April 5-9 Williamsburg/Tidewater Itinerary Assistance
Mar 14th, 2006, 08:45 AM
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April 5-9 Williamsburg/Tidewater Itinerary Assistance
My wife and I will be traveling to Williamsburg on Wed April 5 with our 2 year old twins. I used to live in Chesapeake, so I'd have no itinerary problems if it were just my wife and me; however, with the kids, especially toddler-age, I don't feel nearly as confident. We'll have 3 full days there. We're staying at the Hampton Inn on Bypass Road. Anyone ever stayed there or heard anything about it? As long as it's clean, I'm not going to get too hung up. We'll be out running around most of the time anyway.
I'm thinking one day at Busch Gardens, probably Friday the 7th. Hopefully it won't be as crowded as Sat or Sun. BG seems like a more conducive theme park for little guys than most others. Plenty of trees and attractions geared toward them. Agree? Disagree?
The other two days are the ones that have me a little baffled. I've heard of Kidsburg, which I think might be fun, but how long could we really spend there? Is it in a nice park? Would our time be better spent in Jamestown, Yorktown, or CW? From what I've read, Yorktown sounds like it might be best because it has the Riverwalk and a small beach? Jamestown Settlement also sounds neat with the three ships and the different exhibits. So, I guess for one of the other days, we're looking to spend it in the Historic Triangle, but don't know the most toddler-friendly way to do so.
I'd like to spend the third day over toward the coast. We're thinking of taking a naval base cruise. We thought that might be fun for the kids to see the ships. I've also heard about First Landing Park. How is it for little kids? They'd probably just get a kick out of the beach and water. Would that be the best place for that or should we move over to the Atlantic side of Virginia Beach?
Also, my wife and I want to go out to a nice dinner by ourselves one night. We're leaning toward the Fat Canary. Everything I've read on here sounds positive. I assume those opinions remain the same?
Any help you guys can provide re: this itinerary would be invaluable! Thanks!
I'm thinking one day at Busch Gardens, probably Friday the 7th. Hopefully it won't be as crowded as Sat or Sun. BG seems like a more conducive theme park for little guys than most others. Plenty of trees and attractions geared toward them. Agree? Disagree?
The other two days are the ones that have me a little baffled. I've heard of Kidsburg, which I think might be fun, but how long could we really spend there? Is it in a nice park? Would our time be better spent in Jamestown, Yorktown, or CW? From what I've read, Yorktown sounds like it might be best because it has the Riverwalk and a small beach? Jamestown Settlement also sounds neat with the three ships and the different exhibits. So, I guess for one of the other days, we're looking to spend it in the Historic Triangle, but don't know the most toddler-friendly way to do so.
I'd like to spend the third day over toward the coast. We're thinking of taking a naval base cruise. We thought that might be fun for the kids to see the ships. I've also heard about First Landing Park. How is it for little kids? They'd probably just get a kick out of the beach and water. Would that be the best place for that or should we move over to the Atlantic side of Virginia Beach?
Also, my wife and I want to go out to a nice dinner by ourselves one night. We're leaning toward the Fat Canary. Everything I've read on here sounds positive. I assume those opinions remain the same?
Any help you guys can provide re: this itinerary would be invaluable! Thanks!
Mar 14th, 2006, 09:38 AM
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I haven't taken my 2-year old to Busch Gardens, but he's gone with my parents and they all have fun. They said the key is just to go at his pace and don't expect to see everything. He loves the kiddie rides, seeing the Clydesdales, and just watching the roller coasters.
I'd say your "historic triangle day" depends on the temperaments of your kids. My son is totally laid back and just goes with the flow, so he was perfectly happy just to take a walk down DoG Street in Colonial Williamsburg and check out the shops (we didn't buy passes to go into the buildings).
At the beach, I think you'd be OK at the Bay or the Atlantic coast. It will be too cold to get in the water, so the waves won't be an issue. You'd have a better chance of seeing dolphins at the oceanfront, but I'm thinking it's a bit early for them as well. One idea might be to check into a boat ride. There are several that depart from Rudee Inlet...might want to play that by ear, depending on the weather - could be quite chilly!
I'd definitely recommend the marine science museum in Virginia Beach. It used to be called the Virginia Beach Marine Science musuem, but I think they've changed the name recently. Shouldn't be too hard to find though, and my 2 year old LOVES it. My parents take him every time we visit them at the beach - which is at least once a month!
I'd say your "historic triangle day" depends on the temperaments of your kids. My son is totally laid back and just goes with the flow, so he was perfectly happy just to take a walk down DoG Street in Colonial Williamsburg and check out the shops (we didn't buy passes to go into the buildings).
