There is a place where history does indeed march on. It's in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, which celebrates its 300th anniversary this year. Located between Norfolk and Richmond, the town in its entirety has been restored to resemble its former days as the economic, political and cultural center of the Virginia colony. But it's not just a place where history buffs can walk through museums and well-preserved colonial homes. Instead, Williamsburg's residents are dedicated to living its history. You'll still see townspeople selling their handcrafted wares and patriots donning period clothing. Visitors may tour a 173-acre outdoor living history museum with more than 500 public buildings, homes, stores and taverns; meet tradespeople practicing a variety of historic trades and crafts; be entertained by historical interpreters and character actors; and view beautifully maintained gardens. Williamsburg also is home to America's second oldest college (behind Harvard University), the College of William and Mary, founded in 1693. Presidents Jefferson, Monroe and Tyler all were educated here.

Close by is Yorktown, where George Washington turned the tides of the American Revolution when he led the defeat of General Cornwallis of England in 1781. Earlier, in 1607, the first English settlement in America was established in nearby Jamestown. Together, these three towns -- Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown -- are called Virginia's "Historic Triangle."

The experience of living history is a thrill in itself, but Williamsburg has added a few modern amenities since the colonial era. Thrillseekers can head to Busch Gardens Williamsburg, which sits on more than 350 wooded acres. The park's 35 rides include Alpengeist, considered the world's tallest and fastest inverted roller coaster. For shoppers, the Williamsburg Pottery Factory and Merchants Square collectively are home to more than 150 factory outlet stores. Williamsburg is an interesting juxtaposition of history and modernization. City leaders are keenly aware that history attracts tourism, and with that objective in mind, Williamsburg has developed some of the nation's leading golf courses (the area has 14 and counting), including Kingsmill Resort, Stonehouse, Greensprings and Ford's Colony. Greater Colonial Williamsburg has some 10,000 rooms in resorts, hotels and motels, B&Bs, guest houses, and even campgrounds. Several master-planned communities have been built around the town's resorts and golf courses. Ford's Colony, featuring custom-built homes designed in colonial style, has been rated among the nation's top retirement communities. Other master-planned communities offer such amenities as marinas, security gates, tennis courts and club houses.

Williamsburg's low cost of living, excellent public school system, and beautiful scenery produce a good quality of living for its residents. James City County, in which Williamsburg is located, has a great variety of housing inventory that ranges from under $100,000 to more than $1 million. The median price for a single-family home in Williamsburg is $119,500, which is low by national standards. The city has approximately 70 traditional neighborhoods from which to choose, but housing actually is quite diverse here, so residents aren't limited to colonial-style architecture, either. Williamsburg has more than 100 subdivisions of every price range and style of living. In addition to an active resale market, Williamsburg is experiencing an extremely active market in new construction. Timeshare properties also are common throughout the area. This region of Virginia experiences all four seasons, but a fairly mild version of each, a factor which certainly helps the city in terms of both tourism and relocation.

Williamsburg offers tourists and incoming residents the unprecedented opportunity to experience the juxtaposition of two worlds: the colonial and milennium eras. You're just as likely to spot a merchant selling his wares on the streets as you are to spot the construction of the city's latest master-planned golf-course community. It's a fascinating combination of history and modernization.

Real Times Community Profiles

Published: April 5, 1999

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Editor's Note: This article reflects the opinions of Courtney Ronan only and not necessarily the views of this or any other publication, organization or Website owner.