Last visited 4/22
We stayed at Wyndham Williamsburg Kingsgate
Historic Williamsburg, Va is awesome, but what about getting away from the crowds?
We want to share a couple places that are awesome to visit while around the Williamsburg area. First, we would suggest venturing across the James River where it isn't quite as full of tourists.
The first thing to do is to hop on the free Jamestown-Scotland ferry. It leaves about every half hour in good weather, and it's a first come first served basis. It was a gorgeous day when we went, and the sailing was smooth. We traveled during peak hours (7-9 am and 3-5 pm), but never had a problem getting onto the next ferry.
Once across the water, there are a number of cool things to do. Here are a few
~Chippokes Plantation: this is a wonderful state park that is one of the oldest continually farmed plantations in the country, being established in 1619. It backs onto the James River, where you can hunt for shark teeth and fossils (we didn't find any) and just explore. The park includes a variety of ecosystems including tidal swamps, bald cypress swamps, and farmed land. For the birders, residents include least bittern, sharp-shinned and red-shouldered hawks, king rail, bald eagle, and more than 20 species of breeding and migrating warblers. There is a very nice, well kept little visitors center that highlights the history of the area and the animals that can be found locally. We could visit the outbuildings while there, but the actual mansion was closed. Call ahead to check times. For those that love old farming equipment, they have a very impressive display that covers a variety of farming techniques. There are cabins to let, and a campground, and there are several trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Guided canoe trips are also offered during the summer months. Click here for more information
Our next stop was to Smithfield, Va, where the hams are made. It is a gorgeous little town that merits a walkthrough. We did lunch at the Wharf Hill Brewing Company, which has a quaint pub like atmosphere with good food that is reasonably priced. Find the website here: https://www.wharfhillbrewing.com/
A must see is the Isle of Wight County Museum which is the home of the oldest ham in the world! Who wouldn't want to visit? For $2 a person, you get to experience a delightful little museum that will educate you above and beyond the history of ham production in the area. Knowledgeable people, well priced souvenirs and clean bathrooms! Find the link here:
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So, if you are willing to venture out of the way a bit, then the Isle of Wight area in Virginia offers a nice break from the crowds of Williamsburg.
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