Colonial Williamsburg, VA -- a Family Vacation to Remember

Colonial Williamsburg, a part of modern Williamsburg, has been restored to its colonial-era appearance, and is filled with interpreters in Colonial garb. You can meet a candle dipper or a blacksmith, eat in a tavern, where all the "news" of the colony is discussed, or take a carriage ride, complete with driver in Colonial clothes who stays in character as he drives you around the old town and talks about the British and French, and the colonies. Crafters and craft shops abound, and there are restuarants in every price category.

If you want more history, you'll find it. Colonial Williamsburg is part of the Historic Triangle of Virginia that also includes Yorktown, the site of on-going archeological excavations as as well as providing reconstructed Colonial-era homes, and the original cannons from the fort that once existed there, and Jamestown, the first permanent British colony in the New World, also the site of excavations. There are guides at all three locations, and plenty to see, do, and buy.

Want a little excitement? Head for Busch Gardens. Placing in 9 of 17 categories of the Reader's Choice contest in Theme Parks Magazine, Busch Gardens is guaranteed to be fun for the whole family. With rides suitable for each age group, and Water Country USA in case you need to cool off, or if you love water parks, your family can enjoy at least a full day of fun. Both parts of the park (Busch Gardens and Water Country) are accessible to strollers and to visitors with special needs. Busch Gardens Williamsburg was voted Most Beautiful Park for 20 years in a row by the National Amusement Park Historical Association. Like Colonial Williamsburg, the park is filled with European/Colonial architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens for a relaxing break from the rides and water.

If all that isn't enough, you're only about an hour away from Virginia Beach. Spring, summer, and fall are all beach time at Virginia Beach. With a boardwalk, miles of beaches, great restaurants and great shopping, your whole family will enjoy a stay here. It may be for "lovers," as the tourist guides say, but with the Ocean Breeze Waterpark and the Virginia Aquarium, it's perfect for anyone who loves the water and the beach.

So pack up the car, or catch a plane for Washington, DC, Baltimore, or Williamsburg/Newport News, and you're off on the family vacation of a lifetime!

Sources:
http://www.williamsburg.com
http://www.buschgardens.com/bgw/Plan/ParkInfo.aspx
http://www.williamsburg.com/history.cfm?subcategoryID=136&newUserLocation=1
http://historicjamestowne.org/
http://www.vbfun.com/visitors/default.aspx
http://www.bandbwilliamsburg.com/area-information.html
http://www.watercountryusa.com/Wc/Explore/Attractions.aspx?id=1085