Williamsburg, VA Help!
Jan 2nd, 2001, 12:40 PM
#1
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Williamsburg, VA Help!
I am planning on traveling to Washington DC this summer and then go to Williamsburg, VA for a few days. I was just wondering though if two days would be enough to see it, or if you would stay longer?
In addition, I am thinking of staying at the Homewood Suites Hotel at 601 Bypass Road, any comments from anyone who has seen this hotel or even stayed here would be GREAT!
Thank you!
In addition, I am thinking of staying at the Homewood Suites Hotel at 601 Bypass Road, any comments from anyone who has seen this hotel or even stayed here would be GREAT!
Thank you!
Jan 2nd, 2001, 06:41 PM
#2
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Hi! We live near Williamsburg and visit fairly often. If you plan on shopping there, I would suggest that you plan to spend two full days there (one day in historic Williamsburg and one day at the outlet malls and the Williamsburg Pottery Factory). If you aren't a shopper, I think one day should be plenty to see the historic district. Of course if you want to also go to Busch Gardens or WaterCountry USA, add in a separate day for each of these parks. Have fun!!
Jan 3rd, 2001, 03:20 AM
#3
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Hi Jim - I agree with Jill's opinions, but just want to add that if the Pottery is something you want to do, get there early and bring an extra dose of patience! ;-) It can be quite crowded, especially in the afternoons, but the bargains are great (especially linens, candles, glassware, etc.). Here are a few websites that may be of interest to you, if you don't already have them:
http://www.virginia.com
http://www.williamsburg.com
http://www.hamptonroads.com
http://www.gohamptonroads.com
The last 2 deal with the area a little south of Williamsburg (VA Beach, etc.), in case your travels take you down there a bit. Hope this information helps.
http://www.virginia.com
http://www.williamsburg.com
http://www.hamptonroads.com
http://www.gohamptonroads.com
The last 2 deal with the area a little south of Williamsburg (VA Beach, etc.), in case your travels take you down there a bit. Hope this information helps.
Jan 3rd, 2001, 05:24 AM
#4
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Hi,
Can't comment on Homewood Suites, but one important consideration is how you will get to and from the historic district. Parking is at a premium, and if you are setting yourself up to park at the welcome center and take the shuttle buses in and out of the area, be there early enough to get a space. Otherwise, parking yourself near the historic district also means getting there early, because most of the parking is near the shopping area, which fills up quickly in the summer.
As to time allotment, one day is enough for the historic district if you begin early and stay late, but a more comfortable time-frame is a day and a half if you want to linger over the shops and -- especially -- want to sample all the different restaurants, since dining is a primary activity at W'burg and the main reason many return. I believe you can find out about and maybe even make lunch and dinner reservations on-line, which you must do before you arrive if you are there in the summer. For dinner, I particularly like the King's Arms, but every place has its appeal.
Can't comment on Homewood Suites, but one important consideration is how you will get to and from the historic district. Parking is at a premium, and if you are setting yourself up to park at the welcome center and take the shuttle buses in and out of the area, be there early enough to get a space. Otherwise, parking yourself near the historic district also means getting there early, because most of the parking is near the shopping area, which fills up quickly in the summer.
As to time allotment, one day is enough for the historic district if you begin early and stay late, but a more comfortable time-frame is a day and a half if you want to linger over the shops and -- especially -- want to sample all the different restaurants, since dining is a primary activity at W'burg and the main reason many return. I believe you can find out about and maybe even make lunch and dinner reservations on-line, which you must do before you arrive if you are there in the summer. For dinner, I particularly like the King's Arms, but every place has its appeal.
Jan 3rd, 2001, 08:11 AM
#5
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Just went to Williamsburg on a business trip in September and spent several days there. My opinion is a little swayed by the fact that I love history and hold a B.A. in American history, but two days in the historic district would be a little short but doable. Couple of recommendations here, definately check out the www.history.org site and get tickets for an evening program or two. I took four of the tours, the Ghost tour, Lanthorn tour, Cry Witch play and the Civil War tour. All were GREAT, it depends on your interest. The Lanthorn tour is a wonderful evening of colonial history and the Civil War tour is great for getting a glimpse at what the town became after the capital moved to Richmond. Definately worth the $7.00 per ticket!!! Reserve them in advance by calling the 1-800 number you'll find on the above web site.
