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Attractions in the historic triangle - Williamsburg - Yorktown - Jamestown

Shirley Plantation

What does Shirley Plantation have to offer that no other attraction can offer? We have the story of eleven generations of one family who to this day still own, operate, and work this grand southern plantation. Shirley Plantation is Virginia's first plantation (1613) and one of the first economic engines of the new world. Today, Shirley continues as a working plantation and a private family home. The current owners, the tenth and eleventh generations, are focused on preservation and education through conservation easements, interactive school programs, research and new exhibits.
www.shirleyplantation.com

Gloucester County

For History, for Beauty, for Fun!

Looking to revisit Mother Nature and wondering where to find it all? Come visit us! Gloucester County has something for everyone...the history buff, nature lover, fishing enthusiast or devoted shopper. The Courthouse Circle in Gloucester’s Historic District is home to the 1766 Courthouse, as well as a colonial jail, debtors' prison and clerk of the court offices from the early 19th century. Our Visitor Center is full of information and great regional gifts. The Gloucester Museum of History, once a colonial tavern, offers tours and historic exhibits that change regularly.

Fall and winter are a great time to take a geocaching trip to Beaverdam Park.You'll also find biking and horseback riding trails and a self-guided, interpreted nature trail. Beaverdam is also one of the best freshwater fishing lakes in Virginia jon boat, canoe, and paddleboat rentals and on-site fishing licenses are available.

If getting back to nature isn’t Mom’s idea of fun, she will certainly enjoy shopping at the many fine specialty shops...everything from fine jewelry to antiques to quilts.

While you’re in town be sure to satisfy your hunger at one of our many great restaurants. You will find dining to accommodate any taste.

After a full day of getting back to nature, enjoy a stay at one of our historic Bed & Breakfasts, the award winning Comfort Inn, or the brand new
Hampton Inn.

We have great special events planned for you and the family, so join us for a day, a weekend, or a week. You are sure to enjoy the quiet ambiance of Gloucester.

For up to date events information, please call us toll-free at 1-866-VISITUS, or select “Visitor Information” on our website at www.visitgloucesterva.info.

Hampton

Virginia's Hidden Treasure!

You won’t want to miss the Hampton History Museum, the current site of the Hampton Visitor Center, located in downtown. The museum explores the history of the city from the Kecoughtan Indians who lived here before the first colonists’ arrival to ’s role as the founding site of the U.S. space program. While there, be sure to pick up a 2009 Hampton Visitor Guide with a Hampton Day Pass Value Card, good for discounts in area shops and restaurants.

VirginiaAir & SpaceCenter’s roofline is a distinguishable trademark of the downtown waterfront.The welcome center for Langley Air Force Base and NASA Langley (the training site of the Mercury Seven astronauts), resents an amazing array of U.S. aircraft and space artifacts, along with hands-on exhibits, flight simulators and a 3D IMAX Theater.Through September 7, you’re invited to fasten your seatbelt and strap on a helmet to examine the science behind risk-taking as RISK! takes you on a “crash-course” of precarious life experiences.

University Museum, founded in 1868, features a collection of more than 9,000 multicultural artifacts and works of art.At Fort Monroe’s Casemate Museum, visitors can see the cell where Confederate President Jefferson Davis was imprisoned following the Civil War.

has launched six iPod tours in the Discover Hampton iPod Experience. Available at the VisitorCenter and the VirginiaAir & SpaceCenter, the self-guided multimedia tours enable visitors to become familiar with at their own pace. Tour downloads are available free at www.visithampton.com or www.apple.com/iTunes.If you need to rent an iPod, they are available at the visitor center for $10.

For further information call 757-727-1102, 800-220-2202, or go to visithampton.com.

Miss Hampton II Harbor Cruises

Virginia's Favorite Harbor Cruise

A well-narrated three hour cruise of Blackbeard's Point, Hampton Roads, Old Point Comfort, Fort Monroe, Chesapeake Bay, Fort Wool and the Norfolk Naval Base.

Located at 710 Settlers Landing Road in Hampton off I-64 at exit 267. Call 1-757-722-9102 or 1-888-757-BOAT.

See our goWilliamsburg Discount in the WHMA's Official Visitor's Guide!

Smithfield

Hams, History & Hospitality!

