History doesn’t have to be boring and Virginia’s Colonial Williamsburg is proof. During a Williamsburg spring break, families can see first-hand how living history and modern adventures collide to create a fun and memorable vacation.

Spring is a beautiful time to vacation in Colonial Williamsburg. Crocuses are blooming and 18th century history is cool. Kids can dress-up in period costume and skip through the Palace Maze, learn how science is used to preserve the destination’s attractions and get messy at Great Hopes Plantation with hands-on work.

The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg introduce youth to the museum collections. Programs of note include “Material World,” which explores the world of art through eyes of a conservator through hands-on activities. The program is at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays, March 16-June 8.

“When Insects Invade: The Unwanted Museum Visitor” illustrates how museum conservators deal with bugs in museums. Families can participate in this program at 2:30 p.m. Thursdays, March 17-June 9.

The month of March is Women’s History Month at Colonial Williamsburg and the Historic Area and Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg will be hosting a kaleidoscope of activities telling stories of vital roles women played in the home, at work and at war. Events include “The Polite Academy,” where attendees will learn activities as tea, poetry and music which were part of an 18th-century woman and “Only Your Hairdresser Knows: The Latest Fashions and News of the Day,” which offers a behind-the-scenes look at wigmaking.

For a complete list of Colonial Williamsburg activities during spring break, visit www.history.org and be sure to check with Resort Rentals for your affordable Williamsburg accommodations.

Image Source: Williamsburg Area Destination Marketing Committee

Some may think the official Christmas season begins the day after Thanksgiving with a Black Friday shopping extravaganza. Those who vacation in Colonial Williamsburg know better. The Christmas season in Colonial Williamsburg begins the first Sunday of December with the incredible Grand Illumination.

Windows of historic buildings dance with twinkling candles and Colonial Williamsburg’s sky is the backdrop for an explosive evening with fireworks and music. Illuminations were common during the 18th century to commemorate birth of reigning sovereign or other special events as a birthday of a queen or king. Homes and public buildings placed lit candles in windows to commemorate such special occasions and sometimes fireworks and firing a cannon accompanied the celebration.

While kings and queens aren’t ruling Colonial Williamsburg, the historic destination marks the Christmas season with the Grand Illumination, an evening of musical performances and spectacular fireworks display in the Historic Area. Festivities begin just after 4 p.m. with fireworks around 6 p.m. which lasts about 20 minutes. Entertainment winds down after 7 p.m.

The event is free and there are three viewing areas for the fireworks, Governor’s Palace, the Magazine, and the Capitol.

8 Tips for Visiting Colonial Williamsburg’s Grand Illumination

• Book your Colonial Williamsburg accommodations now and stay at least on Saturday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 4. Heck, you may as well stay a week! Grand Illumination is one of the busiest events of the year, by booking now, you’ll have a better chance at finding a great deal;
• Make a day of it by arriving early in the day and spend the rest exploring the Historic District;
• Take advantage of walking tours, concerts and other events happening Dec. 4 for the full Colonial Williamsburg experience;
• Pack along a cooler with snacks and beverages for later in the day; it’s important to stay hydrated even in cooler temperatures;
• Don’t forget a blanket and/or portable chair to sit on during the spectacular display (the ground may be too cold to sit on);
• Dress for the weather which means in layers and warmly;
• Consider being and early bird diner and take advantage of one of many Grand Illumination Dinners offered by area taverns or, stick around after the fireworks display to dine;
• Expect crowds and remember to bring your merriment and good cheer, it is a holiday celebration after all.

Wondering how such an amazing display is pulled off? Listen to the podcast “Behind the Scenes Interview: Planning the Grand Illumination” to learn more.

Visit www.history.org for a complete schedule of events for Grand Illumination and allow Resort Rentals International to find your Williamsburg accommodations.

Image Source: Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Williamsburg, Va.

The period between Thanksgiving and Christmas is a most wonderful time for a vacation because not many others are traveling. This means it’s easier to find affordable lodging accommodations, discounted airfare and other sorts of deals. It’s also a terrific time of year to travel because many destinations pull out the lights, garland and merriness for the holidays. Colonial Williamsburg, Va., is one of those destinations and between Thanksgiving and New Year’s there are more than 300 holiday themed programs to enjoy.

Transport back in time, a time before iPhones, texting and automobiles existed. Amble along cobblestone streets to see garlands of apples, magnolia and pine adorning colonial homes. Hear the jingle of bells as a horse-drawn carriage trots by and listen to cheery carolers and a drum band.  Sip hot apple cider, savor holiday dining in historic taverns and restaurants, and learn to dance like they did back in the 18th century, well before Dance Dance Revolution.

The holiday feel flows into the destination’s most popular theme park. Christmas Town: A Busch Gardens Celebration is a winter wonderland on select dates between Nov. 26 and Dec. 31, 2010. More than a million lights twinkle, a 45-foot lighted-animated Christmas tree entertains and the aroma of fresh backed holiday cookies are guaranteed to ignite sparkle in everyone’s eyes.

Unwrap the magic and create family traditions this holiday season in Williamsburg. Resort Rentals International will help you find the most affordable accommodations even Kris Kringle would love to receive.
Image Source: www.visitwilliamsburg.com