One Tank Trip: Williamsburg

Williamsburg and its surrounding area is probably known more for its colonial heritage than for anything else – but its history could have turned out differently.

When Captain John Smith and his crew first set up shop in Williamsburg’s sister town, ye olde Jamestowne , back in the year 1607, they most likely spent time wondering if they had picked the wrong place to call home. The area was a swampy, mosquito-filled mess that made fishing difficult and gave the settlers little to smile about, save for the fact that it provided a safe haven from rival English forces and a few peeved Native Americans.

But after 400 years and a lot of adaptation to the New World, that negative view of what is considered our country’s first settlement is long gone, and thousands are expected to turn out to celebrate the birth of our nation at the America’s Anniversary Weekend in Virginia’s Historic Triangle (Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown ) this year from Friday, May 11 through Sunday, May 13.

Williamsburg Driving distance: 53 miles Estimated gas cost (at 27.5 miles per gallon*): $4.98 each way** Directions: Take 64 East to exits 227 through 242 to reach different points of interest in the Williamsburg area. Population: 11,998 in the city of Williamsburg. For more information, visit: Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance (www.visitwilliamsburg.com)America's 400th Anniversary: Jamestown 2007 (www.Jamestown2007.org)Go Williamsburg (www.gowilliamsburg.com) *New federal minimum mpg average **Calculated at $2.58 per gallon (latest AAA Mid-Atlantic average)

Anniversary Weekend comes in the midst of 18 months of celebratory events related to America’s 400th Anniversary , which began in May of 2006. This past spring, the 17th century ship Godspeed , one of the original ships that made the trek from Britain to Jamestown, was recreated and embarked on an 80-day voyage to six major East Coast city ports.

Additionally, England’s Queen Elizabeth II will be paying a visit to Jamestown in honor of the 400th Anniversary from May 3-4, her first visit to the United States in 16 years.

Virginia governor Tim Kaine said in a statement that he’s extremely proud to have the Queen herself helping mark this special occasion not only for Virginians, but Americans everywhere.

"Our Commonwealth will welcome the Queen with true southern hospitality, and our year-long commemoration of the 400th anniversary of Jamestown certainly will benefit from the international attention that this Royal visit will bring," Kaine said. President George W. Bush will also participate in Anniversary Weekend by showing up on the Weekend's final day, Sunday the 13th, although no specifics for his visit have been announced yet. Ten years of planning out three historic days One of the many Jamestown 2007 "Signature Events" happening during the summer and beyond throughout Virginia, Anniversary Weekend will be held simultaneously at three separate locations that are in close proximity: Anniversary Park (that, up until this year, had been used as a campground), Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne , all of which will be the setting for musical entertainment, special events and commemorative occasions.

Six satellite stages will be set up for Anniversary Weekend’s performers and events – four at Anniversary Park, and one each at Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne. Kevin Crossett , spokesperson for America’s Anniversary Weekend, said that this event has been in the planning stages for 10 years and will host enough performing talent to make Woodstock seem like a small-time operation.

"The total number of musicians is going to run into the thousands," Crossett said, adding that all six stages will run continuous entertainment throughout the entire weekend.

The three-day event will be drawing thousands of people nationwide, and several high-profile attendees will kick things off in proper fashion. Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor will serve as honorary chair of the Anniversary. Legendary actor and James Earl Jones will be on hand to take part in a children’s book reading on Saturday.

The weekend’s main musical draws are the pop pianist-led Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers , multi-talented R&B singer Chaka Khan and Bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs and his band, Kentucky Thunder . "Special collaborative moments" abound Hornsby, best known for his 1986 Grammy-winning song "The Way It Is," said he was approached over two years ago to perform at Anniversary Weekend, and that after agreeing to participate, he was asked to assume a "musical director role" and use his connections in the business to land some other big names in music.

Hornsby obliged, and tapped his friends and musical collaborators Khan and Skaggs for the task, creating a unique line-up for Anniversary Weekend that he said provides good "stylistic variety."

"I like the eclectic nature of it. It’s sort of what my career has been about," said Hornsby, who’s worked under the radar with many high-profile artists throughout the years.

Hornsby, a native of Williamsburg who studied music at the University of Richmond in his earlier years, said that due to the patriotic nature of Anniversary Weekend, there may be a chance of catching all three headliners teaming up for an all-star rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner."

"We’ll pretty much wing it, but we will work up some things so we can hopefully create some special collaborative moments," Hornsby said.

Other musical highlights during the weekend will include performances by the Richmond Symphony Orchestra and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra on Friday night, who will each play separately and then combine talents – performing together for the first time ever.

"They are going to play commissioned works from the composers that were done exclusively for the commemoration," Crossett said.

Other performers will travel from halfway across the world, as is the case with Vusi Mahlasela , a South African singer/songwriter.

"From what I understand, he is called the Bob Dylan of South Africa," Crossett said.

The weekend will conclude on Sunday the 13th with a 400-piece orchestra and 1,607 voice choir created especially for Anniversary Weekend, which will be made up of musicians representing most of the United States. A patriotic fireworks finale will cap off the weekend events and give a fitting salute to the Jamestown area and America’s beginnings. …And art plays a part It’s not all about the music during Anniversary Weekend. A number of lectures, "Signature Events" like the artifact exhibition "The World of 1607" at the Jamestown Settlement Theater and presentations by master artisans like the expert glass blowers of the Corning Hot Glass Roadshow will be on view at various locations during the weekend.

