Fall Fun in Williamsburg!

The leaves are changing, the air is cooling, ...FALL must be here!! That means it's time to get out of the house and enjoy some fall fun in Williamsburg.

What better way to enjoy October than some frighteningly good fun at Busch Gardens' Howl-o-Scream? Every weekend from now until November 1st you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the most beautiful amusement park in the world by day and by night brave the freaks and frights of seven haunted houses and five Terror-tories. This year something terrible has been unearthed. What you may ask? You'll just have to visit and find out.

This autumn marks a first for Colonial Williamsburg. This October 30th and 31st is Colonial Williamsburg's first ever Halloween Weekend. Experience the Haunting on DoG Street as Blackbeard and his crew of pirates return to Williamsburg for revenge. The trick-or treating is free or you can purchase a ticket to A Pirate's Life for Me where you'll take part in fun games, compete in a costume contest, sing sea shanties, take haunted carriage rides, and learn about being a pirate in the 18th century. Trick-or-treating and Pirate's Life activities run from 5:30pm to 7pm. Buy a special glow in the dark wristband and stick around from 8pm-10pm for Under Blackbeard's Flag (ages 13+) as Blackbeard and his undead crew take over. Explore the legend of Blackbeard's missing head, step into the courtroom where Blackbeard's crew was condemned, and learn all about the myths and superstitions of the Seven Seas. Be sure to register for trick-or-treating and purchase your tickets online at the Colonial Williamsburg Website. Availability is limited and some events are already sold out so don't wait.

Williamsburg KOA's beautiful forested campground is the perfect base camp for your fall vacation, whether it's for a weekend or a couple weeks. Enjoy time with the family and witness the fall colors while sitting around a campfire, roasting marshmallows, and relaxing. Take part in our Halloween Fun Weekends with trick-or-treating, movie nights, and special guests every weekend in October. Enjoy your family vacation in one of our cozy cabins or yurts, bring your own home-on-wheels, or rough it in a tent! No matter how you choose to stay, Williamsburg KOA has got just the thing for you!

At Williamsburg KOA, fall also means the beginning of our annual FALL SPECIALS, including the Midweek Lodge Special for Couples for a romantic getaway with all the comforts of home, or FREE Thursdays when you camp Friday and Saturday! Learn more about Williamsburg KOA's fantastic seasonal specials right here! Happy camping!

8 Ways to Make the Most of Your Williamsburg KOA Vacation!

Hey Campers! Staying at the Williamsburg KOA is an incredible camping experience that you will never forget, and there's tons to do in the surrounding area as well. So we've gone ahead and compiled a short list of some ways that you can make the absolute most of your Williamsburg KOA experience!

1. Take Advantage of All-Day Access to the Colonial Pool.
As soon as you've checked in at the Camp Store and made yourselves right at home, whether it's in your own tent or RV or one of our cozy cabins, make sure you hit the Colonial Pool on our Family Side! Open from 10am to 9pm daily in season, the Pool also includes our Splash Pad, which is fun for all ages and includes other fun activities like the Duck Races!

2. To Avoid Waiting in Line, Get Your Tickets Right Here!
Want to spend your vacation exploring Busch Gardens, Water Country USA, and the Historic Triangle, but don't want to wait in those lines? Get your tickets through Williamsburg KOA at our Camp Store! Tickets are sold at discounted prices to our campers for your convenience. So grab your tickets in 5 minutes, and set out to explore all that Williamsburg has to offer!

3. Schedule Some Good Old-Fashioned Family Fun Each Day.
While going to the pool and Williamsburg's theme parks is an incredible way to spend your vacation, don't forget to take some time to simply sit back and relax with the people who really matter. Every campsite comes with an outdoor fire pit, so pick up some s'mores necessities from the Camp Store and spend the evenings sitting around a crackling fire with family and friends!

4. This is Your Vacation - So Act Like it!
Don't forget that you deserve this break from the usual rush, and the Williamsburg KOA gives you the perfect blend of relaxation in the woods and fun for every family member. The Jumping Pillow, located on the campground and available to our campers from 10am to 8pm daily in season, offers tons of fun and exercise to kids of all ages! There is even a smaller pillow for younger kids. Don't forget to borrow the banana bikes as well, and go racing around the campground! Most nights a kid-friendly movie will also be showed, and on weekends we get surprise guests! This is your vacation, so do what makes you happy!

