Posted by Julie/MI on 8/2/07 12:13pm
Msg #203441

OT: VA notaries need tourist info

What should we see in Jamestown/Williamsburg and what is not worth seeing.

Reply by aatatusko on 8/2/07 12:21pm
Msg #203444

Sorry, I'm not very close to Williamsburg and it has been years since I've visited, but maybe if you give the VA posters alittle more info (ages visiting, where you are staying and for how long) you will probably get some really good advise. DC is a great day trip if you have time, and there are beaches not to far.

Reply by John_NorCal on 8/2/07 12:43pm
Msg #203451

I'm not from VA but I do get there a couple of times a year to see my son who is stationed at Langley AFB. Speaking as a tourist I would buy a pass at the Jamestown settlement visitor center. That way you can go into the houses at the settlement and even get your questions answered by the docents, they won't talk to you unless you have a pass. Be sure to see the battlefields, very inspiring. Have fun!

Reply by VBNotaryVA on 8/2/07 1:38pm
Msg #203470

If you've never been there the whole thing is extremely interesting, if you're into history. There are a lot of plantations surrounding the area as well that offer tours, Bacon's Castle, Flowerdew 100, Chippokes Plantation and more. If it could fit in your schedule I'd make the 2 hour trip from W'Burg and go to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's home outside of Charlottesville. Also the new Marine Corp museum in Quantico is outstanding. Just opened in November 06. (assuming you'll have transportation to get to each of these.) Save some time for Busch Gardens as well.

Reply by jba/fl on 8/2/07 2:33pm
Msg #203507

Visited DC few times and been most of these places. The one (1) I would return to is Jefferson's Montecello. He was a good farmer, maintaining many gardens of all types, a statesman, and you really prob. know more than I. But I have never forgotten it and its location. A doorway to our past and future.
All ages. Have fun, wear your seatbelts!

Reply by Sandra Clark on 8/2/07 2:36pm
Msg #203509

There are many interesting things to do in that area of Virginia. First off, what are your interest? What ages? What areas? Richmond is the most centrally located - within 2-3 hours of mountains, beaches, etc. Northern Virginia is the most congested area of the state along with the area called Hampton Roads. Hampton Roads is Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Newport News, with Williamsburg being close by. Virginia has a tourist tab on the main web page.
Give me a better idea of what you would like to do and I'll be happy to help you.

Reply by Julie/MI on 8/2/07 5:26pm
Msg #203559

Sandra more specifics for you! Or anyone else that knows.

I would have private messaged you, but I don't know how.

We will be driving from Louisville, KY and end up in Williamsburg. I am looking for something between that area which also included west virginia, I think.

My husband, myself and two pre-teen boys and our papoose will be headed of in minivan.

We are history buffs and are looking for things that focus on the underground railroad, a working plantation, don't care if it's tobacco, cotton or what they grow, battlefields, historic homes.

Not looking for aquariums, or amusement parks, more historical sftuff.

Reply by Sandra Clark on 8/2/07 10:17pm
Msg #203693

Re: Sandra more specifics for you! Or anyone else that knows.

I will get with you tomorrow and we can talk. Just press the tab that says Private Reply. Enter your info. and we can chat. Too late tonite to get into all the place you could visit.

Reply by ToniK on 8/2/07 2:46pm
Msg #203515

Well I have lived here all my life (not in that area but closer to DC, ask me about DC and I can tell ya everything) and never been to any historic site in Williamsburg. I only go there to take the kids to Busch Gardens, Water country USA and Va beach. Other than that I have no clue.

Reply by Dorothy_MI on 8/2/07 3:58pm
Msg #203537

Julie, It really is a great area for family vacations. Colonial Williamsburg is like stepping back into time (Greenfield Village a 100 years earlier), Jamestown is celebrating their 400th anniversary this year so that would be a "don't miss" site. Norfolk is a major city and offers many of the things you would expect to find in a city of its size. Virginia Beach's beach is a great place to spend with the kids for a day or two (don't forget your sun block). There are numerous great restaurants also in VA Beach if you're into seafood or haute cuisine. There are numerous plantations all along the James River and can be very interesting to see. On the outskirts of Wmsbg are three large outlet malls if the weather doesn't cooperate. The whole area is like visiting a living history book. As someone else said, a day trip to Montecello is a not to be forgotten experience. Also, James Madison and James Monroe were also his neighbors. I also love the Shennadoah Valley (if you take the PA pike to Breeze Wood, then I70 to I-81 and get off at the Winchester Exit, you will find a very interesting town, then US 17 east takes you through Warrenton (another historic town) to I-95 south to I-64. This is the way I always take. The time is about the same as full freeway route my kids take on their trips back to MI from the Tidewater area, but very scenic. You could go home via DC and take in the sights there. Another stop, virtually enroute is Gettysburg. If you're into the Civil War (or as our southern kin say, "The war of northern agreesion or even THE WAR", Gettysburg is another step right back into the history book.

Reply by jba/fl on 8/2/07 7:11pm
Msg #203604

Make sure you stop at all the visitor's centers as you are approaching - tell them what you want and the local staffers will give you any detailed maps in addition to State maps. They know the construction roads, great bypasses for heavy traffic areas, can even tell times of heavy traffic on the roads you may be taking. Many times I go to see someone or go someplace wiht no more than my MapQuest, and the Visitor's Welcome (to the state) stops give me more than I can handle. I try for eves or lunch times so that others can pour over them and decisions can be made before we get near. And don't forget state parks along the way - small detours provide wonderful havens from the road's stresses. Found Black Mountain, Georgia that way - one of the most spectacular views one could wish for.
Have fun - I am jealous (in a friendly way)