Yorktown

Referred to as Virginia’s Historic Triangle are the colonial towns of Yorktown, Williamsburg and Jamestown. An interesting way to begin to understand the history of this area is to visit these three significant towns, all part of the Colonial National Historical Park, located on a peninsula between the James and York Rivers, and connected by the beautiful and scenic Colonial Parkway. Straddling the banks of the York River, the historic seaport of Yorktown was the site where Lord Cornwallis surrendered to General George Washington, which proved to be the last major battle of the American Revolutionary War. Tour the battlefield and then enhance the experience with a visit to the visitors’ center where the battle on land and at sea is presented through a series of multi-media exhibits. Founded as a tobacco port and seat of the county government since 1634, Yorktown’s picturesque streets are home to antique shops, galleries and some historic homes. The waterfront development, Riverwalk Landing, was designed in keeping with the colonial character of town and features a variety of shops and restaurants. Yorktown’s Visitor Center provides information on narrative cruises and the candlelight walking tour complete with tales of resident ghosts that are said to haunt the town as well as the historical events that have made this area so famous. (800-447-8679)