Page 12 - AAA Now! – AAA Shelby County – November/December 2021

TRAVE
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Destination: Williamsburg, Virginia
Relive History in Colonial Williamsburg
Think of Williamsburg, and visions of colonial life and the struggle for American independence might spring to mind. From 1699 to 1780, Williamsburg, Va. was the political, social and cultural capital of Great Britain’s largest, wealthiest and most populous North American Colony.
Today, the town of Colonial Williamsburg, perhaps the most comprehensive 18th century living history museum in the world, continues to fascinate visitors. Reconstructed with a meticulous eye for authenticity, Colonial Williamsburg comprises 173
acres of historic buildings, gardens and public greens, offering a full schedule of lectures, concerts, theatrical performances and militia exhibitions. Costumed interpreters carry on their trades and re- enact or describe aspects of colonial life for visitors.
Also located within Colonial Williamsburg’s historic area are the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, which allow visitors a rare glimpse of private and important collections of folk art, British/American antiques and decorative art from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.
Visitors to the Williamsburg area will also find plenty of 21st century attractions, including unique shopping experiences, challenging golf courses, bike trails, and Busch Gardens – a favorite stomping ground for families.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Discover the wonders of Europe-themed Busch Gardens Williamsburg, set on more than 130 acres. Experience more than 50 rides and attractions, live stage shows, shops, monthly special events and delicious dining.
In 2021, Busch Gardens introduces the World’s Fastest Multi-Launch roller coaster, Pantheon. The
coaster features two inversions, four launches, five air-time hills, a 95-degree drop, a height of 180 feet, and a record-breaking top speed of 73 mph. The all- new coaster incorporates five mighty gods including Pluto, Mercury, Jupiter, Minerva, and Neptune, with an aspect of the track reflecting their respective powers.
In May 2022, the Williamsburg park will reopen Water Country USA® with a splash, allowing guests to safely enjoy cool beach vibes resort-style amenities, and thrilling water slides and attractions. From the Cutback Water CoasterTM—the only RocketBLAST® coaster on the East Coast and Virginia's first hybrid water coaster with its heart-stopping turns, lightning-fast drops, and thrilling speeds – to the quiet luxury of a reserved lounger or cabana, Water Country USA is a can’t-miss waterpark experience for fun-seekers of all ages.
Trace American History in Seafaring Boston
Boston, Massachusetts, hailed as the Cradle of American Independence, is a vibrant city filled with historic treasures. One of the first must-sees on
any traveler’s agenda should be to follow the famed Freedom Trail. Linking more than a dozen historic sites throughout the old town area, the route traces Boston’s pivotal role in the American Revolution. Structures of historic importance include the Paul Revere House, Old State House, Old South Meeting House, King’s Chapel, and Granary Burying Ground.
Boston is designed for walking. Stroll through
the Public Garden and ride a swan boat around
the lagoon. Explore the cool wonders of the New England Aquarium on the waterfront at Central Wharf. The aquarium features a colony of African and rockhopper penguins, a rare collection of Australian sea dragons, and an outdoor home for harbor seals.
If you’re visiting Boston during the summer, take a sunset sail aboard the 125-foot Liberty Clipper. This beautiful vessel from the Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships departs from Long Wharf for a cruise around the islands of Boston Harbor.
One could easily spend an entire afternoon at the
6.5-acre Faneuil Hall Marketplace, which bustles with activity. The marketplace includes designer shops, fresh produce, flower stands and pushcarts displaying handmade crafts.
If you’re not in the
mood to shop, watch
the jugglers, puppeteers and street performers, and enjoy a meal at any number of casual taverns or upscale restaurants.
Boston museums are renowned, so be sure to take some time to view their great works of art. Spend an afternoon with Monet, Picasso and Whistler at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, or the Venetian-style palazzo of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, just two blocks away. For an art alternative, take the kids to the Museum of Science, which is surprisingly fun for adults too.
For an enjoyable day trip outside the city, visit Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
The plantation’s 17th-century English Village is
a recreation of the small farming and maritime community built by the Pilgrims along the shore of Plymouth Harbor. Here you will find modest timber- framed houses furnished with reproductions of the types of objects that the Pilgrims owned, aromatic kitchen gardens, and heritage breeds livestock. Costumed role players portray actual residents of Plymouth Colony.
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