If you live in Virginia and you're looking for something unique to explore in the Williamsburg area, the ruins of Presidents Park is a must see! Essentially, there are 42 very large presidential head busts sitting in a field (check out the pics below for scale). And while the dilapidated state of these Heads of State may seem a bit eerie, the park offers a unique way to learn about American history. I think the obvious first question is: how did they get there? President's Park used to be a 10-acre sculpture park and museum in Williamsburg where the heads of state were displayed for guests to see, but apparently it was a bit of a flop and closed in 2010. The new tenants of the land wanted the busts gone, but (thankfully) instead of destroying the sculptures, they were saved by a developer whose company had worked on the original park. He moved them to his family farmland in nearby Croaker, Virginia -- which can't have been an easy task, given that each sculpture ranges from about 16 - 20 feet tall! Our biggest tips: WEAR BOOTS! AND PANTS! You park in a gravel lot near the entrance to the farm, then walk a short way down the hill to the statues' current resting place. The field they sit in can get a bit marshy and the area is not mowed, so be prepared if you want to explore them up close. Also, if you travel there in summer, it can get really hot and there is no shade. Bring water to stay hydrated and don't forget your sunscreen - and maybe even an umbrella for the sun! It's also important to remember the park is located on private property and access is only permitted during scheduled events. You can find more information and book tickets by clicking "experiences" at www.johnplashalphoto.com. The sculptures have deteriorated to varying degrees, which honestly adds to the allure, in our opinion. The view when you turn the corner and see them for the first time is pretty amazing. We didn't really know what to expect, but we ended up spending about two hours in the field exploring and taking photos. Another hot tip: study up on your presidential knowledge before you go -- there is a trivia quiz offered during the day, and the best team wins a prize (not to brag, but we totally won)! Who knew President John Quincy Adams had a pet alligator in the White House? Also be sure to bring your camera -- there are lots of great spots to capture fun photos. Enjoy your adventure!
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