It’s official! The weather is finally in agreement with our calendars. Temperatures were in the 60s this past weekend and it looks like we have finally bid farewell to the lingering summer humidity. Now, it’s time to look forward to the beautiful changing leaves, glow of the cressets, warmth of our hot apple cider, and all of our wonderful holiday decorations and events that are on the horizon!
For those of us diehard CW lovers, we can rattle off a list reasons why we love each season in our Colonial Capital. But for me, personally, the list is much longer when I get to talking about autumn. It turns out I’m not the only one! I reached out to some of our talented local photographers and asked them to send some of their favorite captures in recent years, and my inbox quickly started chiming with new messages.
Please, enjoy this sample of work from the talented Rob Hunter, Wilson Futrell, Arden Billings, Cindy McEnery, Wayne Reynolds, Marilyn De Block, Sue Ruthier, and Linda Sammon. After you scroll through, tell them which are your favorites, or even better—upload some pictures of your own in the comments. We’d love to see them!
“It’s the texture combined with the color that makes me come back year after year.” - Linda Sammon
“My favorite things about this time of season are great fall colors, open fires, long shadows at the end of the day, some wonderful sunsets, holidays and of course the anticipation of the coming snows!” - Wayne Reynolds
“Autumn not only brings a burst of color to the Historic Area; the crisp air and seasonal programming makes photography a joy in Williamsburg.” - Rob Hunter
“Autumn in Colonial Williamsburg combines my favorite season with one of my favorite places. The bright colors of the fall leaves add to an already perfect setting and one just can’t help but take out the camera and get caught up in all the beauty and history.” - Wilson Futrell
“Let’s face it - what’s not to love about Williamsburg in the fall? The colors, the crisp air, the pure joy of both visitors and locals to be in a very special place. It’s an experience like no other and I pinch myself every time I’m there!” - Arden Billings
“There is nothing more special than feeling the arrival of Fall in Williamsburg. The smell of burning wood; cloak wrapped characters; fall mists; apple cider. Soon the falling leaves will be replaced with sparkling white lights as the Christmas season begins. A wonderful place to experience the joy of the changing seasons!!” - Cindy McEnery
“We love coming to Williamsburg all year ’round but the crisp air and gorgeous colors of autumn make this an especially inviting time to visit.” - Sue Routhier
For those of you wondering about the fall foliage this year, we’re starting to see hints of transition in and around the Historic Area and the Colonial Parkway. I imagine peak time won’t be until this weekend leading up to Halloween or possibly even the first weekend in November. For a closer look at how the weather affects the colors every year—check out a past blog I wrote that breaks it all down!
Was there Oct 23. My sister and I have been taking a day trip to Williamsburg every October for over twenty five years. We just love the atmosphere and beauty of Williamsburg. I took this photo because I just thought the open gate looked so inviting.
Out of all the photos I taken in CW this is my favorite. The Bruton Parrish Steeple stands tall above the colorful leaves of early fall.
I took this photo when I was there from October 12-15. I strategically waited for the carriage to block the”tourist” whose face you will see just below the driver if you zoom in. Now when I look, I swear it is Lin-Manuel Miranda of the Hamilton Musical fame! Could it be? Even if not, I think the photo unwittingly captures an incredible “hidden collage of history”.
Hi There
These are awesome compositions,excellent work Thanks for sharing
vaganbond@outlook.com
Makes me want to jump in the car right now!
My wife and I will spend our second vacation of the year there the week before Thanksgiving. Our annual fall trip is usually around Veteran’s Day and I am afraid we will be well past the peak of the autumn foliage. this time. But we expect to enjoy ourselves immensely anyway, and look forward to the brisk air and many enjoyable events, programs and sites.
We have never been there when the bricks were being fired and I hope we get to go at least two nights to see that, and a couple days as well.
My mother died at the end of August and our vacation in Colonial Williamsburg will be a welcome relaxing and rejuvenating break that we need.
We tend to keep on the go all day, and even if we spend five to seven days we never run out of things we want to see and do. Funny, but for us being on the move, though we aren’t rushing, enjoying all that we can of CW is relaxing for us. We like the feel of being a bit bushed when we get back to our accommodations in the evening.
We definitely love the look of CW best when the autumn leaves are at the brightest, but it looks beautiful all year ’round anyway.
Colonial Williamsburg is a place to visit in all seasons. Our family goes three to four times a a year and have seen the historical sights in all seasons and weather. Williamsburg is always a spectacular place to visit . The photos are outstanding .
My favorite time of year!
Beautiful shot, Donna. Love the flag in the foreground and the b right, beautiful tree in the background!
Why were catalpa trees so valued that they line many of the streets in Williamsburg?
Beautiful pictures.
We definitely have some very talented photographers here in Williamsburg. We’re glad you enjoyed them Elizabeth.
Beautiful. I’m sure the interpreters and horses are grateful for the weather change too.
Absolutely! Sure beats the triple digit summer heat and humidity.
Beautiful photos! Please do a winter/snowy edition, too? CW’s social media/blog posts have been especially awesome lately! Thank you for all the great content!
I’ve visited CW several times, yet never in the fall. I am coming the first weekend of November! Can’t wait to see the place transform into a lovely autumn masterpiece. Hoping for some hot cider and to see fires blazing in the shops and trade sites. What a wonderful place to escape in the fall!
What a beautiful time of year to visit and I think the leaves will be at their peak that first week in November. We look forward to welcoming you. You’re going to love it!