Two Great Parks in Williamsburg, Virginia
May 9, 2013 by Shannon Walter
Filed under VME, Williamsburg
The weather is warming up in Williamsburg, which can only mean that Water Country USA will soon open for the summer season! Water Country USA is Virginia’s largest water park and it is conveniently located just three miles from Busch Gardens. Even more convenient, Vacations Made Easy sells a 7 day pass for both parks! Ride the roller coasters at Busch Gardens then hop over to Water Country USA to cool down. Read on to learn all about these fabulous parks!
Featuring more than 30 rides and attractions, Water Country USA is the perfect place to start your summer vacation! The park is modeled after a 1950’s and 1960’s surf theme. The best new ride this year? Vanish Point! This is an epic drop slide that was inspired by the point on a wave where gravity and water meet to form a perfect partnership. Riders have two options for this fun ride: 1. Step in to a skybox and take a 75-foot plunge when the floor drops from underneath you; OR 2. Lie horizontally on a 300-foot speed slide that drops you straight down upon entrance. No matter what, you’ll be screaming! Other thrill rides include Aquazoid, an 850-foot pipeline that you fly down in a raft at a speed of more than 20 feet per second; Big Daddy Falls, a whitewater rafting adventure that sends riders down 670 feet of flumes and tunnels; and Nitro Race, a speed slide that allows you to race your friends down a 320-foot slide in less than 4 seconds. There are also three splash playground areas in the park that little ones will love. Restaurants, cafes, and small markets are scattered throughout the park for hungry tummies. The park even offers swimming lessons and American Red Cross training to guests. Pack your bags for Water Country USA! The park officially opens its doors for the summer season on Friday, May 18. For more information about the park, please visit our website.
After you dry off, head aver to Busch Gardens for more thrills! Busch Gardens is a European-themed adventure park that was founded in 1975 with the goal to provide cultural and charm mixed with 21st century technology. This culture and charm is depicted through 6 different countries in the park: England, Scotland, Ireland, Italy, Germany, and France. Each area is meticulously designed to match the architecture, culture, and landscaping of each country. Because of this dedication, the gorgeous park has received The National Amusement Park Historical Association’s “Most Beautiful Park” for the last 22 years! Upon arrival, challenge yourself to the 205-foot, 90-degree, 75 mph free fall of the world’s tallest dive coaster, the heart-pounding Griffon. A thrill seekers destiny, the Griffon is just one of five coasters offered at Busch Gardens. In order to bring your heart rate down, try out the Rhine River Cruise, a relaxing cruise in which you can enjoy 360-degree views of the park including a view of the roller coasters as they skim over the river. The park features several more rides in each country, ride them all on your visit! For more information about the park, visit our website.
It’s Warm in Williamsburg
April 11, 2013 by Shannon Walter
Filed under VME, Williamsburg
The sun is shining in Williamsburg! With attractions like Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens, Williamsburg is the perfect city to hit up during the warmer months. Check out a few of our favorite warm weather activities in Williamsburg!
See the sights on the Hampton River just 30 minutes away from Williamsburg! The 3 hour cruise starts in the Hampton Roads Harbor and follows the path of Captain John Smith and the First Settlers. Standing on the deck of the boat, you’ll have the chance to see historic Fort Monroe and the Old Point Comfort Lighthouse, the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in America. As you cruise down the river, your guide will regale you with historic stories from the area. Your guide will also gladly answer any questions. After a breathtaking view of the Chesapeake Bay, the cruise will stop for a 30 minute walking tour of the Civil War Island Fortress of Fort Wool. You’ll also get an in-depth view of Norfolk Naval Base, which is home to aircraft carriers and nuclear-powered submarines. On your way back to the port, you’ll be entertained with the story of the famous Battle of the Ironclads: the Monitor and the Merrimac. For more information about this tour, follow this link.
Williamsburg Hot Air Balloon Rides & Private Flights
Fly high above Williamsburg on your next vacation with a hot air balloon ride! Your day begins as you watch the fascinating set up of the balloon being inflated. Once setup is complete, climb aboard for a gorgeous ride. The ride is perfect for a romantic getaway, a fun family outing, or a sightseeing adventure. Gaze at the white sandy beaches, green golf courses, quaint colonial towns, and massive Atlantic Ocean as you soar over Virginia’s countryside. The balloon accommodates 5 guests and the whole event lasts about 3 hours. For something a bit more personal such as a proposal or romantic adventure, take the private flight. You’ll be in the air for about an hour and you’ll enjoy a post-flight champagne toast after you touch back down. For more information, click on this link.
