We are heading for Williamsburg sometime this summer for a 1 week vacation. We will be staying at Kingsmill Resort. The week of the 4th of July is available. Are there any special activities in the area that would be worth taking in? Given the whole historic aspect of the area I am assuming Independence Day is a big celebration. We want to go to Monticello for a day trip. Would July 4th be the day to go?

We stayed at the Kingmill Resort for a week about three years ago. It was fantastic. We had a very nice one bedroom unit with a full kitchen, balcony, dining room, washer and dryer, etc. It was very comfortable. The resort was lovely with indoor/outdoor pools, racquet ball, tennis, golf, bikes, restaurants.

Personally, I would avoid the 4th of July. We were there once just prior to the 4th and it really started to get busy. Can't comment on the events, because we weren't there. Another thing you have consider is the heat and humidity. Just a word of warning - it will be brutal.

I think the next time we visit Williamsburg, I am going to try to avoid the heat of the summer. Otherwise, it's a great place to visit.

Have fun!

Thanks mikesmom. We stayed there last July so I think we're okay with the weather. We loved the place too, enough to want to go back again.

The thing that is the draw for us is that they make golf accessible for families. We haven't found any other place encourages kids to golf as much as Kingsmill does. The complimentary par 3 course is great for my 8 year old and challenging enough for her big sister. This year my older daughter will be 12 and will probably play 9 holes of one of the other courses. Fortunately the green fees are included in the package that we booked. Its a great chance for her to be challenged. Plus if I recall there are golf clinics for kids as well.

Don't know if you ever watched the Golf Channel but there's a reality show called Big Break III that was filmed at Kingsmill.
Still hoping someone has info on the 4th of July.

As you correctly speculated, Williamsburg makes a big deal of July 4th. There are special programs running all day culminating with fireworks at dark. It is a really busy day in Wmbg, but if you're here that week I'd stay in town for the 4th and pick another day to go Monticello.

Since you're in tune to the heat, one hint for visiting Monticello is to get there as early as possble to avoid both the heat and the crowds. It's approximately 2 hours from Wmbg. There are some specific tours for younger children which have a more kid friendly feel and some hands on stuff. I'd bet your 8 year old would really like it. Might be a tad childish for your 12 YO but you never know who you're going to get as a guide for a regular tour through the house. All of the guides clearly love the place (and Jefferson) but some are, well, more entertaining than others.

We were there a few years back for the 4th. The crowds were not too bad. We made dinner reservations about 2 months prior at Christiana Campbell’s Tavern and had no problem. Towards the end of the evening (fireworks) it became VERY crowded. We found a spot on the grass and watched the fireworks. They were excellent (and I am from Philadelphia).
The ride out of the historic area took us 2 hours but it was well worth it.

We also did Bush Gardens and that was fine also. Overall the long weekend was not bad. Be warned it was VERY HOT(some time at the pool would cure this) .

Go into CW about 5 pm and park at the W&M police parking lot down behind the International Center. There is a fun ice cream social held outside the Wren Building with live music and activities for the kids. Wander down to the Magazine to watch the Fife and Drum and the cannon shooting. The magazine green is a good place to sit for the fireworks. Bring blankets, chairs, and insect repellant. The fireworks generally start at 9:15. When you leave, the parkway is generally your best bet to get back to Kingsmill. If you are in CW during the day, you should go to the Courthouse for the reading of the Declaration of Independence at noon.
Golf clinics at Kingsmill are held at various times during the summer. You can check to see if they are being held when you are here. There are the clinics the pros hold and then there are the more intensive and expensive Nike Camps.
Your 12 yo may be more comfortable on the Plantation Course but nine doesn't end up close to the pro shop. So she'll have to be carted back. The River Course does end up back at the shop but it will be more challenging. She might like to know that the River is the course the LPGA plays in May. And if she is watching the Big Break she will recognize parts of the River. The Woods course is challenging and hilly so a tough walking course.

It's very early, but the CW website might have info about the 4th of July.

www.colonialwilliamsburg.com

Thanks to all for your information. Obxgirl - I've wanted to go to Monticello all my life and my 12 year old is a budding architect. This will be a big treat for us. Thanks for the tip on the tours for kids - my then 9yo will appreciate having something geared to her.

Birdie - Thanks for the info on the courses. My 12yo is looking forward to playing this summer and watches the Big Break avidly. It sounds like carts are not required on the courses but if its that big a hike back to the pro shop maybe we'll have to get one. Usually we like to walk.

luvthebeach and gekko - thanks for your comments also. We'll be doing lots of research between now and then.

July 4th is big at Monticello as well. It is the anniversary of Jefferson's death and each year they host a naturalization ceremony, the press release from the Monticello website is here http://www.monticello.org/press/releases/july4.html

Just thought you'd like to know while making plans.

sprin2 - thanks for the info. It looks very interesting.

Great fireworks at Cw on the Fourth of July. I cant quite remember where we sat-we were with someone who works at CW and knew where to sit, but it felt like we were in the fireworks. There was a cute fife and drum show by area kids too.

Also, if you like nature, there is a beaufitul river whose name I cant remember (but its a long native american name). If you can rent a boat, its lovely. Among the wildlife, we saw eagle's nests which were amazing.
I must have a case of half-heimers today-I cant remember anything!

We were there in 2004 over the 4th - spent the actual holiday at Busch Gardens which was hot, but surprisingly uncrowded. They have a nice fireworks display there.

We had a wonderful time in Williamsburg over this weekend last year!

Well, it sounds as though we'll have plenty of options if we chose that particular week. Thanks again to all who posted. Great advice here as I have come to expect from Fodorites!!!!!