Visiting Williamsburg

[gratefulmother]

We are planning a trip to Williamsburg this summer. I have been looking at different ways to buy tickets and would love to hear some advice from someone in VA or who has visited the area recently.

We have thought about doing:

Williamsburg (2-3 days)
Jamestown/Yorktown (1 day)
Busch Gardens (1 day)
Water Park (1 day)

We have a total of 6 days and it will be my family (me, dh, 7yodd and 5yods) and my mom and dad who are still very active. My mom has found a combo ticket that will give us admission to all of these. We need to look at it and consider the cost vs. how we really want to spend the time.

Does that look like a good division of the time? I read something about renting costumes there for the kids to wear. . . is that pretty reasonable priced or should I consider making them. I am an average, but not fast seamstress.

I would appreciate hearing any other tips or things not to miss. Oh yes, we have only read SOTW I, but my kids loved it so I thought I would rent SOTW IV for us to listen to on the way there, at least the parts that cover colonial America. Any other good book recommendations for lower elementary kids?

I don't post very often, but I wouldn't consider planning a trip without posting here, because I always get such great advice.

Thanks!

[8FillTheHeart]

I guess cost is relative, but I thought they were too expensive to rent. We sewed some when we got home AFTER the visit (of course, you are only paying for 2......hmmmmm, I might have done it for 2)

Yorktown and Jamestown can be done fairly easily in 1/2 a day.

Our family would be bored with CW if they had to do it for 3 days. I think 2 would be better. (1 is definitely too short.....so too long, too short...... oh well, I am trying to be helpful!! :) )

[Brenda in FL]

First, You should do a search on this board for "Williamsburg" as this has been discussed in the past.

I can't comment on the value of your combo ticket. But I can give you a few ideas.

I think 2-3 days in Williamsburg is good. We went for two days in February and didn't see everything (we didn't get there at opening time though.)

We did Yorktown and Jamestown (the Nat'l Park sites only) in one day, but I wish we had spread it over two days. But if you don't have that option - you can see them in one day. It just might feel a bit rushed. Depending on the age of your parents they may be eligible for a senior pass to all National Parks for $10 and they get so many guests in free as well. The children are free to the National Park Sites. Also - be aware that both Jamestown and Yorktown have a commercial tourist site as well that is seperate from the NPS. This may be what is included in your combo ticket. You can find info on those sites in the other threads about Williamsburg.

We listened to the Felicity books (American Girl) on audio which would be perfect for you kids' ages. The interpreter in the jail even made mention of the stories and showed the kids where one of the characters was held in the jail! We saw lots of references included in the books both in Williamsburg and on the drive to Yorktown.

We didn't see too many kids dressed up - but we went in February when it was very cold (to us) and of course kids were in school. I'm wondering if it might be too hot and humid to wear a costume in the summer.

Busch Gardens was not open yet when we made our trip - so I can't comment on that.

I hope you have a great trip!!

[Ellie]

Two days in Williamsburg is good.

You must be sure to go to the Governor's Mansion.

You should have one meal at the Old Chickahominy House (only breakfast and lunch are served). I usually do breakfast on the way in to Williamsburg.

You could read all of Jean Fritz's books; they're short enough that you can read 2 or 3 in a day.

There's a huge Yankee Candle store, outside of Colonial Williamsburg that even your dc will enjoy :-)