Hotel at a Glance: Greensprings Vacation Resort

It's easy for your mind to wander back to early American history when you're staying at Greensprings Vacation Resort. It sits on the grounds of a former plantation, which now serves as a home base for exploring Williamsburg's historic attractions. Stroll down the city's cobblestone streets and you'll find buildings and actors re-creating the 18th century—including Patrick Henry recounting one of his famous speeches.

• Where you'll stay: Well-appointed two-bedroom condos overlooking historical landscapes come with full kitchens, fireplaces, and garden tubs.
• Tee off right next door at the Williamsburg National Golf Club, which has a Jack Nicklaus–designed course hailed by Golf Digest as one of Virginia's best.
• Swim laps or make a splash in the heated indoor pool. Pool towels are provided.

Williamsburg, Virginia: Historic Colonial Town

Part of the Historic Triangle of Virginia (along with Jamestown and Yorktown), Williamsburg was the capital of the colony. It played a central role during the American Revolution—American forces gathered here in 1781 to march to Yorktown for the war's final battle. The city pays homage to this patriotic past with a living museum where fifers march in Revolutionary War regalia and costumed actors portray everyday colonists. Historians have carefully preserved and restored dozens of 18th-century structures within the town; buildings of note include the home of George Wythe, the first Virginian to sign the Declaration of Independence. Yorktown Battlefield is to the east; here, park rangers tell the story of the Revolutionary War's final siege.