Colonial Williamsburg in April About This Page:

[disneydeva]

We have decided to drive to cw for the kids April break. Any suggestions? We are dvc so we will be exchanging any suggestions on rci resorts?

[patclairesmom]

We spent Easter break a few years ago in Williamsburg. We really enjoyed it. We also did Jamestown and Busch Gardens for a day. I think we sent 1 and 1/2 day doing Williamsburg, a 1/2 day at Jamestown and 1 day doing Busch Gardens. Definitly sign up for one of the tours. I would suggest an evening tour, they have several different ones. The food in the taverns in Colonial Williamsburg as not that great. I think you and your family will enjoy your trip.

[Lumieregirl]

While everyone heads to Jamestown, don't overlook the Yorktown Victory Center. This was actually more fun for us. Kids enjoy helping fire the cannon.

The Wmsburg taverns are way overpriced. In the colonial area, the restaurants in Merchants Square are preferable.

[disneydeva]

Great tips thanks so much. I was also told that it was a 2 hours trip to DC. Anyone have experience with this????

[sheldoal]

I live in VA, and my husband and I visit Williamsburg at least two or three times a year. You can park at Colonial Williamsburg Visitor's Center, buy tickets (kind of pricey option) for what you want to do, and then take free shuttle to those locations: Yorktown, Jamestown Settlement (in addition to a few shows, there are recreated fort, indian village, and ships--one of which you can climb aboard and tour), and Historic Jamestowne (which has a museum filled with the artifacts that have been found). My fav is Historic Jamestowne because it's just so cool to walk around where the actual fort was--depending on time of year, they often have archaeologists and students excavating on- site. Of the two Jamestown(e)s, Jamestown Settlement is a bit more kid-friendly. However, it depends on your children's ages, interests, and temperaments. I also believe the fort at Jamestown Settlement has armour you can put on for photo ops.

Here is a link to various price options. The first time we went, we had an annual national park pass (think it costs $80 now--it was cheaper then) that let us into national parks which included Yorktown and Historic Jamestowne. It included entire family with the one pass--Williamsburg and probably Settlement are not included. There are tons of options.

There are ghost tours that meet in Historic Williamsburg near the Barnes and Noble. (It's a good practice to check for Groupons for dates you plan to go.)

You can walk around Historic Williamsburg for free and go inside shops and eateries for free--any touring of other buildings, you'll need pass. My husband and I have done it both ways. Be aware not every building is available every day. I was disappointed that the Capitol building wasn't open when we went. Several years later, we paid for passes and it was open. I got yelled at for chewing gum while outside, waiting for our tour! I had to walk up front and throw it away like I was a child. Being a teacher, I did what any of my students would have done. I walked back to my seat and popped in another one. People around me were grinning.

Anyway, they often have people recreating things out in open. We've seen red coats marching down the streets, cannon fire near the battery, and there are carriage rides, I believe. Great photo ops everywhere. Farm animals (sheep and such things) are out and about (fenced in, of course).

Busch Gardens is great option for kids, too.

If you like shopping, the Williamsburg Pottery has renovated its shops. I miss the ratty old ones, but the renovation is very nice now--just less available. It's not just pottery, btw. It's on Richmond Road going toward Lightfoot. If you love Christmas, Christmas Mouse is two stories of Christmas 12 mos a year. There is a small Ripley's on Richmond Rd also. If you like Chinese, there is a huge buffet near the K-mart on Bypass Rd.

As for RCI, there is a Great Wolf Lodge (has indoor water park), but I don't know if it is part of your RCI.

[sunshinetaradise]

I live in Virginia Beach so Williamsburg is about a 45 min-1 hour drive from me. I would definitely suggest going to Busch Gardens and Water Country USA if you can squeeze them in. Also there is a great bbq place called pierce's that i always try to hit when i'm up there. They also have the outlets up there for great shopping. I would say D.C. is more of a 3-3/12 hour drive from Williamsburg due to traffic. D.C. traffic can be a nightmare sometimes.

[disneydeva]

Love all the tips!! Thankyou! What do you all think about driving to say fredericks and taking the train into dc as an option?

[sunshinetaradise]

you could do that or you could catch amtrack from williamsburg....there is a station in Williamsburg

[emtpej]

I endorse The Great Wolf Lodge -- if it is a good value for you - we have stayed there several times while visiting Williamsburg. It seems like we always run into someone we know there!

[jiwdurando]

our home resort is in Williamsburg, Kings Creek Plantation, we really enjoy staying there, there is also Historic Powhatan Resort, which I have never been to, but my aunt has a timeshare there and loves it. Been to Williamsburg many many times and love Historic Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. There is so much to do. I would check out history.org for all the historic information. We love Busch Gardens a very clean and nice park. One place my family loves to eat is Pierce's BBQ. If you have any questions or anything feel free to pm me! Hope you have a fantastic trip!