5. There's No Such Thing as a Diet in the Woods!
The Camp Store is full of camping basics, but 10 minutes away you can find all the grocery stores you could need! So stock up on snacks or ingredients, or even bring them from home - all of our cabins come with a mini fridge to hang on to leftovers or preserve cold items. Roast hot dogs over a fire, or hop on Route 60 to all types of restaurants for whatever food you might be craving!

6. Splurge on a Deluxe Lodge for All the Comforts of Home in the Woods.
If you like the idea of camping but you still like sleeping in a real bed at night, then the Deluxe Lodge is just the thing for you! Sleeping up to 6 people, these homes away from home also include a full private bathroom, a partial kitchen, two separate bedrooms, and an outdoor deck with a picnic table and grill. Linens are also provided, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure!

7. Be Prepared.
Bring all of your camping gear and clothes - no fancy outfits here! And don't forget to pack swimsuits and linens, if you are staying in one of our classic cabins. But don't worry too much - even if you forget something, the Camp Store and shopping not 10 minutes down the road are sure to fix that!

8. Have a Game Plan, But Don't Be Afraid to Deviate!
There is so much to do at the Williamsburg KOA that it can feel a little overwhelming if you arrive without a plan. The Jumping Pillow, banana bikes, Gem Mining, and Pool and Splash Pad may seem like plenty, not to mention our fun themed weekends. But don't forget about Busch Gardens, Water Country, Colonial Williamsburg, or the rest of the Historic Triangle! Don't stress about your game plan either, though - after all, this is YOUR vacation, so if you want to spend all day at the pool or in your cozy air-conditioned cabin, you can do that too!

Weekend Getaway Options for the Whole Family!

Want to go on a family vacation in the great outdoors, but without all the fuss of pitching a tent or hauling an RV? Well, Williamsburg KOA has tons of choices for you!

Of our three types of cabins, our one-room cabin is the smallest, but still has plenty of space for a family of four or less! Included in these cabins are a double-sized bed, a set of bunkbeds, a TV, air conditioning, and a picnic table on the outdoor patio! There are also pet-friendly options available so you can bring your furry family member along too. For larger families, the two-room cabin is the perfect fit! This warm and inviting Cabin offers privacy and comfort while you explore the great outdoors. Sporting two separate rooms, the two-room can sleep up to six people with a double-sized bed in one room and two bunk sets in the other!

If you like the idea of all the comforts of a home in the woods, you'll love one of the Deluxe Cabins. Offering a partial kitchen and full private bath, Williamsburg KOA's spacious deluxe cabins sleep up to 6 people in two private bedrooms. It's the perfect choice for reunions and other large groups. Bed linens and towels are provided, as well as all appliances, right down to the wine bottle opener! The Deluxe Cabin is perfect for adventurers who also enjoy simple luxuries.

Williamsburg KOA Campground is very excited to announce a newest addition to the rental facilities that are open to campers who want to go camping without all the inconvenience of a tent or RV! In addition to our many types of cabins, Williamsburg KOA now has a cozy yurt available to campers! The Williamsburg KOA yurt features a skylight, air conditioning, and enough room to sleep 4 people!

It's Summer Fun at the Williamsburg KOA!

Summer is in full swing, and there's so much to do! The Williamsburg KOA Pool and Splash Pad are open every day for campers to beat the heat, and Ted's Hand-Dipped Hershey's Ice Cream comes around every evening to cool your taste buds!

There's even more fun in town! Check out Colonial Williamsburg, Historic Jamestowne, and the Yorktown Battlefield Victory Center and get back to America's Revolutionary roots! Discounted tickets to the Historic Triangle are sold at the Campground General Store for campers' convenience. Save money and time in line and get your tickets through Williamsburg KOA when you stay for the weekend!

Enjoy thrilling roller coasters and rides, animal encounters, and great dining amidst a backdrop of charming European villages at Busch Gardens! Williamsburg KOA has a fantastic deal going around for the Busch Gardens / Water Country U.S.A. 2-Park Flex Ticket! Sold for $95 at the gate, campers can get this 7-day pass to unlimited admission into BOTH parks for only $75! Stay with the Williamsburg KOA for any 3 consecutive days before August 20, and you can save $20 on each Flex Ticket!

Busch Gardens: Celebrate 40 Years with New Coaster Tempesto and More!

The snow is gone, the birds are singing, color is returning to the trees, flowers are in bloom. Spring is upon us and that can mean just one thing: Busch Gardens Williamsburg is OPEN! Every year, Busch Gardens offers fun for the whole family. Thrilling rides, entertaining shows, and Sesame Street characters mean that there is something for everyone no matter how young or old.  This year is no different in that regard, but it is special.

