Weekend in Williamsburg, Va., one of three ways: on a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
Trip tips: Colonial Williamsburg comes alive during the holiday season with classic music, dance and merriment. This mini-city (a Colonial theme park) features theatrical performances, re-enactments and personal interaction with townspeople, two world-class art museums, 22 trade shops, and taverns to fine dining options. Single-day tickets: $40.99 adults; $20.49 ages 6-12. Many ticket options available, www.colonialwilliamsburg.com. More trip planning at www.visitwilliamsburg.com.
Getting there: Advance purchase round-trip rates to Newport News, Va., (20-minute drive) during sale periods average $315; nonstop Delta. One-way advance purchase rates to Richmond, Va., (45-minute drive) average $104; nonstop Southwest Airlines.
BUDGET
Stay: The Woodlands Hotel is located inside Colonial Williamsburg and a one-minute walk to the Visitor Center. The "Holiday Bounce Back Package" (valid Nov. 27-Jan. 2) includes daily breakfast and tickets for general admission to Colonial Williamsburg's Revolutionary City and art museums, and to Busch Gardens (valid for up to seven consecutive days from first date of use). Rates are $59 per person, based on a family of four staying two nights. Guest amenities include shuttle service in and around Revolutionary City, spa and fitness center. 105 Visitor Center Drive, Williamsburg. 757-253-2277, www.colonialwilliamsburg.com.
Eat: Discover the new Triangle restaurant for music and tapas. Reuben eggrolls, sliders, spare ribs, kielbasa and other sharing dishes, $5-$9. 601 Prince George St., Williamsburg. 757-645-2890, www.trianglewilliamsburg.com.
Experience: Visit the Yorktown Battlefield, the site of the last major battle of the American Revolutionary War in 1781. Start by viewing the 16-minute introductory film of the story of the Siege at Yorktown and explore the museum that includes portions of the headquarter's tents George Washington used throughout the war, including while at Yorktown. Stop at some of the park's historic buildings during a 16-mile self-guided driving route. Adults (16 and older), $7; valid for seven days entrance to Yorktown Battlefield and National Park Service areas at Historic Jamestown. The Colonial National Historical Park includes the Colonial Parkway, which connects the Historic Triangle of Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown. 1000 Colonial Parkway, Yorktown. 757-898-3400, www.nps.gov/colo.
MODERATE
Stay: Applewood Colonial Bed & Breakfast is located a few blocks from historic Williamsburg. Built in 1928, the inn features three charming guest rooms. Amenities include fresh flowers, fireplaces, fine linens, a DVD/book library, complimentary cold drinks (soda and water) and baked goods in the evening. Rates from $135-$150 Sundays-Thursdays; $150-$165 weekends. 605 Richmond Road, Williamsburg. 757-903-4306.
Eat: The menu at Food for Thought is built upon classic meals that America grew up on such as Fork Tender Pot Roast, Grandma's Meatloaf, and "fall off the bone" ribs — along with contemporary pad thai, Jamaican tastes and vegetarian dishes, $10-$20. 1647 Richmond Road, Williamsburg. 757-645-4665, http://foodforthoughtrestaurant.com.
Experience: Visit the Jamestown Settlement, a living-history museum of 17th-century Virginia and the Yorktown Victory Center, a museum of the American Revolution and the 1780s Tidewater Farm. "A Colonial Christmas" (Dec. 1-Jan. 3) at these sites offers a glimpse of 17th- and 18th-century holiday traditions with special tours and interpretive programs. A combination ticket is $21 adults, $10.50 ages 6-12. Route 31 South, Williamsburg. 757-253-4838, www.historyisfun.org.
SPLURGE
Stay: A 25-minute drive from Williamsburg, the Inn at Warner Hall is considered one of the most elegant and historic country inns on the East Coast. The waterfront plantation was built by George Washington's great-great-grandfather in 1642. Beautifully furnished guest rooms feature period antiques, sitting areas, 10-foot ceilings, luxe textiles and bath products. Some rooms add whirlpool tubs or fireplaces. Rates from $215-$275 include a three-course breakfast served in a formal dining room. On site is an upscale restaurant. 4750 Warner Hall Road, Gloucester. 804-695-9565, www.warnerhall.com.
Eat: The Dining Hall of the Hope and Glory Inn (once an elite boarding school in 1890) offers a prix fixe four-course chef's menu, $68 per person, plus tax. The boat- and farm-to-table offerings change by season. This intimate and romantic dining room seats guests from 6-8 p.m. The table is yours for the evening. Reservations a must. 65 Tavern Road, Irvington. 804-438-6053, www.hopeandglory.com.
Experience: A collection of historic plantations in Charles City still overlook the tidal portion of the James River along State Route 5, a scenic byway that runs between the cities of Richmond and Williamsburg. Charles City is a rural oasis with tidal waters, marshes, extensive forests and thousands of acres of richly cultivated farmland.
Berkeley Plantation: $11; $6 ages 6-12. 12602 Harrison Landing Road, Charles City. 804-829-6018, www.berkeleyplantation.com.
Sherwood Forest Plantation: $10; free ages 15 and under. 14501 John Tyler Memorial Highway, Charles City. 804-829-5377, www.sherwoodforest.org.
Shirley Plantation: $11; $10 ages 6-18. 501 Shirley Plantation Road, Charles City. 804-829-5121, www.shirleyplantation.com.
About the Author
