Kayak James River with a thumbs up licensed operator
CategoriesJamestown Kayak By bestwilliamsburg

Paddle into Adventure: A Perfect June Day Kayaking Behind Jamestown Island

Looking for a fun, active, and educational family outing in June? Join Best Williamsburg Tours, a licensed kayak operator in James City County, for a serene and scenic paddle behind Jamestown Island—where nature, history, and unforgettable family moments come together.

Recently, one of our guided tours brought smiles all around as a family glided through the peaceful waters of Powhatan Creek. The highlight? A thumbs-up from their daughter, captured in a photo with our cheerful kayak guide—proof that outdoor fun knows no age!

🌿 What You’ll See on the Water
Our route winds through tidal marshes rich with wildlife. You might spot great blue herons, osprey, and bald eagles soaring above, while turtles, egrets, and the occasional river otter play along the banks. The gentle waters make this the perfect outing for beginners or families with kids. It’s both relaxing and invigorating!

🏰 Why Here? A Journey Through History
You’re not just kayaking anywhere—you’re paddling through the historic waterways where America began. Jamestown Island, established in 1607, was the site of the first permanent English settlement in North America. From the water, you’ll get a unique perspective on the land where Powhatan, Pocahontas, and Captain John Smith once walked.

💬 What Our Guests Say
“We learned about the environment, saw amazing birds, and got a little history along the way. And my daughter gave the whole thing a thumbs-up—it doesn’t get better than that!” – Happy Parent

🛶 Book Your Family Tour Today
Whether you’re planning a family reunion, a wellness retreat, or just a summer escape, our kayak tours offer a perfect blend of outdoor fun, education, and connection. We can accommodate up to two groups of ten—and we love welcoming kids!

➡️ Book Your Kayak Tour Here

Come paddle through the past, soak in the present, and make memories that last. See you on the water!

Playing games in Jamestown's Godspeed
CategoriesColonial Williamsburg Jamestown Yorktown By bestwilliamsburg

🇺🇸 History Comes to Life in the Historic Triangle! 🇪🇸 ¡La historia cobra vida en el Triángulo Histórico!

Ready for an unforgettable journey through America’s roots? 🌱 Join one of our private, story-rich tours and explore Colonial Williamsburg, the Jamestown Settlement, and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown — the very places where our nation’s journey began!

🏛️ Colonial Williamsburg & William & Mary Private Walking Tour
Walk through the world’s largest living history museum, Colonial Williamsburg, and the second-oldest college in the U.S. Learn how the ideas of liberty and revolution were born here.

🛶 Private Tour of Jamestown
Visit Jamestown Settlement and the site of the first permanent English colony in North America. Step back to 1607 and explore how this bold venture changed history.

🎇 Private Tour of Historic Yorktown
Stand on the grounds where the Revolution ended at The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and discover the dramatic events that secured American independence.

🇺🇸 From early colonists and native encounters to revolution and the founding of a new nation — these places tell the story of our ongoing pursuit of happiness.

🇪🇸 ¿Listo para un viaje inolvidable por los orígenes de Estados Unidos? 🌟 Únete a nuestros tours privados llenos de historia y explora Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, y Yorktown — ¡lugares donde la historia cobra vida!

🏛️ Tour Privado de Colonial Williamsburg y William & Mary
Camina por Colonial Williamsburg y por el campus de William & Mary, donde comenzaron las ideas que formaron una nación.

🛶 Tour Privado de Jamestown
Descubre los comienzos de América en Jamestown Settlement, la primera colonia inglesa permanente de América del Norte.

🎇 Tour Privado de Yorktown Histórico
Explora el Museo de la Revolución Americana en Yorktown, donde la independencia se ganó y una nueva nación nació.

📚 Book your tour today and step into history! ¡Reserva tu tour hoy y vive la historia!
👉 https://bestwilliamsburgtours.com

George Washington born in the Old Dominion
CategoriesVirginia History By bestwilliamsburg

Why Virginia is Called the “Old Dominion”

Ever wondered why Virginia proudly carries the nickname “The Old Dominion”? The story stretches back nearly 400 years and is filled with rebellion, royalty, and reward. 🌍📜 And, it’s part of history that you can learn when you take one of our Colonial Williamsburg walking tours.