At the beach, I think you'd be OK at the Bay or the Atlantic coast. It will be too cold to get in the water, so the waves won't be an issue. You'd have a better chance of seeing dolphins at the oceanfront, but I'm thinking it's a bit early for them as well. One idea might be to check into a boat ride. There are several that depart from Rudee Inlet...might want to play that by ear, depending on the weather - could be quite chilly!
I'd definitely recommend the marine science museum in Virginia Beach. It used to be called the Virginia Beach Marine Science musuem, but I think they've changed the name recently. Shouldn't be too hard to find though, and my 2 year old LOVES it. My parents take him every time we visit them at the beach - which is at least once a month!
Mar 14th, 2006, 12:00 PM
#4
The Hampton Inn on By Pass Rd is, by HI standards, an older property and the interior reflects that. Not nasty but older. If I had a choice, I definitely opt for the much newer HI on Richmond Rd. (HI and Suites I think).
Kidsburg is a great big playgroud built by citizens and local businesses 10 or so years ago. Little children love it. Parents who want to exhaust their little children love it. It's part of Mid-County Park in James City County, surrounded by ball fields, tennis & basketball courts, picnic tables. It'll be a busy place if the weather is nice.
Before moving here, we used to visit Colonial Wmbg with our then toddler aged daughter and did exactly as TravelingMom described. Ours liked wandering the garden paths, running in the grassy areas, checking out the animals, watching the carriages go by.
Another thing our daughter enjoyed at that age was a trip on the Jamestown-Scotland ferry. It's about a40ish minute trip over and back. Take some bread to feed the seagulls that follow the ferries. You'll might also see egrets, herons, osprey, and possibly bald eagles. If you can, arrange the return trip to be around sunset. It's gorgeous.
I also agree that the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center (I had to look it up!) is well worth a trip.
And, as noted, the weather should be warm enough for a trip to the beach tho possibly not swim suit weather. And the water will be cold! First Landing Park is part of the Va State Park system and is a nice contrast to the Va Beach's commercialized boardwalk.
Fat Canary, definitely a thumbs up. Have you booked a table yet?
Kidsburg is a great big playgroud built by citizens and local businesses 10 or so years ago. Little children love it. Parents who want to exhaust their little children love it. It's part of Mid-County Park in James City County, surrounded by ball fields, tennis & basketball courts, picnic tables. It'll be a busy place if the weather is nice.
Before moving here, we used to visit Colonial Wmbg with our then toddler aged daughter and did exactly as TravelingMom described. Ours liked wandering the garden paths, running in the grassy areas, checking out the animals, watching the carriages go by.
Another thing our daughter enjoyed at that age was a trip on the Jamestown-Scotland ferry. It's about a40ish minute trip over and back. Take some bread to feed the seagulls that follow the ferries. You'll might also see egrets, herons, osprey, and possibly bald eagles. If you can, arrange the return trip to be around sunset. It's gorgeous.
I also agree that the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center (I had to look it up!) is well worth a trip.
And, as noted, the weather should be warm enough for a trip to the beach tho possibly not swim suit weather. And the water will be cold! First Landing Park is part of the Va State Park system and is a nice contrast to the Va Beach's commercialized boardwalk.
Fat Canary, definitely a thumbs up. Have you booked a table yet?
Mar 14th, 2006, 03:17 PM
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obxgirl stole all my thunder! The smaller waves on the bay may be less intimidating to your twins than at the beach ... altho most of the little kids I saw at VaBch Monday seem unphased by them anyway ... but I have seen kids terrified by them.
I would prefer the location of the Richmond Rd HI a little better than Bypass Rd., but don't get hung up on it. If you go to Colonial Williamsburg, feel free to walk thru any unlocked gates of the gardens in the historic area - unless specifically posted they're all open to the public. The kids may also like running around the gardens behind the Governors Palace.
There is a wildlife museum, "The Living Museum" in Newport News, near intersection of Rt143 & Rt 17 (Jefferson Ave & J. Clyde Morris Blvd) that the kids would probably like. They will probably enjoy the cruises of the navy base & surrounding area FOR AWHILE then get bored ... so bring some toys or activities -- you'll enjoy it.
For some of your family dining, try Sal's by Victor in the Williamsburg Shopping Center (Richmond Rd & Monticello). Some other "free" entertainment for the kids might be to see the Amtrak trains come in at the station just off Lafayette on Boundery St. Also try a drive on Colonial Parkway & stop at various points to see things on the York & James River and/or some wildlife.
