Williamsburg VA budget trip!

[princesspwrhr]

We will be driving and making good use of our new GPS Anyone know of any coupon books that would be good for the area?

There's a Hampton Roads area Entertainment book, but the majority of the things in it are for Virginia Beach/Norfolk/Chesapeake - an hour away. This link shows an overview http://www.entertainment-savings-offers.com/hampton-roads/book/

Since we're a tourist area there are coupon pamphlets in almost every hotel lobby. gowilliamsburg.com also has a printable coupon book. I just looked through it and there are a number of decent food coupons - Kyoto (yum, think Teppen Edo), Food For Thought (must go), Peirces BQ (Local fav) and some others. There are some paltry coupons for attractions in in.

The chamber of commerce has a _few_ coupons. Kyoto and some tour discounts http://www.williamsburgcc.com/coupons/

 

[irishsharon]

There's a Hampton Roads area Entertainment book, but the majority of the things in it are for Virginia Beach/Norfolk/Chesapeake - an hour away. This link shows an overview http://www.entertainment-savings-offers.com/hampton-roads/book/

Since we're a tourist area there are coupon pamphlets in almost every hotel lobby. gowilliamsburg.com also has a printable coupon book. I just looked through it and there are a number of decent food coupons - Kyoto (yum, think Teppen Edo), Food For Thought (must go), Peirces BQ (Local fav) and some others. There are some paltry coupons for attractions in in.

The chamber of commerce has a _few_ coupons. Kyoto and some tour discounts http://www.williamsburgcc.com/coupons/

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for all your help I checked out the website and its great!I like that you can look at menus which is needed for my VERY picky eater pizza/grilled cheese/hotdogs thats all he will eat at restaurantsSo at least Peirces will work for us and the prices are very reasonable.I also love the coupon for free popcorn in case we go to the movies and a buy one get one free ice-cream cone at ben&jerrysI am just glad to find that there are places that are family friendly and affordable so I don't have to cook every night on vacationI was just wondering if there are chick-a-fil not sure of the name but have heard people mention the place on the boards and was curious since we don't have any in NY.

 

[princesspwrhr]

Williamsburg is a VERY family friendly place to visit. It's also friendly for singles and adult only travelers. Well as long as you're not into clubs. lol You have to go into VB or Richmond for clubbing.

There are two Chik Fil A's in Williamsburg. Both have indoor playgrounds if it rains, but your 10 yo may exceed the 52in height requirement. They have free wifi though. One is on Monticello in the Target/Martins shopping center across from Kidsburg/Midcounty park. The other is on Mooretown rd near Home Depot/Lowes/Walmart/Great Wolf Lodge. Both locations are clean, the staff is amazing and the managers are great. We're huge fans. They've just introduced grilled chicken nuggets, but their full fat fried original nuggets are addicting - all real chicken too, no mystery meat. A warning tho- the sweet tea is real southern sweet tea, it's practically sugar water, and if you're not used to it you could go into shock I'm used to it and I have them cut it half sweet, half unsweet tea. They also have a new $0.99 mini sundae. Oh, and you can turn in the unopened toy from the kids meals for an ice cream.

The Moe's in Williamsburg (on Monticello) does kids eat free on Tuesdays and Sundays. I think it's Tuesdays and Sunday at QDoba also, but definitely Sunday. Firehouse Sub (way better taste than Subway!) does kids eat free on Tuesdays. Here's a list of some, I know there's others - and I highly suggest checking with TGIFridays first, last I heard they discontinued, but it's not a place we frequent. http://outtoeatwithkids.com/restaurantseoResults.php?state=VA&city=Williamsburg&day=All

If you're up for ice cream, there's Ben & Jerry's at the outlet mall, there's also one on the beach in Yorktown, there's a Cold Stone Creamery on Monticello, but the jewel is Sweet Frog Frozen Yogurt in New Town. There are 12 (14?) flavors of help yourself soft serve and a toppings bar for the health conscious and the candy junkies. You get a cup, fill with yogurt, add toppings and pay by the ounce. It's absolutely delicious. A new place - HoneyBees, recently opened, but I don't think the flavors taste as good, they taste more umm icey? Same concept. I just saw that a third FroYo bar is opening, it's near Martins. But I only saw it at a glance, can't even remember the name.