In the mid-1600s, England was turned upside down when King Charles I was overthrown during the English Civil War. Oliver Cromwell and his Parliamentarian forces took over, and for a time, England had no king at all — a rare moment in history. But across the Atlantic, the Virginia colonists did something bold…

👉 They stayed loyal to the Crown.

Even when England declared itself a republic, Virginia continued to recognize the monarchy. The colony refused to acknowledge Cromwell’s authority, staying loyal to the exiled Prince Charles — the future King Charles II.

Fast forward to 1660: Charles II was restored to the throne in what’s known as the Restoration. When he reclaimed his crown, he didn’t forget who had stood by him.

🎖️ As a reward for Virginia’s loyalty, King Charles II granted the colony expanded land rights and gave it the lasting title of “Old Dominion.” It was his way of saying: Thank you for remaining faithful when others did not.

📣 Want to walk the same streets where royal loyalty was once debated? Want to hear the full story right where it happened?

👉 Book your private walking tour today!

Learn all about Virginia’s royal ties, its role in the English Civil War, and how places like Colonial Williamsburg and the College of William & Mary connect to this powerful legacy.

🕰️ Step back in time.
📍 Walk in the footsteps of kings, rebels, and loyalists.

➡️ Reserve your spot now:
https://bestwilliamsburgtours.com/private-walking-tour-of-colonial-williamsburg-and-the-college-of-william-and-mary/

Because history isn’t just something you read about — it’s something you experience.

Women Who Love America
CategoriesAmerican History By bestwilliamsburg

Who Are the Mothers of Our Nation?

(Hint: It wasn’t just powdered wigs and white horses 👀)

When we talk about the birth of America, the narrative often leans heavily on powdered-wig patriots and declarations signed by candlelight. But let’s be clear—women were the revolution. They didn’t just support the cause…
📝 They were the cause.

From resistance to resilience, from intelligence to independence, these Founding Mothers laid the moral and cultural foundation for a nation still learning to live up to its ideals.

Here are 8+ legendary women you need to know:

1. Pocahontas
More than a Disney character—Pocahontas (c. 1596–1617) was a Powhatan woman whose diplomacy and cultural exchange with English settlers in Jamestown were pivotal to early colonial survival. She bridged worlds, both literally and symbolically.

2. Phillis Wheatley
The first African American woman to publish a book of poetry (1773), Wheatley’s intellect challenged the racist assumptions of her era. Her revolutionary verses praised freedom and liberty—while being enslaved. Let that sink in.

3. Abigail Adams
She didn’t just keep the home fires burning—Abigail was a political force in her own right. In 1776, she wrote to husband John Adams urging him to “remember the ladies.” Her advocacy for women’s rights makes her one of the original feminist voices in American history.

4. Elizabeth “Mumbet” Freeman
An enslaved woman in Massachusetts who sued for—and won—her freedom in 1781, Freeman’s legal case helped pave the way for the abolition of slavery in her state. Her courage redefined freedom itself.

5. Margaret “Molly Pitcher” Corbin
When her husband was killed in battle, she took his place at the cannon and kept fighting. Corbin was the first woman to receive a military pension from Congress. Guns blazing, glass ceilings shattered.

6. Martha Washington
The OG First Lady. Martha wasn’t just George’s wife—she was his partner in leadership. She organized supplies, raised morale, and became the face of unity for a young and fractured nation.

7. Deborah Sampson
She disguised herself as a man and fought in the Continental Army. Her bravery in battle—and the life she risked to live freely—makes her a true American legend.

8. Sybil Ludington
Move over, Paul Revere. At just 16, Sybil rode twice as far as him through the night to rally the militia. No lanterns. No fame. Just guts and determination.

And let’s not forget:

  • Mercy Otis Warren – the revolutionary writer who published anti-British propaganda before it was cool.
  • Lucy Stone – one of the first women in America to keep her own last name after marriage.
  • Ona Judge – an enslaved woman who escaped from George and Martha Washington and never looked back.
  • And countless others whose names history forgot—but whose power shaped our country.

  • 🔥 Why This Matters
  • These women weren’t just on the sidelines—they were on the front lines. In the home, on the battlefield, and in the courtrooms, they fought for justice, liberty, and representation.

