Williamsburg

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Williamsburg Christmastide

A December 2003 trip to Williamsburg by MLL7

This was our first trip to Williamsburg. We went right after Christmas to experience the season from a historic perspective. The celebration was quite different in colonial times. Great trip with plenty to do. We also visited Jamestown and the Shirley and Berkley Plantations. Very busy, not much rest.

  • 8 reviews

King's Creek PlantationBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "King’s Creek Plantation"

Best Things Nearby:
Though both were closed, Water Country is adjacent to the resort and Busch Gardens is one exit and a couple of traffic lights away. Marriott has a great sports bar, Pitchers, which is on your way to Busch Gardens. They are also building President's Park across the street. The resort is minutes from the Visitor Center and the historic area.

Best Things About the Resort:
Individual three-bedroom cottages comprised of two separate units, a one-bedroom and a two-bedroom, each with its own W/D. Only the two-bedroom had a gas fireplace and dishwasher, but both had decks. The one-bedroom was small but had a large master bath with Jacuzzi. Didn't participate in any resort activities, as we were gone all day. The location was great. Quiet but convenient.

Resort Experience:
I try to limit my exchanges to Gold Crown resorts. I have stayed at many great ones. I own at Orange Lake and the Galleon. This is by far one of the best.

  • Unit Type: 3 Bedroom
  • Activities: Not Available
  • Amenities: Very Good
  • Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
  • Family Friendliness: Excellent
  • Service: Excellent
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by MLL7 on January 10, 2004

King's Creek Plantation
191 Cottage Cove Lane Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
1-866-228-6796

Shields TavernBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

We were unable to get dinner reservations but had lunch here twice. The food was great. Dining in the cellar is by candlelight. It added to the atmosphere. Mr. Shields, the tavern owner, did visit with the guests during one of our meals. He is very entertaining and adds to the colonial theme.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by MLL7 on January 10, 2004

Shields Tavern
422 Duke of Gloucester St. Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
(757) 229-8610

Coach House TavernBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

This wonderful restaurant is located on the grounds of the Berkeley Plantation. It overlooks a garden full of cardinals. We tried two different sandwiches. Both ranked among the best sandwiches ever. Wonderful bread and stacked with main ingredients. My recommendation would be the Club, but I don't think you can go wrong with whatever you choose. Desserts to die for, but we resisted.

There is one other lunch choice in the Plantation area. That is Indian Fields Tavern. It may be of the same quality, but my recommendation would be the Coach House Tavern.

  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by MLL7 on January 11, 2004

Coach House Tavern
Berkekey Plantaion Charles City 23030
(804) 829-6003

PitchersBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Great sports bar. They have pool and darts as well as Trivia and QB1. Staff very friendly and accommodating. They have Foster's on tap and unlimited free popcorn.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by MLL7 on January 10, 2004

Pitchers
Marriot Hotel on Highway 60 Williamsburg, Virginia

The Aberdeen BarnBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Aberdeen Barn"

Great steak house. Quality food and service. As soon as they take your drink order, they deliver a crock of cheese and sesame seed breadsticks. Nice added touch. We opted for ribs and a chicken house specialty recommended by the waitress (for non-beef eaters). The meal also comes with bread, worth eating even after the breadsticks with cheese, and a salad.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by MLL7 on January 11, 2004

The Aberdeen Barn
US 60 near Bypass Road1601 Richmond Rd Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
757/229-6661

The TrellisBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Upscale restaurant in the heart of Merchant's Square. Outside seating available but the wait is always longer. We ate inside and still had a wait. It seemed like a better option than going across the street and standing in line for half an hour and then searching for a table. Service was slow and not attentive. Food was good, portions not great. The attraction is the dessert called Death by Chocolate. It was huge, chocolatey, and looked delicious. We resisted.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by MLL7 on January 11, 2004

The Trellis
Duke of Gloucester Street Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
757-229-8610

Chowning's TavernBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Chowning's only serves "gambols" (appetizers) in the evening. There are no reservations and there is always a wait. There was a street fire right in front if the restaurant, which is where we waited and kept warm. There are no private tables unless your group is big enough. You get seated with those near you on the waiting list.

The establishment is crowded, loud and busy. The servers seemed to be stretched pretty thin. There were two minstrels who provided a couple of songs during our stay. The menu is quite limited, but there are peanuts waiting for you when you sit down. Some folks were just stopping there for a drink before an evening event in the historic section or dinner at one of the other taverns.

  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by MLL7 on January 11, 2004

Chowning's Tavern
403 Duke of Gloucester Street Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
(757) 229-8610

Kings Arms TavernBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "King's Arms Tavern"

Great tavern right on the main street in the historic section. Lunch is first come, first served. If you get there early, you can get seated right away. If not, you have to stand in line until a table is available. They do not take names. The line is the only way to get a table.

Once seated, your order is taken promptly and food arrives in no time at all. The food is great and the service was good. I would recommend one of the house specialities rather than a sandwich.

  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by MLL7 on January 11, 2004

Kings Arms Tavern
409 Duke of Gloucester Street Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
(757) 229-8610

About the Writer

MLL7
MLL7
Gainesville, Florida

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