Experience Williamsburg

Couple's Weekend Itinerary

2011-03-10T12:43:00.000-08:00

Whether it is just the two of you, or old friends getting together for the weekend, Williamsburg is the perfect place to plan a couple’s getaway. World class golf courses, spas, shopping and dining are the ideal backdrop for your vacation.

Sample Couple’s Weekend Itinerary

Day 1- Arrival - Merchant’s Square

Plan ahead and make a reservation for one of the restaurants in Merchant’s Square for your arrival evening. After checking in to your hotel spend a little time in the shops of Merchant’s Square followed by dinner at one of its exclusive restaurants. Both the Fat Canary and Blue Talon restaurants have been named among the top five restaurants in Virginia, and The Trellis is the famous home of “Death By Chocolate” and is more than happy to indulge with signed copies of the book or an order of the dessert itself.

Day 2-Golf/Spa/Shopping

• With 14 championship golf courses, all rated 4 stars or higher by Golf Digest, get up early and head for the links. Chances are your hotel has a golf course either on-site or less than ten minutes away.

If only the men want to play golf, the ladies in your group will find plenty to keep them occupied at one of Williamsburg’s Award Winning Spas. Contact the Spa at Kingsmill Resort or Colonial Williamsburg for a complete spa menu and to make reservations.

• Following the morning activities, the Williamsburg Winery will host your afternoon with lunch at the Gabriel Archer Tavern followed by a Tour and Tasting of their unique vintages. An afternoon at the winery is one you are sure to remember.

• Spend the evening either strolling through Colonial Williamsburg, or the New Town shopping and dining area. In Colonial Williamsburg the buildings will be closed after 5pm, but plenty of shops will be open as well as bustling tours and events on Duke of Gloucester Street. If you opt for New Town be sure to bring Williamsburg Vacations dining vouchers with you. Vouchers are good at either the casual Center Street Grill or the upscale Opus 9 Steakhouse and offer substantial savings off of your bill. Also in New Town you will find a state of the art movie theatre as well as ample shopping.

Day 3-Departure - Premium Outlets

After departing from your hotel, plan to visit Williamsburg Premium Outlets on your way out of town. With more than 130 name brand stores including Coach, Polo, Michael Kors, Nike and more you will find all of your favorites at only a fraction of the retail cost.

Three Day Summer Itinerary

2011-03-01T13:07:00.000-08:00

Need a little help planning your next visit? We will be blogging several possible itineraries for your next visit. Check out our three day summer suggestions below:

Three Day Summer Itinerary
Three Tickets required: Bounce Ticket to Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens and Water Country USA; Spooks and Legends Ghost Tour Ticket; Ripley's Believe it or Not! Ticket. Total cost of all tickets for one adult $150.99

Enter Promotion Code "Save3" to save 50% on your final night of a stay three nights or longer at select hotels.

Day 1 -

Busch Gardens Williamsburg

If you are only planning to spend three days in Williamsburg, set one full day aside for Busch Gardens Williamsburg. If you are only spending a day here decide ahead of time which attractions and shows are most important to you. You can see a lot in a day, but it is doubtful that you will get to explore all of the park’s rides, shows and shops in just one day. At least an hour in Sesame Place is a must if you have little ones as well as an hour in the Land of the Dragons (bathing suites recommended but not required for both). For bigger kids there are four major roller coasters in addition to the parks other rides. It is a good idea to plan at least a half hour per coaster in case there is a line.

Depending on your energy level and budget you can enjoy both lunch at dinner at the park with foods in each of Busch Gardens’ countries reminiscent of traditional fare. Fast food options are also readily available throughout the park. If you are on a smaller budget plan to leave the park for meals. There are a number of restaurants just outside of the park but be sure to get your hand stamped and save your parking pass for easy same day reentry.

If traveling from June 26 through Mid-August there will be a nightly fireworks display at the park each night.

