DonnaCape

I will be passing through Williamsburg in the beginning of March. My husband and I have one day to visit. What is a must see and where to stay nice but reasonable?

wanderluster

They offer one day tickets that
include many of the restored buildings and crafts shops.
With that ticket and simply wandering the restored area,
you will get an excellent
overview of Williamsburg.
There are other tickets available
but that one has always been sufficient for us, even when we
visited without our children.

Check out The Woodlands, with
motel style lodging *on property* of the restored area.
Nothing fancy but clean and close. Several food options also available.

Be aware also, that it may be
beautiful then weather wise, or i
could be cold and rainy. Its a crap
shoot but you'll still have
a good time.

Hope this helps.

Birdie

All of the hotel chains are here and close to everything so if you have a favorite I would just stay there.

Check on the Colonial Williamsburg properties. Woodlands is one. Another, less expensive one, is the Governor's Inn which some have given good reviews of.

"What not to miss" depends on your interests. I would hate to be in Williamsburg for one day and miss CW. You can wander the streets but you get so much more out of it if you pay for admission.

You can spend the day shopping at the outlets if that is what floats your boat.

You may be more interested in Jamestown. You can easily spend a day at the two sites.

Others...hiking, museums,etc. I do suggest that everyone drive the entire length of the Colonial Parkway. It's free and won't take more than an hour unless you make multiple stops.

Search for more ideas and restaurants or ask again.

Gekko

1. As soon as it opens, go to the visitors' center and watch the short film "Story of a Patriot." It'll set the scene & mood for your day. (Also purchase your tickets.)

2. Walk or shuttle to the Capitol. Tour it.

3. Walk down Duke of Gloucester Street, visiting the attractions that, well, attract you.

4. Turn right and tour the Governor's Mansion.

5. Return to Duke of Gloucester and end your day in Merchant's Square.

Enjoy!

Cassandra

Do NOT miss eating dinner (or if you only have time for lunch, then lunch) in one of the restored area restaurants, which you must make a reservation for (can do that on line or by phone) well ahead of time. I like King's Arms or Christiana Campbell, but any are fun.

Gekko

I agree ... dinner at one of the Colonial restaurants would be ideal.

(Or, if you're interested in an absolutely extraordinary five-star meal, reserve a table in the Regency Room of the Williamsburg Inn. Men must wear jackets.)

http://www.history.org/visit/diningExperience/

tovarich

The Governor's inn is great.Paul

SavTrav

Two years ago we stayed at the Fife & Drum B&B. It was the perfect location - just a few blocks over from the sites. It was great to be able to pop back in the room whenever we wanted.

We had dinner at the Blue Talon - which I highly recommend.

Also - when in a college town we always stroll around the campus a bit. William & Mary is very close to the historic area.

cheapbutnice2

sorry if I missed this fact above but be sure to understand that this time of year, if you stay at the Woodlands, or on-site at CW, they include admission. It's a huge savings and we find the Woodlands a great value!

gteacher

I'm not sure if you would consider the prices reasonable, but we ate at Fat Canary on a visit 2 summers ago. It was one of the best meals I've ever eaten. Delicious! The restaurant is close to Colonial Williamsburg. I highly recommend it.

I also highly recommend A Williamsburg White House if you want to splurge a little. Wonderful place to stay with great hosts.