Williamsburg

A May 2005 trip to Williamsburg by moonlightgraham

We spent a very nice week at the Marriott's Manor Club in Ford's Colony. This is not an RCI property (II), but there are many RCI properties. We traveled before the heavy summer season, so the area attractions were very lightly attended.

  • 6 reviews

WilliamsburgBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Busch Gardens, Water Country USA, Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown

Quick Tips:

Purchase the 3-day bounce ticket for Busch Gardens via their website. It is very economical and provides just the right amount of time to leisurely explore the two parks (Busch Gardens and Water Country USA).

AAA has discounted 2-day passes to Colonial Williamsburg that will save you dollars per ticket. However, I would suggest those with toddlers to think hard before purchasing these tickets. The tickets allow access to the more important and interesting buildings but the guided tours tha take place can be tedious for restless toddlers. The grounds and many other buildings can be entered at no charge, so that may be the best option for those traveling with small children and wait to explore the other buildings when they are older and more interested.

Jamestown and Yorktown are very interesting as well and easily accessible via the Colonial Parkway that links the three towns. For those with children, Jamestown is were the legend of Pocahantas will come alive!

Best Way To Get Around:

A car is a must here.

Marriott Vacation Club Manor Club at Fords ColonyBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Marriott's Manor Club @ Ford's Colony"

This is an II property, not RCI, but it is typical Marriott-quality. Very nice property in a very high-end golf community. It is four to five miles west of Colonial Williamsburg, but the entire area and attractions are easily accessible.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by moonlightgraham on June 9, 2005

Marriott Vacation Club Manor Club at Fords Colony
101 ST ANDREWS DRIVE Williamsburg, Virginia 23188
804-258-1120

Shackleford'sBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Shacklefords"

Near Busch Gardens, so it's good after a day at the park, when everyone's tired and bit haggard-looking. Sports bar motif, but the food is better than the average appetizer-laden menu at most of these types of restaurants.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by moonlightgraham on June 9, 2005

Shackleford's
Monticello Marketplace Shopping Center, 4640-7 Monticello Avenue Williamsburg, Virginia 23188
(757) 258-5559

Chowning's TavernBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Right on Duke of Gloucester St. Nice patio area with vine-covered trellis to create shade. Sandwiches and chips is the typical menu item. Nothing fancy, but good and not too expensive.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by moonlightgraham on June 9, 2005

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

Williamsburg WineryBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

We attended a wine-tasting and tour of this interesting winery. It costs $7 per person and includes the wine glass and a brief book explaining the wine-making process, along with an interesting history of the property. All in all, it's a nice diversion for an hour or two one afternoon. It is off 199 southwest of the Colonial Williamsburg area.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by moonlightgraham on June 9, 2005

Williamsburg Winery
5800 Wessex Hundred Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
(757) 229-0999

Busch GardensBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Very beautiful and clean park. Good mix of thrill rides and gentler, slower rides for younger children. Wish they had more beer and wine from the various countries that make up the park, but seeing how it's Busch Gardens, you can't blame them for pushing only their products.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by moonlightgraham on June 9, 2005

Busch Gardens
One Busch Gardens Boulevard Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
(800) 343-7946

About the Writer

moonlightgraham
moonlightgraham
Atlanta, Georgia
  • "I like to travel to new places every year, but also return to familiar spots that I truly love, like..."
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  • 8 reviews

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