Turns out not everyone likes to follow the rules. If you’re one of those people—someone with a little bit of an independent streak who likes to stray from the standard route, the Renegade Tour might just be to your liking.
Every Saturday through June 17, at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., Renegade Tours will depart from the Lumber House Ticket Office, taking guests on an unpredictable journey through byways and backyards, into hidden and neglected spaces all over town. You’ll hear the lesser-known stories from Williamsburg history, and you never know what’s going to be on the day’s itinerary.
That’s because eight different interpreters will be conducting the tours, and each will present their own spin based on their own passions and inclinations.
They’re the real renegades here. One, whose identity will not be disclosed, explained that he—or she!—included everything his (her!) supervisor didn’t approve of. We can’t confirm anything too scandalous, but the tour may be inappropriate for children.
It also requires that you’re up for some walking. The route for the hour-long tour will vary somewhat, but it promises to be fast-paced. Don’t expect to linger too long in one place. Do expect to be at the mercy of an irreverent guide whose passing whim could take over at any moment.
You might find yourself inside the basement of the Capitol, taking selfies in the Public Gaol, or acting out an 18th-century murder. Some overheard conversation involved talk of privies, cross-dressing, burials, and a founding father’s failed marriage proposal. Not everything that happened here led to independence, you know. Not American independence, at any rate.
Once it gets rolling, we’ll be keeping an eye on what they’re up to by checking out the hashtag #CWrenegades on social media.
So if you would like to get a taste of the Williamsburg very few visitors see or hear about, this is your chance. The Renegade Tour runs through June 17, though it may return at a later date.
Buyer beware.
The cost for the tour is $16. Purchase tickets online or in person at any ticket office. You don’t need a Colonial Williamsburg ticket to sign up, making it a great option if you only have a short amount of time to spare. But ticket holders do receive a discount: 25% for Colonial Williamsburg hotel guests and Annual Pass members, and 10% for other ticketed guests.
Can you give us an idea of the amount of walking, IE. time of tour or blocks walked, etc.? My husband cannot walk for long distances..
From my understanding, each tour is a little different, but there is a fast pace and substantial walking, likely more than a mile in an hour. Stops are brief. While anyone is welcome, it’s really targeting younger guests for whom this will be a friendly introduction to Colonial Williamsburg and all it has to offer.
I wonder if people know that these new spring programs and initiatives were created by employees who were let go in January.
What a wonderful tour option! Hope it is available next time I visit. Having been there many times this is something I would definitely take advantage of.