Explore many restored and re-created buildings from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries to see how colonists made a living in early Virginia, from the clothes they wore to the food they ate. © Mvogel | Dreamstime.com 

Thrillseekers and park enthusiasts, venture to Busch Gardens Williamsburg for recreations of different countries, more than eight rollercoasters and the park’s wild reserve. © James Kirkikis | Dreamstime.com 

Historical reenactors don colonial clothes to recreate many scenes of colonial life, including marching soldiers who play the senior fifes and drums. © Thevillageacademy | Dreamstime.com 

Each building here has been meticulously preserved or recreated to capture colonial life in its truest form, from shuttered houses to horse-drawn carriages traveling the street. © Wangkun Jia | Dreamstime.com

The official residence of the Royal Governors of the Colony of Virginia and one of the largest in Colonial Williamsburg, this elegant home was also home to Thomas Jefferson. © Jiawangkun | Dreamstime.com 

Merchants Square is home to more than 40 shops, from clothing and jewelry to books, inspired by Williamsburg’s history. Shopkeepers dress in colonial attire to maintain a colonial feel. © Aviahuismanphotography | Dreamstime.com

Four miles from Williamsburg lies Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. Visitors witness how the first settlers lived, from the early years of pure survival to the houses built. © Kclarksphotography | Dreamstime.com