Monday, May 24, 2010

Busch Gardens Adds "Europe in the Air" to Attraction Line-Up

Busch Gardens Europe in Williamsburg Virginia opened a new ride earlier this spring called Europe in the Air.

The new attraction is a simulator ride in which riders swoop, dive and float as if flying in a helicopter over the European countryside. Landmarks such as Stonehenge in England, Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany and the Coliseum in Rome are just a few of the sights visitors will see. Riders sit on a moving platform that tilts and turns as the screen and sound surround them. Europe in the Air is located in the Ireland section of the park.

Busch Gardens has also launched its newest live show – “Celtic Frye.” It is located at the Abbey Stone Theatre and features authentic Irish choreography, storytelling, singing, music and the magic of Irish dance.

An extreme sports performance by skateboarders, BMX riders and in-line skaters doing stunts and tricks on a half-pipe will also be featured at Festhaus Park.

Busch Gardens tickets are on sale now.

Shields Tavern and "Cry Witch" are Unique Colonial Williamsburg Attractions

A vacation in Williamsburg is a step back in time to a place where colonial traditions are celebrated and explored. This vacation destination makes history fun, and Colonial Williamsburg is a wonderful place to engage in realistic reenactments and immerse yourself in colonial culture. With so much to see and do in America’s Historic Triangle you’ll find plenty of ways to be a part of the past.

One of the most popular Williamsburg attractions is Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum with costumed interpreters, reconstructed colonial buildings and reenactments that tell America’s history. This attraction also has evening programs visitors will want to take advantage of, including programs like “Ghosts Among Us” and “Cry Witch.” My fellow companions and I decided to make a night of it and attend “Cry Witch” and have dinner at Shields Tavern, one of the historic dining establishments located in Colonial Williamsburg.

Shields Tavern is inspired by an 18th Century tavern owned by James Shields and its menu is derived from colonial receipts. It is a quaint establishment, but one that was a highlight of the trip. The tables and chairs, mugs and seasonal food all kept with tradition. Moreover, there was entertainment on hand who paraded from room to room playing and singing colonial music and instruments. The food was absolutely delicious. From the Barnyard Chicken to the Barbecue Ribs to the Ale-Potted Beef, everyone in my party raved about their dinner. The beverages served at Shields Tavern were also inspired by traditional colonial flavors. The ales served were crisp and refreshing, and I highly recommend the cream ale as a beverage choice. The entire experience was a highly memorable one.

After our delicious dinner, my party and I headed to The Capitol for the “Cry Witch” program at 9:00pm (note – the program is also held earlier in the evening at 7:30pm). “Cry Witch” is billed as a program in which guests get to “weigh the evidence and determine the guilt or innocence of ‘The Virginia Witch.’” The setting for the program was realistic, and as we filed into the courthouse room for the trial to begin the dark setting and ominous atmosphere set the tone for a great show. The hour-long program was engaging from start to finish, with the actors, especially the accused witch, doing a marvelous job at recreating the Virginia Witch story. Even more compelling was the interactive aspect of the program. Being able to ask questions and determine the guilt or innocence of the supposed witch was truly a unique experience. Every outcome is different, as every program has a different jury, but the tone and the spectacular work done by the actors of “Cry Witch” remain consistent throughout. This is a highly recommended experience and was one of the highlights of my stay in Williamsburg VA.

On your Williamsburg vacation, be sure to include one of the Colonial Williamsburg evening programs on your trip itinerary.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Colonial Williamsburg to Open Quilt Exhibit May 29

One of the most popular Williamsburg attractions – Colonial Williamsburg – has announced that “Material Witnesses: Quilts and Their Makers,” a new exhibit at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum will open on May 29, 2010 and remain through 2012 at the Foster and Muriel McCarl Gallery.

This new exhibit is an important one, as quilts tell stories not only of the past but of the people who created them. They play homage to important milestones in people’s lives as well as highlight the artistic traditions of the time. Many textiles from the 19th century and early 20th century include written words, patriotic designs and religious messages. These handmade creations aide historians and are a wonderful way to discover more about the Colonial people.

The museum housing the exhibit is located at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, located at the intersection of Francis and South Henry Streets. Museum hours are 10am-7pm. Colonial Williamsburg admission is required to enter the museums.