Get Your Thrills in Williamsburg
February 28, 2013 by Shannon Walter
Filed under VME, Williamsburg
Spring is finally on its way after a long winter! We don’t know about you, but we are ready to spend a little bit of time outdoors. So, why not to head to Williamsburg for a bit of outdoor fun?
If you haven’t been to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, then this is definitely the year to go! The European-themed adventure park was founded in 1975 with the goal to provide cultural and charm mixed with 21st century technology. This culture and charm is depicted through 6 different countries in the park: England, Scotland, Ireland, Italy, Germany, and France. Each area is meticulously designed to match the architecture, culture, and landscaping of each country. Because of this dedication, the gorgeous park has received The National Amusement Park Historical Association’s “Most Beautiful Park” for the last 22 years!
The first hamlet, England, which sits at the park’s entrance, welcomes guests in a royal fashion. Unique shops, a small bakery, and a Globe Theater replica line the streets in this area. Little ones will love a stop at the Sesame Street Forest of Fun situated in England. The area has fantastic rides for young kids and all kinds of photo opportunities with Elmo, Big Bird, Grover, and many more! Next, Scotland is the home of the world’s first steel roller coast with interlocking loops, The Loch Ness Monster, which is also the oldest roller coaster in the park. Over the years, more than 50 million guests have hopped aboard this epic coaster. Scotland also features native animals in their Highland Stables. Ireland boasts gorgeous authentic architecture, quaint shops, and Irish shows. Stop in at the Celtic Fyre show to celebrate Irish culture through song and dance. Grab a snack at a street café in France before hopping on the Griffon, one of the world’s tallest and first floorless dive coasters. On second thought, it might be best to stop for lunch after taking a dive on Griffon. Then, head to Oktoberfest in Germany, which features a unique 17th century replica of a Glockenspiel. Pick up a hand-painted beer stein or carved wooden cuckoo clock at the fine German gift shops before climbing aboard Verbolten, the park’s newest roller coaster. Verbolten is a multi-launch roller coaster based upon the German Autobahn. The coaster takes riders through the Black Forest and reaches speeds of 53 mph before ending with a terrifying 88-foot plunge toward the Rhine River. Thrill seekers, this ride is for you! Once your feet are back on dry land, head over to Italy! The charming Italian village features authentic cuisine, lush gardens, and beautiful dancers. Hop on Escape for Pompeii, a water ride, in order to cool down then take a ride on Apollo’s Chariot, a high-speed hyper coaster that reaches speeds of 73 mph. All this and more awaits at Busch Gardens Williamsburg!
New in 2013 is the Busch Gardens Food Festival. The festival will showcase what Busch Gardens does best, offer guests an immersive experience with delicious food from all over Europe for guests to sample. Stay tuned for more information about this Food Festival! Busch Gardens Williamsburg will be opening on March 17. For more information about the park, visit our website.
Travel Back in Time in Williamsburg, Virginia
January 30, 2013 by Shannon Walter
Filed under Williamsburg
Dear Williamsburg Visitors,
Now through February 15, Colonial Williamsburg is offering a behind-the-scenes look at how the historic village is brought to life! Colonial Williamsburg has invited their curators, conservators, archaeologists, and actors to give visitors a chance to hear the stories behind the artifacts, paintings, costumes and more. The behind-the scenes look focuses on four interactive experiences including the stories behind the artifacts, costume design, ancient ceramics, and tavern life. Don’t miss out on this fun event that lasts until February 15!
Speaking of Colonial Williamsburg, take the time to look at the visitor’s side of the fabulous historic village. After going behind-the-scenes you’ll see Colonial Williamsburg in a whole new light. The small village is an accurate replica of the 18th century city that witnessed the birth of America. Townspeople mill about the village in period costumes, soldiers fight in the Revolutionary War, and shop owners dispute politics throughout the city giving visitors a great representation of what it was like to live through a time of change and uncertainty. Get your kids into history by renting a colonial costume during your stay or immerse yourself in the village by taking the time to learn a trade from the bricklayer or the blacksmith. Colonial Williamsburg is full of endless opportunities so check it out on your next vacation! For more information about Colonial Williamsburg, visit this link.
