Anna’s Brick Oven, Williamsburg, VA

Brick oven pizza is Mmm Mmm good!

by Ryan Redding | July 26, 2010

Williamsburg has almost as many pizza places as pancake houses, but one of the newest is a definite stand out. Anna’s Brick Oven offers traditional as well as specialty pizzas, all cooked in their brick oven.

Specialty pizzas come as 12” or 16” and include such tasty choices as Margherita, Quattro Stagione, BBQ Chicken, and my favorite, Pizza Bianca Neve, which is garlic, olive oil, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese. Eight other specialty …

Go-Karts Plus, Williamsburg, VA

Big thrills at a small amusement park

by Ryan Redding | July 24, 2010

With the “big dog,” Busch Gardens, just on the other side of town, it might be easy to forget its smaller cousin, Go-Karts Plus, located next to the Williamsburg Pottery on Richmond Road (Rt. 60). 

If a long day at the big park isn’t to your liking, take the kids to Go-Karts Plus. This small attraction is like an all summer long county fair. Bumper cars are always a crowd favorite, but …

The Colonial Nursery, Williamsburg, VA

18th century gardening on display in Colonial Williamsburg

by Ryan Redding | July 24, 2010

Colonial Williamsburg is renowned for their picturesque gardens tucked between white picket fences and Georgian style buildings. One of my family’s favorite things to do in CW is stroll through the gardens at a leisurely pace, pointing out favorite specimens as well as unknown “exotics,” and marvel at the sights and smells that fill our senses each time we visit. 

Located across from Bruton Parish Church near Palace Green, the Colonial Nursery …

Virtual Sports & Golf Outlet, Williamsburg, VA

Indoor fun for the entire family in Williamsburg

by Ryan Redding | July 19, 2010

Summer in Williamsburg offers plenty of family activities, but most of them are outdoor activities. Temperatures have been in the 90s for what feels like months and the trend looks like it will continue. So if indoor fun in an air conditioned environment sounds like just the right thing for you and your family, stop by Virtual Sports & Golf Outlet. 

Located near the Prime Outlets just off Richmond Road, Virtual Sports …

Williamsburg Farmers’ Market, Williamsburg, VA

America's favorite farmers market offers fresh produce and so much more

by Ryan Redding | July 15, 2010

The morning is clear and bright. Birds are chirping happily as I walk across Francis Street toward Merchants Square. Crape myrtle trees bloom prolifically and the smell of flowers fills the air. After walking through the little brick alleyway between Wythe Candy and the Cheese Shop, I find myself smack in the middle of one of summer’s great delights – the farmers market. 

However, this is no ordinary farmers market. This is …

The Peanut Shop of Williamsburg, Williamsburg, VA

A small shop big on flavor

by Ryan Redding | July 10, 2010

Among Virginia’s culinary treasures, the peanut ranks right at the top along with Smithfield hams and the many wonderful varieties of wine the region has to offer. Virginia peanuts, known for their extra large size and great flavor, are world famous. So when visiting Williamsburg, a trip to The Peanut Shop is a must.  

As the name implies, The Peanut Shop carries every kind of peanut your heart desires: salted, lightly salted, honey …

Rita’s, Williamsburg, VA

The cool place to beat Williamsburg's summer heat

by Ryan Redding | July 07, 2010

With temperatures climbing toward 100 and above this Williamsburg summer, both tourists and locals alike are in desperate need of something cool and refreshing. Rita's Italian Ice is just the place to go! It's there you'll find visitors and townsfolk chatting together as they cool down with a cold treat. Rita's offers frozen custard, Italian ice, Misto shakes, Blendinis, and my favorite, Gelati.

Although the names might seem strange, the tastes are delightful. …

Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, VA

Visit Europe without ever leaving Williamsburg.

by Ashley Marquez | April 26, 2010

If plummeting towards the ground at high speeds sounds like your idea of a perfect afternoon, Busch Gardens in Williamsburg is right up your alley. On the other hand, if you prefer to take in musical shows and stroll through scenic landscaping, well, Busch Gardens is also right up your alley. 

Named the “Most Beautiful Park” by the National Amusement Park Historical Association for 20 years in a row, as …

Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que, Williamsburg, VA

Best pulled pork in the city

by Ashley Marquez | April 26, 2010

In other parts of the country, barbeque is synonymous with beef. However, in Virginia, you will be hard-pressed to find beef brisket on a barbecue menu. Instead, pork rules the day, and when folks want excellent barbecue in Williamsburg, they head to Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que. 

