If you’re familiar with our family in any way, then you are well aware of our slight obsession with all things Colonial Williamsburg. Something about the sights (those beautiful historic homes, horse-drawn carriages) and sounds (the cobblestones, the old English chatter) hits home for us and we can’t help but make the three hour drive at least once every few months or so.

Earlier this month, my sister, mom and I took a girl’s trip to Williamsburg. This was my first time enjoying the Christmas decorations and events and I have a feeling that I’m going to insist that it become an annual tradition. We stayed at the Lodge, but also made several trips across the way to the Williamsburg Inn where we were able to luxuriate (there’s really no better word for it) in the stately lobby. It’s like walking into a dream—a perfectly coifed, perfectly lit dream.

And it wouldn’t be a trip to Williamsburg during the holidays without peering up at all of the Christmas wreaths and door decor in the historic area. The residents and staff of Colonial Williamsburg go all out each year (there’s a contest!) to make sure that everywhere we look, there’s something lovely to go ga-ga over. I hardly walked 10 feet without feeling the need to lift my camera.

The open-air markets also are a favorite stop. Wreaths are up for sale, plus all the period odds and ends you could dream of. The roaring fire cuddled up inside a bricked hearth didn’t hurt much either…The wind was absolutely killer that day, but it didn’t really slow us down.

As the three of us walked Duke of Gloucester Street, we inevitably split up—mom to snap her own pictures of pretty wreaths, my sister to peer around the fences of certain houses to investigate the perfectly groomed gardens. We barely even spoke to each other except to point up at certain doors with wide eyes. There was just so much to see!

^^^One of the lovely winners of the decor contest—this one, an amateur design, believe it or not^^^

^^^Another of the contest award winners^^^

Stay tuned tomorrow (Christmas Eve!) for the reveal of a handmade wreath made by yours truly—although it’s no where near as pretty as these professional designs, I’m taking it as my own personal challenge to get better and better each year. I’m wondering…Have you ever been to Colonial Williamsburg?

(In case you were wondering a little something yourself, this post is in no way, shape or form sponsored—I’m just the CW’s biggest fan)