This year, Busch Gardens will be celebrating 40 years in operation. All year Busch Gardens will be taking a trip down memory lane. Forty Fun Facts from the park's history will be scattered around Busch Gardens giving you a glimpse back in time at four decades of fun and excitement. You'll also be able to purchase featured souvenirs from the park's past. Be on the lookout for special offers, events, and experiences all year long.

Busch Garden's isn't just celebrating the past this year; they're also moving forward with new rides and attractions. The park will open a new roller coaster, Tempesto, this April. The coaster is 154 feet high and will take brave daredevils on a hair-raising ride through tight turns and a full inversion all at 63 miles per hour! They've also got a new show in the Festhaus and great new tastes inspired by Asia and New Orleans at this years Food & Wine Festival(weekends May 22-June 27, 2015). Check out the Busch Gardens website for more information on everything happening this year.

Guests of the Williamsburg KOA Campground should be sure to pick up their Busch Gardens tickets in the General Store. Select Busch Gardens tickets are available at a discount and you'll save time in line by purchasing before you leave the campground. Help yourself to a free cup of coffee while you're there.

Make shopping part of your Williamsburg Getaway

Williamsburg, Virginia is an American history destination stretching back more than 400 years. When you visit us this fall, take a day to go Christmas shopping and shop from a different century or save 25-65% at our outlets. With a variety of opportunities to shop and dine this holiday season, you'll never want to leave!

The historic shops in Williamsburg are truly one of a kind. Children and families are able to buy replica colonial attire and games. Don’t miss The William Pitt Shop for children’s colonial clothing, hats, toys, games, and books or the Mary Dickinson Shop for 18th-century women’s fashions including petticoats, short gowns, cloaks, mitts, and caps. 

Next visit Colonial Williamsburg’s Merchants Square located conveniently on Duke of Gloucester Street just down from the Historic Area. Here you can visit over 40 unique stores and restaurants. With street music, theater, and Christmas Carolers, you’ll be surrounded by the picturesque beauty of 18th-century-inspired architecture and perhaps spot a strolling Father Christmas! Located adjacent to the Revolutionary City, the retail stores are open daily. Visit this schedule for specific store hours.

On your way back to the Williamsburg KOA Campground, be sure to stop in at the Yankee Candle which is brimming with holiday activities this time of year. Expect to see Santa, watch it snow every 4 minutes, and have Christmas-scented candles fill the air with Holiday fragrance. This place truly captures Christmas in scents and wax. 

A shopping tour of the Williamsburg area is only complete with a visit to the Williamsburg Premium Outlets. This where style meets value and you’ll find an impressive collection of more than 150 designer and name-brand outlet stores with savings of 25-65% off regular retail price and all in a quaint village setting! Featuring: Adidas, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, BCBG Max Azria, Brighton Collectibles, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Coach, Chico’s, Cole Haan, Crabtree & Evelyn, DKNY, Dooney & Bourke, Gap Outlet, Hugo Boss, J.Crew, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Bahama, Tommy Hilfiger, True Religion, Under Armour, White House | Black Market, and others. The Premium Outlets are open Monday through Saturday 10am to 9pm and Sunday 10am to 7pm.

NOTE: You might want to put these Santa sightings on your list.

             
Merchants Square: Santa will be visiting the William & Mary Bookstore and Cafe, each weekend (Saturdays 10am-2pm and Sundays 12-3pm). He has two scheduled story times: Fri., 11/28, 9am, and Sat., 12/13, 9am.

             
Yankee Candle: Santa will be in his chair for photos, daily. He also has two schedules arrivals: by helicopter, Sat., 11/29 and by sleigh, Sun., 11/30. 

The unique shopping the Williamsburg area offers is ANOTHER exciting reason to visit Williamsburg this holiday season.

Special Fall Getaway Idea for Couples - camping and wine tasting in Williamsburg!

With schools back in session, autumn is an excellent time for adults to visit the Williamsburg KOA Campground and the Williamsburg area. The leaves are changing and the campground is alive with the colors of fall. Cooler temperatures offer perfect hiking weather during the day and chilly evenings make for a cozy experience around the campfire each night. The summer crowds have given way to a relaxed, do-not-hurry pace offering quiet visits to Colonial Williamsburg’s museums and events. And what adult-friendly getaway would be complete without a visit to the Williamsburg Winery!

