East Coast Road Trip - Day 7 - Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown River & Yankie Candles.

[Gunna]

Day 7 - 15th August 2014 - Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown National Park, Shopping & lots of candles

After a day of coasters yesterday it was time to take things more chilled today and enjoy some of the historical sights of Williamsburg. We headed down to breakfast and it was rammed, seems the world and his wife had headed down to Williamsburg for the weekend. We grabbed some stuff had a quick breakfast and then set off for the short drive down to the visitor centre at Colonial Williamsburg. It was free to park and we headed into the centre. We had decided not to buy the full entry ticket which would cover all the shows, talks, houses, re-enactments and museums as we knew that good as Sam is he wouldn't last the full day, so we choose to have a wander round and see the town that way, which also was free! It was an easy 10 minute walk, no need for the bus, into the town and we passed 'angry dad' shouting as his kids over some missing sunglasses on the way.





The historical centre was very quaint and picturesque. Reminded me of Beamish, a big open air museum restored to exactly show what it was like to live back in a past time, although there are actual residents living in the 'Colonial' area. We enjoyed wandering round, taking in the atmosphere and exploring the place





There would be lots to see and you could easily spend a full day or two here. There were also people in traditional dress who played various characters and were fully in character. One asked Kik if she came from the 'mother country' we looked puzzled and then realised he meant the UK! After we had spent a couple of hours exploring the town we headed back to the car and set off for our next stop.

We had originally planned to visit the Jamestown Settlement but as we were enjoying a chilled out day headed down to Jamestown and the National Park area. The drive was lovely, beautiful views over the James River, the sun was shining and it was great. As we arrived at the National Park we spotted signs for the round island drive. This was a one way loop road which took you along the river past various view points, groves, forests and streams. It was a very peaceful and chilled place. We saw lots of nature, birds, cranes and baby fawns but hardly any other cars and we enjoyed the isolation of the place and the whole drive, it was an unexpected surprise.





After our drive we stopped at the historical glass blowers and saw how glass was made many years ago. Some beautiful souvenirs and very good prices but we knew getting them home would of been a nightmare. A final stop at a small beach to enjoy further views across the James River and chill out in the sun.




It was soon time to set off back to Williamsburg but we managed to get lost on the way and ended up heading to Richmond. So the phone and offline maps are out and we are then soon back on the right track and back into the main area of Williamsburg. Sam had spotted a place for lunch earlier and we pulled into Firehouse Subs.




The sandwiches here were delicious. Freshly made to order with some premade choices or the chance to pick your own fillings and we loved them. Also one of those great coke machines were you can pick the drink and whatever syrup you want in it. Just too many choices! After this we were off shopping and ended up at the Premium Outlets were Sam and me made good use of the discounts in Vans, Timberland and Fossil and then the thought of being over on case weights made us curb our spending spree! It was now time to visit the Yankie Candle Shop.



Williamsburg has the biggest Yankie Candle Shop in the world. We tend to stick to the small wax tarts at home as we would most probably get bored with the large jars so we decided to drop in to see what it was like. If you like these candles there were hundreds to choose from as well as every candle related accessory you could need. covers, shields, tops, stands... you name it they most probably sold it.




Needless to say it was huge. The central area was like a large open air (although indoor) market with various shops leading off this. They sold loads of other stuff for the home, toys, food, ornaments as well as a massive choice of those famous candles. We started in the Christmas Shop where it snowed every 5 minutes and Santa was in residence in his summer gear. He was great talking to the kids, seeing if they where on the naughty or good list and giving advice for how to make sure he would visit them on Christmas Eve, it was really good to see. Sam got lost in the toy shop playing with some artificial snow and sandpit until he spotted Elmo.



Sam still has his Elmo he got when he was a baby and was seriously tempted to buy this one but in the end he was put back on the shelf in favour of some gourmet popcorn. We then went into the main candle shop and bought a lot wax tarts and some stuff for home. They even had 'man candles' which smelt of mown grass, beer and bacon, the bacon one was gorgeous!



After this we checked our watches and saw it was now 7.30 we didn't realise the time had gone so quickly. We headed back to the hotel and Sam and me had an hour in the pool before we set off for dinner. We had seen a BBQ place called 'Red, Hot & Blue' with a sign with guitar playing pigs on so headed here. The food was soooo good and the meats amazing. We made the mistake of ordering starters and then struggled with the mains but gave it good go. Great ribs, pulled pork, pulled chicken and brisket with a selection of sauces on the tables each one going up on the heat scale. We all managed the four but the last one packed some serious heat. After a great meal we headed back to the hotel and bed. We were leaving Williamsburg tomorrow, it had been a great place and we were all really glad we stopped off here on our road trip, we could easily of spent longer here, tomorrow we start the drive down to the Smokies.

Tomorrow - Water Country USA and off to Christiansburg

[Alleycat]

Been patiently waiting for the next instalment! Nice relaxing day! Looking forward to hearing all about the Smokies!

[Gunna]

Originally Posted by Alleycat

Been patiently waiting for the next instalment! Nice relaxing day! Looking forward to hearing all about the Smokies!

See more...

Sorry it took awhile, work and sorting out holidays for next year meant it took a bit longer, one more day and then we arrive in the Smokies!

Thanks for reading - glad you're enjoying the report

[orlandosgr8]

Really enjoying reading these reports, sorry I haven't replied on each one but they are fab and giving me great ideas for future trips

[Gunna]

Originally Posted by orlandosgr8

Really enjoying reading these reports, sorry I haven't replied on each one but they are fab and giving me great ideas for future trips

See more...

Don't apologise for not posting to each one, glad you're enjoying the report and it's giving you some ideas for future trips, if you have any specific questions just let me know.

[tracy99]

I am also enjoying your report & will really look forward to the smokies instalment,as we are heading there next May.
Tracy x

[disneylover]

Love this report. Right up my street. Thanks for sharing.

[ashc13]

Sounds like another great day!

[Ruthy1604]

Wow - you managed to pack a lot into your day!

I visited Colonial Williamsburg over 20 years ago and it doesn't look like it has changed at all. Your picture brought back some great memories

[Pussycat Doll]

Really enjoying your trippie. Great photos. Pussycat