SarasotaFL

Hi,

We're going back to Williamsburg this year after a fun trip last October. (With help from some of you!) I have three weeks to plan this time, instead of three DAYS, which is a big relief. So, here are my first questions for you:

1. I'd like to take my children to a glass blower, as I remember this from a visit to Williamsburg during my childhood, and wonder if this is still somewhere in the area? Is it perhaps the Glasshouse Point out by Jamestown? Has anyone been to this?


2. My kids are 11 and 8, and I'm wondering if any of you have seen the evening program "Cry Witch" and if so, do you think it is appropriate for kids to watch? I asked on the phone and the reservationist told me she thought 11 was fine but 8 was iffy. I went ahead and made the reservations but can certainly cancel them. I asked my children and the 11 year old has read books about the Salem witch trials and is interested, while the 8 year old hasn't read a thing on the subject but said "sure," despite not knowing to what he is agreeing.

3. Do you recommend Sunday brunch at Williamsburg Inn? For us, this would be quite expensive (but not unaffordable), at $39/adult and $23/child = $124 and that's probably not including drinks. However, it may be a way for my husband and I to enjoy a special meal WITH the kids along, and perhaps memorable.

4. I've read many recommendations for Sal's for inexpensive family friendly Italian food. Last time we were there, I noticed there are two or more Sal's and was not sure if it matters which location. Are they all the same?

5. Is Busch Gardens Williamsburg similar to or completely different from Busch Gardens Tampa? I see the themes are different (Europe vs. animals). We have plenty of theme parks here in Florida, but if BG-Williamsburg has something unique, I might consider taking the kids there. Can't say I'm dying to do this, but the kids are always up for rides and excitement.

6. I see online that the weekend of the 16-17 there is a Yorktown Victory Celebration. Do you think this would make Yorktown more interesting/entertaining or just a pain to visit on Sunday?

7. Is Williamsburg Pottery Factory worth visiting?

8. Last year, Nick's Seafood Pavilion was closed due to damage from Hurricane Isabelle. Is it open yet? Worth eating at?

9. Lunch - King's Arms or Shield's (with kids)? Is lunch at either/both comparable to dinner?

Well, that's more than enough for tonight. I'll probably have more questions in the next few days. Looking forward to reading your information and opinions.

Thanks for reading!

padams421

bumping up for you...and me, because we are going to W in Nov.

kmchick

I don't know about cry witch, but plan on going sometime in the next two weeks, I'll let you know what I think when I do.

The glass house was damaged last year in Isabela, check the park services website to see if it's open again.

Never done Williamsburg Inn Brunch, can't help you there...

Sal's is pretty good, but can get really nuts when they drop off bus tours. I would reccomend Shakleford's. It's a local favorite, kid friendly, reasonable prices, but gets really busy so it's best to call ahead.

I'm not a big Busch gardens fan, but those that love theme parks say it's wonderful. They have something called hallow-scream that your kids might really enjoy in the evenings in septemebr and October.

Pottery factory-only if you have extra time on your hands.

I have a friend who works at the yorktown victory center, I can ask her about that event.

Lunch with kids, not sure what your budget is like, but if you'd like to save on lunches I would advise going to William and Mary's campus center marketplace. It's kitty corner to the williams-sonoma on merchant's square-maybe 50 yards away. It's a food court with a burger king, chick fil-a, a pizza and pasta place, a home cooking place, made to order sandwiches, starbucks, freshens frozen yogurt, plus salads, yougurt, cold cereal, etc. Cash only, but about half the price of the taverns for lunch.

Sorry for the bad grammer, lack of capitalization etc. Hope this helps!

rb_travelerxATyahoo

I visit a couple, ok, several, times a year, so will try to answer some of the questions.

1- it was years ago I saw glassblowers, but I think they're still at Jamestown .. the US Park, now the newer park with reenactors. I visited the newer park last fall (or was it spring?), and will go back.

2- Nothing really "scary" about "Cry Witch" for an 8 year old ... it could be somewhat boring tho. They'll get more out of it if you do some reading now, and remind them that they have to remember how the laws were and people felt THEN. I'd take an 8 yr old.

3- Never did anything except a dinner at a CW tavern, so can't comment, other than that most kids don't seem to enjoy things like that. Do yours, or will they be begging to "go somewhere"?

