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Family Vacation Guides:
Colonial Williamsburg

Take a trip back in time to the 18th Century. Colonial Williamsburg has been restored to appear as it did in Colonial times during the Revolutionary War. The living history museum re-enacts daily life in detail with the clothing, homes, taverns and gardens.

This is the largest restored 18th-century town in America. Once the capital of Virginia, Colonial Williamsburg has been restored to appear as it did in Colonial times during the Revolutionary War and the formative years of our country. It's literally a city within a city. Costumed interpreters re-enact daily life in such detail, and the homes, taverns, and gardens are so authentic that you'll think you stepped back in time.

For more information call (800) HISTORY or take a virtual tour on the web Colonial Williamsburg Home Page

What To Do

Busch Gardens is a theme park with rides, entertainment, shows and model European countries. Visit exhibits in 17th-century England, France, Germany and Italy.

Alpengeist is the world's tallest, fastest, most twisted inverted roller coaster. The Royal Preserve Petting Zoo will be a favorite of the whole family.

For more information, visit www.buschgardens.com or call (757) 253-3350.

Williamsburg Doll Factory
7441 Richmond Road.
Williamsburg
(757)564-9703

Watch the procelain Lady Anne dolls being made at the Williamsburg Doll Factory. You can also buy porcelain dolls, doll supplies & stuffed animals. It is a fun learning experience.

For more information visit them on the web The Williamsburg Doll Factory

Jamestown Settlement is a recreation of an Indian Village, the replicas of three ships and James Fort. Exhibits focus on the native Indians who lived here in 1607, when the colonists established Jamestown as the first permanent English colony in America.

For more information call (757) 229-1607 or visit them on the web www.williamsburg.com/james/james.html.

Yorktown is the site where America won her independance. The Yorktown Victory Center features Revolutionary War exhibits and an outdoor encampment with historic interpreters.

For more info call (757) 887-1776 or visit them on the web www.williamsburg.com/york/
york.html
.

Old Dominion Opry
3012 Richmond Road
Williamsburg
(757) 564-0200

The Old Dominion Opry brings a little bit of Nashville to Williamsburg. The whole family will enjoy the music, comedy, and entertainment.

Prime Outlets at Williamsburg
U.S. Highway 60
Lightfoot, VA
(757) 565-6340

This mecca for outlet shoppers includes 80 stores such as Nike Factory Store, OshKosh B'Gosh, and Tommy Hilfiger. Stores are open daily for your shopping pleasure.

Williamsburg Pottery Factory
U.S. Highway 60 West
Williamsburg, VA
(757) 564-3326

If you want to find great prices on a huge selection of pottery, tableware, silk flower arrangements, fine china, glassware, or other household items, this factory store is well worth visiting. With one stop, you'll be able to browse over 200 acres of home products. Don't miss the other outlet stores also located in this complex.

Water Country USA
176 Water Country Parkway
Williamsburg, VA
(800) 343-SWIM or (757) 253-3350

This forty-acre waterpark, with its wide variety of pools, rides and slides, is a perfect alternative activity on hot Williamsburg days. There is a children's play area called Kid's Kingdom for younger tykes, which includes small water slides, a land-based play area, and an outdoor theater. Older kids will love the awesome water slides and chutes, as well as riding Big Daddy Falls, a lazy river ride.

Where To Stay

There are 6 official hotels of Colonial Williamsburg. Benefits of these hotels include: closest hotels to the Historic Area; free shuttle bus service; priority dining reservations; concierge service; free delivery of Colonial Williamsburg purchases to your room and tee time priority.

An American Girls Experience is a family package that includes a tour with Felicity Merriman. She is a fictional character fron The American Girls Collection of books and dolls. The getaway includes: nightly accommodations, breakfast for four, tavern dinner, admission tickets, tickets for the walking tour, lessons & tea and one travel journal per child. For reservations call (800) 4040-3371. This package is available at any of the Official Hotels at Colonial Williamsburg.

Cribs are available at all of the hotels. For a cybertour of the hotels Hotels at Colonial Williamsburg

Williamsburg Woodlands

The hotel is located next door to the Visitor's Center. Their 44 wooded acres, are a traditional family resort. They offer swimmimg, biking, horseshoes, badminton, playground and miniature golf.

The Woodlands Grill has Family Nite with an all-you-can-eat menu.

For hotel reservations, call (800) HISTORY or visit them on the web: www.history.org/tours/
hotel_will_woodlands.html
.

Williamsburg Inn

Many famous people have stayed at the Williamsburg Inn, including in presidents, royality and heads of state. Each room is decorated uniquely with antiques and period reproductions.

