Help needed from Virginia DVC members for Northern Ireland DVC members

[PKK/MJK]

If you do stop in Charlottesville,in addition to Monticello, be sure to visit the University of Virginia which was founded by Thomas Jefferson. It is beautiful and very historic. The University has free tours of the Grounds (they do not call it a campus), the Rotunda and the Lawn area, which are given by student guides. The guides are excellent--with extensive knowledge of Thomas Jefferson and the history of the University, its Honor System etc. You can also take a short drive to Historic Downtown Charlottesville--it is a very quaint area. If you go there, be sure and eat at The Hardware Store (yes, it is really a restaurant.)
We haven't been in Charlottesville in a few years, but we used to stay at a hotel called the Cavalier Inn which is within walking distance of the UVA (University of Virginia) Grounds (campus). Charlottesville is one of our favorite places to visit. Hope you have a wonderful trip!!!

Phil and Mary Jo

WDW--82,83,85,87,89,93,95,96, 97,98,99,00,01
DVC/OKW

[This message was edited by PKK/MJK on 03-11-01 at 03:00 AM.]

 

[jjcollins]

Hi Everyone,

It's us again!! We have eventually worked out our itinerary for our 2 week vacation to Virginia.

Arriving Sept 1 staying 3 nights at the Embassy Suites, Old Town, Alexandria

Sept 4th and 5th - staying at Skyland, Shenandoah National Park

Sept 6th and 7th - staying at Linden Row Inn, Richmond

Sept 8th, 9th and 10th - staying at Williamsburg Woodlands, Colonial Williamsburg

Sept 11th, 12th and 13th - staying at Marriott Waterside, Norfolk

Thanks for all your help and suggestions - now we just have to plan what attractions, tours, sightseeing and shopping we're going to do when we get there !!!! (I had to add the shopping for my wife!! Need you ask!!)

jj............

ps - I'd asked before about the weather at this time of the year - can anyone help?

 

[Sorcerer]

I live in Va. Beach about 2 blocks from the beach, but on the Chesapeake Bay side as opposed to the Atlantic Ocean side. If you look at a map of southeastern VA, you'll notice that the shoreline curves around at Fort Story, where the Ocean meets the Bay.

The beach in September is glorious! Be prepared for high temperatures (80s F) and yes, we are a shorts and Tshirts sort of place. Most restaurants around here are very casual. If you want some GREAT seafood you can't go wrong down here!

I highly recommend the Va. Beach Resort and Conference Center for your stay in Va. Beach. It is also on the Bay side and is located in a very low key area. It is VERY safe with many restaurants within walking distance. If you would rather have the excitement of the oceanfront and the boardwalk then I would suggest the Cavalier hotel, one of the oldest hotels in Va. Beach. Very beautiful and lots of character. Oh, and yes, the beaches are safe for swimming. The ocean has somewhat rough waves (great for boogie boarding or body surfing) and the Bay is very calm.

Definitely don't leave Norfolk out of your tour, downtown has been revitalized and you can visit the bases and the Navy ships too.

One winery I would suggest is Barboursville, near Massanutten. They are my absolute favorite winery.

And here's another vote for you to include Manassas on your tour! I spent 5 years of my childhood there. Very educational and enjoyable.

Please feel free to email me with any specific questions about Va. Beach. If Cherry is unable to get anything you need (and I know she'll try her best, I know her well ) I'll give it a shot from my end of town.

I just read your post with your itinerary and can give you peace of mind on the Marriott Waterside hotel. I've attended several functions there and never been disappointed. You can walk to MacArthur Mall from there - this mall has nearly every store you could possibly imagine, except a Disney Store! Your wife will enjoy shopping there, I can assure you. There may be some festivals or concerts taking place at Town Point Park, which is also within walking distance (right on the Elizabeth River) while you are there.

I would still recommend traveling to Va. Beach for seafood It's about 30 minutes from downtown Norfolk by car, and very easy to get to.

Offsite '77, '79, '85, '90, '96, '99, '00, '01 May 10-13 2001
Disneyland '77, '97
BW Inn June '98
DVC Hilton Head, All Star Sports March 2000
DVC BWV Sept and Oct '00 May 13-18 2001
Animal Kingdom Lodge May 18-20 2001
Disneyana Convention Sept. '01

[This message was edited by Sorcerer on 03-14-01 at 03:47 PM.]