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Williamsburg

Williamsburg, VA

by talpa4980

A July 2006 travel journal

Last Updated: September 28, 2006

Journal Usefulness Rating 3 out of 5
Journal Usefulness Rating
9
Reviews

I went to Williamsburg for my honeymoon. We were looking for a place that had many different options as far as things to do, and we found it.

Williamsburg, VA

Overview

There were several highlights of this trip. Busch Gardens would be one of them. This is a great place for a couple, or also for a family, with plenty to do for all. Another major highlight was just walking around Colonial Williamsburg, and seeing everyone in period character.

Quick Tips:

Biggest discount I could suggest is to find some sort of coupon for a discount to Busch Gardens. The tickets are nearly per adult, and a discount would have been a great idea for us.

Best Way To Get Around:

The best way to get around Colonial Williamsburg is definitely by foot, but be prepared. Bring good walking shoes, and strollers are recommended for small kids.
The room was very nice. All the furniture was Colonial styled, didn't look like mass-produced furniture at all. Had a nice view from the room of the courtyard below. The room was very large for the price. The Hotel was convenient to walk to everything in Colonial Williamsburg, and the staff was very friendly.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by talpa4980 on September 28, 2006

Williamsburg Lodge
310 South England St. Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
(757) 229-1000

This was a fabulous restaurant. The food was amazing, had a nice selection of seafood, beef, etc. for everyone. Service was equally incredible. Everyone that works there is very into their characters. Also had musical groups that wandered through and led everyone in sing alongs.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by talpa4980 on September 28, 2006

Christiana Campbell’s Tavern
Waller St Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
(757) 229-2141

Very fun place to hang out at night. People come around and teach period era games to play. Minstrel group also wanders through all of the different rooms to play and sing. It really gets people going, especially after having a few. Best not to bring children after 8pm, as this is more of an adult environment. Also has great snack foods to order while hanging out there.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by talpa4980 on September 28, 2006

Chowning's Tavern
Colonial Williamsburg Williamsburg, Virginia
(757) 229-2141

Made a day trip here to have a tour of the winery. They have a very cute little restaurant that is great for a light lunch before the tour. I suggest sitting outside under the trellis, it is very nice. Cost of the tour is free, or $7 per person if you want to do the wine tasting at the end (which also includes a free wine glass.) Very informative, both during the tour and the tasting. Very good prices on their wine in the shop they have.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by talpa4980 on September 28, 2006

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

Busch Gardens

Activity

This is probably the most beautiful theme park I have ever been to, both with the landscaping, the natural terrain, and the buildings/decorations. Really feels like you are all over Europe. Price of food was surprisingly reasonable, ticket prices are about what was expected. Didn't have long waits for either food or rides.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by talpa4980 on September 28, 2006

Busch Gardens
610 Thimble Shoals Boulevard Newport News, Virginia 23606
(757) 873-1042

Merchant Square

Activity

This is a great little town-square like shopping center. It has a great variety of stores, with everything from books to clothing to souvenirs, and a great little Christmas shop. There are also a variety of restaurants to eat, whether you are looking for a small snack or a romantic meal. Located right at the end of Colonial Williamsburg, it is easy to walk to from nearly everywhere. They also put on a variety of shows there on the weekend during the summer.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by talpa4980 on September 28, 2006

Merchant Square
West Duke of Gloucester Street Williamsburg, Virginia 23185

This is a must see in Colonial Williamsburg. Admission is free with Colonial Williamsburg passes. The palace is located at the end of a huge green yard, which gives one the sense of how important this building was in its day. The tour takes you all through the palace, with different tour guides in each room. They are full of information, and make the whole tour very enjoyable. The best part of the tour, however, was the grounds. After touring the palace, you are allowed to walk through the beautiful lawns that surround it. Words cannot do them justice. There is also a hedge-maze to go through, and a large pond that you can walk around. They also have all the supporting buildings (kitchen, shops, etc.) open to walk through and see how the governor lived. Truly a masterpiece.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by talpa4980 on September 28, 2006

The Governor's Palace
Palace Green Williamsburg, Virginia
(757) 229-1000

This has got to be one of the freakiest ghost stories I have ever heard (Randolph House), and I am not a person who scares easily. I would explain it here, but I don’t want to ruin the effect once you hear it in person. The tour guide we had was very good, and had a great sense of storytelling. Be prepared to walk, as we went from one end of Colonial Williamsburg to the other on the tour (about 1 hour total). Made us look at a lot of the buildings differently afterward. Great way to end the day before heading back to the hotel.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by talpa4980 on September 28, 2006

Original Ghosts of Williamsburg Candlelight Tour
Colonial Williamsburg Williamsburg, Virginia

About the Writer

talpa4980
talpa4980
Allentown, Pennsylvania

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