Williamsburg VA budget trip!

[bas71873]

I live in Virginia Beach and work in Williamsburg

OMG. That commute stinks. How are you not in the looney bin? Traffic on 64 is enough to send me over the edge and I only drive it a few times a month!

 

[bas71873]

So NY has great pizza! What should I try thats great in VA?

Pierce's BBQ....someone has mentioned that I think


NY Deli has yummy food. Great local place. My DH went to high school with the owner


We just recently ate at Opus 9 in New Town (is a shopping area with movie theaters in W'burg) and it was REALLY good. It's a bit fancier and it is pricey, but it was delish

There is TONS of stuff along Richmond Road/Route 60....some local, lots of chains. If you want Mexican, hit Plaza Azteca. Five Guys if you want a big ole burger

I think it's worth eaing at a Tavern on Duke of Gloucestor Street in W'burg.

The Cheese Shop in Merchant Square is good too.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

OMG. That commute stinks. How are you not in the looney bin? Traffic on 64 is enough to send me over the edge and I only drive it a few times a month!

A lot of audio books And sometimes if my fiance is on this side of the water for work we'll meet for dinner until traffic dies down or I hang out at my parent's house in Yorktown. I have also just sat in the parking lot for an hour doing crossword puzzles after work . I love my job and they're pretty flexible with what time I get in, so that helps! But yes, it is a really sucky commute.

 

[princesspwrhr]

So NY has great pizza! What should I try thats great in VA?

I don't eat meat - but supposedly VA is known for their ham? And peanuts, but I always thought that peanuts and peaches were GA. I guess peanuts is just a plantation state thing Anyways - I hear a lot about "Virginia Ham" - There are two places on 60 that are tourist traps, I mean ham stores one is right next to the Dunkin Donuts not far from Patriot's Place that several people are staying at, and the other is about 2 miles up 60 towards Toano on the left. There are also a few "country store" tourist shops that advertise "Virginia Ham"

 

[Schmoodle]

I haven't read this whole thread, so I apologize if this has been mentioned. I just spent a long weekend in Wmsburg, and we found coupons for $15 off one-day admissions to Busch Gardens at the Wendy's on Route 60, about a half mile before you get to the park. Other Wendy's in the area may have them too. They are good for up to 6 tickets, and through the end of May, I think. Saved me $60!! Much better than the AAA discount I was going to use. Anyway, I know it won't help the OP, but others planning a trip might be able to use them.

By the way, I hadn't been to BG since high school, and didn't remember what a beautiful park it is. We really enjoyed our day there. Verbolten will be opening before summer too, and sounds amazing, so we'll definitely be back later this summer.

 

[gregokdisney]

The prices in CW's souvenir and gift shops are OUTRAGEOUS! Steer clear!

 

[happy2go2wdwmom]

Sorry I've not read through this whole thread but did want to let you know that the CW refillable mugs you pruchase will be good through Dec. 31, 2012. There are usually long lines with lots of bees buzzing around at a walk-up stand immediately adjacent to Chownings Tavern. Tip: Instead of waiting in those hot, sunny, long lines, walk behind Chownings Tavern to the garden picnic table area- bypass those waiting to buy their food and walk right up to one of the three or four registers to ask for your refills. It's nice and shady there and a pretty area, too. Also, there is a nice (comparatively) bathroom there (few realize this) by going into the back door of Chownings.

Also, at the Hospitality Center as well as in the garden area behind Sheilds Tavern not only can you refill your drinks, you can fill them up with FREE icecream (Choc, Vanilla, or Swirl)!!!! Woohooo!

Be sure to sign your kids up for the Free RevQuest for the kids---our son was captivated by this--it takes about two hours to complete---ummm, without giving a spoiler, just be sure keep your video camera handy for the first part. The kids get their own bandanas and a really neat surprise at the end. I actually found this experince to be challenging and helped us realize the risks that our early patriots took. Speaking of which, you also MUST see "Revolutionary City." If you want your kiddos to dress the part, I'd look into buying their Colonial hats or outfit through ebay as it's rather expensive if you rent or buy there.