Visitors will also get a chance to check out colonial-era sailing life up-close and personal. The John Smith Shallop boat reproduction that J.S. himself used to travel and map the Chesapeake Bay will be on view, and for those wanting a true "Jamestown Experience," they can take a virtual step onto a 17th century ship simulator that plays period music and simulates the back-and-forth rocking motion of a true 1607 sailing vessel (sick bags not included).

If you’re planning on making it out for one, two or even three Anniversary Weekend days, plan ahead and reserve those tickets as soon as you can – the amount of people being admitted to the festivities each day will be limited to 30,000 to allow for an enjoyable and comfortable experience for all those in attendance.

Tickets for Anniversary Weekend will also be sold in single-day, date-specific form, with prices for adults at $30; children 6-12 are $15. Children under 6 are free. Tickets will cover entertainment and events at all three Anniversary Weekend sites, as well as bus transportation to and from the satellite parking areas. Tickets can be purchased through Colonial Williamsburg by calling (866) 400-1607, or through the website americas400thanniversary.com .

For more information on Jamestown 2007 and America’s Anniversary Weekend, visit jamestown2007.org and americas400anniversary.com .

The Williamsburg File

History:

Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown are known as Virginia's Historic Triangle . But with history as rich as this, the three towns may as well be called America's Historic Triangle. Visit Jamestown , (757) 253-4838, the first English settlement established in the "New World" in 1607. Colonial Williamsburg , (757) 229-1000, literally takes visitors back in time as it offers a glimpse into what life was like for Virginians in the 18th century. Meanwhile Yorktown , (757) 898-2409, the site of the last major battle of the Revolutionary War, pays tribute to the colonies' final break from England in 1781.

This year marks the 400th anniversary of our nation's birthplace, but organizer's of America's 400th Anniversary decided to kick things off early. Commemorative events began in fall of 2006, and will span over 18 months into spring 2008. Lodging:

If it's elegance you crave, the world-class Williamsburg Inn , (757) 229-1000, is a must. For a more historic feel, rest your head at the Colonial Houses , (757) 229-1000, where rooms are outfitted with period reproductions but offer the modern comforts of today. Bed & breakfasts abound in the Williamsburg area, but favorites include the Fife and Drum Inn , (757) 345-1776, and Cedars of Williamsburg , (757) 229-3591. For something that plays a bit more to a family's liking, look no further than Great Wolf Lodge , (800) 551-9653. It serves as "Virginia's year-round, family resort," and offers deluxe suites and arcades. Oh, and did we forget to mention there's also a huge, 55,000 square-foot indoor waterpark? Restaurants:

In Colonial times, King's Arms Tavern , (757) 229-2141, served as the restaurant where the elite met and ate. It continues that tradition of simple elegance today in the form of an 18th century chop house. The Trellis Restaurant , (757) 229-8610, is another upscale favorite, as is Berret's Seafood , (757) 253-1847. For the best sandwich in town, go to Paul's Deli Restaurant , (757) 229-8976, a William & Mary hotspot that was once named "one of the best delis in the country" by Rolling Stone magazine. Shopping:

Looking for deals and steals? You'll find bargains aplenty at the Prime Outlets of Williamsburg , (757) 556-0702, which features more than 90 name-brand outlet stores. Williamsburg Pottery , (757) 564-3326, is another must-see for shopping fanatics, offering 200 acres of pottery, baskets, china, glass and more. For products exclusive to Williamsburg, stroll through Merchants Square , (757) 220-7751, where you'll find everything from traditional designer clothing to handmade antiques. Attractions:

After you've had your fill taking in Colonial Williamsburg and bargain-hunting at the outlets, Williamsburg still has plenty of ways to have fun. For family fun, visit Busch Gardens Europe , (800) 343-7946, a 100-acre theme park offering more than 50 rides, including the new floorless dive coaster (and tallest of its kind in the world), Griffon, which opens on May 25, 2007. Looking for a place to cool off instead? Try Water Country USA , (800) 343-7946, where you can race high-speed toboggans or simply soak up the sun on one of hundreds of lounge chairs. Don't believe that Williamsburg can offer up a bizarre world of shrunken heads, dead presidents' hair and other strange delights? Well believe it, because it's all that and more at the Williamsburg Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum , (757) 220-9220.

Older Williamsburg visitors may enjoy a jaunt to Williamsburg Winery , (757) 229-0999, where they can take a guided tour and tasting of seven different wines, including the popular Governor's White. If you'd rather toss back a cold brew, take a return trip to Busch Gardens to check out the Anheuser-Busch Hospitality Center and Brewery Tour . Finally, end your night by getting the chills and taking a candle-lit "Hauntings Tour" , (800) 378-1571, through the streets of colonial Williamsburg. Have you traveled here before? Have a favorite restaurant? A day trip you want to recommend? Drop us a line here! Check out last year's look at Williamsburg .

Each week we'll take an in-depth look at one of our "One Tank Trip" locations. Here is the schedule: April 17: Outer Banks - new location for '07 April 24: Williamsburg May 1: (Near) Northern Neck May 8: Tappahannock May 15: Virginia Beach - new location for '07 May 22: Charlottesville May 29: Eastern Shore