Trip report

We just got back from 3 days on Outer Banks and a week in Williamsburg.

Start off with the bad. We paid $15 each to check our bags with Delta. we have always checked luggage because less hassle, and for sure when you change planes. Our bags are carry-on size. In portland took forever to clear aisles since so many had carry-ons. At JFK we changed planes for Norfolk. It was sort of small plane maybe 40 pass. before we left they brought 3 or 4 bags on the plane, short on space. when we got to Norfolk, my bag was not there. wife%26#39;s was there. They had taken 8 or 10 checked bags off to make room for the free carry-ons. Our original plane was to go to Outer Banks that first afternoon, but people here convinced me Virginia Beach worth a stay, so we did. Delta can be thankful we did. My bag got there at 3AM.

Now for the good, Virginia Beach was worth a stay. With the bag hassle we got to room about 7:30 PM. Our room was ocean front 4th floor, nice to hear the ocean then catch the morning sunrise over the ocean. Seems wrong to have sunrise over ocean. It sets here in oreg. We fiddled a bit in AM before we left. walked the board walk and on the beach.

Next two nights were Kill Devil Hills. We drove rod between Corolla and Hatteras. We did not get to Ocracoke because of time. We chose to go back to see Wright Bros site, glad we did.

Fri morn we headed for WMB. we went inland to Plymouth then north and east to Edentown, nice historic town, then north on rte 32 to Scotland Landing and the ferry to Jamestown. They were pretty busy and one ferry left without us, but only 15 mins or so till the next one came along. total wait time maybe 45 mins. got to resort about check-in time.

We visited Nat Park sites at Jamestown and Yorktown, both very good. I had not realized the story of how important the Battle at Yorktown was, and it is very visible. Typically we do not go to the sites that are models or replicas, but guy at reosrt convinced us to go to Jamestown Settlement, and we were very glad we did. They have done a very good job there. We started with the walking tour, but soon quit and found it better to talk to the several people at various sites. blacksmith, musket shooter, boat people, etc

We took a day to Richmond, and not sure we did that right, We saw the two capitals, State and Conf and the Richmond Battlefield NHS, and drove Monument Ave, but then went to Cold Harbor, Gaines Mills, and Malvern sites. then drove back to WMB on plantation road. stopping at Berkely briefly and Westover to see gardens. but all plantations off Hwy and require a drive in to see. I think we should have spent more time in Richmond.

We spent 2 days at Hist WMB site. Geo Washingtom was good, Patrick Henry was terrific. Be sure to see those two. I had thought insides of buildings would be more interesting, they were good, but the several presentations were needed to truly enjoy.

We took Moon guides to help us and left our AAA guides at home. That was a mistake. Moon guides did not cover what they thought were key sites, did not tell about parking in Richmond, gave no operating times for Museums and Parks, we will never leave AAA guide home again.

Trip report

Great report and I am glad you liked our wonderful Commonwealth of Virginia! As a note, you could stop any local AAA offices to get maps, books, etc. We have several in Richmond and I am sure Williamsburg or Virginia Beach has one too. We have stopped by the local AAA office when we find out they offer discount tickets to local attractions when we travel.

Trip report

Enjoyed reading your trip report, thanks for taking the time to post it. Your comments will help other visitors.

Thank you, phirl. Interesting report. Something you said has me wishing for more detail: could you expand a bit upon your comment regarding CW -- ';I had thought insides of buildings would be more interesting...';? Which buildings did you visit?

And what would have been more interesting to you inside the buildings?

Since you seemed to like the street theater, would more story-based interpretation inside have helped?

Also, did you stay at a timeshare? Any comments you care to make regarding your lodgings would be much appreciated by many visitors to this forum.

Thank you, it is very kind of you to participate!

We saw the buiuldings on east end first day. Only got into part of Raleigh tavern, saw the capital, Courthouse. and a few of the smaller buildings. I had expected a little more furnishings inside. Second day we were in Wythe House and Governors Palace, they were more furnished.

I can see though why few furnishings. They were used for programs.

We went to Geo Washington on Turs morn. we left as he finished. qand headed for palace, There was a huge line waiting to get in, so we left. Came back in 3 hours or so, we had a guide to ourselves. There must have been a bus or two in those lines.

We stayed at Wyndham Kingsgate for the week. Units were very nice and it was quiet area off the main streets.

Regarding possible bus tours: March-June is peak school trip time here in Virginia. Virginia History is studied in 4th grade.

Thanks again for your comments. Regarding the simplicity of furnishings, now you know what American life was like in 1770, even for the emerging middle class (and we won%26#39;t even speak of the lower and enslaved classes)! The consumer revolution had begun, but people were only beginning to acquire the kind of equipment, furnishings and wardrobes that today we think of as normal and necessary. For that matter, the concept of a formal house, with individual rooms for various functions (like dining room, bedroom) was still evolving for average folk ... most people lived in a subsistence fashion.

One of the things I find most moving at Williamsburg is that despite the relative simplicity of life in the colonies, even a capital city like Williamsburg, the most glorious, never-surpassed thinking and writing came forth to change the world.

Which is exactly what you perceived in your encounters with Washington and Henry, I%26#39;m sure. We have so much to be proud of!