As for places to eat, the Kings Arms was okay, but the Shields Tavern was my favorite, hands down! MAKE RESERVATIONS! You can do this through the 1-800 number too. We saw a number of people turned away because they had no reservations. The other place in town that is definately worth a visit is The Trellis restaurant, owned by Marcelle Desoniers (sp?). He had a show on PBS called Death By Chocolate and the Burgermeisters. (I think Death by Chocolate is on Discovery Home Channel now.) Their web site is www.thetrellis.com. The restaurant is just past the historic area on the Duke of Glouster street, towards the College of William and Mary. Very easy to walk to!
Have to agree about the parking issue. I would try and stay at a Williamsburg Foundation hotel, if only for the convenience. We were at the Williamsburg Lodge, but there are cheaper alternatives. You can even rent a historic colonial home. (I'll definately do that next time we go!)
Williamsburg was an incredible trip! There's a lot of shopping in the historic district and plenty to see and do. Make sure you visit the Capital building and speak with Randolph Peyton, George Washington, etc. Also, make sure you get a copy of the days activities. They're available at the hotels and shops and it's kind of like a newspaper explaining the day the actors are living and it will also give you times and places of events. A lot of them are interacting with figures of history. It's kind of interesting to be invited into Randoph Peyton's parlor to converse with Mr. and Mrs. Peyton and their visitor George Washington, or to meet Mrs. Smythe as she works with her slave cook to decide what they'll be having for dinner as well as discuss recent slave uprisings. You'll have a GREAT time!!!
As for places to eat, the Kings Arms was okay, but the Shields Tavern was my favorite, hands down! MAKE RESERVATIONS! You can do this through the 1-800 number too. We saw a number of people turned away because they had no reservations. The other place in town that is definately worth a visit is The Trellis restaurant, owned by Marcelle Desoniers (sp?). He had a show on PBS called Death By Chocolate and the Burgermeisters. (I think Death by Chocolate is on Discovery Home Channel now.) Their web site is www.thetrellis.com. The restaurant is just past the historic area on the Duke of Glouster street, towards the College of William and Mary. Very easy to walk to!
Have to agree about the parking issue. I would try and stay at a Williamsburg Foundation hotel, if only for the convenience. We were at the Williamsburg Lodge, but there are cheaper alternatives. You can even rent a historic colonial home. (I'll definately do that next time we go!)
Williamsburg was an incredible trip! There's a lot of shopping in the historic district and plenty to see and do. Make sure you visit the Capital building and speak with Randolph Peyton, George Washington, etc. Also, make sure you get a copy of the days activities. They're available at the hotels and shops and it's kind of like a newspaper explaining the day the actors are living and it will also give you times and places of events. A lot of them are interacting with figures of history. It's kind of interesting to be invited into Randoph Peyton's parlor to converse with Mr. and Mrs. Peyton and their visitor George Washington, or to meet Mrs. Smythe as she works with her slave cook to decide what they'll be having for dinner as well as discuss recent slave uprisings. You'll have a GREAT time!!!
Jan 3rd, 2001, 08:30 AM
#6
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I too would recommend staying "onsite." We stayed at the Woodlands Suites right next to the information center and found both the price and the convenience excellent compared to other options. Our suite had two double beds: one in the bedroom, the other a sofabed in the living room.
I would also recommend driving to Jamestown to see where the first English colony was founded and failed. There are also great plantation houses in the region. I'm partial to Shirley Plantation myself, although there are others that are grander.
I would also recommend driving to Jamestown to see where the first English colony was founded and failed. There are also great plantation houses in the region. I'm partial to Shirley Plantation myself, although there are others that are grander.
Jan 3rd, 2001, 12:39 PM
#7
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THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR REPLYING!
I personally didn't know that parking was a problem at Williamburg. I am for sure going to look into the onsite hotels at Williamsburg, as well as some of the restaurants they sound great!
In addition, Jill being that you travel a lot to Williamsburg have you seen the Homewood Suites hotel there ever? I just checked with Homewood Suites and the lowest rate I can get is $152.10 with a AAA discount so I am trying to now compare this to other places around the Williamsburg area if anyone could let me know what they got at the onsite hotels.
By the way, I am planning to bring family along so I am trying to find hotels with suites or large rooms mainly that's why I chose Homewood to begin with.
Thank you everyone!
I personally didn't know that parking was a problem at Williamburg. I am for sure going to look into the onsite hotels at Williamsburg, as well as some of the restaurants they sound great!
In addition, Jill being that you travel a lot to Williamsburg have you seen the Homewood Suites hotel there ever? I just checked with Homewood Suites and the lowest rate I can get is $152.10 with a AAA discount so I am trying to now compare this to other places around the Williamsburg area if anyone could let me know what they got at the onsite hotels.
