Why Virginia for America’s 250th?

Known as ‘Old Dominion’ as it was the first, and therefore oldest, overseas dominion of the English Crown in America, the Commonwealth of Virginia is where America’s spirit of independence took root. People often laud Philadelphia, Boston, New York City and Washington DC as the shining stars of America’s independence.  However, America was made in Virginia – and as the birthplace of a nation it offers a wealth of hands-on discovery for travellers looking to celebrate this fourth of July, and the USA’s 250th anniversary in a way only Virginia can muster.

Several US states will be hosting celebrations. But Virginia will bring this landmark anniversary to life. Guests can wear, watch, and walk this momentous milestone in the places where countless historic events actually happened and put their hands on artifacts touched by long-ago ancestors.

Wear it: Bringing ‘Outlander’ to life in Yorktown with show costumes

  Just in time for the premiere of Outlander’s final season on Prime Video, the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is unveiling an exclusive exhibition, Outlander:Costumes Woven in Time, developed in collaboration with Sony Pictures Television.

Showing off 26 original costumes from Seasons 1–4, all of them hand-selected by award‑winning costume designer Terry Dresbach, the exhibition explores how meticulously researched garments shaped the visual storytelling of the series.

Visitors can see iconic items like Jamie and Claire’s wedding attire, Claire’s red Versailles gown, Parisian ensembles inspired by 1740s couture, and Brianna’s 1970s and 18th‑century looks.

The exhibition is held in Yorktown’s American Revolution Museum, metres away from one of the most decisive battles of the war. The exhibition links screen costume design to history through demonstrations by the museum’s own historical tailors. There are also opportunities to meet interpreters and explore authentic 18th‑century clothing outdoors.

Timed exhibition entry is $10 in addition to general admission. Ticket sales began February 25. The Museum Shop also features exclusive Outlander merchandise, including books, woollen goods, lifestyle items, and historical fashion titles.

Watch it: Thomas Jefferson shows you around his famous Monticello estate

  To bring the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence to life, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello will debut ‘JeffersonRemembers the Declaration’, a new one‑hour guided theatrical experience offered exclusively in 2026, led by the man himself.

Held once daily from Wednesdays to Saturdays between 18th March and 31st July 2026, the experience brings to life arguably the most famous presidential home in the USA and the man who designed it, as well as wrote the Declaration of Independence.

Organised through Monticello’s expert staff and featuring renowned historical interpreter Bill Barker as Thomas Jefferson, the program invites guests inside the Monticello house for an intimate encounter with Jefferson’s own reflections on the ideas, ideals, and lasting impact of the Declaration. Visitors can explore both the revolutionary vision that shaped the USA, and the tough realities of Jefferson’s own life and legacy.

Each session ends with an opportunity for a photo with Thomas (Bill Barker), whose portrayal of Jefferson, which has been honed through decades of scholarship and performance, has been featured at major historic sites and in national media.

Walk it: Why Colonial Williamsburg is the best place to celebrate the 4th of July

  There are few better places to watch the fireworks and mark America’s 250th birthday than in ColonialWilliamsburg, the city where the revolutionary fuse first sparked.

The fourth of July weekend brings history‑rich immersive experiences that you can’t find anywhere else. This includes hearing the Declaration of Independence read aloud, witnessing powerful interpretive moments like Williamsburg Declares, and meeting monumental figures of 1776, most of whom were born and raised in Virginia, like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and George Mason.

Visitors can also explore revolutionary life through experiences like ‘Under Arms: Training the Grand Army, Freedom & the Fog of War’, and hands‑on Spy Craft demonstrations. 

Colonial Williamsburg, celebrating 100 years since it’s grand re-opening, is one of the world’s largest living history museums, where guests can walk into period homes, and watch artisans perfect their crafts, be it wig-making, ironmongering, or the work of skilled silversmiths. Nearby, visitors can dine in period accurate restaurants like ChristianaCampbell’s Tavern, serving colonial southern fare like Chesapeake oysters, crab cakes, and fried chicken.

With Historic Area admission on the fourth of July being free, and a full weekend of historic performances and encounters, Williamsburg is hands down the most authentic place in America to celebrate this landmark American holiday.  And when combined with the ease and lower cost of travel and accommodations that Virginia offers, there’s no reason not to book a trip today.