Change Your Perspective

It does us a lot of good to change things up every once in a while and see things from a new perspective. After all, that’s what vacations are all about—getting out of your normal routine to see the world in a new light. Studies show that vacations are not only good for you, but changing perspectives can actually lead to deeper happiness. In other words, being able to change your perspective can actually change how you feel. 

In the Historic Triangle, there are plenty of opportunities to change perspectives—here are five of our favorites!

From Atop a Roller Coaster

Sometimes you just need to spend time in a place that exists purely to entertain. Busch Gardens has been voted the world’s most beautiful theme park since 1990, offering guests a lineup of entertainment and attractions for every season! This park has something for everyone, paying homage to beloved seasonal traditions as well as shaking things up to keep us guessing. So get on that ride, make the climb to the top, and enjoy the view before you cheer and shout as loudly as you can on the way down!

Through an Historic Lens 

Immerse yourself in 17th-century Virginia history and culture, and learn something new about the past! Thanks to professional actor-interpreters, American history is not only preserved—it’s brought back to life in living color! 

Understanding the past has never been so interactive. Colonial Williamsburg shares important stories that allow us to see where and how early Americans, free and enslaved people, and Native Americans lived, worked, and more. Click here to see a list of programs that let you step back in time and see our world as it REALLY was in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown tell the story of 17th-century Virginia—a true story and a fascinating one. Learn about the birth of America in the very place where these events actually happened, from the arrival of the English colonists at Jamestown in 1607 to the encounters that shaped our nation’s  history.

These museums make it easy to change perspectives, because they let us step directly into the past—a history that jumps off the pages and into a re-created 1610-14 fort, a Paspahegh town, and re-creations of the three ships that brought America’s first permanent English colonists to Virginia in 1607. There is so much to learn about our country’s past, and these museums make it real and fun. 

On the Water 

Nothing changes our perspective like seeing the world through the eyes of children. And if there’s one thing all kids have in common, it’s a love of water, whether it’s in a pool, a lake, a river or an ocean. King’s Creek has three beautiful outdoor pool complexes for owners and guests located in our Cottages, Townes and Estates neighborhoods. Live it up with spacious decks, kiddie pools, hot tubs, fluffy towels and access to our beautiful locker rooms!

If you’re looking to venture beyond home base, a 15-minute ride will take you to Yorktown Beach, a gorgeous two-acre stretch of sand along Yorktown River where you can fish or enjoy a picnic lunch! You’ll also have access to great dining, shopping and concert performances at Riverwalk Landing.

If you want to see the world from a totally new viewpoint, go on a sightseeing cruise with Yorktown Sailing Charters through surrounding waterways and past historic sites like the Yorktown Battlefield and Victory Monument. You can also tour the James River and learn about its amazing history with Jamestown Discovery Boat Tours. Williamsburg Charter Sails also has exciting daily charters and lessons along the lovely York River.

Williamsburg’s unique geography includes beautiful blueways, or water trails, that are just begging to be explored. Waller Mill Park rents out rowboats, canoes and pedal boats, and you can borrow canoes, kayaks and paddleboards from the facilities at Chickahominy Riverfront Park.

If you’d prefer to go on an ecological adventure with a knowledgeable guide, Bay Country Kayaking offers eco tours of the area’s tidal wetlands near Colonial Williamsburg at New Quarter Park. This is a truly unique experience that combines the joy of being on the water with the thrill of learning something new!

In the Air 

Another way to achieve new perspective is to… Go Ape! Located in historic Freedom Park, Go Ape Treetop Adventures is a totally unique treetop adventure obstacle course that your family will love. We learn a lot about ourselves when we overcome challenges, and a great way to practice is with fun, physical adventures like climbing rope ladders, leaping onto net bridges, swinging on trapezes and Tarzan swings and zipping through 600 feet of tree line. See which adventures are suitable for your group, and get ready to soar into joy!

Surrounded by Nature

Nature benefits mental health in many ways—it can lower blood pressure and stress hormone levels, make you feel more creative, and even boost your mood after a stressful life event. To see the world through a lens of simplicity and beauty, pay a visit to the beautiful and historic College of William & Mary (one of Williamsburg’s best low-key but beautiful spots). Less than a mile away is Colonial Williamsburg, an excellent place to see trees transform into their autumnal splendor inside 301 acres of living history. 

Drive or ride your bike on the Colonial Parkway and enjoy 23 miles of scenic, natural beauty, visit the Williamsburg Farmers Market or head to Yorktown Market Days through October 15 for spectacular river views and live music as you shop. 

Cheers to hitting refresh, strengthening bonds with friends and family, and all the other benefits that come with a fresh perspective!