4= "The" Sals is "Sals by Victor" in the Williamsburg Shopping Center, at Richmond Rd & Monticello. Note that Lafayette turns into Monticello as it crosses Richmond Rd. I especially enjoy the "Chicken Victor", but the subs & pizza is good too. The place is mobbed Saturday nights. You could browse in "Books a Million" while waiting for a table.

5- sorry .. been 20 yrs since BG Wbg, and never any other BG

6- I found the regular visit to Yorktown rather boring, but special events DO tend to make things more interesting. (Just looking at fields, with no people, no action, is why I didn't like visiting the Battlefield. I did enjoy the Watermens' Museum down in the town, however)

7- Go to Pottery Factory only if it's a miserable day and you need something to do, or get bored. lots of ... is the word "kitsch"? but a few bargains, if you're driving, but probably not if you fly. Disclaimer: I hate shopping.

8- Last I read, Nicks was going to be demonlished. Did it get saved? Will depend on locals to answer that one.

9- Evening tavern programs probably better, but pricier. People see to like Shields. I've only gone to a tavern dinner once, so can't make comparisons.

Have fun! I was headed there a week ago, but cancelled due to storms, and can't wait to reschedule.

kmchick

http://www.nps.gov/colo/Jamestwn/glasshouse.htm

the glass-blowers are back at work...

obxgirl

2. The content of Cry Witch isn't really inappropriate. The gist of the play is the audience weighing the evidence of innocence or guilt of the witch on trial. I think the "iffy" part is whether or not your 8 YO will be interested in doing that. An alternative, if you haven't seen it, is The Grand Medley of Entertainments, a kind of colonial vaudville thing. It's silly and goofy and invites all sorts of audience participation. Great fun, everyone in your family will enjoy it.


3. Personally I'd pass on the Wmbg Inn for brunch. It's just so stuffy and formal. We usually take people to the Bay Room at the Wmbg Lodge. They have a lavish brunch buffet, many southern specialties, lots of yummy desserts. It's a more casual atmosphere and you won't need to again for a week.

5. I've never been to BG Tampa so I can't offer a comparision. The Wmbg BG wins alot of awards for its landscaping which is very pretty. Not my favorite place either but my daughter loves it.

6. For kids, I like Jamestown Settlement more than the Yorktown Victory Center. It's more interactive and less dependent on them knowing the specifics of the history to enjoy and learn. To engage kids more, the YVC does focus on colonial farm & military encampment life. You should check out the website for the specifics of the Victory Celebration. (http://www.historyisfun.org/) The place won't be overrun because of the celebration.

8. Alas, Nick's is no more. The food was never especially good but it was always a hoot to soak up the kitschy atmosphere. However the legacy of Nick's lives on as he and his wife Mary donated so much to the community including the land used for the Yorktown Victory Center.

bennnie

My 8 and 11 yos loved Busch Gardens on our trip to Williamsburg this summer. As a point of reference we've done WDW and Hershey and Canada's Wonderland and make it a point to vacation where a good amusement park is nearby. We like amusement parks a lot.

BG is European themed with 4 major coasters only 1 of which my 8 yo wasn't tall enough to ride. Of the other 3 2 were great, 1 was terrifying to me but the girls loved it. There is also a 3d ride that probably isn't as good as it could be but was still fun enough for us to go twice.

The park is hilly and not logically set up (most likely due to the terrain). But it is very pretty, it has good shows and food prices were not horrifyingly overpriced.

Have you found a place to stay yet? I would highly recommend the Kingsmill Resort. It was absolutely perfect for this family - the 9 hole par 3 complimentary golf course on the banks of the James River was just so great. The rooms are all redone with big comfortable beds. Shuttle service to the parks. It was all good.

antmaril

I second the Kingsmill Resort. We spent a week there a couple of years ago and it was great. Unfortunately, it was 100 degrees in Williamsburg, so we couldn't really enjoy everything the resort had to offer - it was just too hot and humid. You won't have that problem in October.

We love BG Williamsburg. It's a lovely theme park and definitely worth doing. We, too, love amusement parks and have alot of experience. I think your kids will like it.

Enjoy your trip.

TravelingMom

I think most of your questions have been answered, but I'll add on to a few responses.

