Roughly 150 miles south of Washington, Virginia’s Colonial Williamsburg is one of the true national jewels in America’s travel crown.

Authentically preserved buildings, support staff in period costumes and historic demonstrations such as military munition drills and drum marches happening daily all add up to a magical experience many might assume is more suited to family travel.

However, with a variety of period-inspired programming geared specifically for grownups, adult beverage selections with ties to yesteryear and romantic relaxation options built into the vacation equation, it turns out Colonial Williamsburg is also a spectacular getaway for couples.

With an international airport 30 minutes south of town, a direct exit from Interstate 64, and an Amtrak station just one mile from the historical area, Williamsburg is not only accessible for overseas travelers, but reachable from a number of regional locations as well. When it comes to accessing the actual colonial district itself along with the activities and amenities it offers, the best way to do that is by making the savviest spending decision possible for your accommodations.

Where the action is

While specific room and package rates vary, summer visitors looking to stay where the action is can generally expect to spend anywhere from a hundred bucks a night out toward the conference facility to a full $400 at the posh inn and spa near the center of things.

A high-value option many people are unaware of, however, is the ability to book one of the restored colonial houses for an overnight stay. Ranging from tavern rooms to private cottage-size homes with summer rates as low as $159, this choice puts an affordable roof over your head that not only provides plenty of period charm to spare, but also places you right in the heart of all the action for a truly immersive living history experience.

Having your room so close to all of the events makes it easy to pace yourself and take breaks without wasting valuable vacation time walking or riding to and from your hotel. Another perk is stepping outside your door in the morning to stroll the streets just prior to the start of the business day. Other tourists won’t be crowding the streets yet, and staff will be arriving and setting up shop dressed in full colonial garb.

Go for it

Staying at one of the colonial homes also grants you access to many of the amenities of the pricier inn on the edge of the historic area, including free exercise classes, use of the fitness center and entry to the indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Colonialwilliamsburghotels.com offers additional savings for those who book directly online, such as complimentary parking, no-charge shuttle services and a free two-hour bike rental.

It’s a rare travel find when the place you rest your head each night is such an integral part of your overall trip. When that find also saves you enough vacation dough in a single night’s stay to fund a decadent day at the spa? I say go for it.

Speaking of spas, The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg is definitely worth a visit. With a complimentary wet lounge in each locker room featuring a steam room and heated jet tub the size of a small pool, any treatment you book lets you enjoy these amenities as long as you like on the day of service.

Retail therapy

Before departing, a quick bit of retail therapy in the colonial shops will help you score any number of fun souvenirs, including clothing, cookbooks and more.

On your way out of town, schedule a stop at Silver Hand Meadery. As an ancient beverage, mead more than fits the theme of the getaway. Pair that with the free tastings offered at the facility, and this is a bargain activity you can leverage into the informed selection of a consumable, take-home souvenir.

Romantic architecture, period costumes and knowledgeable staff are only part of what this destination has to offer. With a multitude of authentic interpretive experiences, luxurious spa options, easy transportation access and plug-and-play activities to suit any size of budget, Colonial Williamsburg might be just what the vacation doctor ordered for your next couple’s getaway.

Myscha Theriault is a Tribune News Service writer.

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