 

[mom2rose&john]

I just found this thread. We are traveling to Williamsburg during the week of Memorial Day. Is it too early to do the Water Country USA. How many days touring Colonial Williamsburg be enough with an 8 and 7 yr old? Are the Outlets really worth it? I live near the Niagra Falls NY Outlet but rarely go because I think that the prices are that much lower than the regular malls (with the exeption of Coach)

 

[ICF]

One other thing to check out.....and this probably sounds strange coming from a guy....Is the Yankee Candel outlet.

It is unlike anything I've ever seen before. There is a lot more than just candels there and they also have free fudge / popcorn samples too!! The kids loved wandering thru the areas and watching it "snow" inside one of the areas. If the weather is too hot or too rainy, then this is an easy way to kill and hour or so.

 

[princesspwrhr]

I just found this thread. We are traveling to Williamsburg during the week of Memorial Day. Is it too early to do the Water Country USA.

Water Country opens May 19 & 20 for the weekend only and then starts daily operations May 25. Local schools are still in session until mid June, so if you're actually coming the week of/following Memorial Day I would wait to do Water Country & Busch Gardens until a weekday. (Busch Gardens is open now - weekends only - until Memorial weekend.)

How many days touring Colonial Williamsburg be enough with an 8 and 7 yr old?

My younger two are 7&8 (both girls) and they love Colonial Williamsburg. But we also know several of the interpreters, go frequently to take pictures or hang out on the green or go to the farmers market on the weekend. I know that they couldn't take it straight on as a destination stop, it would HAVE to be broken up. Probably over the course of 3 -4 days if your ticket allows. There are lots of neat kid activities, but they don't always happen on the same day, so for those you may have to go back anyways. The Revolutionary City happens in the afternoon. Here's CW's kid page with a link to fun kid activities - plus games, activities and a virtual tour of the town. http://www.history.org/kids/visitUs/ Let them choose some places they want to visit. They may be more willing to suffer through the half hour tour of the capital that dad wants to see if they know they get to also go to the brick makers, horses or the blacksmiths. You can also go to the calendar and see the activities ahead of time to help you plan your week. They put a little kid in a tricorn hat icon next to the events that are particularly kid friendly. If you can fit it in the budget, rent costumes for the kids at the visitors center. The rental price is reasonable, the deposit is hefty, but refunded. With the costume rental the kids get a scavenger hunt type activity that brings them into the action. RevQuest is another option, but when we did the test group last summer, my 8 (then 7)yo got bored before all the clues were found. It was just too involved for her tastes. You get a clue, have to decipher it, then figure out where you have to go for the next clue. The older kids really enjoyed it though. RevQuest is interactive as well and the clues are sent to your cell phone.

I would probably do a full day at Jamestowne Settlement, a half day at Jamestown Island, a full day combined at Yorktown Victory & Yorktown Battlefield, and 3 partial (half to 3/4) at Colonial Williamsburg. If you can't split it up, I'd say a day and a half, 2 max for kids that age at CW. There's a lot of fun stuff that goes on at Yorktown for Memorial Day.

Are the Outlets really worth it? I live near the Niagra Falls NY Outlet but rarely go because I think that the prices are that much lower than the regular malls (with the exeption of Coach)

No, not really. It's like any other outlet mall. Most of the stuff is "regular" price, just a different line for the outlet. You can catch some good sales, but only if you know what you'd normally pay. Last year I stalked PacSun and managed to get swim suit separates for my 13 yo for about $6 a piece - I can't even get that price at Target, but usually it's $20 a piece just like in the mall. The Pottery might be reopen by that time. It was a collection of old buildings and warehouses that had an eclectic mixture of home stuff for decent prices. They've razed most of it and are rebuilding it strip mall fashion.

