Williamsburg-Best Family Vacation

This place had something for everyone. History buffs in the group took in Colonial Williamburg while the golfers visited local golf courses within minutes of Powhatan Plantation.

Eating at Christina Campbell''s Tavern in the center of Colonial Williamsburg village on a warm summer''s evening with a small semi-private room to ourselves and blue and white checkered cloth curtains wafting in the breeze from the opened window, made our entire family realize that being there together in this most historic place was "as good as it gets".

The bus tour arranged by Powhatan Plantation going into Washington, D.C. for an entire day was not only easy and enjoyable, but also affordable for a family of four, about for 17 hours of transporation, entrance fees, and narration.

Daily trips to the other historic sites within minutes of Williamsburg, such as Jamestown, Yorktown, Norfolk, and Hampton Roads brought America''s history to the forefront. We witnessed our nation''s beginnings, wars, and politics from it''s inception to present day. Hands-on experiences always top those just read about. This is a great place for an educational vacation.

Quick Tips:

Upon checking into the timeshare at Powhatan Plantation (RCI #1046), we checked on tours available and booked the Washington D.C. bus tour for later in the week. Once it was booked, we then planned our other day''s events around it. This tour was so convenient and informative with the bus picking our family up in front of our timeshare unit at 6am and then at days/tours end dropping us back off at our own door. We never had to drive or walk anywhere to join the tour. Marvelous!

Summer months are hot and sticky in Virginia so be prepared or go in spring or fall. Williamsburg Pottery Factory is close by and worthy of a few hours time for its extensive line of products. A ferry ride with your car to Suffolk, across the James River, to check out Pocohantas sites and to sample Smithfield Virginia hams was a great break in the week. Try the ham biscuits.

Best Way To Get Around:

Having a rental car at your disposal was very beneficial. Though the many sites to visit are all less than 30 minutes of the timeshare, they are in opposite directions and too far to walk or use costly taxis.

Once inside the Colonial Williamsburg area, park the car and walk to thoroughly enjoy the many sites. If you wish to go inside buildings you will need a ticket purchased at the visitor center.

The bus tour to Washington, D.C. was a total hit with my husband since he didn''t have to drive into "the city" and could also enjoy the day not worrying about traffic and parking. It sold us on the idea of taking a tour while on vacation. Worth every penny.

Driving into the beautiful country side, across the James River bridges or taking the ferry was a hit with the younger set when they became bored with historical buildings and "learning".

Best Things Nearby:
There are more than enough things to do in the area to cover well over a week''s time. You can learn the history of the U.S. from its inception at Jamestown through modern day Norfolk Naval Base and Nauticus Maritime Museum. Colonial Williamsburg is the big draw here, but there''s also Yorktown Battle Fields, Busch Gardens, and Water Country USA, Washington, D.C. about 1.5 hours away, William and Mary College, America''s first university, Williamsburg Inn for brunch, many golf courses, Williamsburg Pottery Factory, Chesapeake Bay, James River, Patrick Henry Airport, Christina Campbell Tavern and so much more.

Best Things About the Resort:
Second bedroom was upstairs with twin beds and a dormer window with plenty of room for the kids to hang out when they wanted to be away from the adults. There was a large walk-in steam/sauna in our hall bathroom and a very large deep whirlpool tub, almost big enough for the little ones to "swim" in the master bedroom. It had it''s own standard sized washer and dryer, not the smaller compact apartment-sized models.

Lots of open spaces around the timeshare units that looked like banks of townhouses so we didn''t feel all squeezed together into a small space. It is within minutes of the main street of Colonial Williamsburg. The greenery of the countryside around was beautiful. You could just feel the history all around with a restored manor house on the property that is on the National Historic Registry.

Resort Experience:
As you enter the plantation you are first greeted with the restored manor house which houses a restaurant. A circle drive leads you past the many townhouses that back up to the wooded areas. It is quite a spread out area and this is probably the reason we did not use the recreation or pools -- there were all a hike from our unit.

