Just down the road from the sites of the first English settlement in America and the last battle of the American Revolution, discover Colonial Williamsburg. This historical community, comprised of 88 original and hundreds of reconstructed buildings, is a vignette of life from 1774 to 1781.

Williamsburg served as the capital of England's Virginia from 1699 to 1780. It also carried the distinction of being its wealthiest and most populated colony. It was here that residents, as well as political leaders - George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, George Mason and others - met in taverns, government buildings, homes and streets to discuss and debate independence from Britain. Witness firsthand where the ideals of freedom took shape, evolving from thoughts to words to the American Revolution and eventually to liberty.

While here guests will encounter Colonial Williamsburg's citizens, shopkeepers and colonial leaders who are frozen in time and thought. Get a glimpse of every day life. See how the townspeople address their immediate 18th century needs - shelter, clothing, wigs, saddles, horseshoes and food. Find 100 or so gardens, some specifically for the kitchen or devoted solely to vegetables, plus 90-some acres of greenery.

There is no place else in America where visitors can share a similar experience with such a degree of accuracy and realism. Highlights include the Governor's Palace, the Capitol, the Peyton Randolph (plantation) site, Raleigh Tavern, among many other homes and shops.

Complementing the living history is the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum with its collection of English and American antiques, as well as the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum. The latter was the first of its kind ever to be solely dedicated to American folk art, exhibiting works from 1720 to present day, such as paintings, embroideries, whirligigs, weathervanes and toys.

With history and art lessons out of the way, it may be time to explore the state's largest winery, Williamsburg Winery, housed in an Old World village setting. Its first wine, Governor's White, is reputed to be the most popular in the state.

For those looking for a bit more adventure, Busch Gardens Williamsburg has plenty to offer. Located alongside the James River, the park spotlights England, Scotland, France, Italy, Germany and Ireland. Scattered throughout the different country themes are 50 rides and attractions. Roller coaster fans will encounter dips, twists, turns, loops and dives on the Loch Ness Monster, The Big Bad Wolf, Alpengeist, Apollo's Chariot and Griffon. Guaranteed to make you pour the water out of your shoes afterwards, is another family favorite, the white water raft ride.

Looking to sit back and be entertained? Try "Pirates," a 4-D high-tech comedy, "American Jukebox" featuring top hits or "Emerald Beat" with Irish dancing. Jack Hanna's Wild Reserve entices guests to explore the world of endangered and exotic creatures, while learning about animal and habitat conservation.

If it's summertime, plan on a day at the mid-Atlantic's largest water park, Water Country USA, with more than 30 slides and water rides, plus an enormous pool. Surfs up everybody!

Note: for a chronological perspective, schedule a trip to Yorktown after visiting Colonial Williamsburg.