Am staying at the Comfort Inn Historical District (in 2 weeks) and would appreciate any input. Would have liked to stay at Courtyard, but they don't have any non-smoking rooms available for my stay. Lots of places seem sold out, so I'm leery of places with availability.

Also, any advice on good breakfast places? Does visiting Busch Gardens in the evening cut down on crowds?

Thanks!

I visit Wburg several times a year. Unfortunately, breakfast places are sorely lacking in Wburg area, unless you like the crowded, over-priced pancake and waffle houses that seem to be all over the place. Does your hotel not have a buffet?

If you're with family, then I suggest you purchase a cheap toaster at Kmart (Bypass Rd, on W side of it where it re-joins Richmond Rd) and have toast, pop-tarts, or bagels from Manhatten Bagle shop or BigApple Bagels, both on Richmond Rd. Leave the toaster behind when u check out if you've no room for it. I think you're on Bypass Rd, so there are a few places, plus a Cracker Barrel and a Golden Corral nearby. I just prefer a old fashion diner, of which one sees few in that area.

Thanks r-travels. It does seem like there's a lot of pancake places. Comfort Inn serves a cold continental breakfast -- we like to eat heartily in the a.m. My son loves bagels, so thanks for the info!

Nancy,

I live about an hour away from Williamsburg and while I can't help with the digs and dining, I can say that as a season pass holder to BG, going in the late afternoon/early evening definitely cuts down on the crowds, especially after about 6:00. By then parents have reached their limit with the kids! ;-) The only drawback is, you won't get as much bang for your buck by going later in the day, although maybe there's a reduced price admission for doing that. There are two restaurants in the park that have yummy food - the place that serves deep fried chicken and another that has huge waffle cones that can be filled with strawberries and ice cream! Both are near the entrance/exit area. Enjoy!

Ooooops, just read that your son likes bagels. If there are Chesapeake Bagel restaurants near where your're staying (there are some in the VA Beach area), he won't be disappointed, especially if he likes different kinds. My hubby loves the garlic and onions ones, I think the sundried tomato ones are out of this world. They also offer great soups and desserts.

I don't agree about no good places for breakfast -- we like The Gazebo on Bypass Road. Something for everyone, friendly service, good food.

I also like the Gazebo ... but feel that like the others, it's too overpriced .... but then, that's Williamsburg. And thumbs up here too on Chesapeake Bagels ... I'd forgotten about them. For a pretty good diner, nothing fancy, but a very popular local place, try Sal's by Victor in the Williamsburg Shopping Center, corner of Richmond Rd & Monticello.

The crowds at Busch Gardens will probably start thinning out towards the end of Aug. If you are here on a Sunday, go then. It is usually the least crowded day. Same with Water Country. We find that we can do most of Water Country in the late afternoon and evening because there are less rides. They also have a twilight price but close earlier than BG. The Lodge has a coffee shop but I'm not sure about prices. There is a small breakfast spot next to the Quality Inn Colony on York St. Don't go to the IHOP. You might be having trouble with motel rooms because of returning W&M students with parents.

Thanks to all for helping me plan this trip. Your insider advice is great!

In Williamsburg a good restaurant is The Peddler on the main route heading west, I think route 60. Also the Kings Arm in the restored area. Then I would suggest a ferry ride, for FREE, to Surry Va. You get it right after you pass the entrance to Jamestown. Then when you get over to the other side keep straight and after you pass the blinking light in Surry there is a nice little family restaurant on the right where we go for a nice breakfast. Have a good time.

I'm with Bruce....take the ferry to Surry and eat at the Surry House. Very southern. It's a hoot. Among the pancake houses, I'd pick Mama Steve's on Richmond Road. The Radisson Fort Magruder serves an MONSTER buffet on Sunday.

The Chesapeake Bagel place in Wmbg closed a while back and the bagel place that erupted in its place is nasty. Bagels taste like dinner rolls. Nearest Chesapeake is off of I64, Victory Blvd, in Hampton/Newport News.

I believe the Comfort Inn Historic Area is relatively new. Tourism in town is WAY down because of the heat so I'm surprised to hear that places are booked solid.

Have fun!

If you go to the Surry House, don't get the peanut soup. Their's is horrible. Kings Arms' is much better.

Try NY Deli on Richmond Rd - Serious Reubens!

I hear all big restaurants are VERY expensive and not worthy. Locals avoid them.

Just got back from our trip. The Comfort Inn Historical District is in a great location, extremely close to Colonial Williamsburg on a quiet stretch of Bypass 60. Pretty close to Busch Gardens, though not the closest hotel. The room was clean and comfortable with windows that open (I like that). Very nice outdoor pool. Indoor pool a bit murky looking and in a solarium that was HOT (it was between 90-100 degrees when we visited). The continental breakfast is basic - bagels, toast, mini muffins, cereal coffee, juice, yogurt and apples. BUT they only serve bet. 6a-9a. So if you want to eat gratis, you've got to get up in time. The room with AAA was about $90. I would stay there again, but would want the indoor pool to look cleaner. Staff very friendly. Not much luck with restaurants. Didn't make it to Surrey House, but found the Cracker Barrel restr. which is very close to be good for breakfast and not bad for dinner. By far, the best food is in Colonial Williamsburg. Had a great meal at Christiana Cambell's Tavern. Good (faster and much more informal) food at Huzzah's not far from the visitor's center.

Williamsburg is a great vacation for families. I think children 8 and over will appreciate it most. Of course, there are always the theme parks, which have something for everyone.

Thanks to you all for your suggestions. I look forward to visiting again (probably not in summer, though) and checking out other restaurants.

Oops!!! Just a note -- it wasn't 90-100 in the solarium. That was the outside temp. But it was uncomfortably hot inside the solarium/pool area.

Two years ago we ate at the Christiana Campbell in Williamsburg. It was pricey but the food was wonderful. Waitstaff is dressed in historical costume and play the part quite well.