My Wife and I just confirmed we will be vacationing in Williamsburg, VA from October 5 through the 11th. I would love to visit any layouts both public and private in the area and hobby shops. I know there is a member here with a rather large layout in Williamsburg, not sure if he is open to visitors. Thanks for any advice, Dave

Even though Williamsburg is to be your destination, how will you be driving from Reading and would you have time and want to visit any layouts along the way to or from your visit?

Possible, but more likely to stop on the way home. We usually travel down I-81. We've stayed in Staunton before. Love your Railway Station with the big sweeping curved platform. We ate there several times. It's a shame they took out the very well preserved Ice cream parlor / soda fountain. We used to stay there at a B&B but unfortunately the owners sold it and it is now I understand a Private residence. It was directly across the street from the Woodrow Wilson birthplace.
Do you have a layout of a hobby shop? I also told my wife that even though it's quite a hike part of the deal is we must go to Roanoke to the RR museum this time. We've also stayed in Strasburg and visited their RR station museum and then crossed the mountain into WV and road the CASS. I'd like to do the Cheat RR, the Durban or whatever else is over there too, but we will be too far away. What other RR related places are there to see? We went to Natural Bridge last time we stayed at Massanutten but the model RR display was closed

Thanks, Dave

If you want to go to Va. Beach you can view at least Three. About a 45 min. drive. E mail me.

There was an HO club with a huge multi-level layout in Grafton - not far from Williamsburg. It was behind a row of stores in a large out building. Sorry, don't know anything else about it as it has been over 15 years since I've been there.

Fred

I live in the City of Williamsburg and have a fair sized layout. I'll be unavailable until about the 4th of October. Email me if you want to visit after that.

When will you be heading back? My layout is just off I-64 about 20 miles west of Richmond, so you'll probably go right past it. I'm planning to be in Richmond Oct. 11 and 12 if current plans don't change. (I live in Florida but the layout is in VA) Email if you have any interest.

Tom
Richmond & Western

quote:

...vacationing in Williamsburg, VA from October 5 through the 11th...

Straight question: What is there to do in Williamsburg for 6 days?
Need to fill vacation time in the area and I can find enough to do for 2.5 days.

Allow 2-3 days to se Williamsburg. I like to eat one eveving meal in one of he Colonial Williamsburg taverns. My preferenc is Chowings Tavern but your may like the Royal Arms Tavern or theres another I can't remember at this time-- senior moment-- it's specialty is Seafood. I now remeber -- it's Christiana Cambell's Tavern.

Davis Trains or Hobbyshop is in Portsmouth and it's worth window shopping there.

The Mariner's Museum is in Newport News if you like that sort of thing.
Last but not least is the Langley Reasearch Center (NASA) and it is worth a visit.
In Hampton, there is space Center or something to that effect. They have the fancy movie that I can't remember the name of the system. Same as at the Air and Space Museum in Washington. I have never been in the thiing in Hampton even tho I have stayed a hotel just up the stret numerous times.

Al W.

Hi All

I live nearby.

Williamsburg and the surrounding area is great. You need to think it thru. there are tickets to purchase to make full use of the vist to the "colonial town" It is a nice visit. Kids will love it. Oldies also. Especially when Benedict Arnold rides thru the town. Particapation is key. Break the visit into two or three 1/2 days. The tickets allow you to do this. you will enjoy it more and not be over tired. There isn't a lot of shade. Parking is Free at the Williamsburg visitors center.

Go to the Williamsburg winery for lunch and visit. In/out dining, Good food and Good wine. Pate is excellent. We eat here all the time. There's a pricey haute cusine restaurant with a french name nearby if you want that sort of thing. The taverns previouly mentioned are good too. gives you a taste of USA. Fast food abounds if that is what you like.

Then go to Yorktown. See the monuments and take the tour thru the ramparts. comfortable shoes. Depending on the weather, there's a 3hr sail.

Go to Jamestown as well. nice drive thru kind of tour so you stay cool in your car most of the time to the point where legend has the landing. See what the boats that came across really looked like. Everyone is in character so they speak elizabethean [sp?] worth the visit.

Yorktown has a nice restaurant viewing the river. this is where the sail is and the Mariners Museum is here as well. Parking is FREE here as well. There is a Tavern here as well with great chowder and seafood.

You can walk thru William and Mary as well..great buildings.

Outlet shops just a bit north of williamsburg.

Hotels aren't going to be cheap nearby. There are more Pancake Houses in Williamsburg than any city I have ever visited. Great Japanese/Indian restaurants worth visiting and reasonably priced.

Watch your speed on the Colonial Parkway. A very friendly drive next to the river/bay, buy they come out of nowhere and you will be ticked!

With all respect, Newport News doesn't really have much tourist attraction. There is the city center, a kind of Mall which has shops and restaurants.
There is Langley for NASA as previously written.

hope this helps potential visitors.


ralph