Colonial Williamsburg | Williamsburg, VA

Colonial Williamsburg consists of 301 acres encompassing 88 original buildings and hundreds of other homes, shops and public buildings. During the 18th century, half of town’s population was black. Today, visitors can immerse themselves in the the lives of these enslaved and free people at many sites, inlcuding:

• Great Hopes Plantation, which is located on the edge Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area, is a representation of an 18th-century middling plantation that focuses on rural life.

• The Peyton Randolph House site in the middle of the Historic Area highlights the urban life of African-Americans.

• Special exhibits and events explore the art, music, religion, hardships and heroism of Williamsburg’s African-American community and portray compelling stories of 18th-century free and enslaved African-Americans.

For more information regarding the sites and attractions featured in Colonial Williamsburg, visit their official website. You can download their official vacation planner here.

Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center
Address: 1 Visitor Center Drive, Williamsburg, VA  23185
Telephone: 800 447 8679 or 757 229 1000
Email: geninfo@cwf.org
Official Website: www.history.org
Map & Driving Directions

Photos © Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Hampton Jazz Festival | Hampton, VA

The three day Hampton Jazz Festival features an eclectic lineup of top blues, soul, pop and jazz talent from around the world. The star-studded roster of artists scheduled to perform at this year’s 41st anniversary event includes Galdys Knight, Jill Scott, Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly, Boney James and Jonathan Butler, Kenny G, Joss Stone, Raheem Devaugn, Kem, Dave Koz and Friends Featuring Peabo Bryson, Chrisette Michelle, and The Now and Then Trio Featuring Robert Ransom, James Hoopes and Eddie Edwards. Music lovers from far and wide come to enjoy wonderful entertainment and talent, which has become a social ritual for every Hampton Jazz Festival weekend. For more information, please visit the official website of the Hampton Jazz Festival.

African American Heritage Festival (Afr’Am), Norfolk, VA

Sponsored by the Southeastern Virginia Arts Association, the annual African American Heritage Festival (Afr’Am) is a family celebration of the rich traditions, history and culture of African Americans and others peoples of the African Diaspora. Held along the waterfront of Norfolk, Virginia’s Town Point Park, the three-day festival attracts a local and national audience of more than a 200,0000 visitors. Afr’Am features something for everyone including a children’s village, arts and crafts exhibits on all things Africana, a health awareness fair, live entertainment on multiple stages, and, last but not least, culinary delights, ranging from soul food to Caribbean. For more information on the Afr’Am , please visit the festival’s official website.

For more information on black travel destinations world wide be sure to visit Discover Black Heritage, A Travel Guide to Black History and Culture.