COLLEGE OF WILLIAM AND MARY. Located on the William and Mary campus, this museum had its first painting donated in 1732 by the Earl of Burlington. Now the collection has grown to over 3,000 works of art. Particularly noteworthy is the museum's collection of American and English portraits and Native American pottery. There are various events and seminars held at the museum along with rotating special exhibits.

YORKTOWN WATERFRONT. This museum is located in a beautiful Colonial Revival home that was floated across the York River. The museum tells the story of the Chesapeake wooden boats and the fishermen who made the most of the water's bounty. There are marvelous exhibits on the mechanics of fishing and the tools of the trade. At this small museum, you can receive personalized attention. The house itself is incredible ­ be sure to take note of the burled cypress paneling in the master bedroom/library. Do not miss the gift shop for some unique items.

The Revolutionary War ended with the Battle of Yorktown in September of 1781, and the event is well commemorated at the Victory Center. There are marvelous inside exhibits that take you through the war. The outdoor re-enactments depict farm life in the 18th century. This is not a place to rush through but to savor the experience of what it must have been like for inhabitants of Tidewater Virginia. This is a popular spot for tour groups, so go early in the season or early in the day.