South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
Colonial getaway for couples Carriage rides, candlelight dinners add romance in historic Williamsburg, Va.
Roughly 150 miles south of the nation’s capital, Virginia’s Colonial Williamsburg is one of the true jewels in America’s travel crown.
Authentically preserved buildings, support staff in period costumes and historic demonstrations such as military munition drills and drum marches happening daily all add up to a magical experience many might assume is more suited to family travel.
However, with a variety of period-inspired programming geared specifically for grown-ups, adult beverage selections with ties to yesteryear and romantic relaxation options built into the vacation equation, Colonial Williamsburg is also a great escape for couples.
From a carriage ride followed by a candlelight dinner at a favored establishment of George Washington, to in-character interactions with interpreters, free outdoor concerts and a pub crawl to the various taverns of the day, Colonial Williamsburg might be just what the vacation doctor ordered for a memorable getaway for two.
A high-value lodging option many people are unaware of is the ability to book one of the restored colonial houses for an overnight stay. Ranging from tavern rooms to private cottage-size homes with summer rates as low as $159, this choice puts an affordable roof over your head that not only provides plenty of period charm to spare, but also places you right in the heart of all the action for a truly immersive living history experience.
Staying at one of the colonial homes also grants you access to many of the amenities of the pricier inn on the edge of the historic area, including free exercise classes, use of the fitness center and pools. Colonialwilliamsburg hotels.com offers additional savings for those who book directly online, such as complimentary parking, no-charge shuttle services and a free two-hour bike rental.
The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg is definitely worth a visit. With a complimentary wet lounge in each locker room featuring a steam room and heated jet tub the size of a small pool, any treatment you book lets you enjoy these amenities as long as you like on the day of service. The 17th-century treatare Carriage rides are a popular way to explore Colonial Williamsburg, a historic area of Williamsburg, Va., renowned for its authentically preserved buildings. Colonial Williamsburg features musical marching demonstrations in full regalia.
ment is two hours of pure bliss. With a wrap, scalp pampering and full-body massage, this is a great way to relax after a long day of exploring on foot.
When it comes to general exploration of the district, the multiday core experience ticket is tough to beat. Only $10 more than its one-day counterpart, it includes a full three days of access to all of the historical facilities, on-site museums and a rotating live demonstration schedule. Touring the Wythe House — and climbing the interior stairs with your hand on the same banister used by George Washington while this building served as his headquarters — will leave you feeling as though you
walking on hallowed ground.
Exploring the courthouse where so much American history unfolded, including an interesting connection with the pirate crew of Blackbeard himself, is another nifty stop. Be sure to make time to thoroughly explore the museums, which feature a number of fascinating items. One of note is an amazing example of David Drake pottery. There are also several ticketed add-on activities to suit a wide array of interests and budgets. Walking through history with an in-character actor or taking a romantic carriage ride are popular choices for a midrange splurge. Group ox wagon
rides are just $5 per person.
Williamsburg’s evening interactive programs for adults really put it over the top as a couples destination. For instance, Escape the King is a participation experience where ticket holders are placed in the role of suspected patriots and must use clues in an attempt to avoid interrogation. There’s also a piratethemed event as well as one called Nimble Toes and Dancing Woes, where audience members help a colonial groom learn to dance before his wedding. Actors remain completely in character as you get whirled around for an evening of raucous fun. If you’re feeling thirsty, there’s a colonial pub crawl featuring stops at three taverns that played a role in the town’s history. The crawl includes beverage samples, as well as educational tidbits about the drink recipes and traditions of the day. Individual ticket prices for these add-ons ring in at $30 or less. Prefer things on the spooky side? Schedule one of the $12 ghost walk tours.
Dinner at Christiana Campbell’s Tavern is as much an experience as it is a meal option. Candlelight atmosphere, live period music and tableside conversation with an employee playing the original owner’s daughter all contribute to a memory-making evening in a painstakingly restored establishment that was a regular eating and drinking stop for George Washington. Highlights include the fried oysters, sweet potato muffins and a variety of seafood items. Totally worth the splurge.
For an afternoon snack session, head to Chowning’s Tavern near the courthouse to enjoy one of the $10 beer flights while you soak up the ambiance. Three flavors are brewed locally with recipes that hark back to Williamsburg’s origins.
Before departing, a quick bit of retail therapy in the colonial shops will help you score any number of fun souvenirs.
On your way out of town, schedule a stop at Silver Hand Meadery. As an ancient beverage, mead fits the theme of the getaway. Pair that with the free tastings offered at the facility, and this is a bargain activity you can leverage into the informed selection of a consumable, takehome souvenir. Since the tastings include four samples per person, couples get an added value by having shared access to eight flavors from Silver Hand’s selection before deciding what to buy.