If you go to Busch Gardens, you can ask for ala cart items such as an extra hot dog or sausage or a plate of just potato chips at most restaurants and each is on the cheap. You can also ask for the kids meal without out the souvenier box (less $).


There's a Ripley's Beileve It Or Not i WIliamsburg that may be fun for your family to visit.

 

[happy2go2wdwmom]

Thanks for the info My 4th grader has been learning about American history this year so I'm excited for history to come to life for him!My husband and I have never been to Busch Gardens is there anything we need to know before we go?Is my budget good or do I need more?When do kids go back to school in VA,we are going Aug25-Sept1( just wondering about crowds) Also how expensive are things at BG any added costs I should know about. Thanks Also family friendly restaurants in the area

ps---there are picnic tables in the parking lots at BG and WaterCountry USA---to save $, you could pack your cooler and have a picnic...also, we've been known to wait to eat late outside BG and WC---just outside of BG on rt. 60 there's a Wendy's,and other fast food places. Further down is a McD's that stays open late as well. There area a ton of restaurants and there's a good coupon book that's worth checking out. FYI- even further down the road is a Friendly's---across from this is a Williamsburg Store that has a free fife and drum show. Sounds like you're oging to ahve one terrific vacation---even if it is on a budget! (Unless BG has changed the concert areas, the concerts on the lawn face toward the West (setting sun in our eyes---can feel HOT! Take a water sprayer and sunglasses).

 

[valee]

We made it to the Williamsburg Movie Tavern last weekend for their "breakfast and a movie" 9 am weekend special. We will be going back the next time we're down. They were only showing two movies - Hunger Games and Mirror, Mirror - but they covered the needs of the adult and kid audiences. The movie cost $6, and we shared a short stack of pancakes and an order of bisquits and gravy with a side order of potatoes. You put your order in at the concessin stand, take your beverages into the theatre, and they bring you your food later. The B&G ($3.50) was huge, so we didn't need the potatoes ($1). There wasn't any hot tea option, so we split an orange juice and got two large cups of water. With tax, the food came to about $12. We noticed that a server came through the theatre halfway through the movie with a carafe and asking if we needed coffee refills. If you're a big coffee drinker, you could probably scoot out to the concession stand and get more. The swivel chairs were super comfortable (I told my friend to be sure to nudge me if I started snoring), and the theatre had a great sound system that wasn't too loud.
We got our first Wmsbg refillable cup - we'd never realized in the past that refills were free. It's $11, but I'll be able to get my money's worth in their hot chocolate alone.
We got a BG refillable cup, which came with a two meal offer. We got the lemonade for our initial fill - might as well get the more expensive stuff. Refills are 99 cents for drinks and 1.99 for the frozen lemonade.
And if you need Virginia ham on a Saturday morning, ham bisquits are on sale at the farmers market on Duke of Gloucester street. We always pick up a dozen sweet potato bisquits to take home, too. Can't wait to have them with some honey butter on Easter morning.

 

[jcmaro]

ps---there are picnic tables in the parking lots at BG and WaterCountry USA---to save $, you could pack your cooler and have a picnic...also, we've been known to wait to eat late outside BG and WC---just outside of BG on rt. 60 there's a Wendy's,and other fast food places. Further down is a McD's that stays open late as well. There area a ton of restaurants and there's a good coupon book that's worth checking out. FYI- even further down the road is a Friendly's---across from this is a Williamsburg Store that has a free fife and drum show. Sounds like you're oging to ahve one terrific vacation---even if it is on a budget! (Unless BG has changed the concert areas, the concerts on the lawn face toward the West (setting sun in our eyes---can feel HOT! Take a water sprayer and sunglasses).

Concerts are now in the Royal Palace Theater.

