From Wikitravel

For other places with the same name, see Williamsburg (disambiguation).

Williamsburg [1] is a city in the state of Virginia.

[edit] Get in

• Newport News/Williamsburg VA Airport (IATA: PHF), in Newport News, [2]. Serviced by Delta, AirTran, and US Airways.

• Richmond International Airport (IATA: RIC), in Richmond, [3] is less than an hour's drive from Williamsburg. Serviced by Delta, AirTran, US Airways, American, Northwest, Continential, Jet Blue, Skybus, and United.

• For civil aviators, Williamsburg has its own small airport just outside of town, Williamsburg-Jamestown Airport (ICAO: KJGG).

[edit] Get around

Public transportation is limited to Oleta Coach Lines and the Williamsburg Area Transportation (WAT) [4] buses. They stop at the transportation center (the Amtrak station), the visitors center, and various spots throughout the town. They mostly are meant to serve the community, but the Yellow line goes to Busch Gardens and Water Country USA.

Most people get around by car. Recently, construction projects to widen Richmond road has created constant traffic jams. The intersection of Richmond road, North Boundary street, and Jamestown road is the most notorious (and confusing) feature of Williamsburg driving.

The Commonwealth of Virginia and Department of Motor Vehicles has certified local bus company Oleta Coach Lines, Inc for a bus route from The Williamsburg Transportation Center to shopping malls around The Hampton Roads area. The Williamsburg bus route runs from Williamsburg to Hampton, to Newport News then back to Williamsburg. It runs twice on Tuesdays. This has been certified as a Public Convenience and Necessity bus route.

[edit][add listing] See

• Colonial Williamsburg is America's largest outdoor living history museum. A fully operational 18th century city with tradesmen and tradeswomen working in their shops. The ticket prices vary depending on the length of your stay and begin at $36 for a one-day pass for adults. Enjoy a step back in time and see how eighteenth century people of all social classes would have lived. Participate in a court proceeding, tour the Governor's Palace, and see how the American Revolution affected the people of this historic town. Visit the official website for Colonial Willamsburg [5] for more information.

• The campus of The College of William and Mary abuts Colonial Williamsburg and the prettiest part of it is just at the end of Colonial Williamsburg's Duke of Gloucester Street. The Christopher Wren building, where Thomas Jefferson attended classes, is one of the College's original academic buildings and it's open to the public, with tours provided by a group of student volunteers. If you're approaching campus from Colonial Williamsburg you will find the College's Sunken Garden just on the other side of the Wren building. The Sunken Garden is a gorgeous place to walk, sunbathe, and play frisbee. It's an impressive sight and a favorite haunt of students and local residents, as well as being a prime example of 20th century Colonial Revival architecture.

• The James River Plantations[6] are a collection of historic sites located in and around the Williamsburg area. Some such as Berkeley, Chippokes, Lee Hall, and Shirley[7] are open for guided house on a daily basis. Others, such as Bacon's Castle and Smith's Fort are open for guided tours for certain months throughout the year. Others, such as Edgewood[8], North Bend[9], Piney Grove[10], Sherwood Forest [11] and Westover are open for self-guided grounds tours and for guided group house tours by appointment.

[edit][add listing] Do

Two places which are somewhat "off the tourist radar" but well worth a visit are the Williamsburg Winery and Presidents Park. Both of these attractions are located just off of route 199, but you should contact them for directions.

• Williamsburg Winery, 5800 Wessex Hundred, +1 757 229-0999, [12]. April-October: M-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 11AM-6PM. November-March: M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 11AM-5PM. The Williamsburg Winery offers tastings in their cellar and has a nice restaurant. Their wines are attractively priced and can be purchased at many local grocery and convenience stores. With a great verity of wines available to guests with great taste in wines the Williamsburg Winery is a great place for wine fans to go. With wine for every type of occasion the Williamsburg Winery is Virginia’s largest winery. At the winery there is also “The Gabriel Archer Tavern.” With courses under 10$ the tavern serves a French Country Platter with assorted patés, meats, cheeses and freshly baked bread or sandwiches served with a baby green salad with dried cherries, sugared pecans and topped with Raspberry Merlot Vinaigrette. This is all served for lunch daily between 11am and 4 pm.
• Presidents Park, 211 Water Country Parkway, +1 800-588-4327, [13]. April–August 9AM-8PM, September–March 10AM–4PM. Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The Presidents Park is home to very large sculpted busts of all of America's presidents, with interesting facts about them and their achievements, laid out on a nice and compact path. In Presidents Park the goal is to give visitors a better understanding and appreciation for our US Presidents. There are five types of tours The Constitution and “The Bill of Rights,” “Protecting The Nation,” “Human Rights, Civil Rights, Slavery,” “Religion,” and “Assassinations and Near Misses.” All are filled with tons of historical information and fun filled facts. Operating hours are April – August 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

September – March 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. There are group rates but only for groups of fifteen or more. There is also a gift shop for visitors to by fun souvenirs for their loved ones.