By the way, I am planning to bring family along so I am trying to find hotels with suites or large rooms mainly that's why I chose Homewood to begin with.
Thank you everyone!
Jan 6th, 2001, 06:52 PM
#9
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Was just there last October--if you really enjoy history, one day is not nearly enough--in my opinion anyway. The onsite idea is excellent--we were actually spending the week in Va. Bch., about an hour away and the shuttle buses that go around W'burg were a pain. I second the Jamestown recommendation.
Mar 3rd, 2001, 08:35 PM
#10
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Jim,Please give Wmsbg. 2 full days. It is rich in history and you will love it. If on a budget suggest staying at the Woodlands near the visitor center with good parking. Can take the shuttle bus from there into historic area.Have been going for 10 yrs now and love it.Reservations a must for dinner in a tavern but lunch is first come first serve. Suggest Shields with children. In Merchants square there is a hamburger place. Directly across the street the famous Trellis Restaurant. But a tavern is part of the experince. If you can afford to stay at the Lodge part of the foundation it is great with kids. Inform yourself ahead of time. Go to www.history.org. Go to the visitors center first (next to the Woodlands) to get passes for the historical area and program idea. Have fun
Mar 9th, 2001, 06:32 PM
#11
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Jim,
I recently returned from a trip to Washington DC and Virginia. I really enjoyed Jamestown. The shopping was impressive in Williamsburg but I was let down a bit with the Historic city. The plantations are great. I ventured to Richmond and toured the capitol which was very historic and enjoy-
able. Visiting Williamsburg in the summer will be more exciting than in February, Busch Gardens and Waterworld will be in full swing. By the Way, there is a free ferry ride in the Jamestown Settlement area that was fun, especially for a person who has never had their car carried by a boat across water. Happy Vacationing!
I recently returned from a trip to Washington DC and Virginia. I really enjoyed Jamestown. The shopping was impressive in Williamsburg but I was let down a bit with the Historic city. The plantations are great. I ventured to Richmond and toured the capitol which was very historic and enjoy-
able. Visiting Williamsburg in the summer will be more exciting than in February, Busch Gardens and Waterworld will be in full swing. By the Way, there is a free ferry ride in the Jamestown Settlement area that was fun, especially for a person who has never had their car carried by a boat across water. Happy Vacationing!
May 26th, 2001, 02:55 PM
#12
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I think the CW hotels are higher priced than others. You can park at the visitors center and take a shuttle. They are charging now but may not be if you purchased a ticket. Check into that. The Homewood suites looks nice and it is new. It is on a strip that has a lot of restaurants but isn't as crowded as the Richmond Rd. corridor. Other possiblities are at the end of the historic district and within walking distance. Four Points Suites by Sheraton is there. Two days may be enough depending on what you like. You could easily fill a week with plantations, CW museums, the colonial section, Busch Gardens, Water Country, Jamestown and Yorktown.
Jun 27th, 2001, 03:12 PM
#13
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I have been going to CW about 3 times a year for long weekends, for about 5 years. I still haven't seen everything, because it keeps changing!
Parking can be a pain in the summer, but there's a bus service, called the R&R (Ride & Relax) the runs from about 8am to 10:30pm traveling from the Pottery Factory (west) to Busch Gardens (East) with convenenient stops. I believe the fare was $1 or $1.25 for all day unlimited service.
CW tickets ( http://www.history.org ) are about $28 for 1 day, or $38 for a year. You'll need tickets to enter any of the buildings, or take part in activities. You can walk around outside all you wish for free.
Your Homewood Suites hotel is relativly new, but looks nice. There's probably a dozen hotels in that area, none of them very old. I think the R&R bus passes by it.
I can try to answer any other questions, if you'll email me, removing the X from my "e-ddress".
Parking can be a pain in the summer, but there's a bus service, called the R&R (Ride & Relax) the runs from about 8am to 10:30pm traveling from the Pottery Factory (west) to Busch Gardens (East) with convenenient stops. I believe the fare was $1 or $1.25 for all day unlimited service.
CW tickets ( http://www.history.org ) are about $28 for 1 day, or $38 for a year. You'll need tickets to enter any of the buildings, or take part in activities. You can walk around outside all you wish for free.
Your Homewood Suites hotel is relativly new, but looks nice. There's probably a dozen hotels in that area, none of them very old. I think the R&R bus passes by it.
I can try to answer any other questions, if you'll email me, removing the X from my "e-ddress".