This resort is a five star hotel. They offer golf, tennis, croquet, swimming, lawn bowling and nature walks. Guests can also visit the fitness center.

The Williamsburg is a great experience for your family's visit to Colonial Williamsburg.
For reservations call (800) HISTORY or visit them on the web: www.history.org/tours/
hotel_will_inn.html
.

Williamsburg Lodge

The Williamsburg Lodge offers traditional 18th Century hospitality, from the time you walk through the door held by a costumed doorman. The guest rooms are furnished with folk art decor.

Families will be very comfortable staying here. There are many activities and amenities for everyone.

For more information call (800) HISTORY.

Governer's Inn

The Governer's Inn is the most reasonable hotel in the Historic Area. It is just 3 blocks away, but there are shuttle buses running. Guests can enjoy comfortable , modern rooms with 18th Century hospitality and traditions.

Get to enjoy the privileges of staying at an official hotel without paying the rates!
For more information call (800) HISTORY.

Kingsmill Resort is located on the banks of the James River. It offers families many activities and they are right near all of Williamsburg's attractions.

Guests can enjoy staying in the resort's condos. They have a full kitchen and livingrooms. Take advantage of the Sports/Spa complex with its activities. There are 3 restaurants that will satisfy the fussiest eater.

Take advantage of the discount for making an online reservation. For more information, visit them on the web Williamsburg Online - Kingsmill Resort (Condos) or call (800) 832-5665

The Williamsburg Hotel/Motel Association offers packages and other discounts at local hotels. For reservations and information visit them on the web Accommodations or call (800) 465-5563.

Where To Eat

Colonial Williamsburg offers traditional colonial eating in four authentically restored 18th-century taverns. They even serve a colonial menu! The servers wear the dress of the day and entertain you while you eat. Children's menus are available.

Each of the taverns have their own unique history. For more information on each, click on the blue text Colonial Tavern Dining .

Call (800) TAVERNS for reservations.

King's Arms Tavern
409 East Duke of Gloucester Street

The King's Arms Tavern serves 18th-Century food with some entertainment. The servers are wearing costumes while the menu offers Southern specialties.

Enjoy a meal like a colonist! You might want to try the Peanut Soup or Game Pie. There is a children's menu as well as today's popular fare.

For reservations, call (800) TAVERNS.

Shield's Tavern
417 East Duke Of Gloucster Street

Shield's Tavern has been owned by the Shield's family since the1740's. They serve specialties that the Early Americans enjoyed. There is an extensive fowl and seafood menu today.

The Colonial desserts are delicious too. Try the Indian pudding or syllabub-a whipping cream and lemon dessert.

For reservations, call (800) TAVERNS.

Christina Campell's Tavern
120 Waller Street

Campell's Tavern was a favorite of George Washington! The menu serves specialties reflecting the tastes of the 13 colonies.

It's fun to see what kinds of foods were popular so many years ago. There are mouthwatering desserts too.

For reservations, call (800) TAVERNS.

Chowning's Tavern
100 East of Gloucester

Chowning's Tavern is great for families. They recommend that you order a few dishes to share. It is a casual, fun place that is like a English "publick house".

The Brunswick stew is delicious. Some of the other specialties include prime rib, steaks and other meat dishes.

For reservations, call (800) TAVERNS.

There are also contemporary restaurants in the historic area. The menus range from cafeteria style food to award winning culinary creations. Your tastebuds can come back to the present, while visiting the 18th century.

Children's menus are available at all of the restaurants.

Check Contemporary Dining at Colonial Williamsburg for more information. Call (800) HISTORY for reservations.

There are the family-friendly chain restaurants outside of the Historic Area. These places have children's menus and will take you back to 1997. Of course there are fast-food eateries too.

Here are a few favorites:

Red Lobster 2100 Richmond Road; (757) 221-8127

Ruby Tuesday 1840 Richmond Road (757) 229-0494

Outback Steakhouse 3026 Richmond Road; (757) 229-8648

Giuseppe's Italian Cafe Ewell Station Shopping Center, 5601 Richmond Road;(757) 565-1977

Money $aving Tips

**Take advantage of Colonial Williamsburg's Autumn Leaves Package. They have great deals at the official hotels.

**Check with the Williamsburg Area Convention & Visitors Bureau for discounts and general information.

** Williamsburg Online offers lots of info on the city.

**Do your homework and plan before your arrival. Willliamsburg.com is very helpful or call them at (800) HISTORY.

$ = $50 to 75 dollars per night;
$$ = $75 to 125 dollars per night;
$$$ = $125 to $175 per night and
$$$$ is over $175 per night



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