 

[princesspwrhr]

I remember some of you are coming in May, on or near Memorial day. If you're going to be here and go to Busch on or before May 20 - we just got a coupon on our Papa Johns pizza box last night. Online deal is Buy one adult get one kid free - has a code. Park coupon is $15 off at the gate. Coupon required.

 

[Promomx2]

Has anyone checked out the new Williamsburg Pottery? Curious as to the selection of items and the prices. Wish it was like it was in the ole days of the 70's.

 

[valee]

We drove by when we were down last weekend. The stores were getting stocked, but there weren't store signs up. There was a sign that said the Pottery was scheduled to open this weekend.
It looks much more upscale. I think it will be competing against the Prime and the Premium outlet stores.

 

[Distiny]

What a great thread! It has literally inspired me to take a trip to Williamsburg.

Does anyone know of a good place to rent timeshares? I was thinking I'd just do priceline to get some hotels but I'm wondering if there's a better lodging deal to be had. Thanks!.

 

[kirstenb1]

I don't eat meat - but supposedly VA is known for their ham? And peanuts, but I always thought that peanuts and peaches were GA. I guess peanuts is just a plantation state thing Anyways - I hear a lot about "Virginia Ham" - There are two places on 60 that are tourist traps, I mean ham stores one is right next to the Dunkin Donuts not far from Patriot's Place that several people are staying at, and the other is about 2 miles up 60 towards Toano on the left. There are also a few "country store" tourist shops that advertise "Virginia Ham"

The Virginia peanut is an oversized taste delight!! If you try these, you'll never go back to those regular small peanuts. You can find tins of Virginia Diner peanuts at many gift stores. IMHO, these are the best. Hub's Peanuts runs a close second. I don't eat ham, but know that Virginia Ham is supposed to be very flavorful and salty; a small piece goes a long way.

 

[valee]

We find timeshares to rent in the Williamsburg area for very reasonable rates through Skyauction. Just put the city into the search field They sell the excess inventory of the timeshare companies, especially in the off-season. Be sure to read all the details carefully and calculate how much the total cost will be, including any surcharges and taxes. If there are multiple dates shown, the auction will reopen after the closing date, offering the remaining inventory, so don't get into any sort of a bidding war - just wait for the next auction. Before I bid, I check the property out on Tripadvisor. Tonight there are auctions for Wyndham Kingsgate, Patriot's Place, and Powhatan Resort.

 

[irishsharon]

Anyone ever stay at Patriot Place?Just wondering if there will be bbq grills

 

[Leader of the Club]

If you have a pass to your local museum or science center, make sure you check for reciprocity... http://www.astc.org/members/passlist.htm

These are a short drive (well, kinda short) from Williamsburg and are usually FREE with your local Museum pass. Always call first to verify.

Nauticus & the Battleship Wisconsin
One Waterside Drive, Norfolk 23510
(757) 664-1000 www.nauticus.org
F: Two adults and up to four children

Virginia Air and Space Center
600 Settlers Landing Road, Hampton 23669
(757) 727-0900 www.vasc.org
F: Two adults and up to four dependents

Virginia Living Museum (
IDs)
524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd, Newport News 23601
(757) 595-1900 www.thevlm.org
F: Up to two member adults living at the same
address and member's children under the age
of 18. Special events are not included.

 

[Leader of the Club]

If you have a pass to your local museum or science center, make sure you check for reciprocity... http://www.astc.org/members/passlist.htm

These are a short drive (well, kinda short) from Williamsburg and are usually FREE with your local Museum pass. Always call first to verify.

Nauticus & the Battleship Wisconsin
One Waterside Drive, Norfolk 23510
(757) 664-1000 www.nauticus.org
F: Two adults and up to four children

Virginia Air and Space Center
600 Settlers Landing Road, Hampton 23669
(757) 727-0900 www.vasc.org
F: Two adults and up to four dependents

Virginia Living Museum
524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd, Newport News 23601
(757) 595-1900 www.thevlm.org
F: Up to two member adults living at the same
address and member's children under the age
of 18. Special events are not included.

 

[irishsharon]