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Ideal Location for Your Williamsburg Vacation
While planning your next Williamsburg vacation, choose a hotel that encompasses not only a spectacular experience, but one that puts you ideally located at the center of all the attractions and amusement parks Williamsburg has to offer. Lexington George Washington Inn is not only a hotel near Colonial Williamsburg Virginia; we are also centrally located amidst all Williamsburg attractions and amusements parks including Busch Gardens and Water Country USA. Whether your Williamsburg vacation includes enjoying the over 16 golf courses, our extensive shopping, amusement parks or exhibits, Lexington George Washington Inn places you mere minutes away from them all.
Below you’ll find your one stop resource for the extensive array of recreation Williamsburg has to offer.
Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown — they're three of the most significant sites in our nation's history. Remarkably, the decisive battle for the nation's independence took place just 20 miles away from where the first permanent English settlement was established 174 years earlier. Colonial Williamsburg lies between the other two towns. There is much more to see here than fits into a weekend. Luckily, the Lexington George Washington Inn is open seven days a week! ... more
JPrime Outlets – Williamsburg showcases spectacular outlet shopping within easy reach of Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens.
From 1699 to 1780, Williamsburg was the political and cultural center of Britain’s largest colony in the New World.
Colonial Williamsburg is the nation’s largest living history museum encompassing 301 acres including some 500 buildings, homes, stores and taverns reconstructed and restored to their 18th-century appearances; tradesmen practicing 30 historic trades and domestic crafts; historical interpreters and character actors; and 90 acres of gardens and greens, and now featuring the live action drama, Revolutionary City™, daily from mid-March to the holiday season.
Some highlights are: the Governor’s Palace; the Capitol; the Museums of Colonial Williamsburg (DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art ... more
Journey to the unexpected. Busch Gardens Europe ushers in the 2007 season with a pulsating entertainment lineup. The European-themed park, located in the heart of Williamsburg, VA, works hard to offer guests new and exciting thrills, from world-class rides like Curse of DarKastle and Apollo’s Chariot to Broadway-quality shows, animal interactions and culinary delights. Voted the world’s “Most Beautiful Theme Park" for 17 consecutive years, Busch Gardens is a European-themed park bursting with adventure at every turn. 17th-century charm combines with 21st-century technology to create the ultimate family experience. Situated on 100 action-packed acres, Busch Gardens boasts more than 50 thrilling rides and attractions, nine main stage shows, a wide variety of award-winning cuisine and world-class shops. During Howl-O-Scream, watch as the park is transformed into monstrous mayhem after dark. ... more
Dive into cool summertime fun at Water Country USA, Virginia's largest water park. Located just three miles west of Busch Gardens Europe, Water Country USA features more than 30 water rides and attractions, live entertainment, shopping and restaurants, all set to a 1950s and '60s surf theme.
Groovy summer fun awaits you and your family with splish splashin' slides and rides throughout the park -- water adventure around every tubular turn.
Hubba Hubba Highway, an immersive adventure river, creates waves as the water park's top-rated attraction. Cool cats will flip for this radical water expedition as they "cruise" down this free-floating attraction through drenching coconuts and cool geysers. Hubba Hubba Highway, the largest river at Water Country USA, measures 1,500 feet in length and covers 3.5 acres.
If you seek the ultimate water slide adventure, there's a ride or slide for you. Surf the pipes of Malibu Pipeline, coast through the waterfalls of Big Daddy Falls or choose your delight on Jet Scream's quadruple slides.
Zip around the twists and turns of Wild Thang and splash down Atomic Breakers. A vertical plunge down Rampage is guaranteed to cool you off!
There are plenty of pint-sized thrills for kids of all ages at Water Country USA. Imaginations spark as children explore the water playlands of H20 UFO, Cow-A-Bunga and Kid's Kingdom. These interactive children's areas offer an array of activities from slides and spray jets to an outdoor theater and wave pool.
Rides like Rambling River can be a family affair as a lazy current takes you around Adventure Isle. The whole family can race down Nitro Racer's six-lane slide, or "chute" through the colorful hydrochutes of Peppermint Twist and Lemon Drop.
