Colonial Williamsburg

Parent Cafe
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<p>Best bet to avoid traffic around DC is to avoid rush hour and Friday nights (even Thursdays heading away from town can be bad). Definitely stay on I95. Listen to WTOP radio (103.5 FM) on the 8’s and they will report backups on I95…If there are backups around Lorton, Quantico, Dale City, you’re in for a wait. There are some local routes to avoid specific areas, but they can be long and complicated, so hopefully any backup will be cleared quickly.</p>

<p>One more thought…not far down Monticello Road from the CW area there is a newish shopping and dining complex called New Town. It has some promising restaurants and decent shopping, but I haven’t explored it much yet.</p>

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<p>So…</p>

<p>What are the TOP TEN sites to visit in the area…(and why you like them)</p>

<p>What are the TOP 10 places to eat in the area…ranging from expensive to affordable (and why you like them)</p>

<p>What are the TOP 10 places to stay…ranging from expensive to affordable (and why you like them)?</p>

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<p>Busch Gardens opened last Friday and we just got back from 3 amazing days there. Stayed at the Holiday Inn and Suites, which was very nice, but not cheap.</p>

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<p>peice of advice… be sure to leave for Bushgardens early! we went when i was visiting my dad, left at like 9am, and was stuck in traffic till 10. I-25 is a pain ><</p>

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<p>You must visit Pierce’s Pit Bar-B-Que in nearby Lightfoot, VA.</p>

<p>[Pierce’s</a> PITT Bar-B-Que](<a href=“http://pierces.com%5DPierce’s”>http://pierces.com)</p>

<p>Also, The Trellis on Merchant’s Square (reasonably-priced for lunch; this is where Death by Chocolate originated).</p>

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<p>Ahh…thanks!!!</p>

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<p>The Trellis is under new ownership and had been closed for renovations. I’m not sure when it reopens. I’ve had some great meals there. They also had/have a great wine list.</p>

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<p>Looks like The Trellis will reopen in April:</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.thetrellis.com%5B/url%5D”>http://www.thetrellis.com</a></p>

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<p>DH and I are big CW fans also.
Tried to convert our two kids but were unsuccessful. I guess they have OD’ed on all our history related trips over the years.</p>

<p>GRAND ILLUMINATION in December! The best.</p>

<p>So sad to hear about Carter’s grove. It is (was?) magnificent.</p>

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<p>thank you thank you! (I think Busch Gardens only opened for spring break and will be weekends only for a while-- no good for us but might work for others)</p>

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<p>where would you eat within the village itself?</p>

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<p>I enjoyed Gambols at Chownings Tavern. It is in the evening and includes colonial games and balladeers. I think it starts about 8 pm. </p>

<p>Not in CW, but my choice for breakfast or lunch - [Old</a> Chickahominy House - Home](<a href=“http://www.oldchickahominy.com/]Old”>http://www.oldchickahominy.com/)
Great ham biscuits and Brunswick stew. </p>

<p>Personally, I think the Tavern’s are overrated, but going once is worth it. I would to to either Christiana Campbell’s or the King’s Arms. Call about reservations.</p>

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<p>Chowings and Christiana Campbell’s are fun experiences…I have taken the ghost tour twice…great for a summer evening - the homes are nice and cool</p>

<p>The pottery factory was interesting long ago, but the last time I was there it was not good.</p>

<p>There is also a Great Wolf Lodge around Wmsburg if you are into indoor water parks.</p>

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<p>Gwen Fairfax: Do one of the evening/night ghost tours in Colonial Williamsburg. They are fun and very well done. The actors/actresses really take you back to the 18th century.</p>

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<p>We usually stay at the Hospitality House so we can stroll right onto campus and into Colonial Wmsburg. The carpets are shabby and the hotel could use a complete upgrade but it is cozy and has covered free parking.<br>
For nice clean…go to trip advisor dot com to see reviews. I just booked my dad into the Hilton Garden Inn. Most chain hotels are on Richmond Road and the options are plentiful re price. Use kayak dot com to review prices for your dates. Richmond Road is convenient to Colonial Wmsburg. Try not to get mixed up …don’t book out way out by Busch Gardens.</p>

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<p>^^^</p>

<p>Great advice! </p>

<p>If you were going with… a hubby who loves history and two college boys who like history, but aren’t major fans…what sites are best to visit???</p>

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<p>Go to the Visitiors Center (wm and mary also has one) and get the brochures. Take a guided tour or the whole thing might be hard to comprehend. The lectures add so very much to the whole experience.<br>
I have never been to great plantations on the Tidewater but I would definitely put Jamestown and Yorktown as Musts after Colonial Wmsburg and then throw in one trip to a historic plantation.</p>