We don’t just owe them gratitude—we owe them visibility.

CategoriesGloucester By bestwilliamsburg

👑 | Gloucester, VA’s Historic Treasure-Warner Hall

Tucked away in the beautiful countryside of Gloucester, Virginia, Warner Hall is a hidden gem with deep American roots — literally! 🌳 This grand estate was once home to Augustine Warner, the great-great-grandfather of George Washington 🇺🇸. Talk about presidential pedigree!

And now, this storied home is getting an exciting new chapter…

🏰 A Historic Estate Meets Modern Luxury

Recently purchased by BluWater Group, Warner Hall is about to become even more unforgettable. They’re adding a full-service restaurant, meaning visitors will soon be able to dine in the same magnificent rooms where colonial elites once gathered. Picture yourself enjoying a candlelit dinner beneath elegant chandeliers, surrounded by centuries of American history. ✨🍷

👑 A Royal Visit: When Queen Elizabeth Came to Town

Did you know Queen Elizabeth II herself paid a visit to Warner Hall? During her U.S. tour, she laid a wreath at the grave of Augustine Warner, claiming a family connection to the American founding lineage. The estate now honors her visit with a “Queen’s Room” fit for, well… a queen! 💐💼

Just look at this place — it’s easy to imagine her staying overnight. Do you think she did? 😏🏨

📸 A Place Where Past Meets Present

From the stately architecture to the sweeping river views and gardens, Warner Hall blends the grandeur of the past with exciting modern updates. And soon, it’ll be the perfect spot for a historical day trip, romantic dinner, or royal-themed getaway. 👑💕

So next time you’re in Virginia, don’t try to tour on your own — hire a local guide like Best Williamsburg Tours for a private tour to soak up the history and be treated like a Washington or a Windsor. And, remember, if you want

Group Kayak Adventure in Jamestown
CategoriesJamestown By bestwilliamsburg

Paddle Into History: Kayak Tours Of Jamestowne Island Are Back! 🚣‍♀️🦅

Grab your friends, your coworkers, or your favorite paddling buddy—kayak season is officially open on the serene waters of Powhatan and Backwater Creeks, right behind Jamestowne Island! Whether you’re planning a private adventure or organizing a group outing (up to 10 paddlers!), this is hands-down one of the most fun, scenic, and unique ways to explore the natural and historical treasures of coastal Virginia.

🌊 Why You’ll Love It:

  • – Bond with friends or teammates while gliding through calm waters—perfect for everything from solo escapes to corporate retreats (like the one shown in our featured image!).
  • Our experienced guides will share stories about the Colonial history of America’s first permanent English settlement and the American Indian tribes who lived here for thousands of years. Spot wildlife like ospreys, herons, bald eagles, and more in their natural habitat.

  • – Take in breathtaking sunset views over the James River—you’ll want your camera for this one!
  • – Get a great workout in while soaking up history and nature.

🚐 After Your Paddle… Unwind Like a Local

Once you’re back on dry land, we highly recommend making your way over to Billsburg Brewery—right next door at the James City County Marina. Enjoy a cold craft beer 🍻 and savor something delicious from one of the rotating gourmet food trucks parked onsite.

Don’t forget to explore Historic Jamestowne before or after your tour to round out your adventure with an archaeological perspective!

🛶 Ready to Paddle? Book Your Tour Today!
We offer private kayak tours and small groups (up to 10 people). Whether you’re local or visiting, this is a memory-making must-do experience.

👉 Book your kayak adventure now with Best Williamsburg Tours!

See you on the water! 🌾🌞

CategoriesJamestown By bestwilliamsburg

🐝 Celebrate World Bee Day at Jamestown Settlement – May 24, 2025

Join us at Jamestown Settlement on Saturday, May 24, 2025, to commemorate over 400 years since the introduction of the European honeybee (Apis mellifera) to America. This special World Bee Day event offers a unique opportunity to explore the vital role of honeybees in early colonial life and their enduring legacy.

🐝 A Transatlantic Journey: Bees Arrive in the New World

In December 1621, the Virginia Company dispatched beehives to the Jamestown colony aboard English ships. By 1622, European honeybees had established themselves in Virginia, earning the nickname “white man’s flies” from Indigenous peoples due to their association with European settlers.