Vacation means relaxation and that's exactly what your family can find at Water Country USA. Plenty of lounge chairs at Surfer's Bay wave pool and Hubba Hubba Highway offer a place to unwind. At the Caban-A-Rama Theatre, your family can sit back and enjoy the high-diving and acrobatic spectacular "Island Quest." Six tantalizing eateries offer a variety of snacks sure to refresh hungry swimmers after an adventurous day at Water Country USA. ... more
Berkeley is the most historic plantation on the James River. Visit the site of the first official Thanksgiving (1619), as well as the birthplace of Benjamin Harrison and President William Henry Harrison, our 9th president. Taps was composed here (1862) at the Civil War headquarters of General McClellan. Enjoy the 1726 mansion, an architectural gem with exceptional antiques. Five terraces of restored boxwood and flowered gardens offer breathtaking vistas of the James River. Costumed guides, museum and gift shop. ... more
Historic Jamestown
Historic Jamestown offers a wealth of activities for exploring the first permanent English settlement in North America and is jointly preserved and administered by APVA Preservation Virginia and the National Park Service-Colonial National Historical Park. Visitors can share the moment of discovery with archaeologists as they uncover the original 1607 James Fort and see a modest exhibit of artifacts and conservators at work in the Dale House. Park Rangers lead walking tours along the scenic James River, pausing throughout the original settlement, including the original 17th-century church tower and reconstructed 17th-century Jamestown Memorial Church. Costumed glassblowers demonstrate their 17th-century craft at the Glasshouse, and driving tours explore the lush natural setting where exhibits explain how the settlers harnessed that wilderness for their needs. Museum stores are available at the Visitor Information Station and at the Dale House. ... more
Historic Yorktown
Before the cannon fire on the battlefields and the forming of a new nation, there was Yorktown. Once a thriving seaport home to thousands, Yorktown welcomed hundreds of ships a year importing and exporting cargo between the colonies and England.
Up on Main Street, referred to as "on the hill", the wealthy passed their days trading commodities and dreaming of independence. "Under the hill", the area along the waterfront, was rife with taverns and merchant shops where the sailors would spend time and money before their ship once again set sail.
It's been over two centuries since residents of Yorktown saw sails on the horizon and wandered dockside to watch a ship coming in to port. The waterfront has awakened from its long slumber and once again is witness to the unfurling of sails and the sounds of footsteps along the dock. Riverwalk Landing, a multi-million dollar project, includes shops, fine dining, a performance area, and two docks - one that supports large vessels such as cruise and tall ships, and the other for smaller personal watercraft.
Immerse yourself in 300 years of history. Here you can experience many 18th-century homes, and picturesque streets are the backdrop for art galleries, antique and specialty shops. Visit the museums offering hands on programs and exhibits. Stroll along the scenic riverwalk and relax on the sandy beach at river's edge.
March to the beat of the Fifes and Drums of York Town. Dine at one of the charming restaurants, some with a beautiful view of the York River. A free trolley runs a route daily March through October. Be sure to see Yorktown Victory Monument, which was commissioned by the Continental Congress in 1781 and completed in 1884 to commemorate the victory at Yorktown. See Cornwallis' Cave, where legend has it that the English General and his staff sought refuge from the bombardment by American and French Troops. Visit the York County Historical Museum, which includes exhibits and artifacts spanning centuries of York County history. ... more
Presidents Park is an educational and artistic outdoor museum dedicated to preserving our American heritage. The park features 18-20 foot tall busts of all 43 of our United States Presidents in a relaxed garden setting along a beautifully landscaped pathway. The statues were sculpted by the internationally renowned artist David Adickes.
The time window of history is from George Washington's inauguration in 1789 to the present. When the time window of history for Virginia's Historic Triangle of Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown is considered in the same evaluation, then this becomes the only place in our entire country to get an accurate overview of our nation's history from its colonial beginnings of 1607 to the present.
