Williamsburg, Virginia
 

I am going to Williamsburg with a friend for 6 nights/ 5 days in April. We will for sure enjoy Colonial Williamsburg for 2-3 days. We both have been there but many, many years ago. Thought we would try and make a trip to James town, Richmond or Yorktown as well. There is more to do than we have time for, what are some of your favorites. Here are some of what I have found: Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, Dewill Wallace Decorative Art Museum, Jamestowne, College of William & Mary
in Richmond-
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
Maymont
St John's Episcopal Church
White House of the Confederacy
Yorktown-
Battlefield
American Revolution Museum

For the immediate Williamsburg area, two days is plenty, and that includes a leisurely visit to Colonial Williamsburg, its two allied museums, and the College of William and Mary. I suppose you could stretch it out an extra day if you want to go to things like Busch Gardens and Water Country; haven't been to these.

Both Yorktown and Jamestown take a full day to see if you want to be thorough. You can reach both by way of public transportation, though it's rather cumbersome to do so and expect to do a lot of walking if you attempt this; a car is helpful for both.

Richmond is about an hour's drive or a reasonable train/bus ride away, and you could spend several days there. If you go, include a visit to the capitol building, which is excellent.

Charles City is located about halfway between Richmond and Williamsburg, and has several historic plantation homes you can tour in what appears to be about a half a day to a day's worth of time; haven't been to these, either, and you'll need a car to get here.

You could also consider a day trip to Norfolk, which is about an hour in the other direction from Richmond.

Trip reports for all but Richmond and Charles City below:

https://www.fodors.com/community/uni...wn-va-1478482/

https://www.fodors.com/community/uni...lk-va-1478778/

The Fodor's and Frommer's websites have good suggestions for Richmond.

We were quite impressed with the American Revolution Museum on a recent visit.

I agree with bachslunch and if you decide to go up to Richmond, take route 5 which parallels the interstate but is closer to the river. There are plantations/historic homes that do tours.

I don't know exactly which dates in April you will be visiting, but if it is at the very end of the month, consider going to the Garden Week activities
https://www.vagardenweek.org/

Even if your visit doesn't coincide with those events, there are many beautiful gardens to explore in Colonial Williamsburg and the area

If you're a garden (and history) fan, consider adding Agecroft Hall in the metro Richmond area to your itinerary. They also have special events associated with Virginia's Garden Week but their gardens are always worthy of a visit.

https://www.agecrofthall.org/visit-us

bachslunch's trip reports are an excellent resource for the ground you want to cover for your visit.

The Williamsburg Botanic Garden is well worth a visit, but you'd need a car.

Restaurant recommendation in Williamsburg: the Blue Talon. Try to go to the Sunday brunch at the Wmsburg Inn.

I am bummed that we will be there the week before Garden Week. I knew about it but it is not when we will have the condo; oh well, another trip. I forgot to mention that we will have a car. thank you for all of your help.

There will be a lot of gardens and blooms for you to enjoy even without the garden week festivities. When you’re in Williamsburg, open the gates and go into the gardens behind the houses. Ditto what obxgirl said about Agecroft. When you go to Yorktown and Jamestown, make sure you take the Parkway. If the dogwoods are blooming, it will be gorgeous plus it offers beautiful views of both of our rivers.

Upper Shirley in Charles City would be a great stop to eat or try wine if you’re going up to Richmond.

Upper Shirley Vineyards

Let me know if you need more restaurant recommendations. The biggest buzz lately has been over this new place:

https://www.eatcasapearl.com/

Colonial Williamsburg had a list of gardens to explore when we were there two years ago and some tours by volunteers who work in the gardens.

If you are taking route 5 along the James River toward Richmond, the gardens and grounds at Westover plantation are lovely. You can't tour the house except by appointment or during garden week.
Westover Plantation: A perfect location for a southern wedding.

It is a beautiful time of year to visit the area.