A Picture Perfect Getaway - Williamsburg

​As we officially enter the holiday season, what better way to celebrate than by taking a trip back in time!  Throughout the fall and winter, the Historic Williamsburg area in Virginia has so much to offer!
 
Here’s a sample itinerary for you and your family as you plan your, “Picture Perfect Getaway”!!!!
 

​Arrival
Your trip begins, as you take a leisurely drive to your hotel and take in the amazing scenery.   Don’t forget to chat with me to see which of our featured locations would work best for you:  The Williamsburg Inn, The Historic Powhatan Inn, The Estate at Kingsmill, or Marriott’s Manor Club at Ford’s Colony!  

​Dinner possibilities:  Your arrival evening is the perfect time to try a local favorite for dinner, Second Street American Bistro, if you’re looking for a casual night out.  
 
If you’re excited to try something a bit more upscale and would love to sample the region’s famous seafood dishes, I totally suggest Berret’s Seafood Restaurant.  From oysters on the half shell, to steak and lobster – there’s truly something for everyone! 

​​A Day in Historic Williamsburg

Starting your day: A great way to start the day is a visit to “Duck Donuts” for breakfast -on - the go, as you drive to Colonial Williamsburg.  You can watch the donuts made as you wait for your order; our personal favorites are the Maple Bacon and the Almond Joy!!!

​Spend your Williamsburg day wandering through the historic town:
- access to all the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area sites
- access to the museums
- use of Historic Area Shuttle buses
- programs throughout the property
 
* You can even check if the Musket Firing is available (at an extra cost) to add to your ticket for anyone 18, or older.
 

​CURATED TIP:  If your travel party would love to visit this area throughout the Fall, I would suggest purchasing the “Fall into Holiday Savings Ticket” available for purchase between now – Oct. 31, 2020.  For the price of a regular 3-day ticket, you get unlimited visits until Dec. 31, 2020.

​When you visit during the holidays, there are so many extra activities to enjoy!  From the nightly lighting of the cressets on the Duke of Gloucester Street, to decorated wreath sales and seasonal sweet treats, you’ll “fall” in love with this historic town!

​Dinner possibilities:  As you wrap up your day, a fun dinner choice would be one of Williamsburg’s taverns located throughout the property.  While Chowning’s Tavern is a favorite of my parents – we LOVE Christiana Campbell’s Tavern! 
 
P.S.  don’t forget to ask about “wearing your napkin” as you enjoy your spoon bread!!!

​A Day at Busch Gardens

Starting your day:  If your family is like mine, we love history – but also enjoy a break from museums.  A visit to Busch Gardens theme park during the holidays is the perfect way to experience “The Old Country” AND enjoy a day of rides!
 
After a quick breakfast in your hotel, I recommend jumping in the car early, to get to the theme park!  

​Halloween Harvest:
If you’re visiting during the month of October – you can celebrate the Halloween season.  At this time, the traditional park is reinvented so that guests can sample special treats and participate in themed activities while still enjoying the thrill of the roller coasters!
 
This year, contactless trick or treating will take place on select days, to keep in the spirit of this favorite fall activity!  Pumpkin carving for all, kid-friendly activities, like the Sesame Street ® Forest of Fun, and in select areas and times, ghosts and ghouls will seek you out – an amazingly fun way to spend your day!

​Christmas Town: 
As the Halloween Harvest typically ends early November, Busch Gardens has one more re-design for the winter holidays!!! 
 
While fewer roller coasters are open, there are increased shows and activities.  Traditionally, there is an ice skating performance (last year, former Olympic athlete Elvis Stojko performed) of “the magic of Christmas Eve”.  From caroling to hot cocoa, this is truly a magical time to visit!  

​Dinner possibilities:  If you’re wanting to stay for the evening shows, eating a quick dinner at Busch Gardens is a great idea.  However, if you plan on returning back to your hotel, this might be a night to try a local favorite – either pick up, or delivery – Sal’s Pizza!

A Day in Yorktown or Jamestown

​It’s time to round out your “Picture Perfect Getaway” with one last travel through time.  Both Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Museum have such fun exhibits and museums, it’s hard to choose which to visit.  Each location is a full day’s activity and they’re located a bit apart from one another. 
 
For your “Getaway”, I suggest choosing one and then saving the other for a return visit.  

​Starting your day:  No matter which location we choose, a stop at the “Astronomical Pancake House” is always a must for our family!    While I’m a more traditional bacon and eggs person – my son always orders the Chocolate Insanity Pancakes (what’s better than pancakes AND chocolate AND ice cream for breakfast!)
 

​Jamestown Settlement
If you’re looking to learn more about the earliest settlers in the Virginia area, Jamestown Settlement is the perfect choice! 
 
With both indoor and outdoor activities, you will learn about the first settlement made as the Virginia Company sailed from England to the “New World”.   Your family can participate in a scavenger hunt throughout the museum of the settlement, then move outside to explore re-creations of the colonist’s fort, a Powhatan Indian village, and a re-creation of one of three ships that sailed from England to Virginia. 

​American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
This is the location for you, if you are interested in learning about the Revolutionary War!  Like Jamestown Settlement, Yorktown has both indoor and outdoor activities.  You can start your journey in the museum detailing the battles and strategies of the American colonists through galleries with period artifacts and immersive films. 
 
Then move outside to visit the newly renovated Continental Army encampment and a Revolution-era farm.  Here you will learn to write your name with a feather quill to “sign up for the army” and participate in army drills.  You can also take part in discussions and demonstrations given by costumed museum guides.  As you learn about medical treatments, gardens, crops and 18th century family life -- you might even be given a few chores to do!

​CURATED TIP:  There are TWO “Yorktown sites” – the actual battlefield and the interactive museum.  I totally recommend checking Google to make sure that you are heading to the right location (Um – not that we’ve done that---eeek!!!!)

​Dinner possibilities:  We always love heading back to the Williamsburg area for our dinners!  After your tour through history, this is a great night for a quick bite to eat at The Cheese Shop.  They will custom make sandwiches (I love the chicken salad sandwich) and you can dine al fresco – a perfect way to end your stay!!!

You’ve had a chance to read about our “Picture Perfect Getaway” – I can’t wait to hear about your recommendations when you return!
 
Let me know how I can Curate the perfect getaway for you!!!