 

[Mickeyluver37]

We usually go down for a Busch Gardens weekend every year when there is a concert my kids are interested in. Unfortunately this year none of the dates work for us. While the concerts are free, if you act early, you can buy VIP tickets that include dinner, for not much more than the price of a meal. Then you are right in the first few rows, and don't have to wait in line. Last year we saw Miranda Cosgrove and Greyson Chance and they stopped letting people in before we even had dinner!

The food is ok- think counter service at Epcot. The park is split into countries and there is usually something "authentic" in each section. Biergarten is great if you love German food, and it's in a huge air conditioned building with a show.

Water Country is a great water park, and if it's hot and you think you want a cabana, act fast, as they sell out first thing in the morning (again, most of our experiences are with weekends.)

We usually eat out, but there is a Super Walmart (by the Pierce's and the Chick Fila.) There's also a Sonic! We ate at Jungle Jim's last year and while the theming is cute, the food was just ok, but overpriced, and the service was sub-par.

We always hit the Yankee Candle Factory on the way out! You can find coupons (even at the front of the store) for a free wax dipped figurine- you dip yourself, but there is also so much else you can make there. It's good for an hour or 2.

 

[valee]

Another vote for Pierce's BBQ. We pick up hamburger buns and chips at the WalMart and buy a pound of BBQ (you can get it hot or cold, depending on whther you'll be eating it sooner or later), and make sandwiches at the timeshare. If you see coupons for 10% off, be aware it doesn't apply to the carryout bulk BBQ.

You can park free at the Williamsburg Visitor Center, and then take a free bus over to the restored area.

Your kids may enjoy sandwiches you make at the timeshare, but for the adults I recommend the sandwiches at the Cheese Shop in Market Square on Duke of Gloucester. Every visit, I have to have the combo sandwich - turkey and Virginia ham shaved thin, on french bread with a slice of havarti and their house dressing. You can call ahead and pick up your order at the outside window on the side of the building. Since they slice their french bread on the bias, they sell the leftover ends for about $1 a bag. We take one sandwich for two adults, the chips from Walmart, and a bag of bread ends over to the pond on the grounds of the Governor's Palace, for a nice leisurely lunch feeding ourselves and the fish.

We enjoy the half hour organ recitals at the Wren Chapel at William and Mary at ten on Saturday mornings, and the Saturday evening concerts at Bruton Parish Church. They're not part of the official Colonial Williamsburg activities, so won't be on the official schedule. You can find them on the web. They're free, but donations are appreciated.

Find time some morning to be on Duke of Gloucester before the exhibits open. Enjoy the atmosphere before the street gets crowded and hot. It's charming to see the interpreters in their colonial garb walking along the street on their way to work.

 

[irishsharon]

We usually go down for a Busch Gardens weekend every year when there is a concert my kids are interested in. Unfortunately this year none of the dates work for us. While the concerts are free, if you act early, you can buy VIP tickets that include dinner, for not much more than the price of a meal. Then you are right in the first few rows, and don't have to wait in line. Last year we saw Miranda Cosgrove and Greyson Chance and they stopped letting people in before we even had dinner!

The food is ok- think counter service at Epcot. The park is split into countries and there is usually something "authentic" in each section. Biergarten is great if you love German food, and it's in a huge air conditioned building with a show.

Water Country is a great water park, and if it's hot and you think you want a cabana, act fast, as they sell out first thing in the morning (again, most of our experiences are with weekends.)

We usually eat out, but there is a Super Walmart (by the Pierce's and the Chick Fila.) There's also a Sonic! We ate at Jungle Jim's last year and while the theming is cute, the food was just ok, but overpriced, and the service was sub-par.

We always hit the Yankee Candle Factory on the way out! You can find coupons (even at the front of the store) for a free wax dipped figurine- you dip yourself, but there is also so much else you can make there. It's good for an hour or 2.

I cannot find the VIP concert information Planning to go to the water park during the weekdays do you think we shoild get a cabana? are there shady places to sit without paying for it? Very irish skinThanks for the info

 

[irishsharon]

One other thing to check out.....and this probably sounds strange coming from a guy....Is the Yankee Candel outlet.

It is unlike anything I've ever seen before. There is a lot more than just candels there and they also have free fudge / popcorn samples too!! The kids loved wandering thru the areas and watching it "snow" inside one of the areas. If the weather is too hot or too rainy, then this is an easy way to kill and hour or so.

