Colonial Williamsburg: Family Vacation Planning - 2

Special Programs, Day and Night

Throughout the historic area you’ll find daytime presentations that combine history and drama. For example, Revolutionary City, a two-hour theatrical performance that illuminates the political thinking of the time, is staged outdoors at the east end of the historic area. This program offers viewers a chance to learn about how everyday citizens built the new nation and provides insight into the struggles they experienced in the midst of the Revolution. New this year is an auxiliary program for kids called, Get Revved, in which a Revolutionary City actor discusses the events of the day, and then engages children in an interactive question-and-answer session.

Most of the historic buildings close their doors at 5 p.m., but there are plenty of evening programs throughout the city. My daughter particularly enjoyed Cry Witch, a mock trial held at the Capitol in which colonial citizens testify against an alleged witch and those in attendance serve as members of the jury. In Legends, Myths, Mysteries, and Ghosts, guests walk through the streets with candles and lanterns to hear scary tales that date to colonial times. (Some of these stories are too intense for young children. Save this activity for kids 10 and older.) A recent edition to the nighttime lineup is From Ear to Ear, a concert celebrating the contributions of African and Caribbean rhythms to American colonial music.

Lodging

My favorite place to overnight in Williamsburg is in a colonial house (see accompanying article for details), but there are plenty of other options:

• Patrick Henry Inn (tel. 800-456-0009). Just across the street from the historic area of Colonial Williamsburg, this no-frills option is an easy walk to attractions. Note that this was formerly a Best Western and is in the process of being converted into a time-share facility. Rooms will continue to be offered to customers who don’t have a time-share. Prices start at $64.

• A look at the lobby of the Williamsburg Inn.
• Courtesy of the Williamsburg Inn

• Williamsburg Inn (tel. 757-220-7978). This elegant inn is the finest accommodation in Williamsburg, with reproduction English Regency furnishings and linens, spacious rooms and luxurious baths. For a real indulgence, stay in one of two Royal Suites, both of which have been occupied by Queen Elizabeth II. (Her Majesty spent the night here in May 2007, when she toured Williamsburg and Jamestown as part of the 400th anniversary of the first English colony in North America.) Prices start at $369.

• Williamsburg Lodge (tel. 800-447-8679). Recently remodeled, this understated, quiet lodge offers special tours and ticket deals just for its patrons, along with preferential tee times at the nearby Golden Horseshoe Golf Club. Prices start at $189.

• Woodlands Hotel and Suites (tel. 800-447-8679). This slightly worn yet family-friendly hotel has large suites, with spacious bedrooms and separate sitting areas. There’s plenty of recreation for kids onsite, including a playground, volleyball court and miniature golf.

Dining

There are a handful of eateries that offer colonial-style food in a historical atmosphere (see accompanying article for details), but there’s more to Williamsburg dining. Check out these local favorites, which offer good value and high quality:

• Young fifers and drummers march down Gloucester Street, Colonial Williamsburg’s main drag.
• Brad Jones

• Berret’s Seafood Restaurant and Taphouse Grill (1999 South Boundary St., tel. 757-253-1847). Berret’s specializes in regional Chesapeake Bay seafood like soft-shell blue crabs and shad roe; there’s also a microbrewery onsite. Children’s menu options are fresh and fun, like the flash-fried buffalo shrimp served with tater tots and the Sponge Bobs Don’t Float (an ice cream concoction with pineapple and gummy worms.

• Colonial Pancake House (100 Page St., tel. 757-253-5852). Central Virginia has a thing for pancakes and waffles, and you’ll find restaurants specializing in these breakfast treats on just about every corner. Colonial Pancake House is one of the best, and offers an extensive kids’ menu for breakfast and lunch.

• Pierce’s Pit Barbeque (447 East Rochambeau, tel. 757-565-2955). This homey local institution has been serving up Tennessee-style BBQ for lunch and dinner since the early 1970s. Don’t miss the pork ribs, baked in a honey-sweet sauce. A full meal will set you back about $10.

• Trellis (403 Duke of Gloucester St., tel. 757-229-8610). In Merchants’ Square, adjacent to the historic area, the elegant Trellis offers unusual southern dishes like rabbit and mushroom pie with a crispy grits crust and deep-fried catfish filets served with Virginia ham and pecan rice. The real attractions, though, are the desserts: Don’t miss the famous Death by Chocolate, a seven-layer cake oozing with mousse and cocoa meringue.