The park also features a Museum Center with a cafe, gift shop and a banquet/meeting room. Educational programs, evening programs and themed tours pertaining to presidential history from 1789 to the present are offered. ... more
Robert Ripley was called "the modern Marco Polo" because of his lifelong obsession with travel. During his career, Ripley visited 198 countries, traveling a distance of 19 complete trips around the world. An artist, reporter, explorer and collector, Ripley was as unusual as the artifacts he gathered. See things you can't see anywhere else! From the Multi-Legged Frog to the Coffin Truck; the Giant String Ball to the Albino African Lion. Truth is stranger than Fiction! It's all Amazing! Over 300 Exhibits! EVERYTHING IS REAL! ... more
Riverwalk Landing, a beautiful waterfront development designed in the spirit of colonial architecture reflected in the town’s historic buildings, offers a day-long shopping, touring and dining experience.
Riverwalk Landing features a variety of fine retail shops offering jewelry, quilts, home décor, and more. Riverfront restaurants in Yorktown offer a variety of menu items sure to tempt your palate. A two-tier 270-space parking terrace is conveniently located for our visitors. The restored historic Freight Shed is used as an exhibit hall, an events venue and also may be reserved for small receptions and meetings. The waterfront also features a performance area, an inviting beach and two floating piers – one to support larger vessels such as regional cruise ships and visiting tall ships, and the other for smaller personal watercraft such as day-trippers and pleasure boaters visiting the village, shops and restaurants.
A mile-long pedestrian river walk links Yorktown’s major attractions and provides exquisite views of the York River. Benches lining the walk offer visitors the chance to sit and admire the natural beauty of the York River. A free trolley runs daily spring through fall offering many stops throughout town and arrives approximately every 20 minutes to each stop. Visitors are encouraged to park in any of the public parking areas located throughout the village and hop on the trolley to enjoy the many sights and sounds of historic Yorktown.
On many weekends throughout the year, visitors can enjoy live entertainment at Riverwalk Landing. It’s not unusual to hear beach music one day followed by Dixieland the next. Also, while you move from one shop to another, you may find yourself being entertained by a group of strolling performers. Of course, holiday weeks are special occasions here at river’s edge with a list of performers to get your toes tappin’ and keep you coming back for more. ... more
It began as a small pottery, where James B. Maloney made salt glaze in the 18-th century manner, using clay from the nearby James River. He added china and glassware to his shed, buying at low prices so savings could be passed onto his customers who came in droves. He kept expanding to more homemade buildings with dirt floors, rough shelves, and newspaper wrapped purchases. The customers loved the informal atmosphere, his Irish line of chatter, and the savings and went on to tell their friends.
He continued to expand, bought more land, and put in a parking lot. He liked the shape of the potter's wheel and built several round buildings. There never was an orderly plan of growth, nor was an architect consulted; buildings simply arose whenever and wherever they were needed.
The cheerful chaos attracted repeat customers, who threaded their way around strutting chickens and assorted dogs, and past vice-presidents unloading trucks. Now it's a bit different. Parking lots hold 8,000 vehicles and there are 32 buildings jam-packed with goods from the USA, the Orient, Mexico, the Caribbean Islands, South America, India and Europe.
The Williamsburg Pottery annually attracts close to five million visitors a year. From first-quality items to unbeatable closeouts, it's been called "the greatest assemblage of kitsch in America" and customers love it. The Williamsburg Pottery is a big surprise box, full of unexpected treats in a carnival atmosphere. ... more
The Williamsburg Winery was established in 1985 by the Duffeler family. The first wine produced, Governor’s White, was released in 1988 and won a Gold Medal within two weeks. Today, the Governor’s White is the most popular wine made at the winery. Wines produced here are appealing to a broad range of wine lovers from the occasional wine drinker to the enthusiast. The "Wine Enthusiast" awarded the John Adlum Chardonnay "Best Buy" in September 2005.
Most of the wines have historical references listed on the back of each bottle. Did you know that Governor’s White was named for Governor Berkeley, Virginia’s first Governor! The 50+ acres of vineyards which surround the winery offer a beautiful backdrop of the Old World Style Village where the winery is located. Tours of the facility and Wine Tasting are held daily by professionally trained staff members. Watch for the Grand Opening of Wedmore Place, a 28 room French Country Inn located at the winery, to open in 2007.