These bees were more than just pollinators; they were integral to the colonists’ survival and economy. Honey served as a primary sweetener, beeswax was essential for making candles and sealing documents, and both were valuable trade commodities.

📜 The Significance of Honeybees in the 16th and 17th Centuries

During the 16th and 17th centuries, honey and beeswax were indispensable in Europe and the colonies. Honey was used not only as a sweetener but also for its medicinal properties, treating ailments ranging from coughs to skin conditions. Beeswax was crucial for candle-making, especially for religious and domestic use, and played a role in art and literature.

Beekeeping practices of the time involved using straw skeps and log hives. Notably, Charles Butler’s 1609 publication, The Feminine Monarchie, revolutionized beekeeping by identifying the queen bee as female and emphasizing the organized structure of bee colonies.

🏰 Experience Living History at Jamestown Settlement

Immerse yourself in the 17th-century world through Jamestown Settlement’s interactive exhibits:

  • Paspahegh Town: Explore a re-created Powhatan Indian village and learn about the Indigenous people’s relationship with nature, including pollinators.
  • Recreated 1607 Ships: Step aboard full-scale replicas of the Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery, the ships that brought the first colonists—and honeybees—to Virginia.
  • James Fort: Discover the daily life of early settlers within a re-created fort, highlighting their reliance on honeybees for food, medicine, and trade.

🧭 Enhance Your Visit with a Private Guided Tour

For a more in-depth and personalized experience, consider booking a private guided tour with Best Williamsburg Tours. Their knowledgeable guides provide detailed narratives and context, enriching your visit to Jamestown Settlement and beyond.

🌼 Plan Your Visit

Jamestown Settlement is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission tickets can be purchased online or at the museum. Residents of James City County, York County, and the City of Williamsburg, including William & Mary students, receive free admission with proof of residency.

Celebrate the enduring legacy of honeybees and their pivotal role in America’s history this World Bee Day at Jamestown Settlement.

CategoriesYorktown By bestwilliamsburg

🌿 Farmers & Foragers Family Day at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown – May 17, 2025

Get ready for a day of fun, learning, and a touch of BANG! at the Farmers & Foragers Family Day on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.

🧺 Explore 18th-Century Life

Discover how plants were more than just food sources in the 1700s. Engage in activities that highlight the roles of plants in daily life, learn to identify local flora, and understand their uses across different cultures.

🐾 Stuffed Animals Welcome!

Children are encouraged to bring their favorite stuffed animals to join in the fun, making the experience even more memorable for the little ones.

💥 Cannon Demonstration at 3:00 PM

Don’t miss the highlight of the day—a cannon demonstration at 3:00 PM where children can participate (weather dependent). Be prepared for a loud BANG! as history comes to life.

🗺️ Enhance Your Experience with a Private Tour

For a more in-depth exploration, consider booking a private guided tour with Best Williamsburg Tours. Their knowledgeable guides provide detailed narratives and context, enriching your visit to the museum and beyond.

🛍️ Extend Your Day in Historic Yorktown

After the museum, take a stroll through Historic Yorktown, where you can enjoy charming shops, eateries, and scenic views along the York River.

🎟️ Admission Details

Family Day activities are included with museum admission. Residents of James City County, York County, and the City of Williamsburg, including William & Mary students, receive free admission with proof of residency. visityorktown.org

Celebrate the rich history and traditions of the 18th century with your family at this engaging and educational event!

Learn how to use a navigation notebook - a traverse board - when you visit the ships at the Jamestown Settlement
CategoriesJamestown By bestwilliamsburg

Celebrate Jamestown Day on May 10, 2025: A Journey Through America’s Origins

Join the festivities at Jamestown Settlement on Saturday, May 10, 2025, as we commemorate the 418th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown—the first permanent English settlement in North America.

🛶 The Historic Voyage of 1607

In May 1607, three ships—the Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery—arrived on the shores of the James River, carrying 105 settlers. Of these, 104 men and boys disembarked to establish the colony under the authority of the First Charter of Virginia, granted by King James I. This charter laid the foundation for English colonization in the New World.

