Suggestions for East of Williamsburg?

We are currently in Williamsburg until Monday. We have done the "historical stuff" as this is not our first trip here. Looking to drive east toward possibly Norfolk or Virginia Beach. Rain is predicted for the entire weekend.

If you like museums, the Mariner's Museum in Newport News is great....we have gone there several times from Williamsburg..

Would you share your "TOP 10" locations to visit while in Williamsburg for a 1st timer upcoming???

Lydlady said:

We are currently in Williamsburg until Monday. We have done the "historical stuff" as this is not our first trip here. Looking to drive east toward possibly Norfolk or Virginia Beach. Rain is predicted for the entire weekend.

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You can visit Virginia Beach beaches. plus you can tour the world largest Naval Port in Norfolk,VA and a battleship in downtown Norfolk,VA.

A day trip to the Outer Banks in North Carolina can be relaxing. Plus there are many fine seafood place to dine & light house museums to visit on OBX.

gvic said:

Would you share your "TOP 10" locations to visit while in Williamsburg for a 1st timer upcoming???

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Hardly an encyclopedic guide, but I'd start by getting the 'Week at a glance' here http://history.org/ and checking off the things you really want to participate in. We have enjoyed just about anything involving the actor who 'is' Thomas Jefferson, and never goes out 'not in character'.

Then the Jamestowne museum and the archeological digs in the historical townsite.

Yorktown battlefield, where the British surrendered to Washington is worthy too.

Then after you're all historied out, Busch Gardens amusement park. Beer tastings and pairings are good if you're into that sort of thing. Otherwise it's a lot of various roller coasters.

Jim

Olde Towne Portsmouth is a great place to spend the day

http://issuu.com/vgnet/docs/ptvg15_vbook

"Discover a unique collection of fine antique shops, artist run galleries and one-of-a-kind specialty stores. Enjoy excellent dining, both indoors and out in one of our many fine restaurants and pubs. Relax in exquisite riverfront lodging or book an intimate room in a quaint Olde Towne Bed & Breakfast. You will also want to take in a movie at the renowned Commodore Theatre and a riverside concert at the n’Telos Pavilion. "

Go to the Commodore Theater for the current movie. My favorite place to see a movie.

http://www.commodoretheatre.com/index.php

You can take a ferry ride over to Downtown Norfolk to see the Battleship Wisconsin and visit the Nauticus Museum. Lots of great dining in that area.

Also in Norfolk, The Chrysler Museum

http://www.chrysler.org/

In Virginia Beach, Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center

http://www.virginiaaquarium.com/

Definitely Check out the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. Many great restaurants at the oceanfront.


Norfolk Zoo

http://virginiazoo.org/

The Virginia Living Museum In Newport News:

https://thevlm.org/

Virginia International Tattoo 2015 this weekend in Norfolk. Great show.

http://www.vafest.org/2015/tattoo-main

The newest thing at the Virginia Beach oceanfront (Indoor Skydiving)

https://virginiabeach.iflyworld.com/


Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center near the Virginia Beach oceanfront:

http://www.virginiaaquarium.com/

Check out the Virginia Beach Boardwalk and eat some seafood while you're down there.

Not east but west:

My wife and I enjoyed visits to a couple of the James River Plantations (Berkeley and Shirley) near Williamsburg. If you haven't been to Monticello the two hour drive to Charlottesville might be a worthwhile day trip. All of these would be better in nice weather.

gvic said:

Would you share your "TOP 10" locations to visit while in Williamsburg for a 1st timer upcoming???

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1. Walk around Colonial Williamsburg and get a feel for it. Visit the visitors center next and watch the movie. Then decide if you want to pay or not.
2. Jamestown (original settlement and national park)
3. Jamestown (museum and recreation of fort and Indian village)
4. Yorktown
5. College of William and Mary campus
6. Busch Gardens in season
7. Drive from Williamsburg to Jamestown on the Colonial parkway at dusk to see the sunset over the James River
8. See at least one historic plantation along route 5
9. Take a ghost tour
10. Eat in one of the historic taverns (I like Campbell's the best).

Other things in no order:
Outlet Mall
Yankee Candle factory - kind of corny, but fun
Take the Ferry to Surrey and maybe drive to Smithfield to buy a ham
Have a cocktail at the Williamsburg lodge in front of the fire
Play golf at the Golden Horseshoe (Gold course at the Williamsburg Inn)
Have a beer and play corn hole at Berret's outdoor bar
Get a hot holly at Paul's deli
Get bread ends and house dressing at the Cheese Shop
Go to Colonial Williamsburg at night and watch the fife and drum corp (Free)

Thank you all for the great suggestions! We ended up at the Virginia Air & Space Center. Good thing for this rainy day.

It's a good thing we come out here every two to three years. Now I can plan ahead for next time. I really wanted to do the Virginia Beach Boardwalk today but will wait and hope for better weather next time.

Woweee.... Thanks !!! I'm looking forward to my trip

Big Matt said:

1. Walk around Colonial Williamsburg and get a feel for it. Visit the visitors center next and watch the movie. Then decide if you want to pay or not.
2. Jamestown (original settlement and national park)
3. Jamestown (museum and recreation of fort and Indian village)
4. Yorktown
5. College of William and Mary campus
6. Busch Gardens in season
7. Drive from Williamsburg to Jamestown on the Colonial parkway at dusk to see the sunset over the James River
8. See at least one historic plantation along route 5
9. Take a ghost tour
10. Eat in one of the historic taverns (I like Campbell's the best).

Other things in no order:
Outlet Mall
Yankee Candle factory - kind of corny, but fun
Take the Ferry to Surrey and maybe drive to Smithfield to buy a ham
Have a cocktail at the Williamsburg lodge in front of the fire
Play golf at the Golden Horseshoe (Gold course at the Williamsburg Inn)
Have a beer and play corn hole at Berret's outdoor bar
Get a hot holly at Paul's deli
Get bread ends and house dressing at the Cheese Shop
Go to Colonial Williamsburg at night and watch the fife and drum corp (Free)

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These are all great suggestions. We travel to Williamsburg every year. I would also suggest taking the Jamestown/Scotland Ferry (free) to Surry. We visited Bacon Castle, Chippokes state park/plantation and Smith Fort. We bought a combo pass to all three places and really enjoyed our day. While in Wiliamsburg please take the time to visit the Public Hospital and Abbey Aldrich Museum. What a great time. We went to Williamsburg for years before we found this place. They have so many exhibits. There is a great place for lunch in the museum. If you are planning an extended trip I too would recommend Monticello and Montpillier plantation in the Charlottesville area or the Childhood home of Robert E. Lee (Stratford). There is a lot to see there too.