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12 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • June 2023 One of America's first planned cities, birth- place of Pocahontas, home of the world's fast- est multi-launch roller coaster and the original capital of Virginia, Williamsburg is a worthy road trip rich in history and amusement. Located about 90 minutes southeast of Fred- ericksburg, you won't have to travel far to reach this destination, making it ideal for a day trip or weekend getaway. Boasting 6-8 million visitors a year, there is no shortage in lodging, retail and dining establish- ments in this small town, many of which are located along Williamsburg's main thorough- fare, Richmond Road. ROAD TRIP: WRITTEN BY RHIANNON ELLIS Historic TAKE A STEP BACK IN TIME COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG, where "the future may learn from the past," is over 300 acres of living history and the world's larg- est U.S. history museum. Talented interpreters reenact the lives of 18th-century settlers who came to America in search of a better existence; the indigenous people whose lives and land were forever changed by the arrival of these strangers; and the stories, struggles and impact of those captured and brought here by force. Visitors can explore the tales of those who built America and learn how these figures from varying backgrounds helped shape the country. Fun fact: THE WILLIAMSBURG INN has been hosting famous guests for decades. Queen Elizabeth ll visited in 1957 and again in 2007, and the suite she stayed in has since been named after her. Guests can stay in "The Queens Room" or other themed rooms named after famous guests, such as "Churchill Suite" or "Rockefeller Suite." Step even further back in time at JAMESTOWN SETTLEMENT, a 17th-cen- tury re-creation of America's first permanent English settlement. There, one can catch a glimpse of indigenous life at Paspahegh Town, tour three ships representing the ones that sailed to Virginia in 1607, and explore a rec- reated English fort. Just a quick drive from Jamestown Settlement is Historic Jamestown, the actual location of the original settlement and an active archeological site.