How to spend ~six hours in Williamsburg?

[DaveNV]

Next month we'll be driving from Richmond to visit my best friend and his family at their home in Virginia Beach. While waiting for them to return home that day, we'll have about six hours to spend along the way. We'd like to make a stop in Colonial Williamsburg. I'm hoping for some advice about what is the simplest way to see the town.

I was there many years ago, and I'm sure there is plenty more to see now than there used to be. At that time, we parked and walked around the streets of town, saw the old Courthouse (?) and some static displays set up in restored colonial buildings. Is it still possible to do that, or are things more structured than it was back then? If it's not possible to walk around on our own, what would you recommend is the easiest way to get the most colonial bang for the buck - in six hours? If there is more time required than the six hours we'll have that day, we'll have a full day about a week later to come back and see things in more detail.

Dave

 

[mbinpa]

Obviously the easiest way is on foot - without spending a lot of $$ getting a daily pass and parking at the visitor's center, you can park anyway you find a spot (I like behind Barnes and Noble) and just walk the main street. The Church is open to anyone and there shops are all open to anyone. Going the other way is the College of William and Mary.

If you have been to Colonial W'burg before (believe me, it hasn't changed) then might I suggest Jamestown? About 20 minutes or less for Colonial W'burg and pretty interesting. There is a relatively new center there that is informative and they have the 3 full sized replica ships you can board. 6 hours would be about right if you include lunch.

 

[Passepartout]

Second the Jamestown stop for being about the right length of time. You can also look at the daily calendar for Colonial Williamsburg to see what is happening that day and plan accordingly.

Jim

 

[DaveNV]

That may work better. We could do Jamestown on the way south, then plan to do a full day at Williamsburg on the way north the next week.

Thanks!

Dave

 

[MULTIZ321]

Hi Dave,

On your way from Richmond to Jamestown, I would consider stopping to visit a couple of the James River Plantations.

For more info, see an older Tug Thread - James River Plantations

Have a great trip


Richard

 

[tschwa2]

There is also a 1.5 hour boat tour at Jamestown. http://www.jamestowndiscovery.com/

 

[dwojo]

Search Hampton Roads Virginia and you will find quite a bit to do and see on the way to Virginia Beach.

 

[Big Matt]

Colonial Williamsburg won't be much different than when you last visited. Only a few structures have changed. With that said, the Merchant's Square area is very different with expansion and different shops and restaurants.

I'd do just what you suggested. Get there, park and walk around. Get lunch at the Blue Talon Bistro. No need to get a ticket for six hours.