Williamsburg, VA

This month's featured city of southeastern Virginia is Williamsburg. English settlers founded Williamsburg in 1632 as Middle Plantation, a fortified settlement between the James and York rivers. The city functioned as the capital of the Colony and Commonwealth of Virginia from 1699 to 1780 and became the center of political events in Virginia, leading to the American Revolution. Home of the College of William and Mary, established in 1693, is the second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States and the only one of the nine colonial colleges in the South.

My favorite part is Colonial Williamsburg, the largest outdoor educational living museum in the country; it is an immersive experience to learn about the birth of our nation. They have costumed hosts to educate you, archeological digs discovering more of our history. You can dine in a Tavern to experience a bit of the food of the era. 

Just outside the Colonial area is Merchants Square, filled with unique shops and one of my favorite restaurants, The Fat Canary, with its sister store and sandwich place, The Cheese shop and filled with gourmet items. 

Across the street is the Campus of William and Mary. Beautiful grounds filled with great architecture and historic buildings. 

Outside this area are great neighborhoods, Busch Gardens theme park, and specialty stores, one owned by my friend  Uncle Russ' Dockside Seafood. Great Bloody Mary mixers, food, take-and-bake items, and some of the best fresh seafood.