I would probably avoid the Sunday brunch as well, and go to dinner at one of the taverns as your special meal.

Can't comment on Sal's (never went there, despite spending 4 years in the 'burg as a poor college kid), but I can highly recommend Paul's Deli. Don't go at night, since it functions as the College bar after about 9...but they have great sandwiches and it's a quick walk from Duke of Gloucester St. (I recommend the Gringo sandwich personally - makes my mouth water just thinking about it!).

The cheese shop also used to be a great place for lunch or snack. We used to just get "bread ends and house" - basically slices of bread with their house dressing for dipping. It was really cheap and a good snack. Cheese Shop used to be right beside Baskin Robbins and the Birkenstock store, but I heard that it might have moved. (?)

I really like Busch Gardens. We used to get season passes every year when I was a kid and I never got tired of it. They have a variety of rides, petting zoo, shows, and food. Definitely see about getting coupons for admission.

The Pottery - depends on what you like to do. It always seemed like a big flea market to me, which appealed to certain moods. If you like shopping, you could probably do the Pottery and the outlets in one day.

Another suggestion, if you're not opposed to your kids having sweets, is to take them into Wythe Candy Shop to choose a treat. They also have good treats for grown ups - try the blackberry brandy cordials.

SarasotaFL

kmchick, thank you for the url to the Glasshouse. It is just what I was looking for. And thanks for letting me know what you think (when you've seen it) about Cry Witch. And for asking your friend about the YVC event! You're quite helpful.

OK, we're not going to the Pottery Factory. I'm not a big shopper on vacations anyway, and if it's not something kids would be excited about, we're not doing it. I'll keep in mind the W&M Marketplace - might be good for lunch one day and I hadn't seen that one in previous posts.

rb_traveler, my 11 year old enjoys fine dining while my 8 year old doesn't care, but can certainly behave during a meal. And he loves to eat. However, stuffy and formal (according to obxgirl) does not sound like what we're looking for, so I'm going to scratch that idea. Thanks for the heads up on the road name change. We have a few of those in Sarasota and it confuses the heck out of the non-locals. And thanks for clearing me up on which Sals. I'll look up the Watermen's Museum - don't know anything about it.

obxgirl, thanks for the opinion on Cry Witch. I looked for Grand Medley (it does sound the best for my kids) and it isn't offered on the 15th-17th. Perhaps I should call them and ask about Papa Said, Mama Said. Has anyone seen this one and if so, what do you think about it for an 11 y.o. and 8 y.o.?

We visited Jamestown Settlement and the Yorktown Victory Center last fall and my kids especially enjoyed Jamestown. They enjoyed Yorktown too, but not as much. This year I guess we'll go to the original Jamestown to see the glassblower and perhaps there will be interpreters there.

bennnie - we've booked at the Williamsburg Hospitality House for the first night, then at Hampton Inn Suites for the next three. However, I don't like the price for Saturday night at the Hampton Suite and am browsing a bit each day for other accommodations. The Kingsmill Resort, while it looks nice, charges an outrageous amount of money, in my opinion. $350/night for the smallest rooms? No thanks. I have stayed at some gorgeous hotels and resorts around America for $150/night and less, and as we are planning to be out and about for most of each day, I can't see spending that. But I'm glad you can, and enjoyed it, and I do thank you for the suggestion. If you have others, I'm all ears. It's neat that you also have an 11 and 8 year old.

Sounds like people are divided about Busch Gardens. We enjoy theme parks, too, but I do tire a bit of them. My children really enjoyed Cedar Point and want to go back (long trip!), and we have passes at Sea World Orlando. We've also done Legoland (at just the right age) and all four main Disney parks and Busch Gardens Tampa quite a few times. I may just play BG by ear. If I don't mention it to the kids, then they won't be disappointed if we don't go. I don't think they even know there is a BG in Williamsburg.

If the food at Nick's wasn't that great, I'm glad we missed it. We did drive over there, but then ate elsewhere. Last year we had really good food, thanks to obxgirl, Birdie and others. We ate at Aroma's, The Cheese Shop, The Carrot Tree (?), The Trellis (for dessert only), Pierce's (big hit), Chownings, Cities Grille, Old Chickahominy and it was ALL good, some of it excellent. We were happy campers. This time, I'm considering Pierce's definitely again for dinner, Christiana Campbell's for dinner, The Trellis for dessert, Berrett's for lunch, Casa Maya Mexican for lunch, Sal's by Victor for dinner.

