OT - Williamsburg?

[DZNYMGCFAM]

Hi, I live in Williamsburg....you can certainly find plenty to do here and I can even tell you some good "local's" places to eat that are great. When are you coming out here??

Also, I saw where some mentioned the new water park opening....unfortunately you HAVE to be a lodge guest to be able to use that water park and the rooms are not cheap!!!! My in-laws looked into doing this as a fun thing to do with our girls (they do things like this with them every year). WELL...it was $400/a night for my mother-in-law and my father-in-law..then it was about another $50.00 or so for each additional child (keep in mind they take all three of my kids!!)...needless to say...way to expensive for just wanting to be able to check outthe water park!!! Maybe if we did not live right here next ot it!!!!

Williamsburg has alot of things to see and do. Busch Gardens and Water Country of course...those are fun. Shopping at the Prime Outlet mall can be fun for those who like shopping, alot of shops to see. I recommend skipping the Williamsburg Outlet Mall though...that one is quickly going down hill!!! Prime Outlet is the best!! CW is very interesting...even for me after living here for twelve years. I just had to take my oldest to CW for a project she was doing (they required she interview someone who portrayed a CW character) I still learn very interesting things when we go down there. They also have a flea market kinda thing on Duke of Gloucester Street on the weekends and have a kids station where kids can do crafts, etc. You can also visit the Jamestown Victory Center....that place is pretty neat as well.

If you want to know about restaurants, let me know...I can make a list for you. One of our families favorites is right near Busch Gardens!!

Good luck on your trip and have fun!!

Stephanie

 

[DZNYMGCFAM]

So I'm not the only one that thinks the Pottery is just not the same! I haven't been down in a while to shop, but how are the outlet shops down there now? Anything good enough to travel about a little over a hour for?

The Williamsburg Pottery is gone down hill for some time now....I only go over there when I know they have something that I need and can not find it anywhere else. I do not think it is worth an hour drive!! I barely think it is worth my five minute drive!!!! But, to be fair...they have talked about doing some refurbishing. I had to drive past there about two or three weeks ago and they had redone the entrance signage and the fencing. It looked nicer than what had been there, however, I have not been back to the shops in a few months (maybe since September or so).

 

[N2DSNY]

When we go to Williamsburg, our favorite pizza place is Sal's by Victor. It's great NY style pizza. We've heard that the owner actually went to one of the olympics and cooked for the team. We also enjoy The Whaling Company for seafood, nice atmosphere too, childfriendly as well. When we are in the historic district we try to grab a sandwich at The Cheese Shop. As for BG, we do enjoy the Smoke House...just wish it had an area that was enclosed. It can be either hot or cold eating outside, depending on the season. We enjoy going to the Fest House, if you like German food. They also have pizza and FF for those who do not. Have fun.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

My daughter's 5th grade class is going to Colonial Williamsburg, DC and Philly this June. Quite an extraordinary trip they have planned, and I can tell you from the itinerary there is a HUGE amount to do in Colonial Williamsburg. I am pleased to tell you it is a professional tour company guiding them, and it's all pre-planned, so it frees me up to plan WDW... hahahahahaha

 

[DZNYMGCFAM]

N2DSNY,

Yes, I agree Sal's by Victor is very good!! There is also a new Italian restaurant by Busch Gardens called Maurizzo's (sp?) It is absolutely wonderful!!!! Another Italian restaurant out by the Pottery and Outlet malls is the NY Deli, definate local favorite (just ate there last night )!!!!

I also agree on the Cheese Shop...one of my favorite places to go for a sandwich!!!!! No one beats their sandwiches!!! Highly recommend getting the house sauce..even if you get it on the side...I usually get it on the sandwich and extra side of it !!

There is another local favorite out by Busch Gardens....The Sportsman Grille. They have really good food there.

I could go on forever.....yummm...we have some great places to eat around here!

 

[N2DSNY]

Thanks for the info DSNYMGCFAM. We'll have to try those restaurants. It's always nice to have someone tell you if it's a great restaurant or not. We love going to Williamsburg and part of our vacation is always eating at great restaurants....sort of like when we go to Disney.

 

[Princess Glenda]

We live in VA and often travel to Williamsburg for a two or three day getaway. We really enjoy Water Country USA. We love eating at a restaurant called Seasons in the historical district. I got a Gift Certificate from restaurant.com for there once and we've been back every trip since. The outlet shopping isn't very good imho. We are used to the ones in Orlando, Pigeon Forge and Myrtle Beach and the ones in Williamsburg just don't compare. We love the historical area and the visitor's center is a MUST. You'll find all sorts of interesting info. there. Do some research before your trip and know what things your kids will enjoy.

 

[katallo]

I agree, the Cheese Shop is great. For a nice lunch or dinner we love the Trellis. Desserts are the best! One thing I never miss is Gingerbread from the Bakery in the hisotric area. I've been getting it since I was a kid. Sad to hear about Great Wolf Lodge. I was going to plan a trip with my godson but at that price, we'll visit Water Country USA.

 

[calie_j]

Very interesting thread, I plan on going to Williamsburg in 2007 and am really looking forward to it.