Williamsburg Named "Best Destination for a Family Vacation"

Budget Travel Magazine recently conducted its first annual Readers’ Choice Awards. In the category “Best Destination for a Family Vacation” Williamsburg won 47 percent of the votes, beating out other great destinations like Disney World in Orlando, Florida and Branson, Missouri.

The online poll was held February 10 to April 9. There were a total of 38 travel topics and over 164,000 votes were cast.

The results of the Budget Travel poll will be featured in the October 2010 issue of the magazine, which will appear on newstands September 21.

This is a great win for Williamsburg and the Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance is hoping it will bring exposure to the area as a great place to vacation. In fact, a Williamsburg vacation is affordable and fun for those of all ages. From theme park thrills at Busch Gardens to historic fun at Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown Settlement, this area provides plenty of ways to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Frontier Airlines Debuts at Newport News-Williamsburg Airport

Frontier Airlines debuted at the Newport News-Williamsburg International Airport on May 3, 2010. Four nonstop flights between Denver, Colorado and Newport News are scheduled each week, creating a great corridor between the Midwest and the east coast.

The addition of Frontier Airlines to the Newport News-Williamsburg Airport coincided with the opening of the new $13 million concourse at the airport. The new concourse is 38,000 square feet and features a small diner, located past the security checkpoint for traveler convenience.

This is a big expansion for the both the airport and the city, and both are hoping it will increase the number of visitors to America’s Historic Triangle.

This should most certainly make traveling to Williamsburg easier. Especially since Frontier Airlines is currently offering low rates on flights to the area.
Friday, May 14, 2010

Colonial Williamsburg offers Engaging Look at History

Williamsburg VA is a vacation destination filled with a great mix of historic activities and modern charm. When planning a vacation in Williamsburg, you’ll find it’s easy to have fun with history as the area boasts the Historic Triangle, featuring Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown, all of which explore the rich history of eastern Virginia.

During my visit, I spent time at Colonial Williamsburg, the world’s largest living history museum. Stepping foot on the 301 acre historic area was like taking a step back in time. The restored and reconstructed buildings created a realistic 18th century atmosphere, and the costumed interpreters were very engaging and informative.

My afternoon at Colonial Williamsburg was highlighted by the “Revolutionary City” segment, during which I was able to witness “A Declaration of Independence,” “The Town is Taken – featuring Benedict Arnold,” and “On to Yorktown & Victory,” a stirring piece in which there is a review with fifes, drums and cannons.

Watching history come to life at Colonial Williamsburg was an exciting excursion and one that I won’t soon forget. It was a great addition to my Williamsburg vacation.

Williamsburg hosts a variety of daily activities, all of which are listed online and in free activity pamphlets available throughout the city.
Monday, May 10, 2010

Let Us Make your Williamsburg Va Vacation Easy

Williamsburg is one of America’s favorite family vacation destinations as it is home to historical attractions, museums and cultural activities as well as modern theme parks, luxurious lodging facilities and a variety of places to dine and shop. Williamsburg attractions include the museums and battlefields of America’s Historic Triangle – Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown – as well as Busch Gardens and Water Country USA. A Williamsburg vacation is a great way to discover the past while enjoying the present.

When on a Williamsburg VA vacation you’ll find plenty of things to do. From Colonial Williamsburg VA attractions to modern attractions like Busch Gardens and Water Country USA, there are a variety of ways to be entertained while visiting Virginia. Of course, some of the most popular ways to discover Williamsburg involves watching history come to life at places like Colonial Williamsburg, Historic Jamestown, Historic Yorktown, the Jamestown Settlement and the Yorktown Victory Center. These areas provide a great way to have fun with history.

When planning a Williamsburg vacation, you’ll find a variety of lodging options. A few of the top rated Williamsburg hotels include the Clarion Hotel Historic District, Courtyard by Marriott Yorktown and Hampton Inn and Suites. No matter where you want to stay while you play, from historic Williamsburg hotels to Busch Gardens Williamsburg hotels, you’ll have no trouble finding a hotel in Williamsburg.

There are a plethora of things to do in Williamsburg, including quality theater shows. History, music, comedy and intrigue are a few of the themes you’ll find in Williamsburg shows. Williamsburg Dinner shows are also very popular. When on a Williamsburg VA vacation you’ll be able to experience the best in quality theater productions.
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