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Tourist Attractions in Virginia
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Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Voted "Most Beautiful Theme Park" for the fifth consecutive uear
by the National Amusement Park Historical Association, Busch
Gardens Williamsburg is a European-themed park with 17th-century
flair. New in 1997 - Busch Gardens introduces "Alpengeist", the
world's tallest and fastest inverted roller coaster at 195 feet
and 67 mph. In addition to the world's top-rated roller
coasters, Busch Gardens features eight mainstage productions,
more than 30 thrilling rides and attractions, a wide variety of
authentic foods and shops, and a magical children's adventure
area. Located three miles east of historic Williamsburg and
minutes from Water Country USA. For information call:
(800)4-ADVENTURE
Splashdown Waterpark
Fun family entertainment billed as "like being at the beach
without the drive." Splashdown Waterpark features five water
areas over 11 acres and includes: two 70ft. waterslides, two
fast cannonball slides, 25 meter lap pool , a zero depth beach
area, boat slide, water raindrops and bubbles, 770ft. lazy
river, funbrellas and pavillions, childrens area with four water
slides, shower and locker facility, volleyball , tennis , value
meals with family prices, and more!! One admission price for all
features, unlimited use during visit. For information call:
(703)361-4451
Virginia Zoological Park
Nestled on 53 acres along the Lafayette River, the Virginia Zoo
is home to some 300 animals, ranging from elephants, Siberian
tigers and monkeys, to reptiles and birds. The Virginia Zoo is
accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA).
For information call: (757)441-2706
Colonial Williamsburg
From 1699 to 1780, Williamsburg was the capital of England's
oldest, largest, richest and most populous colony and the seat
of power in the new nation's most influential state. In its
shops, taverns, government buildings, homes and streets, George
Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, George Mason and
other Virginia patriots established the ideals - liberty,
independence and personal freedom that form the foundation of
America as we know it. Colonial Williamsburg is the nation's
largest and oldest outdoor living history museum and portrays
18th-century Williamsburg as it appeared on the eve of the
American Revolution. Throughout the city, an engaging mix of
sights, sounds and activities helps visitors reconnect with
America's past and become active participants in 18th-century
life. Important Historic Area sites include: the Governor's
Palace, the symbol of British authority in the colony; the
Capitol, the seat of colonial power and site of Virginia's vote
for independence on May 15, 1776; the Peyton Randolph site,
where historic trades carpenters are reconstructing the "urban
plantation" of Mr. Randolph, one of Williamsburg's most
important citizens; the Raleigh Tavern, where Virginia patriots
met to discuss independence in open defiance of the Crown and
the James Geddy House and Foundry, site of an up-and-coming
family business. Colonial Williamsburg consists of 173 acres
encompassing 88 original buildings and hundreds of other homes,
shops, public buildings and other structures that have been
reconstructed, most on their original foundations. Historic
trade demonstrations, dramatic vignettes, interactive programs
and encounters with "People of the Past" take place in 28
exhibition sites and historic trade shops throughout the
Historic Area. The Historic Area features 90 acres of greens and
gardens that range from the formal splendor of the Governor's
Palace garden to the modest kitchen garden of the James Geddy
site. Colonial Williamsburg also operates four indoor museums
the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Center, the DeWitt -
Wallace Gallery, Carter's Grove and the Winthrop Rockefeller
Archaeology Museum and Bassett Hall. Visitors can enjoy
18th-century style dining in authentic colonial surroundings at
one of Colonial Williamsburg's four operating taverns -
Chowning's, Christiana Campbell's, Shields and King's Arms
Tavern. Guest accommodations are available in Colonial
Williamsburg's Official Resort Hotels - The world-class
Williamsburg Inn, the Colonial Houses, whose visitors immerse
themselves in the atmosphere of the 18th century, the
Williamsburg Lodge, the Williamsburg Woodlands and the
Governor's Inn. Colonial Williamsburg has been named "Favorite
Historic Site" for the past three years by readers of Southern
Living, "Favorite Living History Museum" by readers of Family
Fun and "Favorite Weekend Getaway," "Favorite Historical
Journey" and "Favorite Trip with Children" by the readers of
Washingtonian magazine. For information call: (800)HISTORY
Shirley Plantation
Settled in 1613 and home of the Hill-Carter family for 11
generations. Beautiful 18th century main house features famous
Square Flying staircase, original portraits, furniture, silver
and hand carved woodwork. Explore seven original 18th century
brick outbuildings,four of which comprise a unique Queen Anne
Forecourt. Stroll through a lovely 18th century style herb
garden, the remains of the 18th century boxwood garden or relax
under the 350 year old Willow Oak tree by the James River. For
information call: (804)829-5121
Bassett Hall
Bassett Hall was the much-beloved Williamsburg home of the John
D. Rockefeller, Jr. family from 1936 to 1960. Learn about the
family by exploring the house and examinig their family
furnishings, art and photographs. Bassett Hall is part of the
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. For information call:
(800)HISTORY
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