audreyh1

My boyfriend and I leave for Williamsburg on Friday. We are driving up from NC. I was reading other threads and I have a few questions. Is Colonial Williamsburg open on Sundays? We were thinking about doing Busch-Gardens on Saturday and CW on Sunday. People have mentioned eating at a Tavern. What is that like? My boyfriend and I are in our late 20's and early 30's. Friday evening I would like to have dinner somewhere that has a fun atmosphere. have thought about Blue Talon or Fat Canary. Afterwards somewhere we can hang out and have some wine and he a beer. Any suggestions? Thanks,
Audrey in NC

audreyh1

ttt

cheapbutnice

Just my opinions from my son of your age.The CW Taverns are very, very expensive. For a good dinner consider the Blue Talon instead. I always butcher the name but for great Italian consider Sal's by Victor in the nearby Monticello Shopping Center. Go to the Visitor's Center to get a feel for the historic area.The historic section is open to the public so you can take a walk thru to see if it appeals to you before purchasing tickets.Don't be bashful to walk around William & Mary College and ask questions of folks that may have your similar likes.CW may not be your taste but it is a class act. Be sure to check out the Williamsburg Inn.

Birdie

A less expensive alternative to dinner at a tavern would be Gambols at Chownings. Drinks, roaming minstrals, and magicians. Check the entrance price at the Colonial Williamsburg web site. You might also like Corner Pocket for drinks and pool or JM Randalls on Longhill for live music. Check vagazette.com after Wed. for happenings.
Will you be driving up Fri. afternoon? Busch Gardens will be less crowded on Fri. if you can get there earlier in the day.

milford88

If you or your boyfriend is really interested in history, keep in mind that walking through the town gives a glimpse of what Williamsburg has to offer, but it isn't the whole picture. The tickets are relatively expensive if you only have a day to explore, but they allow you to go into the trade shops and to attend some programs (listening to Thomas Jefferson or Patrick Henry speak as if it is the 18th Century, for example).

Depending on what part of NC you're coming from, and if you might consider a return visit (I would recommend the Christmas season), there is a year-long pass that might be a better deal.

Also, the Taverns are expensive, but they offer a unique dining experience. I would also suggest the Ghosts of Williamsburg tour. Although Williamsburg does a great job with its programs, we prefer the ghost tour that is not affiliated with CW. We also like the 2nd Street Restaurant for a casual dinner.

audreyh1

Thank you for all of your suggestions! I think the Fat Canary and Sal's by Victor will be a must. I enjoy historic places and my boyfriend loves amusement parks. We are in northern NC. My hometown is 2 miles from the VA border. According to mapquest the ride looks to be 3 1/2 hours!

Gekko

The historic taverns are great and vary in price. Check the menus and pick the one that best suits your taste and budget.

Also, be sure to start your visit by watching the short film "Story of a Patriot" at the Visitors Center. It's cheesy, but it really sets the mood for your walk around Colonial Williamsburg. Trust me.

MFNYC

Have lunch at one of the CW taverns. It is pricey but lunch is less than dinner. The food is ok, but nothing great, not worth the dinner prices.

MikePinTucson

We were in Williamsburg last week. We ate at Sal's by Victor -- really good Italian food, and relatively inexpensive wine.

We also ate at Aberdeen Barn, and thought the steaks were just OK. Another dinner at Casa Maya, which was OK mexican food. But I may just be spoiled by the many great Mexican restaurants here in Tucson. Had lunch at Berret's in Merchants Square and enjoyed it very much.

At CW, they have afternoon programs, starting at 2:30PM, at various places along the streets, enacting some of the things that happened during the Revolutionary War. Very interesting.

You can see what is scheduled here.

http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/...&numReturns=15

TravelingMom

I guess it depends what kind of fun atmosphere you're looking for when you have drinks. There isn't much in the way of "bars" near Colonial Williamsburg. The college hangouts are the delis (unbelievably, I just heard, one of which is about to become a Starbucks!) near the Hospitality House.

Pauls - always my favorite - is usually full of undergrads, but the Green Leaf is right next door and appeals more to grad/law students. There is also a martini bar nearby (the name eludes me) that's a bit more upscale but still fun.

I'd second the recommendation for Randalls if you're looking for something without any (or at least many) students.

I always wanted to go to Chownings because I heard they had games and entertainment - just never made it there!

Have fun!

fun4all4

Hi!

Oh my gosh....the thought of one of the "delis" becoming a Starbucks - just scandalous to this William and Mary grad!

Anyway, the taverns are really cool for their ambience, but can be overpriced. The idea of having lunch at one was a good one.

Another great lunch suggestion is to go the Cheese Shop (in Merchant's Square near the Wren building and the top of Duke of Gloucester street). Their sandwiches are awesome to take out and have a picnic (be sure to get with "house dressing!")

Have fun!

Birdie

The martini bar is A. Carrol's two blocks over from W&M off Richmond Rd. They often have live music on weekends also but it can get tight in there since it is a small space.