Williamsburg

Travelers' Takes

Getting There

Stepping Into History

An August 2003 trip to Williamsburg by Rocky Mountain Writer

The combination of learning, sightseeing, and Busch Gardens makes Williamsburg a great family destination.

  • 4 reviews

Fairfield Kingsgate ResortBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Fairfield Kingsgate"

Best Things Nearby:
Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown, Busch Gardens, and Virginia Beach.

Best Things About the Resort:
Very large rooms, excellent decor, and exterior of the buildings adds charm as well.

Resort Experience:
Kingsgate is a beautiful Fairfield property. The activities center with indoor and outdoor pool, 18 holes and mini-golf, computers, game room, and workout center is enough to keep any family entertained. The master suite in the two-bedroom provided lots of room. Dark-stained furnishing added the right touch.

  • Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
  • Activities: Very Good
  • Amenities: Excellent
  • Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
  • Family Friendliness: Excellent
  • Service: Excellent
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Rocky Mountain Writer on August 19, 2003

Fairfield Kingsgate Resort
619 Georgetown Crescent Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
(757) 220-5702

Fisherman's WharfBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

The folks at Fairfield Kingsgate recommended this place, and it's worth it. Just over the bridge to Norfolk (from Williamsburg it's about 35 minutes), you see the restaurant and exit. It's the only restaurant at the first exit and sits on the bay. Classic furniture and amazing seafood buffet. Says "world famous" on the sign, and I'd agree. Open for dinner only, except on Sundays. Worth the short drive for some amazing seafood. Then drive the extra 25 minutes to the Virginia Beach boardwalk and enjoy some dessert on the ocean.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Rocky Mountain Writer on August 19, 2003

Fisherman's Wharf
1571 Bayville Street Norfolk 23503
(757) 480-3113

Colonial National Historical Park: Jamestown Visitor CenterBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Jamestown"

Walking along the river at Jamestown puts you in the shoes of the very first colonists to come to the New World. It's a cool feeling to look at the surroundings and think why they stopped here. A huge monument, one of the oldest church structures and the oldest business in the US (a glass blowing factory dating back to the early 1600s) can be found at this National Park.

A little warning: just outside the National Park (which costs about $6 to get in) is a Jamestown living mueseum. Lots of replicas, but not the historic sight, and it costs a lot more. At first I thought it was the National Park--it's not--just keep going down the road a bit. Another note: there's a lot more to see at Jamestown than Yorktown, plus it's a lot closer to Williamsburg.

  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Rocky Mountain Writer on August 19, 2003

Colonial National Historical Park: Jamestown Visitor Center
1368 Colonial Pkwy Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
(757) 229-1733

Colonial WilliamsburgBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Because Colonial Williamsburg is so large, it's hard to get a handle on at first. Too much to do in one day. Original buildings and people in period costumes dot the landscape. All the staff is very knowledgable. Ask anybody a question in costume and they'll tell you who they are and what they did. Cool to walk around the houses of people who formed our country. The silversmith, wig maker, and other "working stores" were very interesting. Don't miss eating at one of the restaurants. I recommend the King's Arm.

The nighttime stuff is also very cool. For an additional charge, you can walk around and view skilled musicians and singers performing pieces from that era. Plus, the witch trial is awesome. Buy tickets early as it sells out quickly.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Rocky Mountain Writer on August 19, 2003

Colonial Williamsburg
134 Henry Street Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
(800) 4447-679

About the Writer

Rocky Mountain Writer
Rocky Mountain Writer
Colorado Springs, Colorado

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