After a trip back in time head to the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum to see the weird. The museum is filled with more than 350 exhibits of oddities that will fascinate and astound visitors for hours including a 500 pound gorilla made entirely of nails, a 1,000 pound Millennium Falcon, and, Robert Ripley’s favorites, genuine shrunken heads. Ripley liked to surround himself with only the oddest of things so you can expect to be amazed! Also at this location, you will find a 4D Theater offering a wonderfully immersive experience into a myriad of films that change year-round. For more information about Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, follow this link.
No vacation is complete without a great place to stay. So be sure you check out our hotel options in Williamsburg, Virginia. From historic to modern, you’re sure to find the perfect hotel for your vacation!
Celebrate the Holidays in Williamsburg
November 21, 2012 by Shannon Walter
Filed under VME, Williamsburg
Starting on Thanksgiving Day and lasting to November 24, visitors will have the chance to learn all about how food was prepared in the 17th and 18th centuries at Jamestown Settlement and the Yorktown Victory Center. Long before microwaves, ovens, and refrigerators, food was prepared in clay pots and cooked in iron kettles over an open fire. Food was also preserved for long periods of time by a process of smoking, salt curing and pickling. In the 21st century if you need another ingredient for a meal you can run to the store but the English colonists and Indians didn’t have that luxury. So these two attractions are offering demonstrations showcasing how these people prepared the meals, especially the big first Thanksgiving meal shared between the pilgrims and Indians. The food that is prepared is for demonstration only but the Jamestown Settlement Café will be serving a traditional Thanksgiving dinner in the afternoon. For more information, check out these links to the Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center.
Christmas Town: A Busch Gardens Celebration
Busch Gardens Williamsburg has been transformed into a winter wonderland to celebrate the magical holiday season that is nearly upon us. The massive park is designed to celebrate different cultures during the regular season but it is switching gears to showcase holiday traditions around the world instead. Patrons will have the chance to visit Italy, England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, France, and finish off with a visit to Santa Claus in the North Pole. In Italy, the Escape from Pompeii Water Ride has undergone a breathtaking transformation to become the Polar Pathway adorned with thousands of lights. Similarly, the grand dining room of Castle O’Sullivan has taken on a new life to present Santa’s Fireside Feast. Santa guests are invited to gather around his majestic castle to enjoy a magical story and a delicious feast. In Germany, patrons are invited to purchase handmade gifts made by local artisans in the Mistletoe Marketplace.
After a busy day enjoying the attractions throughout the park, take a rest to enjoy one of the five shows in the park, or enjoy them all! Take the kids to enjoy a “Sesame Street Christmas,” dance enthusiasts will love the “Miracles” show, then finish off with “Deck the Halls” a toe-tapping Christmas show. Most of the year-round rides and attractions will remain open during the holiday season. For more information about the magical holiday celebration at Busch Gardens, follow this link.
Browse through our hotel listings to find the perfect home away from home. With an abundance of choices, visitors will have no problems finding a wonderful hotel featuring all the desired amenities.
Lots to See in Williamsburg
November 8, 2012 by Shannon Walter
Filed under VME, Williamsburg
There are a myriad of ways to explore history and science in Williamsburg. The area’s museums and attractions are so fun and engaging that you and your family might even forget how much you’re learning! You can see what life was like in Williamsburg’s early days as an English colony, meet the fascinating animal inhabitants of Virginia, and see exhibits filled with strange and marvelous art and specimens from around the world.
Yorktown Victory Center
The Siege of Yorktown essentially ended the Revolutionary War. It was at Yorktown that General Cornwallis surrendered, after which the United States gained recognition and set up its new, democratic government. Today Yorktown’s important revolutionary history is preserved at the Yorktown Victory Center, a living museum that chronicles the history of colonial Virginians. Reenactors describe the lives of the settlers and demonstrate traditional farming and crafting techniques, and short films and exhibits enhance the living historians’ presentations.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum
Get a look at a more eclectic collection of historical items at Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum. The museum carries on the legacy of Robert Ripley, who gained fame traveling the world and drawing attention to the things he found to be odd or mysterious, both from exotic destinations abroad and from small towns across America. You’ll see artifacts from a variety of cultures around the world, strange art, stories of the unexplained, and even shrunken heads!
Virginia Living Museum
The Virginia Living Museum is a cutting edge learning center that spotlights the marvels of the natural world. Bobcats, foxes, otters, red wolves, and a huge variety of birds, reptiles, and fish inhabit the Virginia Living Museum’s exhibits, along with hundreds of native plants. Interact with the denizens of the touch tank, take a look at Virginia’s prehistoric past, and gaze at the night sky at the Abbit Observatory.