I've jotted down some others I'd like opinions on: Cascades Restaurant for brunch, lunch at Rivers Inn across the bridge at Jamestown, and breakfast at The Gazebo near the Visitor's Center? Your thoughts? Looking this over, I think I need breakfast recommendations. Big meals or small, we like variety. Sometimes here we just go get bagels or chocolate croissants, other times we eat a full breakfast and enjoy it.

TravelingMom, I'll add Paul's Deli to the list I carry with me. Where would I find coupons for admission to BG-Wmsbg? (just in case!)

The kids will be glad you brought up the Whythe Candy Shop idea. I think we stopped in there last year but didn't get anything. Not sure - is it in Merchant's Square? They did enjoy looking around in the toy shop there, and my husband and I bought a couple little things in Everything Williamsburg.

Well, this has gotten long and it's time to pick up the kids from the bus. Thanks again to all who replied.

kmchick

Yes, the cheese shop moved. It's now where that colonial fast-food type place used to be between the craftshop and wyth's candy. But the space is divided in two, with one side a nice resturant (the fat canary-highly reccommended) and the other, the cheese shop. I love the cheese shop, but between 11:30-1 you can wait over 45 minutes for a sandwich, and it's not very kid-friendly. They have really yummy muffins that make great mid-morning snacks, and you can see the gourmet food without being elbowed or steped on.

The old cheese shop space just re-opened as the blue talon bistro last week. They reserve half thier floor space for walk ins, so reservations are less neccessary that the other merchant's square resturants. It's inexpensive french food, and I LOVE the decor. Their weeknight specials are a good deal (tursday night is coq-a vin for $12) and they can accomodate children better than a place like the trellis.

cheapbutnice

To add a little more:The Lightfoot Pottery Outlet has really gotten tacky but still has half price, ceramic bird bottles, S&P shakers, etc.I would also recommend that you check out the Williamsburg Lodge for great dinner specials and a nice kid-friendly atmosphere. Enjoy.

TravelingMom

Hmm...not sure about the BG coupons. We used to get them off of soda cans, I think. Hotels might have something too.

For breakfast - there are some great waffle shops in Williamsburg. We always did Mama Steve's on Richmond Road (when we could drag ourselves out of bed in college!).

rb_travelerxATyahoo

I've eaten at the Gazebo, and there's nothing special about it, just another over-priced pancake/waffle place. I'm not much of a "breakfast person", and usually prefer to stop at a place like Manhatten Bagels (just west of end of Bypass Rd, somethink like 1300 Richmond Rd) or Big Apple Bagels (just to east of Williamsburg Shopping Center, maybe somethink like 900 Richmond rd) Pierces serves breakfasts, and I think the prices looked reasonable.

Yes, Cheese Shoppe is now where "A Good Place to Eat" used to be -- always loved that name (think asking "can you suggest a good place to eat?") even if I wasn't crazy about the food, but it was more reasonable for families than anything in CW or Merchants Sq.

I always forget about Pauls Deli, close to Hospitality House -- great eats!

I enjoyed "Papa Said, Mama Said", a number of "fables" as I recall - some little lesson in each story told by slaves, but I'm not sure if your younger one would be intrigued or bored -- I'm not a good judge about children entertainment. I think I've seen every evening program offered in the past 10 years, many of them more than once, and often confuse one for the other.

Also consider a visit to Newport News. The Living Museum would be appropriate for the kids. The Newport News City Park (near I-64 exit 250, I think) has playground and nature trails the kids might enjoy. They used to have rowboat/canoe rentals there too, maybe no longer, or not so late in the season. Near there are both Endview and Lee Hall plantations.