Since my old favorite hotel (Governor Spottswood) has closed, I want to try the Quality Inn Lord Paget on Capitol Landing Rd. It's more like an older "motor court" that was probably built a section at a time and spread out over a good sized area in a park-like setting. It appears to be much better maintained than my old favorite was. You might look into it, as I'm sure it gives your twins a little more "running space" than a high-rise hotel like H.I.
(OBX/Birdie/Joy: was down there Fri-Sun; a decision made at 5am Fri, or I would have posted something about a GTG at Cheese Shoppe. Stayed at Quality Inn Kingsmill -- nice but too far from town and dining, other than Whaling Co.)
I would prefer the location of the Richmond Rd HI a little better than Bypass Rd., but don't get hung up on it. If you go to Colonial Williamsburg, feel free to walk thru any unlocked gates of the gardens in the historic area - unless specifically posted they're all open to the public. The kids may also like running around the gardens behind the Governors Palace.
There is a wildlife museum, "The Living Museum" in Newport News, near intersection of Rt143 & Rt 17 (Jefferson Ave & J. Clyde Morris Blvd) that the kids would probably like. They will probably enjoy the cruises of the navy base & surrounding area FOR AWHILE then get bored ... so bring some toys or activities -- you'll enjoy it.
For some of your family dining, try Sal's by Victor in the Williamsburg Shopping Center (Richmond Rd & Monticello). Some other "free" entertainment for the kids might be to see the Amtrak trains come in at the station just off Lafayette on Boundery St. Also try a drive on Colonial Parkway & stop at various points to see things on the York & James River and/or some wildlife.
Since my old favorite hotel (Governor Spottswood) has closed, I want to try the Quality Inn Lord Paget on Capitol Landing Rd. It's more like an older "motor court" that was probably built a section at a time and spread out over a good sized area in a park-like setting. It appears to be much better maintained than my old favorite was. You might look into it, as I'm sure it gives your twins a little more "running space" than a high-rise hotel like H.I.
(OBX/Birdie/Joy: was down there Fri-Sun; a decision made at 5am Fri, or I would have posted something about a GTG at Cheese Shoppe. Stayed at Quality Inn Kingsmill -- nice but too far from town and dining, other than Whaling Co.)
Mar 14th, 2006, 07:53 PM
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Totally agree with the advice given. Kidsburg is excellent -- spent many an hour there. Love the Chick-fil-a across the street with the play area as well.
I wouldn't bother with Busch Gardens, too much money for 2 year olds who will be happy almost anywhere -- Williamsburg, Yorktown, Jamestown are all better choices.
If you do take the Ferry to the southside you can easily check out Bacon's Castle, or Chippokes State Park, grab some peanuts and ride back.
Unless the weather is warm enough to get wet make sure your twins won't fuss about being on the beach but not getting in -- some kids don't get the temperature issue.
Second Street and Pierces are also good kid restaurants. Cheese shop for picnics if the weather cooperates.
We love the Lord Paget, the rooms aren't spacious by today's standards, but we love the feel of the motor court, it is very well maintained, pretty grounds and the staff is very nice. We've stayed there for years and IMO you can't beat it for the price. Wonderful ducks and fish to feed in their pond in the back.
I wouldn't bother with Busch Gardens, too much money for 2 year olds who will be happy almost anywhere -- Williamsburg, Yorktown, Jamestown are all better choices.
If you do take the Ferry to the southside you can easily check out Bacon's Castle, or Chippokes State Park, grab some peanuts and ride back.
Unless the weather is warm enough to get wet make sure your twins won't fuss about being on the beach but not getting in -- some kids don't get the temperature issue.
Second Street and Pierces are also good kid restaurants. Cheese shop for picnics if the weather cooperates.
We love the Lord Paget, the rooms aren't spacious by today's standards, but we love the feel of the motor court, it is very well maintained, pretty grounds and the staff is very nice. We've stayed there for years and IMO you can't beat it for the price. Wonderful ducks and fish to feed in their pond in the back.
Mar 15th, 2006, 03:54 AM
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Absolutely do the VA Living Museum. I have always thought it was perfect for toddlers. Aquariums and displays at toddler height and lots of animals. The aquarium in VA Beach is also very nice if you are making the drive for other reasons. There were boat tours that went out of Hampton near the Air and Space museum that wouldn't require a drive through the tunnel.
A drive along the Colonial Parkway with stops for beach wandering and a picnic (if it is warm enough)would be fun.
