Ship bound!

Justin and Elijah took in Jamestown Settlement (formerly Jamestown Festival Park) this summer.  They tell me, their humble blogger, that they really enjoyed the ships, exploring every inch of them.  The festival park is the site of Jamestown's living history exhibition and includes reconstructions of the ships and dwellings of settlers and Native American Indian constructions.  Our son wanted to be sure he visited each of the Powhatan homes furnished with furs and turtle shells.  At the fort, expect artillery demonstrations with cannon fire, and you'll have an opportunity to try on armor from the time period.  Don't be one of the folks there that says, "So this is where the Pilgrims landed?"  That's a different place, plus you'll view an immersive museum on your way in that should contextualize Jamestown nicely.  Do ask questions (or read more) about Jamestown history, which has been fairly sanitized here. 

If you haven't been to the park (or haven't been in a while), know it was remodeled for the 400th anniversary of the Jamestown settlement in 2007. The center now welcomes you with flags from all 50 states, a large lobby/ticketing area, and a pretty comprehensive gift shop. The food in the food court/cafeteria is perfectly acceptable for families and student groups.  They sell some unusual "local" foods including peanut soup and bread pudding, as well as classic tourist food like pizza.  It's good food, but the ordering environment can be confusing and the food's a bit pricey.  If it is going to be a hot day, go early and do the outside exhibits first, returning to the museum.

If you have more time, drive out to Historic Jamestowne, a site that incorporates a great deal of information on historic preservation and archeology because it is the site of the original settlement.  It's typically the Jamestown we hit--we really like the walk it affords across a small marsh on a nice wooden bridge, not to mention the walk along the water to the Archaearium (museum of archeology).  And if you know us personally and are headed here (or anywhere in the area), you simply must talk with Justin.  He'll give you great tips.  Also very nearby?  Jamestown Glasshouse, a free live demonstration of glass blowing with an attractive gift shop selling glass creations and souvenirs.

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