Williamsburg, Virginia
There are grander lodgings in Williamsburg, but for the feel of the past, nothing beats these 28 Colonial houses in the historic area.
Take an evening stroll or a morning walk with not a tourist in sight, and it's easy to believe you've returned to the 18th century. Some buildings have only one snug room, others as many as 16, but all are furnished with antiques and reproductions.
Each dwelling comes with a history of its former occupants, including Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry–both guests in the Market Square Tavern, and John Tyler, who lived in the Nicholas-Tyler Office while he ran for president in 1840.
Bottom line: An enjoyable chance to live in the past.
Colonial Houses, 800-447-8679; history.org/visit/staywithus/colonialhouses. Rooms: $155 to $575 a night for two.
