You should spend at least one evening taking in a little 18th-century nightlife in Colonial Williamsburg. The Colonial taverns have evening entertainment, but don't miss an 18th-Century Play staged in and around the historic buildings.

Colonial Williamsburg also conducts nighttime tours and other activities in the Historic Area. Check the schedule in This Week, the weekly brochure. Copies are available at the visitor center.

Another fun way to spend a warm-weather evening is spooking around the Historic Area, either with one of Colonial Williamsburg's official tours or with the Original Ghosts of Williamsburg Tours (tel. 877/62-GHOST [624-4678] or 757/565-4821; www.theghosttour.com), which entertainingly blends ghost stories and local folklore with historical fact. Children will enjoy them, too. The candlelight tours are based on L. B. Taylor's best-selling 1983 book, The Ghosts of Williamsburg. The tours cost $11 per person (free for kids 5 and younger) and take place nightly March through December, Saturdays in January and February. Call for reservations, which are essential.

The Kimball Theatre, on Duke of Gloucester Street in Merchants Square (tel. 757/565-8588; www.kimballtheatre.com), hosts concerts, special lectures by W&M professors, puppet shows, second-run movies, and other events. Call or drop by the theater to see what's going on. William and Mary drama department students refine their skills in the William and Mary Theater (tel. 757/221-2676; www.wm.edu). The college also has an active calendar of concerts and lectures. W&M's athletic teams participate in a full schedule of intercollegiate contests (tel. 757/221-3340; www.tribeathletics.com).

For more ideas pick up a copy of Williamsburg magazine or check its website at www.williamsburgmag.com.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.