I would only pay for Jamestown. You can't see any of that without paying. You can have a great time in Williamsburg without paying. There are a lot of interpreters walking around and they will talk to you and answer any questions you have for free. The servers at the colonial restaurants will give history lessons too. Every time I have been in one of the restaurants at CW there are interpreters walking around teaching history while you dine. York town is tiny and not very impressive. See it because you are there, but it isn't worth paying.
Williamsburg is way cool and you will enjoy it if you pay, but you can enjoy it just as much for free or with a library book.
The american girl Felicity series will pretty much tell you all you need to know to enjoy CW, but there are some beautiful books if you want to know more.

I don't know if they still do this, but the military bases in Norfolk used to offer free tours of the giant Navy ships.

Busch gardens is one of the most beautiful theme parks in the world. It has more beauty than rides, but is way fun nonetheless. I think you can get in cheaper if you go later in the day like from 4- closing.

You used to be able to tour the anheuser busch factory. I don't know if you still can, but if you can it is worth it.

In Richmond, Phillip Morris (the cigarette factory) used to give free tours- not sure if they still do. It was a great tour especially since Virginia was built on the tobacco industry.

Never thought about Phillip Morris, but now that you mention it, I'll look into that. And I like the idea of going to Busch gardens after 4. We plan to visit another theme park later and I was considering scrubbing this one all together. Maybe that's a good compromise. Thanks H.

Don't forget to visit the Confederate Museum in downtown Richmond, VA. Also, when you head to the western part of the US be sure and put Big Bend National Park in Texas on your list of must sees. It sits right on the Rio Grande and you will go back in time in the vast land. Don't forget Terlingua, TX either and visit the Mexican cemetart then take the River Road to Presdio, TX.