The Governor's Palace is where the Governors lived, of course. Seven of them, plus both Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson.
The Governor's Palace is one of the showcases of Colonial Williamsburg. The tours takes you through the various living spaces in the Palace, finishing up in the ballroom. Sometimes the tour stops in the kitchen building to see what's cooking. Right inside the main doors is a shiny, shiny collection of guns and swords. Meant to reassure the populace of the crown's power, they look incredible against the dark underlying wood.
After the tour, you're left in the gardens. At the right time of year, the gardens are spectacular. Even at the wrong time of year, the gardens are pretty. There's a hedge maze near the back of the gardens. Don't cheat in order to get to the center of the maze.
The Palace requires an extra fee on top of the full Colonial Williamsburg fee. It's worth the extra money, even if paying it leaves a bad taste in a visitor's mouth.
Address:
Palace Street
Williamsburg, VA 23185
Palace Street is located at the north end of Palace Green Street and Spotswood Street. Between these streets is a long lawn, called Palace Green, of course. The Green stretches from Duke of Gloucester Street to the Palace.
You can't park in Colonial Williamsburg. Either park at the Visitors Center and take the shuttle, or park in one of the small lots surrounding Merchants Square.
| Legend: | Attractions | Restaurants | Shopping | Transportation |
| 1 | Bruton Parish Church | 0.18 miles | S |
| 2 | Magazine | 0.23 miles | S |
| 3 | Mermaid Books | 0.26 miles | W |
| 4 | College of William and Mary Bookstore | 0.26 miles | SW |
| 5 | Colonial Parkway | 0.29 miles | NE |
| 6 | Williamsburg Farmers' Market | 0.32 miles | SW |
| 7 | Cheese Shop | 0.32 miles | SW |
| 8 | Wythe Candy | 0.33 miles | SW |
| 9 | Kimball Theatre | 0.34 miles | SW |
| 10 | Steeps Tea Tavern & Elixir Bar | 0.35 miles | SW |
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