Day 2 -

Water Country USA & Ripley’s Believe it or Not

• Spend the day exploring the wild water rides of Water Country USA. As with Busch Gardens you probably want to arrive between 10am – 11am, however your day will end earlier, probably around 4pm and you will have been able to fully explore the park. With adult water slides, kiddie pools and everything in between, there is something here for everyone.

Eat at the park or bring a picnic. If you leave for lunch you will have to drive about five minutes before reaching local restaurants.

• When you arrive back at the hotel plan for a few minutes of relaxation before heading out for the evening.

• Head for Richmond Road for dinner where you will find a wide variety of both chain restaurants and local favorites. Also on Richmond Road you will find Ripley’s Believe It or Not, perfect for evening entertainment. Enjoy their 4-D Movie Experience and try your skills at their impossible Laser Maze (think the movie Entrapment)

Day 3 -

Colonial Williamsburg & Spooks and Legends

• Colonial Williamsburg offers another full day of fun for the entire family. Start at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center for a list of that days special programs and events. Spend the morning exploring Colonial Buildings including the wigmaker and blacksmith shops with special emphasis on the Capitol Building and Governor’s Palace.

For lunch head to Merchant’s Square for some of Virginia’s best local dining and specialty shopping. A visit to the Cheese Shop for one of their signature sandwiches is always a treat! After lunch spend a little time in the shops and galleries in Merchant’s Square.

The Revolutionary City is where you will want to spend most of the afternoon. This captivating reenactment takes place near the Capitol building and makes history fun and entertaining as it draws you into the story.

The historic area buildings close at 5pm, but shops and dining remain open in Merchant’s Square. Dinner in a Colonial Tavern will be an experience you are sure not to forget.

• Depending on your dates of travel Spooks and Legends Ghost Tours meet near the Trellis Restaurant in Merchant’s Square for an entertaining evening authentic ghost stories about people and buildings in the historic area. At only $11 per ticket this might just be the best value of your entire trip!

Grand Illumination

2010-11-16T09:47:00.000-08:00

Colonial Williamsburg Press Release:

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. –Illuminations—firing guns into the air and lighting fireworks—were commonly used during the 18th century to celebrate major events such as great military victories, the birthday of the monarch or the arrival of a new colonial governor. Colonial Williamsburg carries on this tradition on Dec. 5 with Grand Illumination.

Guests can be part of Colonial Williamsburg’s holiday season that features fireworks, music and candlelit buildings. The celebration begins in the late afternoon with a variety of entertainment, starting at 4:45 p.m. on multiple outdoor stages throughout the Historic Area. The Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums provides 18th-century music appropriate to the season. Other performers present holiday entertainment found in Williamsburg two centuries ago and today.

At 5:45 p.m. the Fifes and Drums signals the beginning of Grand Illumination, from all four stages. At 6:15 p.m., candles are lit in public buildings, shops and homes, and fireworks are launched at three Historic Area locations: the Governor’s Palace, Magazine and Capitol. After the fireworks, entertainment resumes on the outdoor stages and continues until 7:30 p.m.

The tradition of Grand Illumination originated in 1934 with a “White Lighting.” The first re-creation of an 18th-century Christmas in Williamsburg featured single candles in the windows of the Historic Area’s restored and reconstructed buildings, as well as garlands and greens on the outside of the buildings.

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is the not-for-profit educational and cultural organization dedicated to the preservation, interpretation and presentation of the restored 18th-century Revolutionary capital of Virginia. This town-sized living history museum tells the inspirational stories of our journey to become Americans through programs in the Historic Area and through the award-winning Revolutionary City program. foundations benefits the educational mission of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

Williamsburg is located in Virginia’s Tidewater region, 20 minutes from Newport News, within an hour’s drive of Richmond and Norfolk, and 150 miles south of Washington, D.C. For more information about Colonial Williamsburg, call 1-800-HISTORY or visit Colonial Williamsburg’s website at www.history.org.

