| Featured City: WILLIAMSBURG | First let me tell you a story: once upon a time there was a small town in Virginia, USA, where people led a peaceful life and advocated freedom and democracy. The spirit spurred the town to become the cradle of American political system, and cultivated great souls of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. During the later 200 years, industrial revolution and modernization broke out in this town and forced it to the edge of disappearance. Until one day, a poor pastor named William decided to rejuvenate the town and persuaded John Davison Rockfeller to support this project financially. In 1934, Williamsburg, after the pastor's name, firstly opened to the public with a brand new look.
Maybe I'm not a good storyteller----the face of Williamsburg could be some help to better scratch the picture. Being one of the world's largest and best "living-museums", Williamsburg reserves the exact feature of the 18th century that one can hardly tell whether he is in the surroundings described in Shakespeare's novels or in the modern society. Women with long dresses, ladies wearing ruffled caps, hardness-makers, clip-clopping horses¡. I suppose no other group of people in the world can show so much love to their community, or to say, in another sense, respect history with such strong resolution and loyalty.
Still, there are some landmarks noticing you of the calendar. Busch Gardens Williamsburg, the 360-acre family entertainment park is one of the few constructions with contemporary flavor: 3-D theatres stimulating scaring movies in R.L. Stine's Haunted Lighthouse, terrifying roller coaster with a 130-foot drop, classes teaching beer making and mini zoos with sweet animals¡. Both adults and children would have a good time here. What's more, a "Howl-O-Scream" theme will be on after 6pm during weekends in October, when artificial fog and bloody scene will fill the night air. Come on, young men! It's a good chance to show your courage before young women! Just two tips: try to buy a bounce ticket as so you can come in and out freely, and remember not to come during November and the next March for park is closed at that time.
Water Country USA is a water-oriented amusement park. Bring yourself a swimsuit and splash like a kid as much as you like----sometimes the greatest joy lies in the intimation with water. Water Country's largest ride----the Big Daddy Falls will be a gift to the entire family: river-rafting tour, giant inner tubes, various tunnels and waterfalls¡. So don't worry if you can't swim.
Shopping is an indispensable part in visiting Williamsburg. Purchase something with historic value and say to your friends: you know what? I get it from 200 years ago! Duke of Gloucester Street is a nice place to go. Hand-wrought silver jewelry, books bound in leather and hand-woven linens are the main products. Isn't it funny to dress on some of them? Take a picture anywhere in the town, and play a joke on your family: see, it's my great grandpa! Doesn't he look like me?
Even the hotels in Williamsburg succeed the city's spirit. Look at the name "Liberty Rose". Actually it's a romantic B & B steps away from the historic area. This two-story wooden house is full of graciousness and European taste, and fresh roses can be found in every room. Or you can switch to the Kingsmill Resort that located on a landscaped ground beside the James River. It boasts of first-class golf court, and budget for a double room is around $250.
Come back with lingering thoughts and dozens of souvenirs, and be greeted by someone: welcome to the real world!
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