I’m starting a new series called High Five. The idea is that I’ll pick my five favorite discoveries from places I’ve traveled. There are a million guides out in the world, but of course you can’t do everything when you travel. So if you only have a limited time, these are the five picks I’d recommend. To round out my Virginia week, I thought it only appropriate to start with High 5 :: Williamsburg, Virginia. Additionally, I just discovered an awesome new site/app called Everplaces. For each edition I’ll be taking my picks and adding them to my Everplaces account which includes the name, address, picture, blurb and related links, as well as a map. It’s super cool so definitely check it out! {Cheers to my friend Jordan who always signs her emails “high five” and helped me realize that a resource like this is missing!}

High Five :: Williamsburg, Virginia

1. Colonial Williamsburg – Watch, listen and learn in this “living classroom” that makes you understand the way the world worked in 1746. [official site]
2. The Cheese Shop – The perfect lunch or afternoon snack spot. Cute shopping nearby too. [official site]
3. Historic Jamestowne – Marking the site of the first English settlement in America, don’t miss the archaeological sites (weekdays) at Historic Jamestowne. The glassblowers are very impressive as well. [official site]
4. Victory Center at Yorktown – The outside parts really caught my eye – the British camp with interpreters dressed in costume, as well as the farm. [official site]
5. Busch Gardens Williamsburg – Travel around Europe at the “most beautiful theme park in the world.” [official site]

Bonus: Williamsburg is a really family friendly place. To get the most out of your visit, do some research before you go. There are tons of educational resources on the Colonial Williamsburg sites.

I was also super lucky to be able to travel with three wonderful and talented women on this press trip to Williamsburg. I wanted to quickly introduce them, as so much of the joy of travel is who you meet along the way. Below you can find all their links as well as the posts they wrote about the trip (especially helpful if you’re traveling with kids!).
From left to right:
Dana Rebmann hails from San Francisco. Mother to two girls, and a real go getter, she regularly writes about travel for Ciao Bambino. @drebmann on Twitter. Dana’s Williamsburg post:

• Colonial Williamsburg with Kids, Tips for First Time Visitors

Lindsey Johnson hails from Salt Lake City. Mother to three, she manages to keep a food blog, Cafe Johnsonia, with beautiful photos and a focus on gluten-free and vegetarian fare. She also contributes to sites such as Petit Elefant. @cafe_johnsonia on Twitter. Lindsey’s Williamsburg posts:

• The Vegetable Garden at Colonial Williamsburg
• Trip to Historic Williamsburg

Candace Derrickx hails from Ontario, Canada, and I loved her enthusiasm for American history on this trip. Mother of two girls (and a step-son), she keeps her blog Life in Pleasantville, as well working as staff blogger at ChildMode, and featured blogger at YummyMummyClub. @seemummyjuggle on Twitter. Here are Candace’s Williamsburg posts:

• Williamsburg, Virginia: How to Get There, Where to Stay, What to Do
• Colonial Williamsburg for Kids: 8 Things for Kids to Do in this Historic City
• Make this Your Best Family Trip Ever: Colonial Williamsburg
• She also put together a really nice post featuring all the the bloggers

In case you missed them, here are my posts from my trip to Williamsburg!