Our 2 bedroom unit was on the second and third floors of the building. A locked outer door opened to a small lobby where another door lead up stairs to our unit.

It was decorated in modern quality colonial styled furniture and colors. Kitchen was pullman-style with one side containing the washer and dryer behind folding louvred doors and the other side the sink, dishwasher, stove, and a bar with stools into the living room area. There was only a small table in the living room area and the bar stools, no regular dining area.

The bedrooms, one on the main floor and the second up stairs were both very large. Twin beds in the upstairs bedroom, and beautiful wooden furniture plus the dormer windows made for a great play room for the kids.

It had distinct rooms rather than open areas that made it seem a bit more boxy and less spacious, but very traditionally Colonial in style.

We were so busy with the off-site locations to visit that we did not take advantage of the on-site amenities. We might have used one of the three pools if it had been closer and more convenient to the unit.

The timeshare townhouse buildings back up to wooded areas and there are lots of open grassy pastures, both great for long contemplative and relaxing walks. Wildlife can even be seen in the early morning or around dusk, such as deer, squirrels, turtles, and chipmunks.

A large box turtle introduced itself to our son the beginning of our week''s stay and he took up residence for the week in the unit steam room. He became a great pet and diversion for a 7-year-old.

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Very Good
• Amenities: Excellent
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent

Chritina Campbell''s Tavern is an historic tavern that is reputed to have been a favorite of George Washington. It has served many historic figures such as Benjamin Franklin and Patrick Henry. It is located at the end of the main street in Colonial Williamsburg.

Christina Campbell and her family lived here during colonial days and began renting out rooms within their house as extra income and to accommodate travelers to the then capitol of Williamsburg. The Campbell family then began selling food and beverages. Today, the tavern contines to serve a colonial-style meal with drinks served in tankards and using pewter plates.

The restaurant is considered one of the must-see taverns while in Colonial Williamsburg. It specializes in seafood and regional foods such as sweet potato muffins, crab cakes, oyster fritters, clam chowder, and muddle--a tomato-based seafood stew. Lunch and dinner are served daily.

Upon entering, there is a large room with a walk-in fireplace that has a natural wooden floor and 18th-century feel, with its period furnishings and dim lighting. We were escorted into a tiny room, probably a bedroom in years past.

There were three small wooden antique tables in this room, enough to seat two people at each of two of the tables and then our larger table which seated four.

It was a warm summer evening and the window by the table was open, no screen, with a gentle breeze floating the blue and white gingham curtains gently. The room was full of character and memories of bygone days.

The food was local fare, much like what would have been served in colonial days with an emphasis on local seafood such as clams, crab, and shrimp. Other continental entrees of beef and chicken were also served. Our children sampled their first spoon bread and we all relished the bread pudding. The fresh-baked country breads were scrumptious and always kept replenished. Portion sizes were large but manageable.

The waitress, dressed in period costume, was charming and efficient. She personalized our service and included the children in the conversations. The food was excellent and fairly priced for the experience had. Without a doubt, we will return upon our next visit to Colonial Williamsburg.

For that feeling of 18th-century life, a visit to Christina Campbell''s Tavern (it''s more of a restaurant and there''s no problem taking the children along--in fact, it''s recommended), will delight your soul. The food is plentiful and delicious, the atmosphere is priceless, the history lesson for the children is invaluable, and the family coziness is memorable. It was a very special experience for all of us.

If you go during peak tourist times, a reservation is recommended.

For an extra special touch while in Williamsburg, Sunday Brunch at the Regency Room within the Williamsburg Inn is just the ticket. This beautiful hotel is remeniscent of a country estate. The furnishings and decor are very upscale.

Their fine dining room, The Regency Room, serves a delightful Sunday Brunch from noon to 2pm. You'll need to dress everyone up a bit, but the experience will be well worth the effort. Live entertainment is included.