Juicy, tender pulled pork is the house specialty, and the JC Special is a giant sandwich layered with pulled pork, Pierce’s original sauce and coleslaw. It is …

Kids Zone Park, Williamsburg, VA

Extensive playground allows kids to let loose on vacation

by Ashley Marquez | April 26, 2010

When you travel with kids, sometimes you need to schedule some downtime from the museums, interesting sites and large-scale amusements so that your kids can just act like kids. Traveling to an unfamiliar city can make it difficult to find  a safe spot for your kids to let their hair down and run wild for a bit, but Williamsburg's Kid Zone Park is the perfect place for them to do just that. 

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Tribe Football, Williamsburg, VA

Green and gold fire up the town

by Ashley Marquez | April 19, 2010

Williamsburg may not have a professional sports team, or even boast a semi-pro or minor league team of any sort. However, what Williamsburg has is a small college with a big heart and school spirit to rival anyone. Come football season, the entire town gets behind the College of William and Mary Tribe football team, and thousands turn out to support the team for home games. 

Home game Saturdays in autumn bring …

Sir Christopher Wren Building, Williamsburg, VA

The oldest academic building in America

by Ashley Marquez | April 17, 2010

Founded under a charter signed by King William III and Queen Mary II of England in 1693, the College of William and Mary sits at the center of Williamsburg. Just across from Merchant's Square and the entrance to the historical colonial area, the iconic Sir Christopher Wren Building welcomes students and visitors to the campus. 

Construction on the building began in 1695, making it the oldest university structure still in …

Great Wolf Lodge, Williamsburg, VA

Stay, splash and dine in one convenient location

by Ashley Marquez | April 12, 2010

Everyone with kids knows that the best part of any vacation for a child is the hotel swimming pool. Williamsburg has a hotel that takes swimming to a whole new level and is guaranteed to have your kids talking about the trip for months. Great Wolf Lodge, located just a few miles from the city center, is a vast hotel with rustic features designed to look like a National Park lodge. Exposed beams …

Bruton Parish Church, Williamsburg, VA

Centuries-old church welcomes visitors

by Ashley Marquez | March 29, 2010

One of the first sights that greets visitors strolling down Duke of Gloucester Street into the heart of Colonial Williamsburg is the centuries-old Bruton Parish Church. Built in 1715, the church was actually the third building in a series of churches, built with brick to withstand the test of time. Visitors can explore the church and churchyard, and even attend a worship service in the same place that Revolutionary greats, such …

Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, VA

Living history attraction educates and entertains

by Ashley Marquez | March 26, 2010

Step back into the days of the petticoat and three-cornered hat, the days of our founding fathers and the days when our nation began. Take a trip back in time to the 1800s when men like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, George Wythe, along with commoners whose names have been forgotten by history, were rallying the citizens to make a change, to take a stand. Take a moment to appreciate everyday conveniences, and marvel at the …

Jamestown Settlement, Williamsburg, VA

Step back in time to one of America's most famous settlements

by Ashley Marquez | March 21, 2010

History buffs, couples and families should all make time during their Williamsburg vacation to visit the historic Jamestown Settlement, located just 15 minutes from downtown Williamsburg. The original settlers, 104 Englishmen, arrived over a decade before the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock, and the site recreates the difficult predicament the adventurers faced. Through traditional indoor museum exhibits, the attraction showcases the early settlers' journey to North America through interactive displays, films and countless …

Family Fun Fest, Williamsburg, VA

James City County Brings Families and Friends Together in the Great Outdoors

by Ashley Marquez | March 13, 2010

Held every year in mid-May, the Family Fun Fest is sponsored by the James City County Parks and Recreation Department at the scenic Chickahominy Riverfront Park on the outskirts of Williamsburg. Chickahominy Park is one of the crown jewels in the city's park system, and the setting is the ideal spot to celebrate the beginning of warm weather and time with loved ones. Admission is free, but there is a $3 fee for …

Christmas at Colonial Williamsburg

The best things about Christmas at Colonial Williamsburg are shopping, and holiday traditions, and dining

by Karen Lingo, Executive Editor | December 21, 2009

For our family, a holiday trip to Colonial Williamsburg always begins with last minute shopping in Merchants Square—favorite gifts include games and puzzles from The Toymaker of Williamsburg, warm woolen scarves and caps from Scotland House Ltd., and silver-plated trivets and Christmas ornaments from Williamsburg Craft House.  Then we grab a cup of soup at The Trellis, light fare that leaves room to share their signature dessert, “Death by Chocolate,” …