2024 mobile tours
& Special Events

Sunday, July 21​

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1:00PM - 5:00PM

Virginia Capital Trail: Where the world comes to ride

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The Virginia Capital Trail Mobile Workshop will traverse the popular Virginia Capital Trail from Milepost 0 at Jamestown Settlement to James City County’s Chickahominy Riverfront Park. The Capital Trail is a paved, 10-foot wide, car-free shared-use path between Jamestown (milepost 0) and Richmond (milepost 51.7). The route will start in the parking lot of the Jamestown Settlement. The ride is 14 miles out and back, with a rest stop at Chickahominy Riverfront Park at mile 7 and snack and discussion stop at Spoke & Art at mile 11. The ride concludes back at the James City County Marina, which is also home to the Billsburg Brewery. E-bikes will be provided. This mobile bike workshop is suitable for bike riding skills from novice to advanced

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Speaker details coming soon!

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Mode: eBike

Cost: $35

Tickets Available: 15​

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1:00PM - 5:00PM

Coaster 101

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Busch Gardens and Water Country behind the scenes tour.* More information coming soon!

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*Please note this ticket does not include admission to the park. 

 

Speakers: Busch Gardens Staff 

 

Mode: Van & Walking 

Cost: $35 

Tickets Available: 13

 

1:00 Pm - 4:00 PM

Making Better Neighbors: Town/Gown Relations

 

William & Mary is nestled in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg and its historic residential neighborhoods. On this walking tour we will discuss how the housing shortage felt by many nationwide is impacting the dynamics of the Williamsburg housing market, specifically, as it relates to off campus student housing in residential neighborhoods. This tour will highlight the collaboration efforts taken by leaders within the City of Williamsburg and William & Mary to sustain neighborhood character through proactive policy decisions. The tour will also provide an opportunity to discuss how other communities across the Commonwealth can strengthen their relationships with higher education partners.

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Speakers:

 

Justin D. Sanders, CZA | CTM

Senior Planner

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Tevya W. Griffin, AICP

Director of Planning and Codes Compliance, City of Williamsburg

 

Dr. Sarah L. Stafford, CSX

Professor of Economics and Public Policy and Department Chair, William & Mary

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Mode: Walking 

Cost: $35

Tickets Available: $15

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1:00Pm- 3:00Pm

At the Center of it All, Exploring the Architecture of the original campus of William & Mary and Surrounding Historic Neighborhoods

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Walking tour of William & Mary original campus to explore and discuss early architecture. Van/Small Bus tour of adjacent residential neighborhoods that are on the national register of historic places (College Terrace, Chandler Court, and Pollard Park), and two neighborhoods that are eligible for register based on era of construction (Braxton Court & Crispus Attucks)

 

Speakers: 

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Dr. Carl Lounsberry

Architectural Historian, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Architecture at William & Mary

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Chris McDaid

Architectural Historian, Vice Chair of the Williamsburg Architectural Review Board

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Mode: Walking & Van 

Cost: $35

Available Tickets: 11

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1:00Pm-5:00PM

CPAT- Revitalization of Toano

 

More information coming soon!​

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Mode: Bus & Van 

Cost: $10

Available Tickets: TBD

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Monday, July 22​

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1:00PM - 3:00PM

Take a Total 360: Kayaking at Waller Mill Park

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Purchased by the City of Williamsburg in the 1940's what was thought to be a bad idea, has turned into one of the best assets of the City. Waller Mill Park, a 2,705-acre park is an oasis, that not only provides city residents with drinking water, but the opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of nature. On this guided kayaking tour on the 360-acre lake, participants will learn about the park’s history, the function and logistics of the reservoir as a drinking source, park wildlife and habitats, and the economic and community benefits of dedicated active recreational space in a city.

 

Speakers: 

 

Robbi Hutton and Staff, Director of City of Williamsburg Recreation and Parks, Jack Reed, Director of the CIty Department of Public Works

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Mode: Van & Kayak 

Cost: $35

Available Tickets: 22

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1:00PM-4:00pm

Williamsburg Urban Explorer Bike Ride

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This 9-mile urban street ride will focus on bicycle infrastructure improvements made by the City of Williamsburg, as well as portions of the proposed Birthplace of America Trail within the City and York County.* Led by Reed Nester, retired Williamsburg Planning Director, Chair of the Historic Triangle Bicycle Advisory Committee and Chair of the Tidewater Trails Alliance, participants will learn lessons in collaboration, engagement and funding of local and regional bicycle infrastructure and pedestrian infrastructure. This ride is suited for seasoned cyclist familiar with urban streets will begin at the Williamsburg Lodge and traverse through downtown Williamsburg, Midtown Row, College Woods, and William & Mary. See map for route details.