Established in 1985, the Williamsburg Winery produces almost 25% of all the wine made in Virginia. The Winery is located only 20 minutes from the Williamsburg KOA Campground and most wine tastings and tours do not require a reservation which makes participation easy. This is a great break from the numerous historical sites for anyone, but especially for wine connoisseurs.

There are several tour-and-tasting packages to choose from. The Fine Wine Tasting is six dollars and the new Reserve Wine Tasting is fifteen dollars. The Fine Wine Tasting showcases a variety of wines from the Williamsburg Winery’s selection of current release wines while the Reserve Wine Tasting offers the addition of several premium wines. All tasters will take home an etched Williamsburg Winery glass with participants of the Reserve Wine Tasting taking home an oversized glass
 

If you opt for the tour in addition to the Fine Wine Tasting ($10), you’ll see how the Winery is tied into the history of the Williamsburg and Jamestown area.  The tour takes about an hour (including the tasting) and starts with a short film that introduces you to the winery and to the people who make the wine.  From there, you tour the facilities and see the wine-making process in action. 

If visiting around lunch time, you may want to try the Lunch Tour and Tasting ($35) which is paired with a meal at the Gabriel Archer Tavern  overlooking the vineyard. Lunch includes a main course and dessert, coffee or tea, and a glass of wine, of course.  

 You may also consider reserving the Extensive Tour and Reserve Wine Tasting ($36). This tour and tasting takes you to the Williamsburg Winery’s private cellar where you will sample premium wines produced at the Winery and select samples from their library collection paired with assorted cheese and crackers to compliment your personalized tasting. Availability is limited for the Extensive Tour and Reserve Tasting so reservations are required.

Before leaving, be sure to visit the wine shop which offers a large selection of wine as well as non-wine items such as sauces, spreads, and wine-related paraphernalia.

About Williamsburg Winery:

5800 Wessex Hundred, Williamsburg, VA 23185
(757) 258-0899

http://williamsburgwinery.com/

Three Gold Medals at the Beverage Testing Institute:

·      2009 Gabriel Archer Reserve

·      2010 Adago

·      2011 Acte 12 Chardonnay

2014 Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition:

·      2010 Trianon (Platinum Medal for Best Cabernet Franc)

·      2010 Adago (Gold Medal)

 

Fine Wine Tasting  $6 per person

Offered 10:30am-5:30pm, daily

Includes etched Williamsburg Winery glass

Reserve Wine Tasting  $15 per person

Offered 10:30am-5:30pm, daily

Includes all current reserve wines and several premium wines

Doesn’t join the extensive tour and reserve tasting

Includes extra tall, oversize etched tasting glass

Tour and Tasting  $10 per person

Offered 10:30am-5:30pm, daily, every half hour

Tour and Tasting with Lunch  $35 per person

Guests receive a guided tour of the winery and a tasting. Lunch, at Gabriel Archer Tavern (overlooking the vineyards) includes glass of wine, main course, dessert, and coffee or tea.

Extensive Tour &  Reserve Wine Tasting  $36 Per Person (Reservation Required)

Extensive tour starts in the private wine cellar and includes a sampler of assorted cheese and crackers

Includes oversized etched reserve wine glass

2010 Adago Winemaker's Notes:

A very bold upfront wine with loads of jammy fruit. The blackberries and blueberry notes are accentuated with some elegant mature darker fruit such as figs, dates and prunes. There is a hint of spice (warm cinnamon) with molasses and soy. The earthy notes come across with hints of olives and mushrooms with a touch of nuttiness. The oak is very integrated into the weight of the wine and the tannins are smooth and graceful. The wine has a wonderful finish that lasts for quite a while. This is yet another stellar wine from the 2010 vintage.

Technical Information

Aging: Aged in French, American and Hungarian Oak, 43% new oak, 14% 1-year old oak, 29% 2-year old oak, 14% 3-year old oak

Alcohol: 13.12%

Blend: 42% cabernet franc, 30% merlot, 28% petit verdot

pH: 3.8

TA: .611 g/L

Residual Sugar: Dry (0.4)

Bottled: 171 cases, January 2013

Released: September 2013

Awards:

Winner of the 2014 Governor’s Cup

Beverage Testing Institute 2013

2014 Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition

(insert photo of staff from Facebook Profile) About us: KOA Williamsburg Campground has tent sites, patio sites for RV (recreational vehicles), camping cabins, and deluxe cabins. This is camping at its best - history, amusement parks, and KOA! We are located in Virginia's Historic Triangle, just minutes away from Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown, Busch Gardens and Water Country USA. History, fun and relaxation meet at our quiet, wooded 180-acre campground.