Your guided tour includes a video presentation on grape growing (Viticulture) and winemaking (Oenology), a stroll through the barrel cellar and a visit to the production area. In our museum you will enjoy a collection of unique and rare vintage wine bottles with a grand finale tasting of seven of our wines in an etched wine glass that is yours to take home as a keepsake. Reserve Wine Tasting are available by appointment only in the Private Wine Cellar. You will sample and compare some of the Reserve Private Wine produced at the winery with selected vintages from our library collection. A country sampler of assorted cheese and crackers will complement your personalized tasting and you will take home an oversized etched reserve wine glass to remember your tasting.
The Gabriel Archer Tavern , as featured in "The New York Times", is nestled among the vineyards with a beautiful countryside view. Lunch is served daily from 11:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. with main courses under $10.00. Savor a French Country Platter with assorted pates, meats, cheeses and freshly baked bread or one of our sandwiches served with a baby green salad with dried cherries, sugared pecans and topped with our Raspberry Merlot Vinaigrette. Seating is available weather permitting on the outside terrace where you can dine under a canopy of wisteria, enjoy a glass of wine and take in the beautiful vineyard view. ... more
See where American independence was won at the Yorktown Battlefield, administered by the National Park Service as part of the Colonial National Historical Park. Here on October 19, 1781, British forces under Lord Charles Cornwallis surrendered to the combined American and French armies led by General George Washington, concluding the battle that signaled the beginning of the end of the fight for American independence.
Start at the Visitor Center and see the orientation film and museum exhibits, including the field tents used by General Washington during the battle. Join a Park Ranger for a guided walking tour of the battlefield and 18th-century town. Drive through the battlefield and see the numerous fortifications and cannons; the Moore House, scene of surrender negotiations; and Surrender Field, among other sites. Stroll through the historic town and view the many historic sites in the Yorktown, including the Nelson House, home to Governor Thomas Nelson, Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence; and the Yorktown Victory Monument ... more
Golf Courses in Williamsburg Area
The Golden Horseshoe Golf Club – The Green Course
Designed by world-renowned golf architect Rees Jones, the Green Course is a championship-caliber golf course that has begun a new tradition of excellence at the Golden Horseshoe. The Green Course is the perfect compliment to the Golf Course, creating the only side-by-side, father-and-son designed set of courses in America. It seamlessly blends the challenge of championship golf with a spectacular mix of natural terrain. Golf Digest Magazine gave the green course "four and 1/2 stars” and named the Golden Horseshoe "one of the top ten golf courses in Virginia." ... more
The Golden Horseshoe Golf Club – The Gold Course
The unforgettable Golden Horseshoe Golf Club's Gold Course is composed of 125 acres of majestic woodlands, ravines, rolling fairways and dramatic hazards that offer 18 challenging holes that Robert Trent Jones, Sr. called his best design. The Gold Course's layout provides challenges to golfers of every caliper. ... more
Kingsmill Resort – Plantation Course
Golf legend Arnold Palmer created a sister course to The River Course to appeal to golfers of all abilities. The Plantation Course is more wide open, less demanding of pinpoint accuracy, but it's certainly no pushover. At 6,543 yards, there is less emphasis on well-positioned drives than accurate and consistent iron play and perfect putting on the undulating greens. Water comes into play on eight of the 18 holes, and there is no shortage of rolling terrain. The Plantation Course is fun, challenging and meticulously maintained. Historical landmarks from a 1736 plantation are woven into the landscape. ... more
Kingsmill Resort – Woods Course
Two-time U.S. Open champion Curtis Strange and golf course architect Tom Clark combined forces to create a parkland-style golf course tucked away in its own private corner of the resort. The Woods Course, Kingsmill's newest addition, was honored by GOLF magazine as one of the "Top Ten Courses Available for Public Play" when it opened. With rolling terrain, plenty of trees, and even a double green with a bunker in its center, the Woods Course provides a truly memorable round of golf. ... more
Kingsmill Resort – River Course
The River Course served as a popular PGA Tour site for 22 years and is currently home to the LPGA Tour's Michelob ULTRA Open. Television viewers are familiar with the course's signature 17th hole - a par 3 hole perched on the edge of the James River. In 2004, original architect Pete Dye returned to Kingsmill to oversee changes to the River Course layout and green complexes. The renovation included the addition of tees from which golfers of all abilities can enjoy, redesigned fairway bunkering on several holes presents new and exciting challenges, and resurfaced greens allow for faster and smoother putting on the recontoured surfaces. ... more
The Traditional Golf Club at Kiskiack
Located in Williamsburg, Virginia, Kiskiack's beautiful surroundings will allow you to unwind, the spectacular views will inspire you, and the challenging layout will awaken your spirit. Kiskiack Golf Club is set on land once occupied by the Chickiack, a group of Virginia Algonquian Indians, under the rule of the Great Chief Powhatan. Set along the ridge of a natural bluff, Kiskiack offers a day of golf for players of all levels.
