Entertainment

Looking for thrills, chills, and a fun-filled atmosphere in the Williamsburg area? The variety of museums, galleries restaurants, and amusement parks will keep you coming back for more.

Attractions and Amusements
Busch Gardens

Voted the world's 'Most Beautiful theme Park' for more than a decade. Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a European-themed park packed with adventure. Renowned for its world-class roller coasters, Busch Gardens features more than 50 thrilling rides, shows and attractions. This season will feature 'Pet Shenanigans,' a live-action animal show with dogs, cats, birds and other animals. Returning this season are the 'Irish Thunder' music and dance show and 'Imaginiqua,' the French-circus experience. Open Friday-Sunday through April, along with the entire week of April 11. For more information, call (800) 343-7946 or visit http://buschgardens.com.

Colonial Williamsburg

No matter how long you're in Williamsburg, Colonial Williamsburg is a "must see" destination. It's the premier attraction, a living museum that has set the standard for historical restorations around the world. Begin your tour of the Historic Area at the Visitor Center. Here you can purchase tickets, get information and catch one of the gray buses that circles the Historic Area. Colonial Williamsburg offers a range of ticket options depending on how much time you have to tour. A variety of ticket options is available. Call 220-7645.

Go-Karts Plus

If it's fun, it's here! Williamsburg's premier family entertainment center features 4 exciting go-kart tracks and thrills for the entire family! Strap yourself into a Super Stockart for a race around a high-banked track in karts resembling your favorite Nascars or have the little ones try the Rookie Track. Be the captain of your own bumper boat or sink a hole-in-one on our Waterfall Minature Golf. Play the latest racing games in our arcade or win prizes playing midway games. There's lots of fun stuff for children in Kiddie Land and you can load up on goodies at the snack bar. "PLUS" the Figure 8 Track, Euro Track, Bumper Cars and more! Free admission and parking! Just pay as you ride. www.gokartsplus.com or call (757)564-7600.

Historic Jamestowne

Visitors to Historic Jamestowne are invited to walk the original streets of the first permanent English settlement in North America. Historic Jamestowne was Virginia's colonial capital for 92 years and in 1619 the site of America's first representative legislative assembly. Jamestowne's history is interpreted by walking tours of the town site, which features archaeological remains, memorials and the 1639 church tower. The gate is open daily 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., while the Visitor Center is open 9 a.m.- 5p.m. Admission is $8 per person for 7 days, $20 for an annual pass for adults over 16. Children 16 and under are free. Call 229-1733.

Jamestown Settlement

America's first permanent English colony is brought to life with a documentary film, exhibition galleries and living history. Gallery exhibits depict Jamestown's beginnings in Europe, the colony's first century and the Powhatan Indian culture of coastal Virginia. Outdoors are re-creations of the palisaded fort and an Indian village, along with replicas of the three ships that brought colonists to the New World. For schedule and ticket information, call 253-4838.

Mini Golf America

Virginia's finest miniature golf course offers fun and enjoyment for the entire family. Open April through October (weather permitting). For hours or information, call (757) 229-7200 or visit www.minigolfamerica.com.

Music Theatre of Williamsburg

CLOSED

Ranger Rick's
301 Lightfoot Road
Williamsburg
(757) 565-4653 Ranger Rick's has a lighted driving range, batting cage and pro shop. ABC Licensed. Golf lessons are also available. Great family entertainment. We are booking birthday parties, too! Come and have some fun!

Reach for Performance
312-J Lightfoot Road
Williamsburg
(757) 258-1221 Love golf? Hate aches and pains? Reach for Performance presents a new experience where medicine meets golfing science. Learn biomechanics, identify your unique potentials, prevent injury, overcome obstacles and implement customized strategies to achieve your personal best. Classes forming now.