FREE FUDGE I'm so there Might be a great place to pick-up teacher gifts

 

[irishsharon]

Another vote for Pierce's BBQ. We pick up hamburger buns and chips at the WalMart and buy a pound of BBQ (you can get it hot or cold, depending on whther you'll be eating it sooner or later), and make sandwiches at the timeshare. If you see coupons for 10% off, be aware it doesn't apply to the carryout bulk BBQ.

You can park free at the Williamsburg Visitor Center, and then take a free bus over to the restored area.

Your kids may enjoy sandwiches you make at the timeshare, but for the adults I recommend the sandwiches at the Cheese Shop in Market Square on Duke of Gloucester. Every visit, I have to have the combo sandwich - turkey and Virginia ham shaved thin, on french bread with a slice of havarti and their house dressing. You can call ahead and pick up your order at the outside window on the side of the building. Since they slice their french bread on the bias, they sell the leftover ends for about $1 a bag. We take one sandwich for two adults, the chips from Walmart, and a bag of bread ends over to the pond on the grounds of the Governor's Palace, for a nice leisurely lunch feeding ourselves and the fish.

We enjoy the half hour organ recitals at the Wren Chapel at William and Mary at ten on Saturday mornings, and the Saturday evening concerts at Bruton Parish Church. They're not part of the official Colonial Williamsburg activities, so won't be on the official schedule. You can find them on the web. They're free, but donations are appreciated.

Find time some morning to be on Duke of Gloucester before the exhibits open. Enjoy the atmosphere before the street gets crowded and hot. It's charming to see the interpreters in their colonial garb walking along the street on their way to work.

Great idea on taking out from Pierces cheap and no cookingI checked out the Cheese shop menu my dh and I would love it Also the organ recitals sound amazing do they do this in the summer? Thanks for the info.

 

[princesspwrhr]

I cannot find the VIP concert information Planning to go to the water park during the weekdays do you think we shoild get a cabana? are there shady places to sit without paying for it? Very irish skinThanks for the info

There's plenty of shaded seats, but they go quick and change with the sun. What usually happens is the spots likely to stay shaded all day are "claimed" first thing in the morning by bags of stuff or towels draped over them. They stay claimed for the remainder of the day. But there are shaded and covered areas near all of the themed areas. It's the rare day I haven't been able to find at least one or two open seats in these shaded areas while walking around all day. I don't like leaving my stuff and I don't think it's fair for me to claim a chair for the whole day that I'll maybe use once or twice since I'm following my younger kids around all day. When my daughter goes with her BFF, the grandma usually takes them and she finds a shady seat near the wave pool, plops down with her book, the teens check in with her and she occasionally goes for a dip.

Usually the VIP dining packages are listed under the same place where you can buy dining certificates and tours.

(you can get sample fudge at all of the shops that sell it in BG and WC too)

 

[valee]

If you go to http://www.brutonparish.org/ the Bruton Parish Church website, and click on Candlelight Concerts, you'll see the the calendar for the church concerts and the Wren Chapel performances. They are held year round. If you're going to the 8 pm concert, you can drive down the part of DOG and park outside the church. (You'll see church members parked there on Sunday mornings for services. )

Someone else mentioned the Movie Tavern. They've got a weekend morning (9 am) special - Breakfast and a Flick, which I'll be checking out next weekend.

 

[bas71873]

I cannot find the VIP concert information Planning to go to the water park during the weekdays do you think we shoild get a cabana? are there shady places to sit without paying for it? Very irish skinThanks for the info

Yes. I personally wouldn't waste my money on a cabana and if you are going during the week during that time of year, there isn't a need IMO. We always find shady chairs in the H2O UFO area when we get there first thing and just grap chairs, leave our towels & stuff and go play. You can get online and look at the map the park.

 

[valee]

Lots of folks set up in the shaded area near the wave pool. We've always been able to find a spot in the shaded area near the no-so-lazy river.

