Celebrate the great American liberty of travel this summer with a visit to Virginia and see where freedom was fought and won. When vacationing in the Virginia Beach area check out some of these things to do and connect to our great nation’s beginnings:

Isle of Wright – The historic 1762 home of Major Francis Boykin, who served as lieutenant for Patrick Henry and camped with George Washington in Valley Forge, is called Boykin’s Tavern. It’s a museum these days but in the 18th and 19th century it provided accommodations.

Yorktown – The Yorktown Victory Center chronicles the American Revolution and the nation’s struggle for independence. Indoor exhibits highlight experiences of those who lived during that area while outdoors, mingle with the troops in a re-created Continental Army encampment or learn how farming was done on a 1780s farm.

Colonial Williamsburg - A patriotic vacation to Virginia is complete when visiting the largest history reenactment site in the United States Located just an hour north of Virginia Beach, ideal for a day trip. Or, there are plenty of accommodations available in Williamsburg for overnight trips. At Colonial Williamsburg, see where the leaders of the state met to elect their delegates to the First Continental Congress.

Looking for the rocket’s red glare when vacationing in Virginia for the Fourth of July? The Virginia Tourism Corporation has compiled a thorough list of fireworks viewing locations along with a list of festivals, parades and wine festivals. Check out the fireworks et al list here.

Photo: By Rogerd under Wikimedia Commons

Freedom rang more than 200 years ago in Colonial Williamsburg so it’s only befitting to spend the Fourth of July celebrating independence, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness there. While communities across the country have canceled fireworks celebrations due to the economic recession, Colonial Williamsburg will be capping off a patriotic day with a spectacular fireworks display.

Independence Day festivities begin at 10 a.m. on Market Square with a Salute to the States – saluting the original 13 colonies - with a Fifes and Drums performance and cannon fire. The Declaration of Independence will be read at 12:30 p.m. at the Capitol building. At 8:15 p.m. a concert featuring patriotic tunes kicks off and the fireworks display begins at 9:15 p.m. No ticket is required for those programs but visitors are encouraged to bring a blanket, park at the Visitor Center and take Colonial Williamsburg’s buses to the Historic Area to enjoy the festivities.

During the day, plan on visiting the Colonial Williamsburg’s Art Museums for Scots and a Legacy of Independence, a 45-minute concert performing at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museums’ Hennage Auditorium. Scottish fiddler John Turner and guitarist Cliff Williams perform songs from the Highlands telling Scotland’s story. A free reservation is required for the concerts and a Colonial Williamsburg admission ticket, Museum Pass or Good Neighbor Card provides access. Entrance to Colonial Williamsburg Art Museums is through the Public Hospital of 1773 at 326 W. Francis St. For information, call (757) 220-7724.

Visit the Colonial Williamsburg Web site for additional information (history.org) and plan your Williamsburg Fourth of July vacation now to take advantage of deals liberating for the pocketbook.

New archaeological excavations begin June 2, 2009, at the Ravenscroft site in Colonial Williamsburg. Work hours by Colonial Williamsburg archaeologists as well as students, run 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. The dig will continue through August 6, 20009. The dig promises to uncover evidence of the site’s main house which dates back to the 18th century. It’s believed the house stood until 1896 when a fire consumed it. Thomas Ravenscroft was one of the property’s first owners.

Not only can guests see the excavation but on Mondays, Wednesday s and Fridays they can get their hands dirty with hands-on activities between 10 and 11:30 a.m. beginning June 8.

Colonial Williamsburg visitors are encouraged to visit the dig site and take a walking tour called “Rubbish, Treasures and Colonial Life: The Archaeology Labs” which is only offered on Tuesdays. Walk and talk with archeological staff from the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation highlighting artifacts and other treasures from recent excavations. The 90-minute tour is educational in an entertaining, interesting and intriguing way. (It’s amazing what trash from the past reveals about people. Just think what your trash will say about you a century or two from now!)

As mentioned, the tours are only offered on Tuesdays at 9:15, a.m., 10:15 a.m., 1:45 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. an only available to Colonial Williamsburg Liberty Pass, Freedom Pass or Independence Pass holders. Reservations must be booked on-site due to limited availability.