As our award winning architect John LaFoy said "after playing Kiskiack, 18 golfers may each have a different favorite hole." Many of the picturesque holes demand accurate shot making from tee to green, while others are more forgiving - with ample landing areas and gentle sloping greens. Golf Digest's "Places to Play" awarded Kiskiack four stars.
The front nine lets you relax as the course winds through mature hardwoods and over natural, rolling hills before a challenging uphill finish along one of the two lakes that come into play throughout the round. On the back nine, you are challenged by signature Hole 11. This par-3 requires accuracy to negotiate a green surrounded by water on three sides and well protected by bunkers. ... more
The Traditional Golf Club at Royal New Kent
Flowing across 7,372 yards of a windswept, rugged landscape, Royal New Kent has been called "the truest representation of an Irish links in America." Royal New Kent is reminiscent of the Irish Landscape where links course such as Royal County Down and Ballybunion were built.
Greens hide behind sharp, grassy knolls, hand stacked rock walls and tall fescue grasses. The generous, contoured fairways occasionally demand blind shots. The par 72 design features over 120 bunkers, many are deep shadow bunkers lined with fescue grass. The enormous, fast greens have bold swales and ridges. Each hole offers several playing options.
In 1997, Royal New Kent opened to outstanding reviews and was named "Best New Upscale Public Course in the Nation" by Golf Digest and No. 23 on Golf Magazines's Top 100 you can play. In 1999, Royal New Kent was named one of "America's Top 100 Greatest Golf Courses" by Golf Digest. In 2001, Golf Digest ranked Royal New Kent among the top three courses in Virginia, and in 2002 Royal New Kent was awarded 4 1/2 star by Golf Digest.
Equal to the standards set by the course, Royal New Kent has first-rate conveniences such as a full-service bar, dining and meeting rooms, practice facility ies, and a pro shop. ... more
The Traditional Golf Club at Stonehouse
Located just outside Williamsburg, Virginia, Stonehouse is laid over wild, tumbling hills near the York River in the Tidewater Region. When it opened in 1996, The Tradition Golf Club at Stonehouse was named "Best New Upscale Public Course in the Nation" and one of the "Top New Ten You Can Play" by golf Magazine. The tradition of accolades and awards continues.
In 2001, Gold Digest ranked Stonehouse among the top 6 courses in Virginia. Stonehouse is also on Golf Magazine's "Top 100 You Can Play" and Golf & Travel's list of "100 Best Modern Courses". In 2002, Stonehouse was awarded 4 1/2 stars by Golf Digest. And, as you would expect from one of the best courses in the country, Stonehouse has first-rate conveniences such as a full-service bar, dining area, practice facilities, and a pro shop.
