Blog Post

One of the best things about living in the Church Square community is your proximity to some of the most exciting and historic places our country has to offer. If you're interested in a fun day trip with friends or family from Smithfield, Williamsburg, VA is an excellent option for historic sights and some thrilling adventures. Take a look at a few enjoyable activities less than an hour from this boutique community!

Colonial Williamsburg

In colonial times, Williamsburg was the capital of Virginia, and stepping into this section of the town gives visitors a glimpse of life in the 1700s. On your visit, you can see what life was like for shopkeepers, militia members and everyday citizens through walking tours and carriage rides.

If you're interested in historic architecture, you'll find plenty of examples of the time period that you can explore throughout the day. Nature lovers will enjoy more than 100 gardens in Williamsburg, many of which remain as pristine as they were back in the 1700s.

Governor's Palace

When Williamsburg became the capital of the Virginia colony, that meant a royal governor under the direction of the British king needed a place to stay. The Governor's Palace was constructed in 1722 and housed the first two governors of Virginia before the capital was moved further to the west. Today, the house is a standing replica that showcases the architectural and artistic styles of the time. In the gardens behind the house, you can explore a hedge maze to challenge your inner adventurer.

DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Gallery

There's more to Colonial Williamsburg than the historic buildings and gardens, and this gallery is part of that. The gallery is located in Colonial Williamsburg but not part of it, and it serves as a testament to some of the great artistic works of American and British artists in the 1700s and later. You can see furniture from the American South as well as fine English porcelain and silver. If you're a lover of the arts, this is absolutely worth the drive from Church Square.

Busch Gardens

If you're more into modern thrills or looking for an adventurous activity for the grandkids, Busch Gardens is for you. This theme park feels a bit like taking a journey across the Atlantic, as it's broken into different countries for its experiences, including Germany, Italy, France, Ireland and the United Kingdom. Along with the cultural experiences, this park is packed with quality roller coasters, such as the inverted Alpengeist, the dive coaster Griffon and hypercoaster Apollo's Chariot, which sends riders plunging upwards of 200 feet. Get ready for a day of thrills when you come to this Williamsburg park.

Water Country USA

When taking a summer trip with the family to Williamsburg, Water Country USA is one of the best ways to beat the heat. The largest water park in the mid-Atlantic features 17 water-themed rides, giving guests plenty of ways to beat the heat when the mercury starts rising. Like every attraction on this list, it's less than an hour from Church Square, making it an easy place to take visiting family and friends.

Ready to make your move to low maintenance living in one of Virginia's active adult communities? Contact us today for more information on our quick move-in homes for the summer and to learn more about our Church Square community, located in the Hampton Roads area.