Colorful cobblers shape shoes using tools, materials, and methods authentic to the 1700s.

Be sure to visit the shops, cottages, and other sites in the historic district. If you haven't been here in years (or ever), seeing Colonial Williamsburg this month makes good sense too.

Gone are the steamy summer lines waiting to get in all the shops, craft houses, and taverns. You'll also get the jump on the Christmas season crowds coming to shop in December. There seem to be just enough visitors to make it sociable. Don't be surprised if you're the only one in front of the warm fire at the cobbler's shop, usually one of the most popular places. That's another reason why Thanksgiving is such a great time to visit.

However, the crowds do turn out for such colonial stars as Thomas Jefferson--tall, red haired, handsome, and totally convincing. This morning (think 1774), he has hopped up on a small platform under an oak tree behind the Governor's Palace. He shakes a few hands, then introduces himself (as if that's necessary--he's as recognizable as Ben Franklin).

Associate Travel Editor Mark Stith sits on the doorstep of the Mary Stith House.

Personal Legacy My interest in Colonial Williamsburg gets personal. The Mary Stith House, on Duke of Gloucester Street across from the colonial post office, belonged to one of my ancestors. She died in 1813 and left most of her considerable holdings to her servants.

"My name is Thomas Jefferson," he says. "I am a burgess for Albemarle County." Then he gets into the hot topic of the day--our problems with mother England and the forced purchase of tea from the East India Company.

"Free people should not suffer taxation without…," he says, raising an eyebrow and waiting for the crowd to finish the familiar sentence.

"Representation!" comes the enthusiastic response. Their delighted expressions give a clue as to what this place is all about. Instead of being passive observers of history, visitors find themselves participating. Not just visitors, but guests. That's just what Colonial Williamsburg invites you to do.