Water Country USA

Splash back in time while experiencing the latest in super soakin' thrills at Water County USA. The mid-Atlantic's largest water play park features water rides, slides and entertainment - all set to a 1950s and 60s surf theme. Water Country USA offers fun for the entire family. Opens May 15, Saturdays and Sundays only; open daily May 28. For more information, call (800) 343-7946 or visit www.watercountyusa.com

Yorktown Battlefields

The guns are silent, but for eight days in October 1781 they boomed over the fields of Yorktown, until the British surrender brought independence to the American colonies. At the Visitor Center, operated by the National Park Service, see a 16-minute film on the military campaign, siege and surrender. Located at the east end of the Colonial Parkway, 30 minutes from Williamsburg, the center is open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m., with extended hours in spring, summer and fall. Admission to the park is $5 per person for adults over 16 for 7 days, $15 for an annual pass. Children are admitted free. Call 898-3400 for information.

Yorktown Victory Center

America's evolution from colonial status to nationhood is chronicled through time line, thematic exhibits and living history. Emphasis is given to the experiences of ordinary men and women during the Revolutionary era. Outdoors, in re-creations of a Continental Army encampment and a 1780s farm site, historical interpreters practice drills, demonstrate weapons, discuss medical practices, prepare meals, and plant and cultivate crops. Call 253-4838 for location, hours and ticket information.

Historic Yorktown

Whether it's touring the historic homes and battlefields, visiting the museums, riverwalk strolling, a free trolley tour, watching the fifes and drums perform, unique shopping and dining experiences or just relaxing on the beach, Yorktown has something for everyone. There are motel, guest cottage, and bed & breakfast accommodations. Available are narrated lunch cruises, fishing trips and candlelight walking tours. The combination of historical and modern charms make Yorktown a must-see visit on an itinerary. For more information, call 890-3300 or visit the website at www.yorkcounty.gov/tourism.

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

Williamsburg

Works of local and national artists are displayed and sold at This Century Gallery on North Boundary Street, one block from Merchants Square. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 229-4949.

Art-cade Gallery of Art features traditional American art such as original illustration paintings for magazines and books, original cartoon drawings, Dr. Seuss art, bronze and wood sculptures, delightful porcelains, vintage wartime posters and classic illustrated magazine covers, unique art books, plus fantasy art prints for the child in all of us. About two miles from Merchants Square, 1321 Jamestown Road, Suite 204, in Williamsburg Office Park next to Colony Square Shopping Center. For current gallery hours and special events, see our ad this month or visit the web at www.artcadeonline.com. Call (757) 565-7424.

A deceptive exterior at Bertram and Williams - Books and Fine Art hides 2400 square feet containing 25,000-plus used and rare books, originial art, old maps, famous autographs, antique prints and ephemera. Recent acquistions include a large number of original Rembrandt etchings, Winslow Homer engravings, etchings from the American Etching Revival period and original McKinney & Hall Indian prints.

At the Civil War & Native American Store & Gallery, enjoy a unique experience as you step into the history of the Civil War. The gallery offers Civil War and Native American memorabilia and artwork. Available are historic prints, Native American jewelry, Chilmark pewter and collectibles. It is the area's largest Chilmark dealer, as well as the only authorized gallery for Mort Kunstler, Don Troiani and John Paul Strain, to mention a few. Open daily at 1441 Richmond Road.

The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum is Colonial Williamsburg's bi-level contemporary museum behind the reconstructed Public Hospital on Francis Street. The museum is entered through the hospital lobby. Dating from the 17th century to the early 19th century, artifacts include furniture, ceramics, silver and base metals, paintings, prints, textiles, costumes and many other domestic objects from the Colonial Williamsburg collection. Open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Admission by Freedom Pass, General Admission Pass or Museums Ticket. Call 220-7645.

The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum houses more than 4,000 folk art objects made in America during the last three centuries. The museum is the nation's leading center for the research, preservation and exhibition of American folk art. The facility is adjacent to the Historic Area. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission to museums is by Freedom Pass, General Admission Pass or Museums Ticket. Call 220-7698.

The Muscarelle Museum of Art, located on Jamestown Road, on the campus of The College of William and Mary, is closed Monday and Tuesday, and open 12-4 p.m. Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, and 10 a.m.-4:45 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Docent-guided tours are available by calling the Museum for advance reservation at (757) 221-2702. The Museum can be reached on the World Wide Web at www.wm.edu/muscarelle.

Located at 440A Duke of Gloucester St. in Williamsburg, the Gallery On Merchants Square features paintings and sculpture by established artists, who have received recognition from collectors of fine art including resident artist Janice Allmon. Open seven days a week. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with extended hours seasonally. www.galleryonmsq.com (757) 564-1787.

