polyester

I'm traveling with a friend from D.C. to Williamsburg this Saturday (4/22) to see a concert on the William and Mary campus. A few questions: Can we see some of the historic sites and/or do the Duke of Gloucester strip without paying for Colonial Williamsburg tickets? The campus looks to be walking distance from the center of the colonial area, about 1.5 miles. Is this the case? And we'll likely need to find a spot for dinner. Any suggestions of places that are walking distance from campus, not fine dining but not dives, in the $25-$30 per person price range? Thanks so much!

obxgirl

You can wander around Merchant Square (shops and restaurants) and many of the restored area streets, including the main drag Duke of Gloucester, without buying a ticket. (That will change somewhat in the near future.)

Is the concert at Wm & Mary Hall or Phi Beta Kappa Hall? No matter where it is on campus, really, it's all walkable to the restored area. And as long as it's not raining, it'll be a very pretty walk!

For dinner, I'd suggest a couple of places on Prince George Street. Aromas is a coffee house which also serves light meals in the evening. Across the street from Aromas is the very very good Blue Talon where it's possible to eat within your budget but you might be tempted to spend more!

polyester

Good advice! Anything we need to know about restricted areas vs. public areas that are accessible without tix? And the show is at William & Mary hall, which may be a little farther than the other venue, but if it's about a mile and a half it definitely sounds doable. Thanks much for the dining tips!

obxgirl

>>>restricted areas vs. public areas <<<

Nothing to know ahead of time. It's clear either by signage or a person checking tickets where you can and can't go.

The walk to Merchant Sq won't be bad at all as long as the weather is fine. Walking through the campus will be a prettier walk than along Richmond Road.

Have fun!

Birdie

Follow OBXgirls' advice and walk through the middle of the campus. You can't get lost. The old campus is V-shaped with Richmond Rd. and Jamestown Rd. on each side. The large building facing Merchants Square (the beginning of DOG st) is the Wren Building, the oldest college classroom building still in use.
Some other dining options are:
Greenleafe Cafe which looks like a dive but has very good food and is a favorite of grad students. Its across the street from the football stadium.
the cafe menu at The Trellis which is not my favorite restaurant but is a tourist fav and has good desserts. If its warm they'll be serving outside on DOG st.
If they don't have a table available at Blue Talon ask if you can sit at the bar. They do serve dinner there. That's usually where I sit regardless of table availability.

polyester

Thanks for steering toward walking across campus -- I haven't been to Williamsburg since I was 13, but I remember thinking the grounds were beautiful. And thanks for the tip on trying the bar at Blue Talon!

peggy01

I would highly recommend the Fat Canary in Merchants Square. The food is fantastic and atmosphere is wonderful, too. We went to the Trellis last time we were in town. Personally, I didn't think it was that great.

Weespxx

The Fat Canary is our favorite place in town (although Aromas and the Greene Leafe are wonderful for less expensive fare) but I don;t think you'd be able to do within your budget.