(rb - Boy you sure did luck out with the weather this past weekend. I could have walked over from my house to see you at the Quality Inn. Have you tried Le Yaca? High end but always great. Lunch is reasonable. Also good is the Pottery Wine and Cheese in that shopping area. The BBQ sandwiches are yummy or just buy a loaf of their hot french bread. You would also like Maurizios across the street. Similar to Sal's but a slightly different menu. Drive into Kingsmill the next time. You can get a good casual dinner at Regattas or off the bar menu at the bar in Eagles. Just tell the gate you are going to the resort.)
A drive along the Colonial Parkway with stops for beach wandering and a picnic (if it is warm enough)would be fun.
(rb - Boy you sure did luck out with the weather this past weekend. I could have walked over from my house to see you at the Quality Inn. Have you tried Le Yaca? High end but always great. Lunch is reasonable. Also good is the Pottery Wine and Cheese in that shopping area. The BBQ sandwiches are yummy or just buy a loaf of their hot french bread. You would also like Maurizios across the street. Similar to Sal's but a slightly different menu. Drive into Kingsmill the next time. You can get a good casual dinner at Regattas or off the bar menu at the bar in Eagles. Just tell the gate you are going to the resort.)
Mar 15th, 2006, 04:21 AM
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Reading this thread is making me so homesick! We lived in Virginia Beach for 7 years, until work brought us to Germany, and we loved it there.
Here's another recommendation for the VA Living Museum. My kids really liked it. And we loved the Marine Science Museum...we were members for several years and visited often. There are huge shark and turtle tanks, a sting ray touch tank, and there's an IMAX there, too.
If it were going to be warm enough to swim, I'd recommend the Bay, but since it isn't, how about the VB oceanfront area? If its warm, you can rent one of those pedal cars and take the kids for a ride up and down the Boardwalk. My kids loved doing that, too.
As for Busch Gardens, I would only go if you and your wife just love amusement parks. The kids would probably be just as happy at Kidsburg.
Have a great trip!
Here's another recommendation for the VA Living Museum. My kids really liked it. And we loved the Marine Science Museum...we were members for several years and visited often. There are huge shark and turtle tanks, a sting ray touch tank, and there's an IMAX there, too.
If it were going to be warm enough to swim, I'd recommend the Bay, but since it isn't, how about the VB oceanfront area? If its warm, you can rent one of those pedal cars and take the kids for a ride up and down the Boardwalk. My kids loved doing that, too.
As for Busch Gardens, I would only go if you and your wife just love amusement parks. The kids would probably be just as happy at Kidsburg.
Have a great trip!
Mar 15th, 2006, 07:28 AM
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The Great Wolf Lodge has an indoor water park that looks like a lot of fun. I haven't been, but checked it out on line for our family. It looks perfect for younger kids - mine are teenagers and would be too old.
My husband and I went to the Fat Canary last summer and LOVED it! I would definitely recommend it. The food and the service were fantastic.
We will also be in Williamsburg the first week of April and are looking for brunch suggestions. Something on the water would be nice. We were thinking about the River's Inn in Gloucester. Has anyone been there for brunch?
My husband and I went to the Fat Canary last summer and LOVED it! I would definitely recommend it. The food and the service were fantastic.
We will also be in Williamsburg the first week of April and are looking for brunch suggestions. Something on the water would be nice. We were thinking about the River's Inn in Gloucester. Has anyone been there for brunch?
Mar 15th, 2006, 07:34 AM
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I can't comment on River's Inn for brunch but I have enjoyed many great dinners and lunches there. You may also want to consider Kingsmill. There are two dining areas overlooking the James River. Eagles has a traditional breakfast menu while the dining room at the resort has a true brunch buffet.
Mar 15th, 2006, 10:54 AM
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I think the Living Museum is a good choice for us. We're staying in Williamsburg, so I'm not so sure trekking all the way to Va. Beach would be worth it, especially since we want to do a naval base cruise. Which brings me to my next question. We're looking at the Victory Rover cruise. Has anyone been on that one? Kid-friendly? Worth the time? We want to see the naval base, but I don't think a bus tour would work real well with toddlers.
Mar 16th, 2006, 12:02 PM
#13
Maymount is very pretty and would be a lovely visit if you want to go up to Richmond. Agecroft in Richmond is also cool and has gorgeous gardens. I may be wrong, but I think Rosewell is ruins. Others can probably tell you. I have never been to the daffodil fest but have heard its great. My concern would be whether there would still be daffs. Mine came out at the beginning of this week. Brent and Becky's Bulbs in Gloucester would be a good source of info.
Mar 16th, 2006, 04:53 PM
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Rosewell is the most impressive ruin you'll see on the east coast. There is a small visitor center / museum there which is pretty new. Get good directions, it can be tricky to find, but a really neat site. Lots of room to run around.
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