Presidents Park features an outdoor area with busts, measuring 18-20 feet, of each of the country's 43 United States presidents. Informational signs are places next to each president. Also featured throughout the outdoor exhibit area are 14 selected "Defining Moments" in American history. Also available is a 10,000-sq.-ft. museum building with a gift shop, cafe, classrooms, and meeting and banquet space. An evening program, "An Evening with the Presidents," can be scheduled. Admission is $9 for adults, $6 for children. Discounts for seniors 55 and older, military, and military children. Self-guided tours included with admission. Guided tours available for an additional $2 per person.

The Trimble Collection offers 18th and 19th century style art, oil paintings, watercolors and engravings elegantly displayed on the walls of this gallery. Tom Trimble has his one of a kind hand-painted French and Empire mats on display with various pieces of art throughout his gallery. More than 250 pieces of fine art are available for purchase. The Trimble Collection is located in The Village Shops at Kingsmill off Pocahontas Trail going toward Busch Gardens. (757) 220-3456.

Williamsburg Fine Art Gallery and Custom Framing offers quality custom framing using the finest archival materials. Known for meticulous customer service, we offer expertise in design and unique solutions for every framing challenge. Our designers offer you a total of 75 years of fine art experience. Our gallery features contemporary art from local, national and international artists. In addition, we offer design consultation, frame repair and art appraisal. Winner in "Best of Williamsburg 2002" for art gallery, custom framing and customer service. Located at 6592 Richmond Road in the Gallery Shops at Lightfoot. Open Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sundays and evenings by appointment. (757) 564-9484.

Hampton

From historic air and space craft suspended below the Center's 94-foot ceiling, to giant IMAX films, your imagination will soar when you visit the award-winning Virginia Air & Space Center in Hampton, the official visitor center for NASA Langley Research Center. Open seven days a week, the Center also features a breathtaking IMAX theater. Admission to the Center, including one daily IMAX film, is $9.50 for adults, $8.50 for Seniors/Military/NASA, and $7.50 for children ages 3-11. Winter hours, from Labor Day through Memorial Day, are Monday through Saturday, 10a.m. to 5p.m.; and Sundays, noon to 5 p.m. Summer hours, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, are Monday through Wednesday 10a.m. to 5p.m. and Thursday through Sunday, 10a.m. to 7p.m.

The Virginia Peninsula's premier retail gallery of fine art and fine craft created by Virginia artisians, Blue Skies Gallery is located in historic Downtown Hampton, across from the Virginia Air and Space Center. Paintings, pottery, wearable arts, jewelry, wood, stained and blown glass, photography and more! Open Mon.-Sat., 10-5:30 and Sun., 12-5.

Founded in 1868, the Hampton University Museum is the oldest African American museum in the U.S. and one of the oldest museums in Virginia. The collection, one of the largest and strongest of its kind in the Southeast, contains over 9,000 artifacts and works of art including traditional African, Native American, African American, Asian and Pacific Island art; fine arts; and objects relating to the history of the University. A changing gallery showcases works of both new and established artists. Open year-round: Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., noon-4 p.m. Closed Sunday. Free admission. Call (757) 727-5308. Located in the Huntington Building, Hampton University.

From Native Americans and the early colonists, a bustling port, the infamous Blackbeard, "contrabands" and the Civil War, the rise of "Crabtown USA", to modern Hampton. The Hampton History Museum presents ten galleries of permanent and changing exhibits, come experience the historical excitement of "four centuries on the bay - from the sea to the stars". Docent guided tours provided. The Museum is open Monday - Saturday, 10 - 5. Closed Sundays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Day. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, active military, active NASA, children 4-12. Under 4 free. Call (757) 727-1610.

Yorktown

The Watermen's Museum in Yorktown tells the story of Virginia's watermen who, for generations, have worked the rivers and tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay and harvested its abundant products. It is located on Water Street under the Coleman Bridge. A gift shop on the premises features a wide variety of works by local artists, nautical books and gifts. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, 1-4 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults, $1 for students. Call (757) 887-2641.