Just a short trip along the scenic to the Jamestown/Scotland Ferry, a relaxing 15 minute (free) ferry ride across the beautiful and a quick drive through Surry County brings you to the heart of downtown Smithfield. Come and enjoy a little piece of heaven on the banks of the Pagan River. The Historic District is the hub, where bustling art and specialty shops, town offices and historic public buildings coexist peacefully among the quaint Gothic, stately Colonial and sprawling Victorian homes. The river takes center stage at the entrance to the historic district where area icon, Smithfield Station holds the spotlight with its replica Victorian Coast Guard Station hotel, restaurant, marina and lighthouse! Smithfield is the “Ham Capital of the World” so great dining abounds with something to please every taste bud. From the Historic Smithfield Inn, and riverside dining at Smithfield Station, to a gourmet bakery, international tea shop and an old-fashioned ice cream parlor. Begin your visit at Smithfield's brand new Center, which shares space with the Center where you can chat with resident artists and peruse the gallery/gift shop. Historicattractions include St. Luke’s, the oldest foundation in America, Boykin’s Tavern, The Old Courthouse of 1750, Historic Fort Huger, and The Schoolhouse Museum, an African-American History Museum of Public Education. And be sure to stop by the Museum with its overview of local history and most notable artifacts - the oldest cured ham.

For fun, enjoy the summer concert series, performances at the Smithfield Little Theatre, Olden Days Festival, the Olde Towne Curb Market, Aiken & Friends Music Fest, and SmARTs (Smithfield Monthly Arts Stroll), which takes place on the second Friday of each month. So spend the day or night...either way you will be sure to enjoy your time in one of the most idyllic small towns in the U.S.A., Smithfield, Virginia! Call 800-365-9339 or visit www.visitsmithfieldisleofwight.com

The American Military Experience

Visit these attractions in Newport News to bring history alive.

The meaningful saga of military history unfolds in the galleries of the Museum with displays documenting wars from 1775 to the present. In addition to the main gallery, "America and War," the museum offers exhibits highlighting such themes as the Axis Powers, propaganda posters, the evolution of weaponry, and women and minorities in the armed forces. Numerous tanks and cannons are displayed on the grounds. The museum also features a gift store, educational programs, a film collection, and a research library/archives (by appointment). Monday-Saturday Lee Hall, an Italianate mansion, constructed c. 1858 by affluent planter Richard Decauter Lee, has seen history unfold within its walls and on its grounds. Here, Confederate generals John Bankhead Magruder and Joseph E. Johnston executed the brilliant defense of the Yorktown-Warwick River Line during the inital stages of the 1862 Peninsula Campaign. A Confederate hot air balloon was sent aloft to spy on the Union Army from still visible earthworks found on the front lawn. The antebellum home, an architectural gem on Virginias Lower Peninsula, has been restored and decorated to reflect its pre-war splendor. The mansion also features an 1862 Penisula Campaign exhibit gallery. Join us and experience the myths and realities of the "Old South" and learn of the conflict that was to destroy it forever. January-March Mondays and Thursday-Saturday 10am-4pm, Sundays 1pm- 5pm. April-December Mondays and Wednesdays-Saturdays 10am-4pm, Sundays 1pm-5pm.

Built in 1769 by Colonel William Harwood, Jr., signer of the Virginia Resolves, this home has experienced the ordeal o three wars. It was visited by Generals George Washington, Thomas Nelson, Jr., and George B. McClellan. Endview has thrice been a witness to the stuggle to preserve independance and expand the American concept of freedom. The Revolutionary War brought 3,000 militia to its spring. The War of 1812 saw its use as a training ground, while the Civil War found Endview serving as a hospital for both sides. Restored to its 1862 appearance, visit with soldiers and civilians from Civil War Virginiaas we turn the plantation into a living history museum. January-March Mondays and Thursday-Saturday 10am-4pm, Sundays 1pm- 5pm. April-December Mondays and Wednesdays-Saturdays 10am-4pm, Sundays 1pm-5pm.

The Spirit of Norfolk

Docked at Town Point Park in Norfolk, VA

Get ready for the time of your life! Step aboard the Spririt of Norfolk for an afternoon or evening of all-out fun. You'll dine and dance. Applaud star-quality entertainers. And be dazzled by skyline sights and a close-up look at the Navy's Atlantic Fleet. Choose from fun-filled luncheons, fabulous dinners, midnight dances and theme cruises, all just minutes from Williamsburg.

www.spiritofnorfolk.com

Look for our goWiilliamsburg discount in the WHMA's Official Visitor's Guide!