It all started with the PBS Masterpiece Series, Jamestown. Then I became obsessed with another British television series called Poldark. In the beginning of Poldark, they mention the surrender of the British at the Battle of Yorktown. These shows got me thinking a lot about Williamsburg, Virginia, since all three of these places are part of America's historic triangle. I realized I hadn't been down there in about ten years, and had an urge to go back.
I also was trying to think of a fun place to take Gabby for her first overnight stay in a hotel. We'd been long overdue for a trip. I Googled Great Wolf Lodge and what do you know? There's one in Williamsburg! The 50% off coupon code was what pushed me to book the hotel.
I've never gone down to Williamsburg from Maryland's Eastern Shore, so this was a new route for me. Little did I know, we'd be driving across one of the seven engineering wonders of the modern world:
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is a 17.6 mile bridge-tunnel complex that connects the Eastern Shore of Virginia to the mainland. It is the longest bridge-tunnel complex in the world. I'll admit I was nervous about driving over it, and my feelings were validated when I saw there was a free service to have someone meet you and drive you over. But, I decided to suck it up and drive over myself. The tunnels were a little nerve-wracking because they're narrow and the other lane is oncoming traffic with numerous trucks. Otherwise, it wasn't that scary. It's incredibly scenic, but since I was driving, I didn't take any photos.
The Great Wolf Lodge
Long story short, we switched the date of our reservation and ended up with an upgraded suite for the same price: a Wolf Den. It's a cute little separate room in the suite with a bunk bed, painted murals, and a television for kids.
All in all, I liked the Great Wolf Lodge. I like the idea of a resort catered toward kids. Traveling with kids is tough, so it's a great idea. I like how the water park is right there in the hotel and had slides and activities for all ages. The mountain lodge vibe, mascots, and Dunkin Donuts in the Lobby is all really great. However, I think many other parents agree with me because the GWL in Williamsburg was crowded. Maybe because schools had just gotten out, so everyone had the same idea to take their kids on a trip? With that being said, there was luckily alcohol for sale in the dining court. I can't say my experience there was relaxing, but Gabby loved it, so it was a successful trip.
Colonial Williamsburg
I wasn't sure if Gabby was going to like any of the historic tours, so I only wanted to do the free stuff that Williamsburg had to offer. (If you've ever paid to do something, only to leave early because of your kids whining, I'm sure you can understand). Luckily, walking down Duke of Gloucester Street, the main strip, is free. It's also one of the main attractions that has numerous sights open to the public. Gabby loves animals, so we went to see the horses and oxen. We saw horse carriages, the Governor's Palace, and costumed people hoop-rolling in a field.
I was amazed with how upscale the area has become over the years. There was a Lululemon on the corner of Duke of Gloucester Street as you walk toward the historic part. Years ago, one of the attractions I went to visit was the Yankee Candle Flagship store which was a huge candle store. Unfortunately, it's been permanently closed and I'm not sure why.
Our second night was spent in a hotel the complete opposite of Great Wolf Lodge. It was a cute colonial cottage-like hotel on one level. Rows of them ran along a quiet street about five minutes from colonial Williamsburg.
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Yorktown
It was a hot day when we visited Yorktown, so we decided to do the free air-conditioned Yorktown trolley. We took the scenic Colonial Parkway to get there. This road connects Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown together while preserving the colonial experience of sightseers. The roads are brown grainy stone, free of road markings, that's made to look like it was made in the colonial days. After our trolley ride through Yorktown, we went to Ben & Jerry's on the main strip and got a milkshake.
I didn't get to see all of the stuff I wanted to see while in Williamsburg, since it's traveling with a toddler is a challenge. However, it was great to have a change in scenery and our trip was an overall success.
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Laura
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