A Colonial Thanksgiving

Be sure to visit the shops, cottages, and other sites in the historic district. If you haven't been here in years (or ever), seeing Colonial Williamsburg this month makes good sense too.

Gone are the steamy summer lines waiting to get in all the shops, craft houses, and taverns. You'll also get the jump on the Christmas season crowds coming to shop in December. There seem to be just enough visitors to make it sociable. Don't be surprised if you're the only one in front of the warm fire at the cobbler's shop, usually one of the most popular places. That's another reason why Thanksgiving is such a great time to visit.

However, the crowds do turn out for such colonial stars as Thomas Jefferson--tall, red haired, handsome, and totally convincing. This morning (think 1774), he has hopped up on a small platform under an oak tree behind the Governor's Palace. He shakes a few hands, then introduces himself (as if that's necessary--he's as recognizable as Ben Franklin).

"My name is Thomas Jefferson," he says. "I am a burgess for Albemarle County." Then he gets into the hot topic of the day--our problems with mother England and the forced purchase of tea from the East India Company.

"Free people should not suffer taxation without…," he says, raising an eyebrow and waiting for the crowd to finish the familiar sentence.

"Representation!" comes the enthusiastic response. Their delighted expressions give a clue as to what this place is all about. Instead of being passive observers of history, visitors find themselves participating. Not just visitors, but guests. That's just what Colonial Williamsburg invites you to do.

Consider staying in one of the Colonial Houses within the historic district. Their location and authentic period reproduction furnishings make for a memorable stay. Although they're booked months in advance on holiday weekends, you might be able to get one on a weekday.