The Gallery at York Hall
The Gallery features works by local artists in all mediums, for both exhibit and sale. Regular Gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, 1-4 p.m. Admission is free.

ON THE PENINSULA

Newport News

Visit Lee Hall Mansion, the Confederate headquarters of Major Gen. John B. Magruder and Gen. Joseph E. Johnston. Learn how these men planned the defense of the Virginia Peninsula and delayed the Union advance in April 1862. Located 10 minutes from Williamsburg on 163 Yorktown Road in Newport News. Use Exit 247 from I-64. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and active duty military, $3 for children 7-18. Children under 7 are free. Call 888-3371 for special events.

The Mariners' Museum showcases an international collection of ship models and small craft, paintings and decorative arts, a working steam engine, scrimshaw, Chesapeake Bay Gallery, Museum Shop, and new adventure film, "Mariner." Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for full-time students of any age. (ID is required for students 18 or older. ) Discounts are available for groups, active duty military, AAA members and senior citizens. Call 596-2222.

Fill your world with art! View the Peninsula Fine Arts Center's ever-changing visual arts exhibitions. Interact with art in Hands On For Kids. Studio art school classes for all ages. Take home unique gifts and original works by regional artists from The Gallery Shop. Call (757) 596-8175 for more information.

The Virginia Living Museum features live Virginia wildlife in natural habitat settings, a planetarium and observatory. Museum is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m, Sun. Summer hours (after May 25) are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Museum admission is $15 for adults, $12 for children ages 3-12. Two and under are free. Add $3 for planetarium show. Combination tickets to museum and planetarium are $11 for adults, $9 for children. Wheelchair accessible. Just 20 minutes from Williamsburg. Take I-64 East to Exit 258-A; museum is two miles on the left. Call 595-1900 or visit their web site at www.valivingmuseum.org.

Norfolk

The New Norfolk has your passport to world-class attractions. Passport to Fun saves $7.55 to Norfolk's world-class attractions-the Chrysler Museum of Art, Nauticus, Norfolk Botanical Garden and the Virginia Zoo. Available at the Norfolk Visitors Center, online at www.norfolkcvb.com or by calling 800-368-3097.

ON THE WAY

Smithfield is a quaint, river port town rich in hams, history and hospitality. Smithfield hosts many significant sites, such as St. Luke's Church (circa 1623), which is the nation's oldest Gothic church. Fort Boykin (circa 1632) has participated in every campaign on American soil and offers the best view of the Atlantic Ghost Fleet. The Isle of Wight Museum focuses on the area's history. The Smithfield Inn (circa 1752) Bed & Breakfast once paid host to George Washington. The town has a number of antique and specialty shops, many on Main Street and in the Historic District. Call (800) 365-9339 for more information or visit the web site www.smithfield-virginia.com.

Events of Surry County history come alive after your ferry ride across the James River from Jamestown to Scotland Wharf. Bacon's Castle, operated by the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, was built in 1665. It is the oldest brick dwelling in Virginia. The house was occupied by rebel troops in 1676 during Bacon's Rebellion, hence the name Bacon's Castle. Open April-October, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and noon-4 p.m. Sunday. Closed Mondays. Call 357-5976 for more information.

Chippokes Plantation State Park is one of the oldest working farms in the country. Overlooking the James River, it is preserved today as a 1,683-acre state park. The historic area features two 19th century manor houses, dependencies, formal gardens, fields, creeks and trails. The grounds are open year-round. Located 5 miles form Surry on Route 10 on Route 634 (Alliance Road) Call (757) 294-3625.

The Chippokes Farm & Forestry Museum is located within the state park and has five exhibit buildings displaying antique farm and forestry equipment, tools and housewares. The museum is open weekends only. Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m. Call (804) 786-7950.

Smith's Fort Plantation spans historical eras, from Indian occupation to 19th century farm cultivation. Capt. John Smith built the fort in 1609, and remnants are still visible. The mid- 18th century brick house is furnished with antiques and staffed with guides. Located on Route 31 near the ferry slip. Open April-October, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Call 294-3872.

S. Wallace Edwards & Sons has been producing award-winning Virginia hams, bacon and sausage for more than 75 years. A retail store is located at 11381 Rolfe Highway. Mail order and sandwiches available. (757) 294-3688.