Check out our great selection of comfy hotels in the Williamsburg area to plan your next vacation.
Get in the Holiday Spirit in Williamsburg
October 25, 2012 by Shannon Walter
Filed under VME, Williamsburg
Get in the Halloween spirit this Friday at Freedom Park in Williamsburg. The evening will kick off with story-telling around the fire. The stories will be spooky but not too spooky for the young kids. The night will be capped off with a viewing of the classic “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” This is sure to be a night that the whole family will love. The event is on Friday, October 26 at Freedom Park from 6 pm to 8 pm.
A Colonial Christmas at Colonial Williamsburg
The holidays come to life in Colonial Williamsburg. During the holiday season, the historic city will be adorned with twinkling lights, lush wreaths, and beautifully decorated trees. Take a carriage ride through the city to see the sites. Indulge in a Christmas feast inspired by the 18th century in which guests will dine in one of the historic taverns surrounded by balladeers, fifes and drums, and madrigal singers. Create magnificent holiday memories at a holiday tea which features a one-man performance of A Christmas Carol. Perhaps the most exciting event is a true 18th century holiday celebration. In historic Williamsburg holiday celebrations included fireworks and firing of guns. A Colonial Christmas is no different, the revolutionary city lights up the night with the Grand Illumination by shooting off fireworks from the three different locations in the city. Aside from all the festive additions to Colonial Williamsburg, visitors will still have the chance to enjoy all the historic sites of Colonial Williamsburg including tours of the historically accurate sites, the colonial costumed residents, and the gorgeous architecture of the entire city. The past comes alive in Colonial Williamsburg. Renew your holiday spirit in Colonial Williamsburg starting November 23 and ending December 30. For more information about a Colonial Christmas, visit this website.
“Who Killed the King?” The mystery abounds at the Mystery Dinner Playhouse in Williamsburg welcomes one and all to the coronation of King Ronald, Lord of the Ville. Guests will dine with the most prestigious members of the kingdom’s court including Prince Ronald, the Princess, the Queen, and the Royal Tax Collector. Enjoy a grand feast washed down with ale while you collect the clues to the mystery. Beware! At the end of the evening, no one will be saying “Long live the King!” Pay close attention because everything could be a clue! For ticket information, click on this link.
A plethora of lodging options awaits in Williamsburg, Virginia. Whether you’re interested in a historical stay at Colonial Williamsburg or a convenient modern stay in the city, you’re are sure to find the hotel for you in Williamsburg!
Walk on the Wild Side in Williamsburg
October 10, 2012 by Shannon Walter
Filed under VME, Williamsburg
During the month of October, visitors are invited to walk on the Walk Wild Side at the Virginia Living Museum. On August 25, water from nearby Deer Park Lake took over the bottom floor of the museum and the Wason Education Center during a flash flood. Luckily nobody was harmed but the floods left the building in serious disrepair. Employees and volunteers are working hard to return the museum to its former glory but they need help! The Walk-A-Thon is designed to get people outside everyday in October to raise the $50,000 that is needed to cover what insurance won’t pay. The Museum’s Boardwalk trail will be opening around 8:30am Monday through Saturday to facilitate the walkers. One loop of the trail equals 0.75 miles. While you’re walking, you’ll be able to view all kinds of Virginia creatures in their natural habitat. Participants can register at the museum then collect pledges from friends and family to support a personal goal. The more you walk, the more money you raise!
When you’re done walking outside, head inside to see the rest of the museum. Although, a few of the exhibits had to close due to the flooding, there’s still lots to explore throughout the rest of the museum! The museum opened in 1987, to become the first establishment east of the Mississippi River to combine the elements of a native wildlife park, science museum, aquarium, botanical preserve, and planetarium. The goal of the museum is to stimulate knowledge, awareness, and appreciation of the living world. The museum brings together more than 250 species of animals to give you the chance “to encounter more habitats, wildlife and plant species than would be encountered in a lifetime of outdoor adventures in Virginia.” That’s a lofty claim that the museum certainly holds true to. Kids will love all the hands-on activities and beautiful creatures throughout the museum. They even have an observatory with a dome that revolves 360-degrees so that the Meade telescope can give you a magnificent view of the sky. This truly spectacular museum is definitely worth a visit! For ticket information, visit this link.
