I can't, but I'd suggest emailing mike9322 or paging herrdoktor.

I was going to suggest alternate VA history that I could help you with, but you guys are all maritie like, and there are the anniversaries and all.

Let me know about any planned meetups!

We're interested in anything historical, rb...it'll be a tight itinerary but we're still open to suggestions.

*disclaimer: I haven't lived in the area in over a decade.*

Hm. Not history-focused, but there is an Anheuser-Busch brewery in W'burg that offers tours and, of course, tastings. Take a look at Carter's Plantation which gives you some of that colonial experience without all the pizzazz of Colonial Williamsburg.

I'll second Pierce's Pitt, a little bit of local flavor, and very casual, almost a fast food atmosphere. Have lunch at the Cheese Shop in Merchant's Square in Williamsburg, and be sure to have the House dressing on your sandwich (or if you want a portable snack, get an order of bread ends and House). House is a sort of Russian or Thousand Island kind of dressing, but better than either one. Whatever it is, it's yummy.

The taverns in Colonial Williamsburg are fine, very tourist-trap, but if your goal is to be immersed in the historical, not a bad way to eat. I think you'll want reservations.

If you really want "regional", get across the river to -- I can't remember the name of the town or the restaurant. I think it's called the Peanut Shop or Peanut Field or Peanut Factory, or something like that. The specialty is something preposterously regional, like Virginia Ham with Virginia peanut sauce.

Have fun!

Oh, don't forget the Yorktown battlefield site. There's not a whole ton of stuff to see (well, 10 years ago there wasn't) so it wouldn't be more than an hour or two to visit. And I understand that Jamestown has lots of fascinating "new" stuff. New discoveries, that is.

I'll do some research and email you this weekend, Miko, unless your trip is imminent.

It's not til sometime in March, yet to be specified. Thanks!

I spent a couple of days at Williamsburg last March, and have only the most resoundingly touristy advice to offer:

- We dined at The King's Arms, one of the official Williamsburg restaurants, and was surprised and pleased at the experience. It's hard to imagine that it's authentic, but it was a pleasure. We did make reservations one day ahead for a weeknight dinner, and were glad we had. (For any vegetarians in your group: despite its description as "an 18th-century chophouse," I was able to cobble together a vegetarian meal from starters and small plates, and the staff was very accomodating when we wanted to order a series of small and large dishes rather than a coursed meal.)

- The Cheese Shop really was fantastic for lunch and quick snacks. Don't be discouraged by a long line for the sandwich counter; they worked through the line quickly.

- If you buy the full pass to Colonial Williamsburg, they'll urge you to spend the first hour or so watching Jack Lord in Story of a Patriot. It's interesting for museum geeks from a heuristic perspective (the official insistence on starting the tour with a viewing left me wondering "Why on earth would they be so proud of it?... or, more simply, "Whuh?"), but really, really not necessary to orient you for the visit despite their insistence. Really.

The only other thing I can add: I left Williamsburg thoroughly astonished at how welcome every single worker there made me feel, from the re-enactors and the museum docents to the hotel staff and the waiters and busdrivers.

Oh, yes: a few weeks ago, I discovered an unopened can of jalepeno peanuts from The Peanut Shop --- apparently, I failed to give away a tin I'd bought as a gift --- and actually hooted with delight at the thought that I could now eat them myself.

Obviously, I'd recommend a walk through The Peanut Shop, where you can sample all the wares before deciding what to buy. I went on a Friday afternoon, and it was pretty clearly a traditional hang-out for W&M students, who wander over after class, atroll through snacking and making their evening plans.

One more thing: if you're touring something of particular professional or avocational interest, speak up. I was treated to some in-depth discussion from the Governor's Palace kitchen staff, and my sister was referred to a garden designer for an informal tour, simply because we indicated an interest.

Now i want to stock up on peanut brittle as i can't find any.
Which is probably for the best.

I tried to answer (some of) your questions, Miko!

Thanks, all!

That was a great review of Williamsburg, Elsa. Since they're sort of held up as the Golden Child in the kinds of places we work, I'm really glad to finally get a chance to visit and see for myself. But what you say is pretty glowing. Sounds like their guest service training, at the very least, is pretty fantastic. We'll definitely watch the film - it looks like an edge-of-the-seat romp through Colonial REvivalism at its most SPECtacular!

Hmmm, I'd be there right now if it weren't for the anniversary party and The Renovations Which Will NOT End (no word on how the workers are after their accident; new counter lights needed to be ordered) The AWP convention is at the end of the month, so I think I'll come down after that--hopefully the lights will be installed by then. I corrected my second grade teacher about the first British settlement in the states with this, so it's imperative that I go. ;-)