Colonial Williamsburg-Spring Break 2012
 

We just returned from a short (3 day, 2 night) trip to Colonial Williamsburg (CW) for Spring Break. We took the kids (8 & 4) and the family dog. CW has a property, Cascades Motel, which allows dogs. It is part of Woodlands, but not listed on the website, you need to call and request it. There is no pet fee or weight limit. We booked on Monday for Wed and Thurs nights and paid $112 for a corner room which has 2 double beds, a double sleep sofa and a cot. It is not luxe, but clean, comfortable and cheap. They gave us a mini fridge for the asking and late check out (1 PM). Free breakfast at the Woodlands. Steps outside the door are a small playground, horseshoes, mini golf, volleyball, tether ball, etc. We bought our CW tickets on line ahead of time, but it would have been cheaper to get them through the hotel which are good for your entire stay.

Dogs are allowed all around CW, at outdoor demonstrations, etc. but not in the historic houses.

The kids loved the costume rentals ($24/day). So cute. The girls get a dress and sash and the boys get a shirt, haversack, and wooden rifle. You have to buy the hats. We picked up the costumes at 9 AM and had to return them by 8:30 that night. Along with the costumes, they get a letter which gives them various chores to do for someone. They loved picking up a letter at the post office and delivering it to the printer and planting turnip seeds at the Colonial Garden. The costumed workers really were great with them.

On the last day, we did RevQuest. You pick up paperwork and blue bandanas (free) at the Visitors Center and then embark on a mission to solve clues to foil a threat against one of the leaders. At the end, you receive a impressive souvenir coin.

I wish we knew of these great kids' activities when we were in CW last June in intense heat. Thanks for telling us about them.

I forgot to mention that at Cascades you are across the street from the Visitors Center and within walking distance of CW. There are also frequent buses from the Visitors Center if you don't want to walk.

Thanks for the trip report, Tom. I hope you had good weather. We've had a beautiful spring. I think CW has really tried hard to make things a little more fun for kids to experience history.

We've taken overnight trips with our dog to Williamsburg, as well, and appreciate that Williamsburg allows dogs. Should you decide to take your canine friend to Jamestown, be forewarned that the recreated village does not permit pets at all. We learned that one the hard way on a day trip, and had to take turns sitting with him in the parking lot.

I cannot think of a worst waste of time than going to Williamsburg!

Glad to hear you enjoyed your visit, Tom! Thanks for taking the time to post your trip report -- sounds like you all made the most of your visit and directed it to the things your kids were interested in. Definitely still the age when they like to dress up!

Waldo, I think you forgot to add "God Save the KIng" at the end of your post.

God Save the King!!!