Extended Family Trip in June

Hi! We are planning a trip with mother, mother-in-law, 4 kids (ages 9, 9, 11, 11), my husband, and me. I need advice, suggestions, and help. We will be in Williamsburg June 21-26 then to VA Beach 26-27. Driving from TX. I think we will get the 7-4-1 Flex Ticket. Need ideas on places to stay (convenient but cost effective), itinerary, and anything else.

Thanks

Extended Family Trip in June

Hi diannek, I%26#39;d like to recommend Historic Jamestowne Island and Jamestown Settlement. The Island is the actual site of the settlement. There is a museum, called the Archearium, which contains many years worth of artifacts from the archeological digs that were done, and still going on there. There are statues of Pocahontas and John Smith. Also a chuch, and connected to that is the original church tower, built circa 1640%26#39;s. There are ranger tours and a 5 or 8 mile loop drive which takes you into the woods and gives you the experience of what it would have been in 1607 when the first settlers arrived. A visitor center, gift shoppe and small cafe are on the grounds. The Glassblowers is right before you get to the main site, it is worth a stop, very interesting.

At Jamestown Settlement there is a wonderful museum, gift shoppe and restaurant. A living museum, has a native American village, a pier with 3 reproduced ships of the Godspeed, Discovery and Susan Constant, which were the 3 ships that the settlers came in. You can board at least on of the ships. Then there is a reproduction of Jamestowne Citie, buildings made of wattle and daub (mud mixed with straw), with thatched roofs. There are colonial reenacters to answer all your questions. Considering the ages of your children, I think this would be very interesting to them. It is a very hands on place.

A picnic lunch along the Colonial Parkway is always a fun thing to do, very beautiful scenery with many pull-offs.

Have fun planning your trip. Any more questions, please ask. from Mary

Extended Family Trip in June

For your lodging, you may wish to consider the historic homes at Colonial Williamsburg. The different sites right inthe restored area are very popular for family gatherings. Here%26#39;s a link to the collection: colonialwilliamsburgresort.com/files/ColHous鈥?/a>

Reservations can be made at 1-800-HISTORY.

Bixdoc offers a great suggestion for a family -- the Colonial Houses are sui generis! Operated by the Williamsburg Inn, they afford a unique opportunity to stay in an actual 18th century house or dependency (kitchen, laundry, office, etc.) right on the streets of the historic area. They are furnished to a high standard and have modern amenities.

These websites will allow you to check out places to stay in the rest of the area:

Williamsburg Hotel and Motel Association: http://www.gowilliamsburg.com/

Williamsburg Bed and Breakfast Network -- http://www.bandbwilliamsburg.com/

Williamsburg guest houses -- visitwilliamsburg.com/book-lodging/guest-hom鈥?/a>

Williamsburg vacation rentals -- visitwilliamsburg.com/book-lodging/vacation-鈥?/a>

Williamsburg timeshares: vacationtimesharerentals.com/United-States/鈥?/a>

Colonial Williamsburg official hotels: http://www.colonialwilliamsburgresort.com/

Hotels within walking distance (1/2 mile) of the restored area: Governor鈥檚 Inn, (a CW property), Patrick Henry Inn, Clarion Historic District and Hospitality House.

Perhaps RQT will post her fine mini-itinerary for you, and of course you should look at the June calendar on history.org to see what is on and what your ';18th century'; dining options are. I think Marymac is 100% right about the importance and enjoyability of the Jamestown sites.

First-time visitors to CW should definitely see the Capitol, the Palace, the Peyton Randolph House (love the new presentation here), and the George Wythe House. Take part in a Courthouse trial. Fit in as many historic trade sites as you can. Follow the Rev. City plots around the town in the afternoon. Check these suggestions out on a virtual tour at the CW website (history.com)so that you will be able to find the ones that interest your family members. You have allotted a great time span for Williamsburg and the surrounding area so that you should be able to fit in all the sites of the area.

I don%26#39;t know if you have decided on a hotel or not, but check out the Woodlands (regular rooms and suites). My kids liked to stay here because there is a mini golf course available. Bikes could also be rented easily here. You are next to the Visitors%26#39; Center where you can easily board the shuttles to the historic area. Huzzah%26#39;s Restaurant (near the Woodlands Hotel) has good pizza as does Jamestown Pie Factory (near Jamestown Settlement).

Do you plan on eating a dinner at one of the taverns? If so, make your reservations now. Spots fill up fast during the summer months.