Hey TravelingMom- another place no longer there (damn!!) is the Drug Shop at the corner across from W&M. That was a great place for usual drugstore purchases, some inexpensive postcards/souveneers, and their VERY reasonably priced lunch counter. It's now the Williams-Sonama shop. I forget the other shop, "Caseys" ? that also moved out. A big Barnes & Noble replaced it. I hate seeing chain stores replace old time locally-operated shops.

kmchick

Breakfast ideas...

the morning you're in the hospitality house you could go to the University Center "Center Court" (different place than the Marketplace food court I mentioned earlier). Breakfast is $4.50 (cash only) for all you can eat cereal, fruit, frseh smoothies, breakfast pasteries, make your own belgian waffles, and the hot breakfast of the day (usually french toast, eggs, bacon or sausage, hash browns, etc). It's not the williamsburg inn brunch, but it's just as good as the overpriced waffle houses on Richmond rd.

From the hospitality house it's literally a stones throw. From the front door walk across the street, through the parking lot past the stadium, and the UC is the first building on the right. It's also very empty anytime before 9:30am (sleepy college students), so no waiting!

I think the Hampton Inn has a complimentary breakfast, if they don't I'd hit one of the bagel places those mornings.

TravelingMom

Rb...it's been 2 years since I've been back in the 'burg - I'm sure I'd hardly recognize it! I used to know every street, path, and highway but would probably get stuck at "confusion corner" these days!

As long as Paul's keeps serving up those sandwiches, I'll find my way back every few years...

Birdie

You may find that the Cascades is only open for events. It has gone through many transitions in the past few years. The Colonial pancake house has good reasonable breakfasts. If you would like to drive into Kingsmill one day (its next door to Busch Gardens) you can eat breakfast or brunch there. Its not cheap but the views of the golf course and river make it special. Regattas, also in Kingsmill, can be a lunch or dinner stop if you go to BG. Its casual, reasonably priced, and there is a game room the kids can use while you are lingering. To avoid the long lines at the Cheese Shop, call your order in ahead of time. RB the drug store moved over to a strip mall near Busch Gardens. Its between the Starbucks and the Sportsman's Grille. Same great stuff but, unfortunately, no lunch counter.

obxgirl

Sarasota,

The Oct 15-17 weekend is Wm & Mary's homecoming. Things will be hopping in town. Recommend you make your dining reservations now. Some of the places mentioned on this thread (Chickahominy House, Pauls Deli and Sal's come to mind) might be busier than normal.

Sorry to hear Grand Medley isn't offered during your visit. I haven't seen Papa Said, Mama Said so I can't offer an opinion. It is recommended on the family part of the CW website, so logic would have you believe it's appropriate for kids of most ages. Have you considered an evening carriage ride? Possibly the Ghost walk?

The River's Inn is in Gloucester across the York River. That's a bit out of your way if you're not already down there (maybe 30 min from Wmbg) but the food is very good. Owned by the Berret's people.

bennnie

SarasotaFL - We didn't pay anything near $350/night for Kingsmill. Ouch. I was hoping to go back next summer but not at those prices. The package we had included tickets to BG and breakfast each morning. After you deduct the price of the tickets it was around $170 and that included the golf, breakfast and shuttles.

We ate mostly at the resort but did go out one night to a place at the Sheraton 4 Points. Its was a sports bar and claimed to have lots of games available via satelite but it didn't even have ESPN. But the food wasn't bad and it wasn't expensive.

Can't suggest any other attractions other than BG. We just went there and to Water Country. No history for us as we had spent the prior 5 days in DC and we were museumed out.

Enjoy your trip. Its a great area.

mommybryant

Just a couple of comments. WE were there this summer with two boys, ages 7 and 10. They loved Jamestown a lot. Even coersed my husband into buying them one of the rifles they sell there. Looked real cute with the triangle hats. Our family LOVES amusement parks and BG has wonderful shows along with some really fun coasters. There are also plenty of other rides for the whole family. You would enjoy it I am sure.

Also, we stayed three nights at Hampton Inn on Bypass Rd. They have a pretty good deluxe continental breakfast. However, they were undergoing construction while we were there and it looked like it was going pretty slow. Pool area was a mess with windows out, etc. Hot tub didnt work. So you might call to be sure the construction is finished if you are staying at that Hampton.

If you have time, take the family on the free ferry ride to Surrey. It is right next to Jamestown and a fun thing to do. Also, one hour away is the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. A real wonder of its time, even still.

You will have a fun trip. I wish I were there. We also forgoed shopping, except in the historic area. Have a wonderful time. Wish it were me going back.