Colonial Williamsburg is good for those interested in the formation of the US. It really makes history come alive. The the colonial district is a little bit away from the visitors center (VC) and across from William and Mary College. There is a walking path from the VC to the Governor's Mansion (pictured above). Shuttles are available that run from the VC making stops around the historic district. Passes are required to use the shuttles.
Passes are about $43 dollars per person per day. Or $50ish dollars for two days. Discounts are offered for Military, Teachers, and those with Food Lion grocery store savings cards.
At the VC you can purchase tickets, make reservations for specific shows, restaurants, etc. There is an 7 minute welcome video and a good half hour movie called The Patriot.
It is free to walk around the buildings, but a pass is required to go inside most buildings (except for shops, taverns, restaurants, the old Episcopal church.). There are many street theater performances all through out the day (We visited in July, not sure if the season makes a difference.) Pick up a "This Week" brochure at the VC or information booth at Merchant's Square.
Merchant's Square houses many small gift shops, boutiques, jewelry stores, etc. Even a Peanut shop with lots of samples! On Wednesday night's at 7 from June - August there is a free Summer Breeze concert series. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on.
In the colonial district things start happening around 9 am and finish about 5 pm. There are special evening shows but they are an additional price, not included in the pass.
This is a wonderful stop off of I-40. The water is about 62 degrees. You can jump off the rock (right in picture) or enter via the stairs (not show in picture but across from the jumping rock).
We stopped here on a Saturday and it was very crowded. We left our towels and sunglasses unattended while we jumped off the rocks and no one bothered them. There were divers practicing, people jumping off the rocks, others just swimming, and many onlookers. There were 2 or 3 life guards on duty.
It cost 5 dollars to park. there was just a guy sitting under a tent at the entrance to the parking lot so I'm not sure if he's always there. We drove a block down the street to the Senior Center (ish) place and parked there for free. Here's a link to the map: http://goo.gl/maps/xxcRl