The Brunch menu is all inclusive with a vast array of buffet choices from eggs, waffles, sliced meats like prime rib, Virginia ham, and smoked salmon, omelettes, pastries, desserts, champagne, and coffee and tea served from silver pots. Fresh berries and cinammon French toast were a hit with our family.

White linen tablecloths and napkins, as well as quality china and flatware, add to a feeling of luxury. The dining room is spacious with ample room between tables, the service is top-notch, and the ambiance is superb. Just walking through the Inn to get to the Regency Room is a treat. This is one of those places that everyone talks more quietly and the children sense its special atmosphere and remember all their manners while practicing to be young ladies and gentlemen. It's delightful.

See where the United States began. With the popularity of Disney's Pocohantas movie, a visit to Jamestown Settlement will provide an opportunity to walk where she walked and learn how she and her fellow tribesmen lived. There are actually two sites within the Jamestown Settlement.

The Powhatan Indian Village provides living history lessons on the life of the Native Americans found living in the area at the time of the ship's landing. Hands-on activities such as grinding corn, seeing a canoe carved, and going inside a reed house are enjoyable for all ages.

The James Fort area provides opportunities to see the lifestyle of the 1607 settlers, the first permanent English colony in the New World, inside the fort walls. Armour and musketry are demonstrated.

At water's edge re-created replicas of the three ships, Susan Constance, God Speed, and Discovery, are present and one of them can be boarded to get a first-hand view of life aboard the vessels for the 4-month journey from England.

Inside the gallery museum are displays and an historical movie, "Jamestown, the Beginning," to further explain how the settlers lived. Across the road from the main entrance of Jamestown Settlement is another location where other facets of 17th century life can be viewed, such as glass blowing.

Jamestown is only 10 minutes from Colonial Williamsburg. Admission prices are $10.75 for adults and $5.25 for children. Discount combination tickets can be purchased for Jamestown and Yorktown Victory Center. An informative website is: .

First you saw Jamestown Settlement, site of the first permanent English colony in the New World, then you toured Colonial Williamsburg, site of first capitol in the colonies, next visit the historic Revolutionary War site of Yorktown.

Yorktown Victory Center about 20 minutes east of Colonial Williamsburg is a recreated 1780s farm and colonial army encampment. Both narrative films, displays, and demonstrations of colonial and military life are provided. Crude medical procedures, musket and cannon firing, as well as foods eaten and hardships faced are all part of the day's events.

Throughout the day, the Children's Kaleidoscope Discovery Room has rotating hands-on activities for children to play the role and learn what life was like for a child in the 1780s.

Our children carried home their souvenirs of quill pens after hand writing class. There is a nice gift shop and cafe available on site.

Admission prices are $8 adults and $4 children. If you are going to Jamestown Settlement, a discounted combination admission ticket can save you a few dollars. Yorktown Victory Center is open 9am to 5pm daily except Christmas and New Year's Day. Check their website at historyisfun.org for more information.

For a change of pace from the saturation of history found on the Williamsburg side of the bay, we traveled about 45 minutes to Norfolk's waterfront for a day at Nauticus.

Price of admission includes touring the Hampton Roads Naval Museum on the second floor to learn about naval history, the Battleship Wisconsin tour tied up next to Nauticus, and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration touch screen computer displays. A replica of a ship's wheelhouse is available for those who wish to try their hand at reading the instruments and navigating a ship. A tour of a tugboat at the Tugboat Museum can be arranged for $2 and is located next to Nauticus.

The Battleship Wisconsin was the largest and last battleship built, and saw extensive action during World War II. You can take a self-guided or audio tour of the ship.

If you'd like to take a two hour tour of the largest naval station in the world, cruises to Norfold Naval station leave from Nauticus.

Nauticus is open 10am to 6pm most days. For more information, visit nauticus.org.