My husband is attending a conference in W'burg the first week in April and I am going along. I have not been to Williamsburg since I was an elementary school child. Any suggestions on ways to pass time? Is Colonial Williamsburg "good" or is it "Disney-History"? Does Williamsburg have other interesting things to see and do?

We went to Williamsburg last winter. I had not been there since I was a child. It is a great experience IF you buy the pass. We spent two full days and barely saw everything. You can also tour William and Mary college. Jamestown is nearby and is also well worth it.

Hi carolyna,
Where do I start? April is going to be the perfect time of year to visit Colonial Williamsburg. Spring will be starting and the weather should be mild.
First thing you should do it check out their official website at www.history.org. There you will find all you need to know about ticket prices, programs and events. This is no Disney. This is where history begins for our nation and Colonial Williamsburg does a terrific job in bring it all to life. So check out the events page and do some research on what is available. PLEASE buy the ticket. They are all listed on the website. The Freedom Pass is $59.00 for many days and the Two Day pass is $34.00. Check out the differences in each pass. You may have to purchase seperate evening program tickets. There is so much to do and see that it is sometimes hard to see it all in short time. There is a gentleman named Bill Barker and he portrays Thomas Jefferson beautifully. Don't miss him. The shopping along the streets and in the Merchants Square is pretty nice too. Jamestown is celebrating 400 years of existance so this would be a terrific side trip to make, as well has the Yorktown battlefield. The College of William and Mary is just a short walk from the historic area and is worth the exercise. Don't forget to try to catch a meal in one of the taverns. Worth the cost for the atmosphere alone.
You didn't say where you and your husband were staying for his conference. The newly renovated Williamsburg lodge maybe? There is a new Spa across the street from the lodge. Haven't been to it yet, but a day there would be just the way to fill up your day. If you love walking, grab your camera and walk around the historic area. Hopefully some of the gardens may have some color and you should be able to enjoy them all.
I could go on and on! Do visit the website for lots of information on times and opening of venus, buidlings and programs. The Revolutionary City is in it's second season and they have added more to the story. I know that it sounds as if I work for Colonial Williamsburg but I don't. My family has been vacationing there for years and we love it. Go and Enjoy!

Dear girlwilltravel,

Thank you for the marlevous "travel-log". I will take your advice and get online. I was an american history teacher for 12 years, so appreciate that aspect of where i will be. We are staying at the Williamsburg Lodge and SPA is one of the things I am looking forward to! As the spouse of the conference-goer, I will have time on my hands. As a middle school principal--I need a massage! The Chowning tavern seems to get the best reviews. We are finishing off this trip with, on the way home to northern virginia, a trip to Washington, VA and The Inn at Little Washington for my 50th b'day--so W'burg will be the precursor to that experience!

carolyna,

If you are heading north and you have the time you might consider stopping by Mount Vernon, George Washington's home. They have just opened a new museum there and the grounds should be beautiful in April. Happy 50th! I celebrate my 51st in June and I love this decade!
Enjoy your travels!

Travel into town to Sal's for pizza (open for lunch as well as dinner) we enjoyed the tip from a local and ate there twice on our one-week trip. You should also enjoy lunch at the Cheese Shop(much more than cheese) adjacent to Colonial Wmmsbg (in the shopping area). Fun to sit and watch folks go by. We thoroughly enjoyed our vacation to Williamsburg in Fall of '05...we are both teachers, too. Very laid back, relaxing town and so rich in worthwile things to do. Have fun

oh...almost forgot! If you like to give educational toys or historical gifts, you will have to stock up on your trip. I bought some lovely soaps for friends at a nice price. We also bought our son a set of alphabet blocks (historical game) and he still loves to get them out and play with them. They are well made and I believe that items purchased in colonial wmmsbg help to support the authentic things they do there.

Purchase a "Patriot's Pass" and explore Colonial Williamsbure. The Capitol & Governor's Mansion are must-sees, as well as the many shops along Duke of Gloucester Street.

Start your visit at the Visitor's Center and be sure to set the mood by seeing the short film "A Story of a Patriot." (Yes, that is Jack Lord from "Hawaii 5-0.")

www.colonialwilliamsburg.org

Enjoy!