Special Price for Colonial Williamsburg Annual Pass

Until May 31, 2013 you an purchase  a Colonial Williamsburg season pass for the price of single day admission — a 35 % savings.

The Salute to Virginia Pass includes:

• Unlimited admission to 35 exhibition sites and 19 Historic Trades shops

• Access to Colonial Williamsburg’s three  museums

• Shuttle bus service

• Special walking tours (reservations required)

• 25 percent discount on other tours, evening programs and carriage rides

• Seasonal discounts on admission tickets for family and friends

• 10 percent discount on Busch Gardens and Water Country USA single-day admission tickets

 Passes are $41.95 for adults and $20.95 for youths and are valid through the end of the calendar year.

For more information or to purchase Salute to Virginia Passes, visit www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/salute or call (800) 447-8679.

Charity Golf Tournament to Support Youth Football and Cheerleading

The James City Jaguars Youth Football and Cheerleading organization (ages 6-14) is holding a charity golf tournament at Ford’s Colony on May 3rd, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. They have 150 football players and cheerleaders from the city of Williamsburg. All proceeds from the event will be used for new equipment and uniforms for the players and cheerleaders. The registration form and details are at www.jamescityjaguars.org. Businesses can

Excellent Reviews for the Williamsburg Inn

I’m glad to see the Williamsburg Inn receiving enthusiastic reviews over the holidays: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g58313-d122939-r149025852-Williamsburg_Inn-Williamsburg_Virginia.html

2012 Christmas Decorations in Colonial Williamsburg

I hope you get to enjoy the decorations in the historic area for yourself. If not, here’s my video tour. The music includes “What Child Is This?,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “In the Bleak Midwinter,” “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear,” and “The Holly and the Ivy.” Merry Christmas!

2012 Grand Illumination Schedule and Map

Thanks to Colonial Williamsburg and the Virginia Gazette for publishing the schedule of events for tomorrow’s Grand Illumination. Click the images to see larger PDFs. See you there!

Another Great Turkey Trot 5K to Benefit Local Charity

I had so much fun cheering my friends when they ran in the Blue Talon Bistro 5K Turkey Trot a couple of years ago that I decided to check it out again this year. They’ve almost doubled the number of participants in two years! I’m not surprised, because it’s great exercise and entertainment for the whole family on Thanksgiving morning. Registration money benefits the Williamsburg Area Meals on Wheels program, a very worthwhile organization.

Nominate a Giving Person for a Family Thanksgiving Meal

Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant seeks nominations to honor a caring, heroic, giving person and his or her family with a Thanksgiving meal. If you know a selfless someone who puts the needs of others first, let Captain George’s know. They’ll treat a deserving individual and  family to a Thanksgiving Dinner.

Nominations will be accepted from now until November 15, 2012 at http://www.captaingeorges.com/CaptainCares.asp

Williamsburg’s Best Car Washes

My timing is predictable when it comes to getting my car washed—always before it rains, and now, before a nor’easter named Sandy.  On Friday I was on the Route 5 side of town with 45 minutes between appointments, so I pulled into the new Mega Auto Spa. I enjoyed the excellent service and the chance to stay in the car as it goes through the wash (watching the suds and brushes is still a cheap thrill to me!)

You can choose your own options at the automated drive-through payment teller, but the helpful attendant did it for me. Then he guided me to the  wash tunnel entrance, unscrewed my car’s attenna and instructed me to put the gear in neutral, keep my foot off the breaks, and hands off the steering wheel. After the suds, rinse, wax and dry in the tunnel, I pulled inside the clean and spacious detailing bay. The waiting room was very comfortable and I enjoyed chatting with a new friend from the college while we watched our cars get detailed. $24 and 30 minutes well spent!

If the Mega Auto Wash and Spa isn’t convenient, then my old favorite is the Buggy Bathe on Richmond Road. We’ve got two great options for sparkling vehicles as we cruise the streets of Williamsburg.

Fireworks for a Salute to the Nation

A Williamsburg Native reader asked if Colonial Williamburg is still shooting fireworks on Friday nights. I found current information on Colonial Williamsburg’s web site for the “Salute to the Nation”  program. They also have a calendar that you can search by date or event.

The fireworks will go off between 8:30 – 8:50 p.m. this Friday, August. 24, 2012, weather permitting. It looks like this is the last blast for the season, so don’t miss out. We’ll have to wait until Grand Illumination on December 2nd for the next celebration with fireworks.

First Night Williamsburg 2012

First Night has a great line up of performers this year. You can purchase your $15 admission button at about 20 locations in town. The  First Night web site does a great job of showing the performers, schedule, parking/shuttle  options, so be sure to check it out. The weather forecast is for clear skies and temps around 40 degrees—perfect for enjoying the fireworks at 11:30. See you there!