Stonehouse winds over 6,962 yards of steep forested hills, wide plateaus, and abrupt ravines. Against this tumultuous backdrop, the danger of deep bunkers and long carries is balanced by the relative safety of broad fairways and enormous putting greens. ... more
The Golf Club at Brickshire
This acclaimed Curtis Strange signature course features replica holes from world famous courses, including Augusta National, Pinehurst #2, St. Andrews, and Riviera. Golf Digest honored Brickshire with a 41/2 star rating in 2004. Visitors love its wide, player-friendly fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and fast greens. Very popular with local golfers, Brickshire is considered an excellent golfing value. A convenient location just off I-64 makes it a perfect beginning or end to a Williamsburg golf adventure. The Golf Club at Brickshire provides a fair test for golfers of all skill levels with 5 tees ranging from 5151 to a strenuous 7291, putting every part of your game to the test, with uphill and downhill shots, uneven lies, forced carries, wetlands and water. ... more
Ford’s Colony – Black Heath Course
Offering 54 holes of championship golf, the courses at Ford's Colony have been ranked tops in Virginia by every major golf publication. Designed to challenge golfers at all levels, the courses wind through Williamsburg's natural, rolling terrain and lush woodlands. The pro shop has repeatedly been ranked #1 in the resort division by the Mid-Atlantic PGA. The Clubhouse features three dining venues, including a formal dining room which has received the coveted AAA Five Diamond Award. With over one thousand different wines, the Dining Room has been awarded the Best Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator Magazine. ... more
Ford’s Colony – Blue Heron Course
Offering 54 holes of championship golf, the courses at Ford's Colony have been ranked tops in Virginia by every major golf publication. Designed to challenge golfers at all levels, the courses wind through Williamsburg's natural, rolling terrain and lush woodlands. The pro shop has repeatedly been ranked #1 in the resort division by the Mid-Atlantic PGA. The Clubhouse features three dining venues, including a formal dining room which has received the coveted AAA Five Diamond Award. With over one thousand different wines, the Dining Room has been awarded the Best Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator Magazine. ... more
Ford’s Colony – Marsh Hawk Course
Offering 54 holes of championship golf, the courses at Ford's Colony have been ranked tops in Virginia by every major golf publication.
Designed to challenge golfers at all levels, the courses wind through Williamsburg's natural, rolling terrain and lush woodlands. The pro shop has repeatedly been ranked #1 in the resort division by the Mid-Atlantic PGA. The Clubhouse features three dining venues, including a formal dining room which has received the coveted AAA Five Diamond Award. With over one thousand different wines, the Dining Room has been awarded the Best Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator Magazine. ... more
Williamsburg National Golf Club – Jamestown Course
The early settlers called this land paradise. Jack Nicklaus' team of designers made it Williamsburg National. In addition to being named one of the top 10 courses in Virginia, Golf Digest subscribers gave the course a 3 1/2 Star rating, with such comments as: well maintained... super round of golf... good shape... good design... good value... excellent greens. Williamsburg National is a challenge worthy of any golfer. From fairways lined with stately maples, cedars, and oaks to the raw beauty of the coastal woods, the meticulously maintained course will take you through a changing landscape of challenge. ... more
Williamsburg National Golf Club – York Course
The settlers to Williamsburg' Historic Triangle found great beauty and faced noble challenges in nearby Jamestown and Yorktown. At Williamsburg National, we honor those two nearby historic sites with our existing Nicklaus designed Jamestown Course and in July of 2007 our new Yorktown Course designed by Tom Clark. Both courses offer their own "great beauty" and "noble challenges" as today's visitors enjoy golfing at the award-winning Williamsburg National Golf Club. Designed by renowned architect Tom Clark, the Yorktown is a 7,000 yard championship course. When asked to comment on the design, Tom Clark said, "it is a course of traditional design and with no gimmicks". However two of the last three holes measure over 600 yards. ... more
The Colonial Golf Course
The Colonial hosts one of the most visually breathtaking par 3's in the Williamsburg area, nicknamed The Abyss. It is a forced carry over a marshland to a heavily sloped green. It is a challenge for anyone who plays this hole. ... more
The Crossings Golf Club
This Joe Lee designed layout makes optimal use of the natural landscape in what was once known as the Halfe Sink area. The Crossings features rolling fairways that are bordered by dense forest and strategically placed bunkers. The front nine offers several holes that begin with an elevated tee shot to the landing area below. The Crossings has held various events such as qualifying for the U.S. Publinks Championship, Nike Tour qualifying, and is the first choice to over 100 corporate outings each year ... more
