Colonial Williamsburg and The College of William and Mary
In the heart of Williamsburg lies its most affordable family venues. Both Colonial Williamsburg and The College of William and Mary allow tourists and visitors to walk on their grounds free of charge. In Colonial Williamsburg, the original capital of Virginia, one can see the immaculate Governor's Mansion and Gardens. Farther down Duke Of Gloucester street in Colonial Williamsburg is the former Virginia State Capitol Building. Beyond its historical buildings, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation features live, outdoor historical reenactments daily. These reenactments are free to see for any visitor who is nearby. Pick up a free copy of the weekly reenactment and event schedule when you enter Colonial Williamsburg.
The College of William and Mary, one of the nation's oldest institutions of higher learning, also lends its ground to any tourist or visitor who happens through. Check out the College's Wren Building, the oldest operational building in the United States. Depending on the season, tours of the Wren Building interior are free of charge. Beyond the Wren Building, one needs be sure to see the College's Sunken Gardens. The Gardens, of Old English design, are a hot-spot for outdoor games such as soccer, football, or ultimate frisbee. Watch out for the occassional streaker though! It's a student tradition to streak the Sunken Gardens once before graduating. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and several more founding fathers attended the College. Don't miss out on its rich history.
The Colonial Parkway and The James River
Less than a five minute drive from Colonial Williamsburg and The College of William and Mary stretches Route 199, the Colonial Highway. The highway offers a pleasant drive with picturesque scenery along the way. Route 199 stretches approximately twenty-three miles from Yorktown to Jamestown with Williamsburg in between (though much closer to Jamestown). Because commercial vehicles are prohibited, driving the Colonial Highway is calming and stress free. Speed limits are also low on the Colonial Highway, protecting both drivers and the many species of wildlife found along the roadside.
If one takes the Colonial Highway east from Williamsburg toward Jamestown, then one can't miss the mammoth James River on the left approximately 3 miles down the Colonial Highway. Dotting the side of the James River are sandy, public-access beaches. Be sure to pull off the highway and enjoy a family picnic at any of the designated stops. Few tourists realize these beaches are nearby, so they should not be very crowded. The beaches are a hot-spot for locals and college students. Because the Commonwealth of Virginia prohibits any commercial ventures on the Colonial Highway, the beaches are very picturesque. Bring your own food if you visit the beaches, there are no shops or restaurants for miles.
Busch Gardens Europe and Water Country USA
If the family suffers from historical overload in Colonial Williamsburg, head on over to Busch Gardens Europe and Water Country USA. In Busch Gardens, one can venture through the landscapes of several European countries, including England, Scotland, France Germany, and more. Each mock country has its own set of adventures such roller coasters, live shows, and exotic animals on display. While in England, be sure to check out the "Pirates" 4-D adventure movie. The kids will thank you...maybe.
On those hot summer days in Williamsburg, there's nothing like a dip in the pool, or fifteen pools. The kids will surely love Water Country USA with it's many rides, water slides, and wave pool. The Park features a surf theme reminiscent of 1950s America. The park also features family rides that are as thrilling as they are refreshing. If Water Country sounds like your kind of place, check it out here.
