Spring has sprung throughout Williamsburg, VA. Visitors to Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown can explore the area’s farmers markets, experience the various annual springtime music and art events, find excitement at the area’s most popular theme parks, or stroll through one of the destination’s many parks and gardens. Visitors can also honor the sacrifices of our nation’s heroes with Memorial Day events. Whether visitors are traveling with the family to witness living history, thrill-seekers looking for an adrenaline rush, or couples wanting a relaxing getaway to take in the shopping and culinary scene, there is something for everyone this spring in Williamsburg.
Spring blooms can be seen throughout the area’s local gardens and markets. Every Saturday, Williamsburg Farmers Market houses a rotation of 40 regional purveyors bringing their freshest products to sip and savor on a stroll through the heart of historic Williamsburg. At Yorktown Market Days, visitors can enjoy views of the York River, live music and food trucks. A variety of vendors sell their seasonal produce, fresh seafood and meats, breads, fresh-cut flowers, handmade soaps and candles, honey and gourmet dog treats. Visitors can shop for works from local artists and artisans. They can also explore the blooming lavender fields at Sweethaven Lavender Farm, where they can cut their own bouquet of lavender and other botanicals.
Thrill-seekers can visit two of the area’s most popular theme parks. Busch Gardens Williamsburg launches its newest coaster DarKoaster, North America’s first all-indoor straddle coaster. The twists and turns continue at Water Country USA in May, when the newly redesigned Aquazoid Amped slide debuts along other water rides such as Colossal Curl, Big Daddy Falls and Cutback Water Coaster.
Colonial Williamsburg offers more than 90 acres of green spaces and gardens. Guests can take part in a “Green Thumbs & Garden Enthusiast” itinerary and visit the Colonial Williamsburg Arboretum made up of more than 30 historic gardens—from flowering backyard pleasure gardens to the grand Governor’s Palace gardens and grounds. Thanks to Colonial Williamsburg’s “Rare Breeds” program, baby lambs can also be found across from the Governor’s Palace pasture and at the Nassau pasture across the street from the art museum.
Visitors can celebrate Jamestown Day at Jamestown settlement on May 13, marking the 416th anniversary of the 1607 founding of Jamestown, with military salutes, maritime and interpretive demonstrations. At the ships’ pier, history lovers can board a recreation of one of the three ships that brought English colonists to Jamestown in 1607 and learn how sailors navigated the seas in the 17th century with a special demonstration on celestial navigation.
In honor of Memorial Day, Colonial Williamsburg is offering free admission during Memorial Day Weekend, May 26–29 to all active duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, National Guardsmen and their immediate dependents. Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park is offering an exclusive discount to all veterans, service members and their families. They can swing into action and enjoy a thrilling discount on all park activities from May 26–28.
Finally, Yorktown’s historic Grace Episcopal Church, which dates to 1697, is holding a Memorial Day prayer service to honor those who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces. After the service, a brief ceremony will be held in the cemetery with the playing of “Taps.” All attendees will participate in a hand salute or with reverence, honoring the 107 known veterans buried in the church cemetery.
For more information, visit www.visitwilliamsburg.com.
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