🎉 Jamestown Day Highlights

Experience a day filled with engaging activities and demonstrations that bring history to life:

  • 10:00 a.m. – Godspeed Sets Sail: Witness the Godspeed depart from the ships’ pier, showcasing 17th-century sailing maneuvers on the James River. An artillery salute will signal its departure. (Weather permitting)
  • 10:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. – Musket Demonstrations: At James Fort, learn how matchlock muskets were loaded and fired, a critical defense mechanism for early colonists.
  • 11:00 a.m. – Supplying the Colony: Assist sailors in unloading essential cargo from the Discovery, understanding the logistics of sustaining the colony.
  • 12:00 p.m. – Defending the Colony: Participate in drills as musketeers, pikemen, and targeteers, simulating the defense strategies against potential threats.
  • 1:00 p.m. – Navigation Techniques: Discover how English sailors navigated the seas using celestial methods during a “noon sighting” demonstration. (Weather permitting)
  • 2:00 p.m. – Bounty of the Chesapeake: Explore the fishing techniques and seafood preparation methods of the Powhatan people during spring.
  • 3:00 p.m. – Sail Handling: Engage in hands-on activities, learning how to manage sails—a vital skill for 17th-century mariners. (Weather permitting)
  • 4:00 p.m. – Artillery Drill: Join a 17th-century artillery crew and witness the firing of historical weaponry. (Weather permitting)

  • 🏛️ Explore the Living History Areas

Enhance your understanding of early American history through immersive experiences:

  • Paspahegh American Indian Village: Interact with interpreters demonstrating the daily life, culture, and traditions of the Powhatan people.
  • Recreated 1607 Ships: Board full-scale replicas of the Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery, gaining insight into the transatlantic journey of the settlers.
  • James Fort: Step into a re-creation of the original fort, observing the living conditions, fortifications, and survival strategies of the colonists.

  • 🧭 Enhance Your Visit with a Private Guided Tour

For a more in-depth and personalized experience, consider booking a private guided tour with Best Williamsburg Tours. Our knowledgeable guides provide detailed narratives and historical context, bringing Jamestown’s story vividly to life.

🎟️ Plan Your Visit

Jamestown Settlement is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission tickets can be purchased online or at the museum. Residents of James City County, York County, and the City of Williamsburg, including William & Mary students, receive free admission with proof of residency.

Celebrate the enduring legacy of Jamestown and immerse yourself in the stories that shaped the foundation of America.

Fifers and drummers march in Colonial Williamsburg
CategoriesColonial Williamsburg By bestwilliamsburg

Step Back in Time at Colonial Williamsburg’s Annual Drummer’s Call – May 16–18, 2025

If you’ve ever wondered what 18th-century America sounded like, Colonial Williamsburg’s Drummer’s Call weekend is your chance to find out. From May 16–18, 2025, the Historic Area will come alive with the rhythms, melodies, and precision of military field music from the American Revolution and beyond.

A Celebration of Sound and Tradition

Drummer’s Call is more than just a concert—it’s a full immersion into the sights and sounds of colonial military life. Watch as fifers and drummers from across the country gather in uniform to showcase their skill and celebrate their craft. These musicians played a vital role in the 18th-century military, not only boosting morale but also communicating commands on the battlefield and in camp—long before cell phones, walkie-talkies, or intercoms existed.

Don’t Miss the Grand March

The heart of the weekend is the Grand March, a stirring parade of music and pageantry that begins at noon on Saturday, May 17, at the Capitol. From there, the troops will proceed down the iconic Duke of Gloucester Street to Market Square, filling the air with drumbeats and fife tunes that once inspired revolution. This is your chance to see Colonial Williamsburg’s military programs and visiting corps in action—each step echoing the history they preserve.

Enrich Your Experience

Want to go beyond the performances? Make your visit even more memorable with a guided walking tour from Best Williamsburg Tours. Their expert guides will lead you through the historic streets, offering stories and insights that deepen your understanding of the time period—and the essential role of military musicians in America’s fight for independence.

Plan Your Visit

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a music lover, or simply looking for a unique way to spend a weekend, Drummer’s Call at Colonial Williamsburg promises an unforgettable experience. So dust off your tricorn hat, leave your modern tech behind, and prepare to be transported back in time.