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mathmama
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| Posted: Jan 20 2015 at 12:07pm | IP Logged
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We are taking the kids on a family vacation in mid-March. Originally this was going to be a summer time trip to MI's UP, but dh and I decided this is best. We are all booked and now I'm trying to plan. Please help me with our general itinerary.
Saturday--arrive late afternoon, get settled
Sunday--liturgy at 11, then Yorktown (or Jamestown, whichever one would be better for just a half day)
Monday--Mount Vernon
Tuesday--Jamestown or Yorktown, whichever one we didn't do on Sunday
Wednesday--Monticello
Thursday and Friday--Colonial Williamsburg
Does this look like a good plan? We are staying in Williamsburg. Which location should we choose for Sunday? And what is the best way to get our tickets? Any other tips/suggestions?
Thanks!
Beth
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Beth, wife to Tom and mommy to 4 beautiful girls:
Therese 11/04
Anna Mary 6/07
Veronica 10/09
Theodora 11/12
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guitarnan
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| Posted: Jan 20 2015 at 12:46pm | IP Logged
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Tip #1: Go to Mass at St. Bede's. It's a church in the round (modern) but all the churches in that area are. That will give you more time to sightsee and you won't end up in the church that has a painting of a chicken and the head of Christ for the 4th Station of the Cross. (!) Also, be on time at St. Bede's or you won't be able to sit until the Homily begins.
Are you doing Yorktown Victory Center/Jamestowne Settlement, the actual historical sites run by the NPS, or both? (I highly recommend Jamestowne Setttlement. Very family-friendly.)
Tip #2: It is probably going to be chilly when you go. You may luck out and get real spring weather, but you are far better off planning for cold. Guess how I know. 
Tip #3: The drives to Mount Vernon and Monticello are long. You will want to plan around rush hour traffic (Richmond and Alexandria) when you go to Mount Vernon. There is a lot of walking involved in the Mount Vernon experience. The Visitor Center film there is a must-see. (I adore Mount Vernon. It will be a long day for you but you will really understand George Washington after you've been there!)
I like the way you planned your itinerary - a good balance of driving, walking, relaxing.
If your hotel does not have free breakfast, there are a zillion waffle and donut places in Williamsburg.
Tip #4: Bring a map and GPS. The streets in W'burg are so convoluted that I get lost every time I go, and I go there every year! You will especially need it to get to Mass.
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Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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mathmama
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| Posted: Jan 20 2015 at 12:57pm | IP Logged
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Thanks for the tips! We are staying in a condo so will be eating lots of meals in by necessity (allergies). We are Byzantine so we are going to liturgy here Holy Ascension
I'm not sure what we are doing for Jamestown or Yorktown. Which would you recommend for Sunday?
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Beth, wife to Tom and mommy to 4 beautiful girls:
Therese 11/04
Anna Mary 6/07
Veronica 10/09
Theodora 11/12
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guitarnan
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| Posted: Jan 20 2015 at 1:09pm | IP Logged
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The historic sites are interesting because you are standing on the actual ground - maybe you can squish in both JS/YVC and the NPS sites if time permits. JS is just so cool and hands-on - my daughter got to help tan a deer hide, explore a replica ship, etc. She remembered the experience really well because she participated in so many activities. YVC is cool, too, but it's smaller and it is focused on the battle (of course), so there are arms firing demos, things about the life of a soldier, etc.
If it were me I would probably do Yorktown on Sunday because it will take a bit less time. Other members may have had different experiences, though.
You will have to factor in the weather, too - if any of the places on your list is the #1 must-see and you have scheduled it for a rainy day, you might want to switch things around.
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Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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Betsy
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| Posted: Jan 20 2015 at 1:39pm | IP Logged
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guitarnan wrote:
If it were me I would probably do Yorktown on Sunday because it will take a bit less time. Other members may have had different experiences, though.
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My kids liked both Jamestown and Yorktown, however, they liked Jamestown better. We took tours at both places, which I really recommend to bring the places to life. Yorktown is just a bit more "museum"-ish and can be a bit dryer at times for young ones. And, the living history portion is a bit smaller so would need less time.
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4Real Forums : Tea and Conversation
Topic: Williamsburg, VA
