We are booked into this resort for next 4th of July. Would like to know what the good, bad and uglies are on this property.

Also any must do's for Williamsburg as we have never been. How far (timewize) and what beach to go to? How far ( timewise ) to King's Dominion?

Thanks for any and all input.

I stayed at Powhatan during the first week of April. I thought it was a nice property and our condo was very comfortable. My friends and I enjoyed our time there. They have a walking path and a nice pool area.

The only problem we had were ants and they took care of that right away. The area was suffering from a record drought so it wasn't a surprise.

You will also probably get a phone call from the property company wanting you to take part in a "survey" about your stay and get a free breakfast. It is basically their way of trying to sell you more time at other properties.

I have no idea how far King's Dominion is. Busch Gardens is pretty close, however.

If you like exploring plantation homes, there are plenty in the area that are lovely. Not to mention Colonial Williamsburg intself.

You don't say what your particular interests are which might drive replies to your must do question. History? Arts? Nature? Sports?

Colonial Williamsburg does a big fireworks display on the 4th of July.

The best beaches are found at the Outer Banks which is 2 1/2 hours from Williamsburg. There are some decent beaches to be found more locally. Check out this url:

www.hrtide.com/sports/content/recreation/guides/beaches.html

Are you certain you want to go to Kings Dominion? It's a hour or more from Williamsburg. Busch Gardens is a ten minute drive from the center of town.

Sorry, don't know anything about the resort but it looks nice from the outside.

Thanks TM. We wanted a feel for what Powhatan is like. We're 2 separate families each staying in a 2 bdrm unit.

DDD. Kings Dominion was just a thought. I told the other people there was Bush Gardens, Colonial Williamsburg and a Water Park in the local area. With them a beach and a golf course it pretty much fills the week, but Kathy is a rollercoaster freak so just checking what is do-able in that area.

A little history, theme parks, beach should do it for us. The kids are 9, 8 and 3. Golf course for the guys...a spa treatment for the girls???

Having never been to Williamsburg I was hoping to find out if we might be passing over anything.

Thanks again.

Williamsburg is swimming in golf courses. Kingsmill and the one at the Wiliiamsburg Inn are supposed to be the best. Both places have spa accommodations as well.

Busch Gardens has a number of good roller coasters (according to my husband and daughter). Busch operates WaterCountry too and you can purchase a multiday ticket which will get you into both parks. Kings Dominion is a very doable day trip.

Jamestown Settlement is well worth a visit especially for the kids. They have recreated the first English settlement and Indian village with costumed interpreters. Lots of crafts and demos. Lifesize recreations of the three ships that made the first journey. Show the kids Disney's Pocahontus before you go -- it's not all that historically accurate but it'll give them some context. The Settlement is located immediately adjacent to Jamestown Island, site of the REAL Jamestown which is also well worth a visit. Locals call them the dueling Jamestowns.

Lawren:

I think your two families will enjoy staying at Powhatan. They also have a miniature golf course the kids will like. I enjoyed just waking around the property, actually. In the center of it is a colonial house that they've restored and decorated that I enjoyed walking through.

There are tons of things to do in Williamsburg. Colonial Williamsburg alone will keep you pretty occupied. They have a lot of events throughout the week that you'll enjoy. They even rent out colonial costumes for the kids to wear. They might enjoy watching them cannon demonstrations and military parades. Each day they print a newspaper listing all the events.

My nieces personally thought Busch Gardens was the best part of their trip.
If the ladies want some time alone, there are ample outlets nearby to fill their shopping needs.

One thing that Powhatan offers is a day trip to D.C. if you're interested. I think it's fairly cheap and they bus you there for the day and back.