Will be spending the week of Oct 28 in the Williamsburg area. Staying at the Marriott's Manor Club at Ford's Colony. How's the weather at that time? Are all the activities and tours at Historic W'burg still open and available? How's the food at the Dining Room at Ford's Colony. Can Monticello be seen in a day-trip?

Should be sweater weather, but could go either way- Warm during the day, chilly at night- Check the weather channel before coming. All the tours are still going, the dining room is wonderful. A trip to Monticello wil take about 3 hours on Interstate 64.

If you go west on I-64, take I-295 around Richmond back to west-64 to Charlottesville, you can probably make Monticello in 2 hours - speed limit is 65 all the way. Near Monticello eat at the Michie Tavern. If you like historic homes take a drive down Route 5 out of Williamsburg west to Charles City County to view the historic plantations - Berkley, Shirley, Sherwood Forest. Stop at Indian Fields Tavern at route 5 & route 618 for a leisurely lunch - great food & less expensive than dinner! also Busch Gardens Williamsburg will still be open on the weekends until end of Oct & is a fun change of pace.

It will take about 2:15 minutes driving at reasonable speeds- you won't hit bad traffic unless there's an accident. October is very busy in VA so make plans now. I would stay overnight in C'Ville if you're going to Monticello - town is fun, nice places to stay. You mat run into 2 night minimums at hotels& inns if you come on a weekend.

The weather should be beautiful at that time of year. Wmsburg will be hopping, you may want to find out when you can make reservations for the taverns in the old part. The food's not great, but not terrible either,. Strolling fiddlers, etc.

The Dining Room at Ford's Colony is the best restaurant in Williamsburg and the prices reflect that. Also try their cafe, a little more casual. Your drive to Charlottesville will be gorgeous, I've done it twice for day trips. I didn't think Mitchie was that great. Its fried chicken with southern fixings. If you do have time that area is a great place to spend a couple of days. I would also suggest the taverns but check out the menus ahead of time (CW website?) because each has its own character. My favorite is Kings Arms. The peanut soup is great.