Best Advice for Visiting Virginia This Summer

The Commonwealth of Virginia is a land seemingly made precisely to delight and intrigue vacationers. For visitors who enjoy the beauty of nature there is magnificent Shenandoah National Park. Looking for salt water fun? Try Virginia Beach. In Virginia, Civil War and American Revolutionary War sites abound. As interesting and exciting as these tourist attractions may be, the best advice for those visiting Virginia this summer is to enjoy the great diversity of the state but first head for Jamestown.

1. An Anniversary Year Good advice for anyone who decides to visit Virginia this summer begins with the announcement that in the summer of 2007 the entire state of Virginia will be alive with excitement. The good times are occasioned because this year marks a very special anniversary in Jamestown, Virginia.

Four hundred years ago, in 1607, English settlers braved the frequently treacherous Atlantic voyage, stood up to the presence of not always friendly native Americans and withstood the challenges and uncertainties of life in a strange land all to establish the British colony of Jamestown, Virginia. This small but determined group of colonists made their landing a full 13 years ahead of the Pilgrims who arrived at Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts some thirteen years later.

To celebrate this historic and world altering event, the state and many local committees have put together an amazing collection of historic festivals, educational workshops, shows that showcase local foods, art and music. There are events that celebrate the first coming of Africans to Virginia and other festivities to commemorate the establishment of the first representative governing body in Virginia. In addition to all the one time events, everyone connected with tourism in Virginia and especially in Jamestown seems devoted to making this summer the best ever in Virginia. So the best advice for visiting Virginia this summer is to just do it. Don't wait until the kids get a little older . Now is the time. Virginia will never be more ready or more welcoming to its millions of tourists than this summer.

2. Visit Jamestown Settlement. The centerpiece for Virginia's celebration is Jamestown, Virginia. While there are celebrations scheduled statewide, the real focus for all the excitement lies in Jamestown itself. One of the "must see" features in Jamestown is the Jamestown Settlement. Summer visitors will be treated to an amazing filmed orientation to the historic days of the 17th century. The settlement documentary introduces viewers to the main inhabitants of the area around Jamestown including the European settlers, the native Powhatan Indians and the newly arrived Africans.

After the film guests are encouraged to tour the many exhibits which bring to life what happened here so long ago. Then it is on to the living history museum. At Jamestown Settlement living history really means the recreation of some of the key elements that made life what it was in 1607 in Jamestown. First there are replicas of the ships which brought the British settlers to the New World. Visitors can board the ships and discuss various elements of 17th century travel with the costumed crew. Then visit the fort itself and try with the help of local craftsmen to envision yourself in Jamestown 400 years ago. Finally take a good look at the nearby recreation of the Powhatan Indian village. After seeing this settlement you will agree that the best advice for visiting Virginia this summer is to begin in Jamestown at the Jamestown Settlement. For more information about the settlement you can visit www.historyisfun.org .

3. Historic Jamestown You'll surely enjoy the Jamestown Settlement but you will also be fascinated by the nearby remnants of the original Jamestown Fort now part of Historic Jamestown. Like its neighbor,the Settlement, Historic Jamestown also has its share of exhibits and artifacts and even a gift shop. At historic Jamestown, Jamestown Rediscovery archaeologists continue to work to gently unearth clues to the accurate structure of the first Jamestown Fort. Their efforts are visible for all to see and admire.

If you truly want to stand where America began then Historic Jamestown is the spot for you. This means of course that good advice for visiting Virginia this summer is to come to Jamestown and then tour both the Settlement and the ongoing archaeological digs at Historic Jamestown.

4. Williamsburg Virginia You can stay in the historical frame of reference established by a your visit to Jamestown by continuing on to nearby Williamsburg Virginia. In fact to fully understand the early history of colonial Virginia, a follow up trip to Colonial Williamsburg is almost a must. From 1619 to 1699 the representative government of Virginia was understandably located in Jamestown. But as the colony of Virgina grew and its population dispersed it made good sense to move the legislative capital further up the James River to the settlement at Williamsburg.

At the time no one would have guessed the Williamsburg would soon become the center for revolutionary words and actions aimed at the demise of British rule in America. But history tells us that was exactly what happened . In the process the legislative body, the House of Burgesses, became the both the training ground and the proving ground for some of America's founding fathers. Today Colonial Williamsburg, like its neighbor the Jamestown Settlement, is a living museum but on a huge scale. Williamsburg offers wide open spaces to walk about the community and experience it much as it was in the early 18th century. Good advice for visiting Virgina this summer is to take advantage of the juxtaposition of Jamestown and Williamsburg to really study how Virgina was founded and grew. For a more information about visiting Colonial Williamsburg visit www.williamsburg.com.