Those of you bumming about great wolf lodge should check it out more, we have one near us in WI and I'm planning 2 nights over xmas. Ours does let you do the water park without staying there IF they aren't booked up. I did a quick check on their website for the one in Williamsburg and a room with a queen and sofa bed is listed at $259 for 2 people, it's only $15 more per person up to 4 people for this room. The more common room of 2 queens and a sofa bed is $299 for 4 people and you can add 2 more people for $15 each. Make sure you check out their specials too, I saw 3 different ones for up to $125 off. I think AAA now has discounts there too, thought I had read that in a newsletter a few months ago but haven't checked it out yet.

Calie

 

[GoPatsGoSox]

Wow, I'm so glad I saw this thread. We are also planning a trip to Williamsburg and I've been thinking that it would be great to have a forum like the DIS--never occurred to me to actually TRY the DIS. I am particularly interested in information on places to stay. We are interested in something close (even walkable) to Colonial Williamsburg. I have been looking for information on the Williamsburg Lodge, but I know they are in the middle of a renovation and it's hard to get much information on what the rooms are like. Has anyone stayed here? I'd love any feedback. Also, I'd really appreciate any other lodging suggestions close to CW. We really love the 'resort' atmosphere at WDW--is there anything similar in Williamsburg? Thanks so much for any help!

 

[John Dobbertin]

GoPatsGoSox: Many choices for places to stay near the Historic District. Do a "google" on "Colonial Williamsburg" & you will find many sites for places to stay. Colonial Williamsburg itself has an assortment -- much of it rather pricey. If price is no object, go for the Williamsburg Inn! Or the the rooms in the buildings & homes in the Historic District (operated by Colonial Williamsburg). There is also the Williamsburg Lodge & the Governor's Inn. We have stayed in everything except the Governor's Inn. Just on the border of the Historic District -- up past the Capitol Building -- is a cluster of hotels & motels. Some of those are within walking distance & affordable. It is wonderful to stay in-or-near the Historic District.

 

[GoPatsGoSox]

Thanks John, how did you like the Williamsburg Lodge?

 

[John Dobbertin]

Williamsburg Lodge had an Old South charm to it in the rooms -- which are now being redone. It's greatest assets: location-location-location. And the Christmas banquets in the large conference hall -- did those several times & they are not-to-be-missed if you are there in December. Negatives: it caters to conferences & public areas reflect that. Of course absolutely no other place in Colonial Williamsburg can compare to the lobby of the Williamsburg Inn -- especially in the cooler seasons when there is a fire in the fireplace!

 

[GoPatsGoSox]

Thanks--this sounds like just what we're looking for!

 

[DZNYMGCFAM]

Kingmill Resort, which is right next to Busch Gardens, is a very nice place to stay . It has a great resort atmosphere with indoor/outdoor pools, tennis courts, marina, restaruants, lounge, spa, golf, 24 hour security, room service, etc. It is probably a little pricey, but if you can afford it, it is very nice!!! My in-laws live in there and we go back to the restaruants often...very kid friendly!!

 

[katallo]

There are also a few timeshares that rent. Powhattan, King's Grant, Greenspring Plantation. We have rented many times and love the fact that we had additional space for a great price. If cost is an issue, there is a very nice Homewood Suites on Bypass Road. We stayed at the Governor's Inn once and didn't like it at all. Loved the Lodge. A very nice Marriott in Kingsmill. That is closer to Busch Gardens.

 

[DZNYMGCFAM]

The Hospitality House is a very nice hotel as well. That one is near the CW area (walking distance) and arcoss from the W&M College and their sports field. The Marriott at Kingsmill is also very nice. There are alot of nice choices to choose from around here. In all different price ranges...just make sure where you are staying is not backed up to the train tracks!!!! a few of the hotel/motels back up to them.

 

[weregoingtodw]

I could help it... all this talk about Williamsburg, I had to hit the Prime Outlets today! Got a great side bag at Eddie Bauer for $19.99, and Bass had some great shoes - for those in the area, their men/women shoes are buy one, get the second for 60% off! Needless to say, I got two pairs of shoes as well.

 

[PA DISNEYLOVER]

My parents have timeshare in Williamsburg, so we go every year. My kids love it. They really do enjoy walking around Colonial Williamsburg. If they are older they have shows at night that are really neat. These are the things that are on my kids to do list....
1. Haunted ghost tour
2. Dinner at Shields Tavern
3. GoCart place
4. Busch Gardens ( of course)
5. Kyoto Hibachi bar. This is my kids favorite place to eat. The chef really interacts with the kids.

 

[DZNYMGCFAM]

I could help it... all this talk about Williamsburg, I had to hit the Prime Outlets today! Got a great side bag at Eddie Bauer for $19.99, and Bass had some great shoes - for those in the area, their men/women shoes are buy one, get the second for 60% off! Needless to say, I got two pairs of shoes as well.

WOW!!! Looks like I am going to be heading out to Bass sometime this week!!!! Thanks for the heads up!! My husband thanks you too !! LOL!!!!