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Speakers: 

 

Reed Nester

HTBAC

 

Allen Turnbull

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Mode: eBike

Cost: $35

Available Tickets:  $12

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*Please note an E-bike is provided. This is a 9-mile urban street ride and is suited for seasoned cyclist familiar with urban streets. Please wear appropriate attire.

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1:00PM-4:00PM

Yorktown Waterfront: A Revolutionary Revitalization

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The Yorktown beach area has been redeveloped substantially over the last two decades and future improvements will make it even more impressive. Come take a hands-on look at the history, projects, and beauty of this local beach.

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Speakers:

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Earl Anderson

York County 

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Mark Carter

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Darren Williams

 

Rick Tanner

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Greg Granger

Army

 

Matt Bowry

NPS 

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Mode: Van & Walking

Cost: $35

Available Tickets: 25

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1:00PM - 3:00Pm

You be the Judge: Historic Downtown or New Urbanism, is There Room for Both?

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This mobile tour will include walking and transportation on the streets Downtown Williamsburg , an older downtown and New Town located in James City County, a traditional neighborhood design (TND) community.  Participants will discuss the benefits, the similarities, and differences in both communities. Guided by lifelong residents, an architect and a commercial real estate developer, participants will gather economic, architectural, and qualitative evidence to help decide once and for all, if these two philosophies can coexist.

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Speakers: 

 

Greg Rutledge

Architect

 

George Youngblood

New Town Commercial Real Estate

 

Scott Spence

Architect, Chair of the Williamsburg Architectural Review Board

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Mode: Walking & Van 

Cost: $35

Available Tickets: 15

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Tuesday, July 23​

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9:00am - 11:00Am

EXploring York County Blueways

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Jump into an exciting morning out on the water kayaking at Queen Creek in York County. We’ll launch from New Quarter Park-guided by York County Parks and Recreation staff as we discuss the history of the park, the County’s water trail network, and enjoy the outdoors! Be sure to bring sunscreen and plenty of water.

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Speaker:

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Amanda Roche

York County Parks and Recreation

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Caitlin Aubut

York County Planning

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Mode: Bus & Kayak

Cost: $40 

Available Tickets: 10

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8:30 AM - 11:30am
Rediscovering Jamestowne: Heritage Tourism and Resiliency Planning

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For 20 years, the dedicated staff at Historic Jamestowne have been unearthing the legacy of the first successful English settlement in North America. Through extensive archeological research and excavation, the Jamestown Rediscovery Project has interpreted the former site of James Fort and other surrounding historic resources. This mobile tour will highlight the work of the dedicated staff of Preservation Virginia and the National Park Service to tell the stories of Virginia’s first settlement. Staff will share their efforts to promote heritage tourism, sustainability, and resiliency planning to protect one of the Historic Triangle’s most cherished historic resources.

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Speakers:

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Dave Givens

Director of Archaeology, Preservation Virginia

 

Preservation Virginia Staff

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Mode: Bus 

Cost: $45

Available Tickets: 20

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1:30 PM - 4:30PM

Telling the Story of African American History in the City of Williamsburg

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In recent years, a more consertive effort has been made to give voice to the history of minority communities. These stories provide a richness and layer of American history that help create healing and unity within communities. Learn how four institutions using their individual strengths tell the story of African Americans from the 1800's to the present. This tour wil lead participants on a beind the scenes walking tour of the historic Bray School and other AA sites in the historic district. Participants will take a shuttle to historic First Baptist Church organized in 1776 by slaves and free blacks, and have the opportunity to ring the Freedom Bell. Lastly participants will view stops on the upcoming African Amerian Heritage Trail including the Hearth memorial on the campus of William & Mary.

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Speaker:

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Matt Webster

Executive Director, Architectural Preservation and Research & Liz Montgomery, The Historic First Baptist Church

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Mode: Bus 

Cost: $35

Available Tickets: 15

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