What makes us unique?

Find your escape just across the James River in beautiful Surry County, Virginia! Ride the free ferry for a unique experience and explore sites steeped in history. Once considered part of the Jamestown Colony, Surry has retained its rural charm and celebrates more than 400 years of history. Visit Smith’s Fort to discover more about the lives of Captain John Smith, Pocahontas, John Rolfe and Chief Powhatan. Don’t miss the opportunity to stop at Bacon’s Castle, the oldest brick dwelling in Virginia, and the only example of Jacobean architecture in British North America. Discover how the home received the nickname “Bacon’s Castle” and the role it played in colonial rebellion. Outbuildings and Former Slave Cabin at Bacon’s Castle in Surry, VA Guests will want to explore Chippokes State Park. Open 365 days a year, it contains historic homes with English gardens, a Farm and Forestry Museum, miles of trails for hiking, picnic and playground areas, overnight accommodations and riverfront beaches. To continue your outdoor adventure, plan to visit Hog Island National Wildlife Refuge for amazing views of the James River and wildlife sightings, kayak along Gray’s Creek or take in 18 holes of disc golf at the Surry County Recreation

Revolution Isn’t Just a Moment—It’s an Experience. Experience America’s beginnings with a trip to Colonial Williamsburg. Here, you will be transported to Virginia’s 18th-century colonial capital, where ideas of independence and revolution formed. Hear the stories of the men and women whose thoughts helped shape a revolution. Fully immerse yourself in 18th-century Williamsburg as you walk down Duke of Gloucester Street. Listen to the stories of the lives, dreams and struggles of the community. You might meet George Washington, Thomas Jefferson or the Marquis de Lafayette, as well as Nation Builders whose names may not have appeared in your history book but made significant contributions to the American story. At Colonial Williamsburg, the revolution is here. Exploring Our Past An admission ticket to Colonial Williamsburg includes historically-dressed interpreter-guided historic sites, visits with tradespeople and Theater-style programs at the Play House Stage, Charlton Stage, Hennage Auditorium, and more. Tour the grand homes of Williamsburg’s residents during pre-revolution and early America and walk in the very footsteps of the diverse people—free and enslaved—who lived, visited and worked there. Discover craftsmanship when you meet tradespeople practicing over 20 trades. Watch as they use 18th-century tools and techniques to apprentice in—and eventually master—blacksmithing, woodworking

A walk in the parks Mayor Doug Pons really enjoys getting outdoors at Waller Mill Park, (photo above) a 2,705-acre retreat situated around a reservoir that was opened to the public in July 1972. The 360-acre lake is open for fishing, boating, pedal boating, canoeing, and kayaking, and features a tunnel connecting the upper and lower sections of the lake. Numerous picnic tables, picnic shelters, play fields, and playground equipment are nestled among the trees, providing scenic picnic areas. Located at the main entrance is the 1.5-acre dog park, the perfect place for the mayor to take his best friend, Willow, to stretch her legs. For more information call 757-259-3760 or visit williamsburgva.gov/rec. Photo Ops in Yorktown  Kristi Olsen-Hayes at York County Economic and Tourism Development invites you to Visit Yorktown for some of the best selfie spots in the Historic Triangle.  Join in the revolutionary conversation going on at Riverwalk Landing by snapping a photo with the life-size statues of Washington, Lafayette, De Grasse, and Rochambeau. Just steps away, share the love on social media by tagging #VisitYorktown when you post a selfie in front of the permanent LOVE letters, perfectly situated with the York River and Coleman Bridge