Williamsburg Pictures

You'll see charming houses and horse and buggies in Colonial Williamsburg. L. Toshio Kishiyama Getty Images

"Interpreters," donning period dress, bring to life the ways of life of Colonial Williamsburg's residents. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Robert Dinwiddie, Francis Fauquier, Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson were all once residents of the original Governor's Palace of Williamsburg. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

This water park is popular with travelers young and old. Courtesy Water Country USA

You'll be sure to spot a horse-drawn carriage during your visit to Colonial Williamsburg. Try a leisurely ride around town. WMay Getty Images

Busch Gardens is an amusement park that features rides, shows and more. Courtesy Busch Gardens in Williamsburg

Busch Gardens is home to several thrilling roller coaster rides. Courtesy Busch Gardens in Williamsburg

The park also hosts several types of shows, including Pet Shenanigans where cats, dogs and birds perform tricks. Courtesy Busch Gardens in Williamsburg

These decorative gardens can be found behind the Governor's Palace in Colonial Williamsburg. ComputerGuy - Wikipedia User

The Susan Constant was one of the three ships to arrive with settlers in Jamestown in 1607. Her replica sits in the waters of the Jamestown Settlement.  Bmrbarre Wikimedia Commons

In 1781, British forces surrendered to General George Washington in the battlefield of this town, which is about a 25-minute drive away from central Williamsburg. aimintag Getty Images

The archaearium is a museum with excavated pieces from the original Jamestowne settlement. The site is also the final resting place for many of the original settlers. Ser Amantio di Nicolao Wikimedia Commons

Captain John Smith, of Jamestown fame, looks out over the James River. Tony the Misfit Flickr

Actors re-enact the historic battles of Yorktown at the Jamestown campus' Yorktown Victory Center. Hampton Roads Partnership Flickr

In colonial times, it took 40 hours to pick enough cotton seeds to produce one yard of cloth the equivalent of one dish towel. Girls learned to spin around age 5, and using a loom required seven years of apprenticeship.  Stephanie Steinberg USN&WR

Shoemakers typically made one pair of shoes per day from leather or cloth material. There were about 10 to 12 shoemaking shops in Williamsburg, and they competed with local merchants who sold ready-made shoes from England.  Stephanie Steinberg USN&WR

Milliners ordered their fabric from England, which all come in dimensions of 16 inches by 18 inches. Milliner Mary Dickinson ordered her hats from China because it was cheaper than importing them from England.  Stephanie Steinberg USN&WR

Colonists usually concocted remedies from plants grown in their gardens. However, they visited an apothecary for some items like opium, which they used to alleviate pain and dysentery. Many ingredients they used are found in current medicines. For example, colonists used raw camphor imported from Japan to treat wounds, cold sores, chapped lips and joint pain. Today, camphor is used in Vicks VapoRub, Bengay cream and Blistex to treat the same ailments.  Stephanie Steinberg USN&WR

The Courthouse at Colonial Williamsburg was constructed in 1770 and remained in operation until 1932. On July 25, 1776, clerk Benjamin Waller read the Declaration of Independence from the courthouse steps.  Stephanie Steinberg USN&WR

Sweets we consider dessert today such as pies, cakes and ice cream were served with the second course because they were heavier and more filling. The third course included lighter, refreshing sweets such as candied orange peels, brandied peaches, and syllabub — cream flavored with sugar, citrus juice and wine.  Stephanie Steinberg USN&WR

A staple in some of Williamsburg's taverns, peanut soup is a warm, thick, creamy concoction. Alyson Hurt Flickr

Sample some craft-brewed beer made in Williamsburg during your visit. Courtesy Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

A gunsmith could earn a living and never make a gun, since shops primarily repaired weapons. Rifles were the most common guns produced because they were in demand for hunting. While most gunsmith shops in Europe specialized in producing one part of a gun, the shops in Williamsburg learned how to make rifles from start to finish. Stephanie Steinberg USN&WR

Cannons, known as "light 3 pounders," had barrels of about 40 inches, and infantry could easily transport it over terrain. Most soldiers used muskets in the Revolutionary War because they could be loaded quickly. It took about one minute to reload a rifle, but soldiers could get four shots per minute with a musket.  Stephanie Steinberg USN&WR

Fifers and drummers were boys ages 10 to 18 years old. In 1778, 22 musicians served with the Virginia State Garrison Regiment, which protected the city of Williamsburg.  Stephanie Steinberg USN&WR

Come winter, visitors and locals alike gather on the ice skating rink for some outdoor fun. Courtesy Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Take a break from the historical fun and water parks to enjoy some wine at the Williamsburg Winery. Courtesy Williamsburg Winery

The Williamsburg Winery grows many types of grapes for red and white wines. Courtesy Williamsburg Winery

Expect to find plenty of Colonial Williamsburg re-enactors offering tours of the town and insight into what life was once like. Courtesy Colonial Williamsburg Foundation