When you’re done at the museum, take a trip back in history in nearby Yorktown, Virginia, at the Yorktown Victory Center. On October 19, 1781, the American Revolution effectively ended with the British surrender to American and French troops. And it all happened in Yorktown. The Siege of Yorktown concluded the Revolutionary War setting the stage for the government and nation that Americans know and love today. The museum in Yorktown will take you on a journey from the beginning of America through colonial times and finally to the birth of the nation. The exhibits in the museum take you in and out of the building for a unique storytelling experience. Every American should know the stories surrounding the birth of the United States, and Yorktown Victory Center tells those stories in a magical way! For ticket information, follow this link.
The area presents a variety of lodging options from historic inns on vast plantations to modern hotels with fabulous pools. Click here to find the perfect spot for you!
What are you waiting for? Start your amazing Williamsburg vacation now!
Celebrate the Rich History of Williamsburg, VA
September 13, 2012 by Shannon Walter
Filed under VME, Williamsburg
This year the Williamsburg Inn in Colonial Williamsburg is celebrating 75 years of southern hospitality! The doors opened in 1937 to host elegant guests in the style of a Virginia country estate. Today, the beautiful Williamsburg Inn hosts everyday visitors hoping to catch a glimpse into the 18th century. Throughout the town of Colonial Williamsburg you will find historically accurate sites shown to you by costumed residents who will tell you story of the birth of America. The historic town encompasses 300 acres which you can tour on foot or by carriage. The experience is something you will not forget. For more information, click this link.
After a trip back in time, you won’t want to miss a thrilling visit to an amazing theme park, Busch Gardens. First challenge yourself to the 205-foot, 90-degree, 75 mph free fall of the world’s tallest dive coaster, the heart-pounding Griffon. A thrill seekers destiny, the Griffon is just one of five coasters offered at Busch Gardens. In order to bring your heart rate down, try out the Rhine River Cruise, a relaxing cruise in which you can enjoy 360-degree views of the park including a view of the roller coasters as they skim over the river. Guests can also choose from several other rides that are sure to please the whole family. Check out this link for more information.
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum
Uncover everything from the bizarre to the beautiful at the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum in Williamsburg. There are several Ripley’s museums around the world but each one is completely unique meaning a visit to the museum in Branson will not reveal what lies ahead in the Williamsburg museum. What can you expect to see? A 500 pound gorilla made entirely of nails and genuine shrunken heads to name a few. Ripley liked to surround himself with only the oddest of things so you can expect to be amazed! Also at this location, you will find a 4D theater offering a wonderfully immersive experience into a myriad of films that change year-round. Check out more about Ripley’s by clicking here.
Resting will be key in order to see this wonderful historic town. The Historic Powhatan Resort will take you back in time. The beautiful and inexpensive Westgate Historic Williamsburg hotel is the perfect place to stay close to Colonial Williamsburg. From historic to modern, you will find exactly the right hotel for you in Williamsburg! Click here for a complete list of hotels in the area.
Come Celebrate Labor Day in Williamsburg
August 29, 2012 by admin
Filed under VME, Williamsburg
Celebrate Labor Day in Williamsburg where you will find a wide variety of relaxing activities to reward all the hard work done over the years. Labor Day also marks the ending of summer, so this makes for the perfect time to get out one last time for some warm weather fun. Williamsburg has plenty of relaxing and fun ideas for your Labor Day getaway.
Water Country USA is the perfect place to sit back and relax, or take advantage one of the many exciting water rides before summer comes to an end. If you’re up for an exciting challenge, slip on over to Adventure Isle where you can test your abilities on this fun water obstacle course. If relaxing is your idea of fun, take advantage of the quarter mile long Adventure River where you can float past waterfalls, through caves, and soak up some sun. Water Country USA is only open through Labor Day, so get your tickets today!
On the Miss Hampton II Harbor Cruise, see wonderful sights of the Williamsburg area such as Hampton Roads Harbor, Chesapeake Bay, the Norfolk Naval Base, and plenty of other memorable views while on this fully narrated cruise. This great sightseeing cruise lasts approximately three hours, so you will have plenty of time to relax and see the beautiful scenery of the Williamsburg area.
Revisit the past at Colonial Williamsburg where you can view how life once was in Williamsburg. Historically accurate buildings, décor, fashion, activities, and more can be seen while strolling over 300 acres. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the courthouse where the Treaty of Paris was read, see the interactive Great Hopes Plantation, tour DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and many other historical sites while at Colonial Williamsburg.
If you need a great hotel while in the Williamsburg area, consider staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites Williamsburg-Central. This hotel has great customer ratings, and is located close to popular activities in the area. For a list of other great hotels in the area, click here.
