The historic area in the spring can be a little hectic. Between the excited school groups who are happily (and let’s face it, loudly) learning about our nation’s history, the gorgeous and varied dogs on DoG street, and the many other guests here to take in the beautiful weather and bright flowers… it can get a little crazy!
We wouldn’t have it any other way – the school groups are lively, the dogs fluffy and all the various guests make Colonial Williamsburg a beautiful bustling town, but sometimes we need a breather!
Throughout the historic area there are small, quiet places where guests can relax and take in the nature and peace that Colonial Williamsburg offers.
We explore back gardens and alleys in search of hidden gems…
Out-of-the-way spots where you can relax and breathe, such as the gardens behind the Wythe house, taverns, or down narrow side streets…
There we discover beauty… and tranquility.
Even in places as busy and eventful as the Palace, you can find serenity.
As spring and warm weather emerge, so do the animals living in Colonial Williamsburg. Geese, turtles, fish, squirrels, and a variety of birds can be found around the Canal behind the Palace, alongside the quiet that we are searching for.
The various pathways around the Palace are brimming with plants, animals, and beauty. Spring is the perfect time to find your own personal hideaway.
The lambs and sheep offer a certain happiness that helps to calm the mind. They are growing bigger every day! And with their size, comes more cuteness, more exciting prancing and adorableness. OK – so they are not quite peaceful, but it is spring and we can’t resist showing off our babies!
These photos were taken behind the George Wythe House (which does have some lovely tranquil gardens) and the sheep regularly move so you can always find some new relaxing spaces alongside some sweet baby sheep!
People come to Colonial Williamsburg for a variety of reasons – some come to learn as much as possible in a few days, others come to have the one-of-a-kind experiences we offer (musket range, carriage rides, tea parties and many more), but there are many guests who know and love Colonial Williamsburg, and return year after year to experience all of that as well as the peace that can be found throughout our historic town.
Enjoy the beautiful weather this spring – and make sure to find some place and time to relax in Colonial Williamsburg. Tickets and donations help to maintain our historic areas and keep our spaces beautiful.
Guest Blogger: Meghan McNicholas
Meghan McNicholas has been with Colonial Williamsburg since July 2016. She moved to America from Ireland in 2016 and loves everything about Virginia – the history, the weather, the animals (except the mosquitoes), and the culture. Her favorite part of working for Colonial Williamsburg is the opportunity to go out into the historic area and interact with the interpreters and take photos.
Steven McCabe says
I have an indoor garden in my basement and while it’s obviously not as peaceful as an outdoor garden on a warm summer’s day, it beats an outdoor garden on a freezing Eastern Washington winter’s day. I love retreating into my little sanctuary and just watching my plants.
Why do I no longer get Making History?
My email is maryelizabethdriscoll@gmail.com
Great article! Where are the stairs (pictured above) located? Also, where is the bench with the arched arbor?
I love the lambs!!! 🙂
I no longer see “Blog” as an option on makinhistorynow.org’s website. How do I access the posts? Also, is this Lamb Week? I have ever not seen anything about it except on WAVY’S website.
I love to travel to Williamsburg 2-3 times a year just to sit in a quite garden, watch the animal, or watch the people enjoying themselves. Many of these spots are relaxing and tranquil.
Nicely done Meghan. Some peace and tranquility are alway welcomed by us and CW provides it everytime.
The beauty and calm of Williamsburg can bring peace to anyone who would embrace it.
With summer already arrived, It is the best time to spend useful time in the garden and grow some useful vegetables. It is always refreshing to enjoy the serenity of garden.
I’m one of those who return to Williamsburg again and again to embrace the peace. Somehow, I can decompress and feel a sense of peace. My favorite quiet places are in the gardens, the museums, and having a beer in the Chowning’s beer garden. Okay, the last one isn’t quiet, but it sure is fun!