Visiting Greater Williamsburg Part II

I have plotted our course for our Greater Williamsburg road-trip adventure! The first big trip of the summer kind of sets the tone for the season so making this trip special for everyone is important. Discovering new places with something fun for everyone is ideal.

I have always wanted to take my family to Greater Williamsburg because not only does it look like so much fun but it also is an experience they will never forget. Most museums and educational trips can be tough for them at times but in Greater Williamsburg we get to learn about our American history while having a blast at the same time. I have ironed out the details and keeping in mind which activities each kid will love the most, so we can do them all.

Visiting Greater Williamsburg can seem a little overwhelming but if you are on a leisurely road trip you can take your time, add on a few days and fit almost everything in. My strategy is to enjoy as many days as we can doing the most important vacation things: have fun, find good eats, and shopping.

Greater Williamsburg has numerous historic attractions, theaters, scenic trails, vineyards, theme parks, museums and tours and during my planning. I was shocked by the amount of amazing activities and attractions in the area. I knew we’d have fun but I didn’t realize how much fun we would be having every day! I have put together (with the help of VisitWilliamsburg.com, of course) a rundown of the top spots and activities that seem perfect for my brood but also should be on everyone’s summer adventure list!

 

Williamsburg is the first stop on our trip. Obviously, you can’t visit Williamsburg without experiencing the story of America. I love the idea of traveling back in time to an 18th century city and especially the exciting reenactment actors in Colonial Williamsburg. Colonial Williamsburg is surrounded by beautiful gardens and has restaurants galore! A traditional tavern makes the whole experience feel authentic like we’ve truly stepped into another time. There are plenty of historic tavern options but at the top of my list is Christina Campbell’s Tavern, apparently George Washington’s favorite seafood. After dinner we can join the Official Colonial Williamsburg Ghost Walk; apparently the guide tells stories of love, murder, betrayal and spooky nighttime ghost encounters. My kids love ghost stories especially Ryder, although I think he might just like scaring his sisters.

I am curious to check out DoG St Pub – it is casual, there’s a fun community table in the middle and there’s pictures from when it used to be a bank. We might need a hearty lunch to fuel my shopping spree on High Street and at the Williamsburg Premium Outlets one afternoon. Shopping on vacation is the best as I just love bringing home souvenirs to remember our trip.

 

High on our list is the always fun amusement and adventure park day. Williamsburg is home to some of the biggest roller coasters you can imagine! Busch Gardens is one of those amusement park gems you need to experience. AND we can also hit Virginia’s largest water park; Water Country USA which has raft rides, water slides and lazy rivers to cool off in.

Neighboring Jamestown is a fun packed spot, too. Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne; two living-history museums and both on the list. We can hop on the Jamestown Discovery Boat Tour and learn about the history of the area. My kids love being on the water. We can rent paddle-boards, canoes or kayaks from the James City Marina right across from the Jamestown Settlement and explore.

Food in Jamestown during busy full days of activities should be easy and low key. Carrot Tree Kitchen is an easy stop and the Jamestown Settlement Cafe has soups, sandwiches and picnic-table dining that is perfect for a busy day with the kids.

 

In Yorktown we have to visit the American Revolution Museum, I just know the kids will marvel at recreations of Continental Army encampment and a 1780s farm and of course the Yorktown Battlefield. Then we can enjoy an afternoon stroll along Historic Yorktown’s Riverwalk Landing. There are also shops and restaurants like Water Street Grille, lining the waterfront. Considering we will be driving from town to town and everything is fairly close, I have picked my top two places to stay in the Greater Williamsburg area. My kids have plenty of travel experience, including stays at all sorts of luxury hotels and resorts, so I never think twice about booking an upscale property for all of us.

The Powhatan Resort is absolutely beautiful and is very family friendly with pools and a playground as well as an on-site Historic Powhatan Bar & Grille. It is an 18th Century Manor House set on 256 acres. Kingsmill Resort is a beautiful and sizable hotel that offers large rooms to fit the whole family. Oh…and they have a spa.

I am so excited to kick off summer this year and hit the road to one of the most fascinating destinations on the East Coast. VisitWilliamsburg.com is such a helpful resource when planning a trip to Greater Williamsburg. You can customize your trip to focus on culinary exploration, active adventure or simply American history or all of the above! The days can be as busy or relaxing as you want them to be. I can’t wait to experience Greater Williamsburg.