Attractions

Explore the wide array of nearby resources available to Ford’s Colony residents:

• Colonial Williamsburg
  Walk the same streets George Washington and Thomas Jefferson walked as you experience the charms of the colonial capital of Virginia that have remained the same for almost 300 years.
  
  
• Jamestown Island
  Eight miles west of Williamsburg, this is where America's first permanent English settlement was established in 1607.
  
  
• Historic Jamestowne
  Now you can step on authentic full-size replicas of the three ships which first brought settlers to Virginia in 1607!
  
  
• Yorktown Visitor Center and Yorktown Battlefield
  This is where George Washington defeated Lord Cornwallis and Independence was won. The Visitor Center is complete with a film presentation, museum, gift shop, and rooftop overlooking the battlefield.
  
  
• Yorktown Victory Center
  Relive the exciting times of Revolutionary America! A thrilling multimedia museum and film lets you experience the Revolution, from the Boston Tea Party to Bunker Hill to Valley Forge to the surrender at Yorktown.
  
  
• Busch Gardens Williamsburg
  Now you can visit England, France, Germany, Ireland, and Italy without ever leaving the States. Famous for colorful 17th century European villages, heart-stopping rides, breathtaking shows with live entertainers, delicious European cuisine, and countless other attractions.
  
  
• Water Country USA
  Dive into Virginia's biggest family water theme park and get good times by the gallon.
  
  
• Merchants Square
  While everyone knows that Colonial Williamsburg is rich with history, we're constantly amazed at how few people realize it's also a shopper's paradise.
  
  
• Williamsburg Pottery Factory
  A bargain hunter's delight. Browse through over 200 acres of domestic and imported pottery, china, glass, stemware, baskets, wine and cheeses, plus pictures, candles, and plants.
  
  
• Prime Outlets at Williamsburg
  For those who love the best at discounted prices! Choose from over 72 designer outlet shops offering the best in clothing, shoes, and home frunishings. Some of the designers represented include: Liz Clairbone, Nike, Bass Shoes, Coach, Brooks Brothers, Cole-Hahn, Mikasa, Ann Taylor, Dana Bucalman and Calvin Klein.
  
  
• Williamsburg Winery, Ltd.
  Just two miles from Colonial Williamsburg and nestled among 32 acres of vineyards, you can take a guided tour expressing the little known (but award-winning) history of wine-making in Virginia.
  
  
• College of William and Mary
  Chartered in 1693, this is the second oldest college in America. In fact, classes are still held in the Wren Building, designed by England's most famous architect, Christopher Wren.
  
  
• Williamsburg Doll Factory
  Home of the magnificent "Lady Anne" porcelain dolls (you can even see them being made by the hands of skilled craftsmen!).
  
  
• Berkeley Plantation
  Built in 1726, this superbly furnished mansion was the birthplace of Benjamin Harrison, signer of the Declaration of Independence and three time Governor of Virginia.
  
  
• Dewitt Wallace Decorative
  Opened in 1985, the Gallery exhibits a wide variety of decorative arts dated from the 17th century through the early 19th century.
  
  
• Muscarelle Museum of Art
  Located on the historic campus of the College of William and Mary, you'll discover permanent art collections plus rotating loan exhibits from across the country.
  
  
• Edgewood Plantation
  This lovely Victorian mansion is filled with countless 18th and 19th century antiques and heirlooms.
  
  
• Evelynton Plantation
  Home to the Ruffin family since 1847, whose patriarch, Edmund Ruffin, fired the first shot of the Civil War.
  
  
• Sherwood Forest Plantation
  Owned by two U.S. Presidents, John Tyler and William Henry Harrison (in fact, the Tyler family is still in residence), this is the longest frame house in America.
  
  
• Shirley Plantation
  Founded in 1613, only six years after the first permanent English settlement in Jamestown, this is the oldest plantation in Virginia.
  
  
• Piney Grove at Southall's Plantation
  A rare survival of Early Virginia Log Architecture built in 1790 by Furneau Southall.
  
  
• North Bend Plantation
  A Federal and Greek Revival Style plantation home built by Sarah Harrison, the sister of President William Henry Harrison.
  
  
• Virginia Air and Space Center
  Over 50 exhibits feature aeronautical and space themes, from Kitty Hawk to the Space Shuttle to plans for the proposed National Aero-Space Plane (which will carry passengers from San Francisco to Tokyo in two hours!).
  
  
• Norfolk-By-The-Sea
  Norfolk is a fascinating city, as you'll see while exploring the unusual shops on The Waterside, or relaxing as a canal boat takes you through the breathtaking Botanical Gardens.
  
  
• Virginia Beach
  Once inside this 310-square-mile playland, you've got the beautiful Atlantic Ocean on one side and the gentle Chesapeake Bay on the other.