Sunday – Williamsburg Illumination!

To my delight, we started Sunday (and the next two days as well!) bundling up and walking the 3 blocks from the Governor’s Inn to the historic section downtown.  How fun it was to walk the nearly deserted streets just as dawn was breaking, and seeing the town start to come alive.  It was a great way to begin each day!

When we were fully clothed and in our right minds (??) we drove down to the parking lot next to Merchant’s square.  It was worth paying for parking to be so close.  We picked up our blankets and lawn chairs and headed to the other end of Duke of Gloucester Street and set up our places in the front row by the Capitol building.  Being assured by Paul (whom we had never met but who was planted beside us in the row) that they were safe there, we took off for our day.

We started at the blacksmith’s shop, in honor of Dad.  He loved his horses and had a great friend who was a blacksmith, and we enjoyed standing inside the smoky building, watching the smith work on pounding out the iron, pumping away at the billows and keeping the coals burning.

At 11am we had our DECORATIONS OF WILLIAMSBURG walking tour.  Our guide was very knowledgeable and had us from one end of the town to the other.  There is an annual contest that both the CW Foundation (professional) and the private residents host every year, vying for top prizes for the most creative display.  The one pictured of the deer was a private home, Miss Deb’s house, and she was a first place winner. The horse was created by a private resident, as well, and was very clever.  I will never look at the wreaths and arrangements the same again. They were creative and beautiful, and each business used articles that tied the wreaths into their crafts.

We signed the waiting list outside of Chowning’s Tavern for lunch, and were entertained by two ‘locals’ who bantered with the crowd through the open second story window.  At one point they advised the Good Citizens of Williamsburg to pay respects to those ladies in purple, because purple represents royalty and one can never be too careful!  Of course, I was one of those ladies in purple.  How WOULDN’T I be?

We were seated upstairs at a table for four, and soon another couple was seated with us.  Who would have THOUGHT that George and Martha Washington would share our table?  As we talked, we discovered that they were retired teachers from Connellsville and Mt. Pleasant, just miles from our home!  They were currently living in Florida, but traveled all over the United States as George and Martha, speaking at schools, civic centers, historical societies, and special groups.  We really enjoyed their company (as well as our meal, which was a poor second to their presence!).  It was a delightful treat that we could not have planned for had we even tried!

 After lunch we just walked up and down the streets, joining in events and popping in and out of the buildings that were open.  The bridge is one of our favorite spots, behind the Printing Office and beside the book bindery.  A kind gentleman offered to take our picture together.  He suggested we climb down in the stream as that would make a lovely setting!  It’s so fun to come across people that have a sense of humor and can make the day even more special for their kindness!

Finally it was time to settle in for the fireworks.  The crescents were lit, the sky darkened, and the night exploded with light and color.  Fireworks were set off at three sites simultaneously – the Capitol, the Courthouse, and the Palace.  We could see the highest ones from all three across the treetops.

It was a perfect day, and as we finally tumbled into bed about 10:30pm, we had nothing but great memories to talk about and re-live.  I love this place, and my sister for sharing with me!