OT: LIVE Report from Colonial Williamsburg: Final PHOTO update

[mainegal]

I am so glad you did not miss the Governor's Mansion.
And the maze behind is wonderful. Is it still good smelling boxwood?

Thanks for the trip report!

 

[javamoma]

Dave,

For those of us who are planning a CW trip this year, would you give us an end summary? Maybe best food, definate do not misses, and ones that could be missed if pressed for time.

Thanks! Great report.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Dave,

For those of us who are planning a CW trip this year, would you give us an end summary? Maybe best food, definate do not misses, and ones that could be missed if pressed for time.

Thanks! Great report.

That's a really good idea. I'll try to get a summary together tonight or tomorrow.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

I am so glad you did not miss the Governor's Mansion.
And the maze behind is wonderful. Is it still good smelling boxwood?

Thanks for the trip report!

You mean the "cat-pee" bushes? No, they smell terrible...

 

[rottiemom]

Dave, I just want to thank you for this wonderful report. I'm in the process of planning our first trip to Williamsburg (spur of the moment) and it has been a huge help. Your photos are spectacular!

 

[mainegal]

You mean the "cat-pee" bushes? No, they smell terrible...

Okay... maybe I meant "unique" smelling boxwood?

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Good Morning Everyone: OK, I wanted to have a final trip wrap-up as was suggested by some. Now remember, this is only one man's opinion based on our one visit. However, here are some thoughts.

The main destination for us on this trip was Colonial Williamsburg. We devoted a number of days to the historical district, and were really glad we did. We spent a couple of hours in the morning, went back to our condo in the afternoon to rest, and then went back to the historical district in the evening. We got the most out of buildings where we had tours or could talk extensively to the staff: Governor's Palace, Wetherburn's Tavern, and the Great Hopes Plantation. We really had a great conversation with a woman reinacting the part of a slave. It was very eye-opening, and great for us and the kids. It dealt with a difficult topic in a good way. The Brickyard was a huge hit for the kids, and they loved stomping around in the clay (OK, so did I).

As far as eating places - our family really enjoyed Shield's Tavern. Yes, it was dark in the "wine cellar", but it was nice and cool on a brutally hot day. My meal was excellent, my wife's was just OK, but the experience was fantastic. My recommendation would be to try to eat in one of the taverns for the experience. Take a look at the menus (you can find them online), see what food (and price) appeals to your family, and go to at least one of them.

We also really enjoyed our evening entertainment. The "Grand Medley of Entertainments" was silly and moved a little slow for us, but our youngest daughter just ate it up. It was kind of a slow-moving "Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue". The whole family loved the witch trial reinactment of "Cry Witch". We really got a lot out of that. I would recommend trying to go to at least one evening performance if you can.

Things you could possibly skip. We didn't get too much out of the museums. They were pretty typical museums, quiet, and kind of stuffy. Our girls were bored by them, and DW and I pointed out to them that this was how all museums were when we were kids. We did think the mental hospital was interesting, but it would take you less than 30 min to see that.

We liked Busch Gardens. The coasters were fun. Our youngest started with "The Griffin", and once she rode that she was never afraid of anything else. I will say the day at Busch Gardens was a little strange for us because it also coincided with the death of DW's grandmother. So it was a bit of a subdued day, but we still enjoyed ourselves. We especially enjoyed the gardens and landscaping.

So that's all I can think of right now. For those that are planning trips, ask questions if you have them. I can try to answer as best as I can, or the people that live in the area that have been following the thread might be able to answer as well.