Yankee Candle Flagship Store

2010-10-27T09:06:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows Yankee Candles, a million different scents in every imaginable variety. You can purchase them virtually everywhere, Hallmark, Bed Bath and Beyond and of course the Yankee Candle stores that have been popping up in malls. So what is the big deal about a Yankee Candle Flagship Store? A LOT!

When the store in Williamsburg was being built we all drove by wondering why they needed such a big place for candles. When it opened we found that it was actually several stores in one. Yes there are the lovely candles and you can find all 400 scents here, but you can also create your own candles and make wax molds of your kids hands. Within what is more like the Yankee Candle Village you will find a cafe and dining area, home store with novelty and specialty gifts including all the Vera Bradly handbags you ever wanted. Got a sweet tooth? Visit the fudge and candy shops!

Your kids may roll their eyes when you mention going to "Yankee Candle" but once inside they are sure to see the toy train circling the ceiling and follow it straight back to the toy shop and adjoining Christmas Area. Even my two year old was dazzled, "Mommy, lots of stars!" The Christmas room features handmade ornaments, the full collection of Department 56 with homes villages and snow babies and animated scenes galore. Stay more than five minutes and your will see real snow!

In true Yankee Candle tradition the entire Village is decorated no matter what the season and for the holidays there is a candle in every window. Disregard what you think you know about Yankee and make sure to visit during your next trip to Williamsburg.

INSIDER TIP! Use the "coupon" app on your mobile phone to score great deal like $15 off of a $45 purchase just by showing the coupon on your phone at check out. No printing or clipping required!

A Toddler's First Visit to Busch Gardens

2010-07-27T18:46:00.000-07:00

With memories of my own childhood, I couldn't wait to take my 20 month old son to Busch Gardens for the first time. Looking back I see my own memories were probably more along the lines of age five rather than age 1 1/2 but we went for it anyway on what we hoped would be a slower Friday evening.

First stop, Sesame Place where our son Will was mesmerized. Startled to meet his best and oldest pal Elmo, he quickly warmed up to all of the characters and even a few of the rides. Most attractions in this area were more for 3-4 year olds, but he was content just to look around and ride the water rides. Note to mom: BRING BATHING SUIT NEXT TIME. There are great water fountains for the kids to play in, if only he were dressed appropriately.

Next stop: The Train. What little boy doesn't love trains? Our child was no exception. He literally could have ridden around and around the park all day and been happy. The authentic steam engine, conductor, and whistle made him giggle with delight. Another note for parents: Try to sit in the front where your child can have a better view of the front car.

Dinner? The Fest Haus. No chicken tenders??? What place that caters to kids doesn't carry chicken tenders. As it happens this is the only meat that my child will eat without a fight. Instead he had french fries and strawberries. Not ideal, but technically fries are a vegetable, right?

While we weren't brave enough to try the sky ride, we did opt for a stop at the Carousel. This was my one big complaint. While the park closed at 10pm, the carousel closed at 8:00pm. Fine I can live with that, what I can't live with is that those of us who were in line before 8pm were not allowed to ride. They simply closed the ride, said its 8:00pm and turned us around. Clearly the young lady running the ride had never been waiting with an impatient child who had already picked out the horse they wanted to ride. Disappoint me, fine. Disappoint my kid and mommy isn't happy!

As the dazzle of Illuminights began it was time for us to head home for bed. Although we didn't get to stay for the fire works it was easy to see that the park was coming alive with the festivities of the evening. So much so that my husband and I may go back alone one night when we can stay later.

One last note: Take the stroller. My son really prefers to walk, so we decided we could live without the extra baggage. There is a ton of walking, and 30lbs feels like 50lbs after one jaunt around the park.

4th Of July Happenings

2010-07-02T09:26:00.000-07:00

What better place to celebrate our Nation's Independence than Virginia's Historic Triangle where the British surrendered and freedom was won. Throughout the area there are a number of special events and happenings...not to mention several sets of fireworks...