 

[*luv*disney]

Hope I can help we moved down to N. Virginia from LI almost a year ago...we went to Busch Gardens a bunch of times last year with our three kids 10& up. They loved Busch Gardens, loved all the rides...you can buy a year pass on monthly payments if that helps your budget.We did get the refillable cups. One thing is almost all of the cups they sell are refillable we just bought the first ones we saw at the drink carts and didn't realize there were other choices in the stores. Don't worry about the traffic, it has nothing on the LIE... For down time enjoy the pool or waterparks...so many well meaning people told me about the beaches( i think oceans and bays and they were lakes and rivers ) and being from LI we are so spoiled in that area . Virginia Beach is beautiful but crowded. Our kids are already back in school at that time but I'm about 3 1/2 hrs north of Williamsburg. As far as the cabanas I've never rented one & have a very fair redhead who I douse with sunblock every hour. There are alot of shaded areas with benches. Enjoy your trip!!

 

[bas71873]

Lots of folks set up in the shaded area near the wave pool. We've always been able to find a spot in the shaded area near the no-so-lazy river.

Or in the area where the Hubba Hubba Highway is. My LEAST favorite part of WC. My DD LOVES it. She always manages to run me into the walls and I come away with wall burn

 

[babyflo1]

I have been following this thread looking for info on VB. My family and I are traveling to Williamsburg in June. My children, 10 and 8 have never been to the beach so thought a few days at VB would be good so I made a reservation at the Holiday Inn North Beach. I now hear from friends that VB is not a good place to go, trashy and not good for children. Is this true? Any other suggestions in that area?

 

[disneybirds]

We are headed to Williamsburg the first week of April for Spring Break. I am enjoying reading all the info on this thread.

If we are there for a week, do you really think we need a 7 day CW pass? We had planned to get a BG unlimited pass for $67, 3 day CW pass $44 and then the Jamestown/Yorktown pass for $20.

Keep the ideas coming!

 

[princesspwrhr]

I have been following this thread looking for info on VB. My family and I are traveling to Williamsburg in June. My children, 10 and 8 have never been to the beach so thought a few days at VB would be good so I made a reservation at the Holiday Inn North Beach. I now hear from friends that VB is not a good place to go, trashy and not good for children. Is this true? Any other suggestions in that area?

It really depends on where you go. During the DAY the beach/boardwalk area isn't bad. Expensive, crowded and touristy, but not bad. Sandbridge is much less crowded, as is First Landing State Park. Better for family atmosphere also. Going into evening and night, I wouldn't want to be at the beachfront with my kids. Though, I have to say, I find it highly amusing that there are signs down the strip where the clubs are about cussing being against the law between certain hours and conduct reminders. So that should tell you something. Access to the main beach area is also through an older part of town - it can look intimidating and "ghetto" in some parts, but mostly it's just older homes and lower middle class. Immediately following that section it's hotels - very little restaurants except what's in the hotels, so you'll have to navigate around to find something. So in that aspect it's not family friendly.

There are some really nice and family friendly areas of VB - they just aren't really on the beach - except for First Landing & Sandbridge. We live on the Peninsula now, but lived in VB for a little over a year, and to be honest, found the actual boardwalk & strip to much hassle, so went to other beaches.

We are headed to Williamsburg the first week of April for Spring Break. I am enjoying reading all the info on this thread.

If we are there for a week, do you really think we need a 7 day CW pass? We had planned to get a BG unlimited pass for $67, 3 day CW pass $44 and then the Jamestown/Yorktown pass for $20.

Keep the ideas coming!

The benefit of having the 7 day pass would be to break up your visits. Some programs are only offered on certain days, or maybe the kids can only handle so much history at a time (you have to work to make it an interactive experience) 3 days is enough, but if the ticket has to be used on three consecutive days, it might limit you. You can walk around for free in CW - you just can't go into any of the buildings in the historic area (except some stores) without a pass. So, if you only had the 3 day pass and missed the fife & drums you can actually just park in short term parking or the paid parking garage and watch from the palace green, you can also walk around all the streets, see the animals in the paddocks, visit Bruton Parish church, the College of William & Mary and hang out in Merchants Square sans ticket.