in this country, is native only to York County, Virginia. Though no one seems certain how it got here - purposely or accidently included in shipments of other seed - it is believed to have come from Russia via England during colonial times.  It is tall and gangly but eye-catching; standing about three feet tall with a thee inch purple head. There are claims that decades ago they were six feet tall with five inch heads.  It is against the law to harvest or collect them.  

New Town Cinemas, Williamsburg, Virginia

New Town Cinemas is one of two very beautiful places in Williamsburg to enjoy a movie and grab a bite to eat.   It is located at the heart of lovely New Town which is a "New Urbanism Community" according to their website.  We like dining and shopping there while many people enjoy living and working at New Town. 

Slavery in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Williamsburg, like the rest of the country, relied on  slaves in everyday life during colonial times.  Here, three costumed characters work at one of the taverns at Colonial Williamsburg.

Colonial Williamsburg has a number of programs through which the issue is discussed and presented.

The "Merry Wanderer" Hummel Figurine at the"Most Beautiful Amusement Park" Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Virginia

This larger than life Hummel figurine that was outside of German Gifts in the Germany area of Busch Gardens Williamsburg, was a favorite focal point for photos for many years, but has gone missing this year.  We wonder where the "Merry Wanderer" wandered off to - maybe he went to see his mother for Mother's Day?  : )

Below is one of the new Busch Gardens  TV commercials called "We Got It" - enjoy, or better yet visit our awesome Busch Gardens Williamsburg voted "Most Beautiful Amusement Park" by the National Amusement Park Historical Association" for the 20th consecutive year - and we can vouch that it most certainly is fun and beautiful!

Sunset Over the York River, Yorktown, Virginia

When you live on a peninsula and are surrounded by water, you occasionally happen upon some good sunsets. This is the York River at the Yorktown Naval Weapons Station pier.

Carriage rides on Duke of Gloucester Street, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Some visitors to Colonial Williamsburg join in the fun and wear full, time period appropriate costumes.  This group is getting ready for an open carriage ride around the historic district, which is about one mile long and one-half mile wide. The "coaches," as they are known have been providing rides since 1947.

Great Wolf Lodge, Williamsburg, Virginia

The Great Wolf Lodge is one of the most interesting hotels in the area.  Aside from the colossal wolves guarding the entrance, it is a massive log structure with a huge indoor waterpark.

The Schooner Alliance Sailing the York River, Yorktown, Virginia

The Schooner Alliance sails the York River and Chesapeake Bay from Yorktown Riverwalk Landing during the summer months, providing a variety of sailing opportunities for visitors.  Whether you sail or watch, it is a beautiful sight and one we enjoy over and over again.  Yorktown is a short and beautiful drive down the Colonial Parkway from Williamsburg, Virginia.

                                       

Blackbeard's Crew Pillages Yorktown Riverwalk Landing, Yorktown, Virginia

This weekend, we visited our beautiful Riverwalk Landing at Yorktown, just a few short miles away from Williamsburg, where they featured a pirate festival.  Blackbeard and a few friends talked about piratey things, sang a few sea chanties, taught the kids to dance like pirates, and fired off the cannons just for fun.

Blackbeard and his friends provided little fun in real life. In 1718, Virginia Governor Spotswood put a bounty on Blackbeard.  He was killed in a gruesome battle off Ocracoke Island, North Carolina. His skull hung for years on a pike at the confluence of the James and Hampton Rivers.  Some of his crew were housed in the Williamsburg Gaol (jail) while waiting the reward of their crimes.

Each year, Hampton, Virginia also hosts a Blackbeard Pirate Festival.

This is our post for the wonderful "My World Tuesday" pop on over there to see other great posts from around the world.

                                         

The Farmer's Market at Merchant's Square, Williamsburg, Virginia

The Saturday morning Farmer's Market at Merchant's Square is in full swing with warmer weather. Vendors of everything from meat, seafood, flowers, herbs, vegetables, and goat's milk soap sell their products each week -we purchased basil plants for our herb garden  :  ) 

Entertainment was also provided by a wonderful band called "Bagels and Fraylox."

Ferraris On Main Street at Newtown in Williamsburg, Virginia

                    

The Williamsburg Winery is sponsorring "Ferrari's on the Vine" this weekend.  They also gathered at the Newtown shopping area at the Opus 9 Steakhouse.  In addition to the Ferraris, there was a Lamborghini, and a couple of classic cars thrown in for good measure.

Deer on Historic Jamestown Island, Williamsburg, Virginia

This deer calmly stood in the bullrush on Jamestown Island while the tourists wandered by and we took her photo. This is the site of Historic Jamestown, where the Virginia Company established the first permanent English settlement in North America in 1607. The island is mostly wooded except for the area necessary for the historic display and ongoing archaeological dig. It is home to many animals such as muskrat, turtles, squirrels, and deer who seem to enjoy life on the James River. 

This is our contribution to Camera Critters. To see more critters, click here.