Our friends at the Williamsburg-Yorktown Daily have put together a list, visit them at:
www.wydaily.com/local-news/4654-whats-happening-on-july-4-plus-insiders-guides.html
for up to date information on celebrating the holiday in Williamsburg

Top 5 Ways to Beat the Heat in the 'Burg

2010-06-22T18:44:00.000-07:00

Growing up in Williamsburg you get spoiled by basically great weather. There are usually one or two super cold weeks in winter (super cold = highs in the 30's) and one or two super hot weeks in the summer with temperatures around 100. This week happens to be one of those weeks so I thought it might be time to make some suggestions.

Here we go...Top 5 ways to beat the heat if it happens to be extra warm during your visit:

5. Spend the afternoon/evening at Colonial Down's racetrack. Most people don't know that a short 20 minute drive from Williamsburg will take you to one of the nicest racing facilities in the state. Best of all there is a great view from inside where there is plenty of cool air. Kids will get a kick out of watching the races.

4. Ripley's Believe it or Not. While admittedly not an all day attraction, this museum and 4-D theatre is fun for all ages with more than 300 exhibits.

3. Lunch at a Colonial Tavern. One of the most unique parts of the Colonial Williamsburg experience is the dining. With period characters, entertainment, and 17th Century fare, this should be part of every visit to the historic area.

2. Take in a show at Busch Gardens. Busch Gardens auditions performers from all over the country when casting its Broadway style shows. The entertainment is world class and the air conditioning is plentiful.

1. The number one way to beat the heat while on vacation in Williamsburg? Spend the day at Water Country USA. With pools, slides, kiddie areas and lounge chairs galore Water Country USA keeps you cool while enjoying the thrills and spills of the Mid-Atlantic's largest water park.

Prime Outlets, What's all the fuss about?

2010-06-08T18:44:00.000-07:00

Growing up in Williamsburg the locals always knew to avoid Busch Gardens on weekends in the summer. The reason was simple, why fight the crowds during peak times when locals have the luxury of going anytime. Today the park is decidedly less crowded, perhaps because they have added new rides and attractions and there is simply more room for everyone to spread out. Today the place locals avoid on the weekends is without question Prime Outlets.

What is all the fuss about? Outlet shopping is hardly a new idea, yet during the worst economy of my lifetime there seems to be no shortage of people looking to spend their hard earned cash. For Memorial Day weekend my husbands brother and his wife were in town with their two kids and number one on her agenda: Outlet Shopping. Here was my big chance to see it from a tourist perspective.

Although my "must visit" stores included Polo, Michael Kors and Ann Taylor, my sister in law took the visit much more seriously. Mapping out her route, essentials included Hannah Anderson, Carters, LL Bean, Adidas and the new "Crocs" store. As we passed along she educated me to what items would have cost as department stores. "Pay $25 for Crocs?" I joked, "surely you are kidding. Plastic shoes can't cost that much!" She assures me they do, and that the bargain she found for half of that saved her family of four $50.00.

Store after store my sister in law found one deal after another and when it was all said and done she assured me that she saved a small fortune. A fortune I save every time I shop, yet I had no idea the savings were so substantial. Knowing I had a great deal made the trip all the more exciting!

No longer will I wonder why this attraction, above all others in Williamsburg seems to be busy year round, I'll just sit back, join thr crowd and count the money that I am "making." After all, as I told my husband, "A penny saved is a penny earned." A little rationalizing never hurt anyone!

Welcome

2010-04-01T06:54:00.001-07:00

Welcome to our Williamsburg Vacations Blog. We are excited to launch our new site and looking forward to bringing special offers and exclusive packages to you! If you are traveling to Williamsburg, please send us your thoughts, photos and experiences so that we may share them. Thank you and thank you as always for considering Williamsburg, VA for your next vacation. We look forward to having you.