Williamsburg, VA Trip Questions

[benjamming]

My wife & I are planning a trip to Williamsburg, VA in the coming weeks. We will be going to Busch Gardens one day. I don't think that it will need more than 1 since Seaworld & Hershey Park was good in 1 day a couple years ago. Cedar Point took more than 1, but then again it's Cedar Point. We'll also be visiting Historic Jamestowne, Yorktown Battlefield, and Colonial Williamsburg. We really enjoyed Gettysburg a couple years ago.

Any recommendations on what to miss and not miss? Any advice on better areas to stay? Any comments on the above places would also be appreciated.

 

[furgoon]

Make sure you see the actual National Parks. I was there a few years ago and made the mistake of seeing the private Jamestown and Yorktown attractions. What I mean, is that they are close to the actual places and offer a similar glimpse but they are not the actual battlefield or the actual remains of the Jamestown fort. They were great exhibits but I was kicking myself later for not going to the one's hosted by the National Park service, plus they were expensive. The Colonial Williamsburg was awesome. You can actually walk it without paying but to go in any of the buildings you will have to display a name tag.

 

[XS650]

When we went to Williamsburg about 20 year as ago, there was a gunsmith making rifles with period tools and materials. They were functional rifles and got sold with the proceeds going to support the park. The gunsmith gave a real good talk and demo. If they are still doing that, you need to see it. IIRC, it took about a month to make a rifle and a rifle cost over a years wages for the average person.

The blacksmith shop was a treat too. The guy there gave a good demo including how they hand made nails. The speed was impressive considering what they were working with.

 

[tropic]

As furgoon said, colonial Williamsburg is awesome. You can park and walk to most points of interest, but children might become restless if they aren't taken with the historical aspect. I would actually prefer doing a thorough tour of Williamsburg than trying to visit everything in the locale. That said, a lot of the Park Service sites have that feel of respectful gravity that you find at places like Arlington National Cemetery. This will be a great trip if you can afford to take your time. I grew up on Colonial and Revolutionary history as a kid (schooled in Fairfax, VA), but this is still one of my favorites.

Busch Gardens is a blast even as an adult, but it's definitely a one day stop. Say hello to the Loch Ness Monster for me.

 

[Canawler]

My wife and I spent 2 1/2 days in the area during our honeymoon 3 years ago. We enjoyed Williamsburg so much that we never made it to Yorktown or Jamestown. Each year at Williamsburg they are recreating a corresponding year during the Colonial period. When we were there, I think it was 1773 or 1774 and all the news was leading up to the possibility of war with the mother country. This year they should be in the thick of things.

Make sure to see a presentation by the man that portrays Thomas Jefferson. He was absolutely incredible. The guy knows everything about Jefferson and could not be tripped up, even when pestered about the most miniscule bits of trivia.
Also make it a point to catch a presentation by Patrick Henry. This guy was almost as good as Jefferson.

Jamestown should be worth a visit this year as they should still be in full swing with special 400th anniversary celebration events.

Make sure not to stay at the Primrose Cottage in W-burg.

 

[BrianWC]

Just take down your radar detector, if you use one, when you cross the VA line.

 

[benjamming]

Yep, when we went to Hershey upon entering VA we pulled into the 1st rest area and placed the V1 in the trunk.

Tickets to Busch Gardens are $56.95 per online. Is it better to get online ahead of time (anyone have a promotional code) or are there local places with coupons & buy the day we attend?
Tickets are $10 online for Historic Jamestowne and Yorktown Battlefield. Is it better to buy the day we go or get them online ahead of time?

Any good eating places that are highly recommended to visit and not visit?