• Busch Gardens, 1 Busch Gardens Blvd, +1 800-343-7946, [14]. Chain amusement park. At Busch Gardens experience awesome rides such as “The Griffon” that brings riders up 205 feet in the air and drops them at a 90 degree angle. This 70mph roller coaster is worth making the trip alone and is one of the main attractions in Bush Gardens. This is located in the French village of the park. Another amazing roller coaster that is a big attraction to Bush Gardens is the “Alpengeist” this is a 67mph coaster that guys as high as 194 feet and had a drop of 170 feet. For the tourists that are not into the whole roller coaster idea Bush Gardens offers a wide variety of shows animal and human. On of the more popular animal shows would be “Wolf Valley.” “Wolf Valley” is an area that allows visitors to view trained gray wolfs in an environment much like their natural habitat, and also perform tricks with trainers. For visitors that prefer a different type of show there is also the “Emerald Beat,” a powerful production from Dublin-based O’Shea’s School of Irish Dance, celebrates Irish heritage. For Parents some shows that can entertain their children include, “The Secrets of Castle O’Sullivan” and “Pirates,” a globe theatre 3D show.
• Water Country USA, 176 Water Country Parkway, +1 800-343-7946, [15]. Water Country USA is able to entertain visitors with eleven water rides and a dive show. One of the biggest attractions at Water Country USA is the “Big Daddy Falls” water slide. This is a 670 foot water slide that takes you and three other people for a twisty wet ride.

[edit][add listing] Buy

The Williamsburg Pottery Outlet, located on route 60, is a legendary place to shop. Another popular destination on route 60 is the Prime Outlets. Merchants Square [16] is conveniently located adjacent to Colonial Williamsburg's historic area.

[edit][add listing] Eat

There are many places to eat in Williamsburg. They are mostly located in two areas: Merchants Square and a small stretch of Richmond Road. Richmond Road contains many of the chain restaurants found all over the east coast. In Merchants Square you will find The Trellis, The Blue Talon, The Cheese Shop, The Fat Canary, Lenny's, and Aromas, among others. The Trellis and Blue Talon are popular places for more expensive gourmet cuisine. The Cheese Shop, Lenny's and Aromas are best for lunch and they are also well worth visiting. The Gazebo, on Bypass Road, is a great place for breakfast. Colonial Williamsburg has a few taverns where historically costumed staff serve colonial fare. They are good places to eat and a must-visit for any Williamsburg tourist. Just be warned that there is no chinese delivery, and most restaurants and shops close at 8pm.

[edit] Budget

The Cheese Shop located in Merchant's Square. Lenny's Gourmet, Retros, and Aroma's all on Prince George Street a block away from Merchant's Square. Fast food chains (McDonald's, Wendy's, KFC, Taco Bell) are located on Richmond Road. In New Town, there are several low-cost dining options including Panera and Cheeburger Cheeburger.

[edit] Mid-range

• Berret's Seafood Restaurant and Taphouse Grill, 199 S Boundary St (Merchants Square), +1 757 253-1847, [17]. Dinner $22-$30. Their seafood is excellent, and the crabcakes in particular are outstanding. Large wine list, beer on tap, open late. Run by the same folks who operate Nick's Riverwalk Restaurant in nearby Yorktown. If seafood is your thing, visit either or both of these restaurants.

[edit] Splurge

The Fat Canary and the Trellis located in Merchant's Square.

[edit][add listing] Drink

There are three bars, called the delis, which are conveniently all located at the intersection of Richmond Road and Scotland Street. The Green Leafe serves an impressive variety of beers (and tasty food) and it is significantly more expensive than the other two. The College Delly has outdoor seating. Paul's Deli serves good stromboli, which is even better when shared with friends and washed down with a pitcher or two of beer. The delis are right next to campus and they are very popular with William and Mary students. Pints and Pipes, located on Palace Lane off of Bypass Road, has pool tables steel tip darts and free poker tournaments and serves fine celtic cuisine. The best place to play pool while you drink is the Corner Pocket, located in New Town. New Town is a recent planned commercial/residential development located at Ironbound Road and Monticello (Route 321).

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Springhill Suites Williamsburg, 1644 Richmond Road, Williamsburg, Virginia (VA) 23185, ☎ 757-941-3000, [18]. Enjoy a thoroughly delightful lodging experience at SpringHill Suites Williamsburg, an entirely non-smoking hotel near Colonial Williamsburg featuring spacious suites, complimentary hot breakfast buffet, indoor swimming pool and value Virginia vacation specials. edit

[edit] Budget

• Governor's Inn, 506 North Henry St, +1 757 229-1000, [19]. Two hundred rooms, outdoor pool, continental breakfast included in room rate.

[edit] Mid-range

• Williamsburg Sampler Bed and Breakfast Inn, 922 Jamestown Rd, +1 757 253-0398, [20].
• Woodlands Hotel & Suites, 105 Visitor Center Dr, +1 757 220-7960, [21]. Located a short walk from the Colonial Willaimsburg visitor center. $89-$109
• Colonial Houses [22]. Check-in is at Williamsburg Inn, 136 E. Francis St. Twenty six guest houses are located throughout the historic district. Restored houses have period furnishings as well as modern amenities like running water, cable TV, air conditioning and central heat. Suites are available. $139-$179.
• Ramada 1776 Historic Williamsburg, 725 Bypass Road, +1 757-220-1776, [23].
• Ramada Williamsburg, 6493 Richmond Blvd., +1 757-565-1111, [24].
• Westgate Historic Williamsburg, 1324 Richmond Road, 888-808-7410,[25]. A family Virginia resort near historical Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens. One and two bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens and full baths.

[edit] Splurge

• Williamsburg Inn, 136 E. Francis St, +1 757 220-7978, [26]. Fit for a Rockefeller, and in fact many have stayed here. Has a pool, clay tennis courts, and golf courses. If you don't want to spring for a room, you can still soak up the ambiance at afternoon tea or weekend brunch. Rooms $299-$499, suites $459-$649.

• Piney Grove at Southall's Plantation - 1790, Route 5, +1 804 829-2480, [27]. Historic landmark accommodations located in Williamsburg's James River Plantation Country. Three spacious guest rooms and two suites, complete with comfortable antiques and all the modern conveniences. The James River Plantation Progressive tour and Candlelight Dinner is offered on many Saturday evenings. $130-$260.

[edit] Get out

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