Virginia Beach Fun Blog

I'd LOVE to give you my personal review of Griffon, the newly-opened, world's tallest dive coaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. in Virginia. But as you may remember from reading my Busch Gardens review, roller coasters are "verboten" for me.

Never fear: I can pass along this review. Three writers from the Daily Press recently tested the new ride, which shoots riders up 205 feet and plunges them down 90 degree at a speed of 75 mph. The intrepid reporters rated the ride on five dimensions: 1) vomit factor; 2) scream factor; 3) wobbly legs factor; and 4) whiplash factor. They also gave it a thumbs up or down on whether it's worth waiting in line for a second try.

Want a sneak peek? "Griffon" rates off the chart on the scream factor!

Want to read more? For details of the review, as well as to learn secrets of getting Busch Gardens Williamsburg discount tickets, tips on whether park/hotel packages are really worth it, and the best day of the week to visit to Busch Garden, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

June 3, 2007 09:31 - Time is Running Out for Busch Gardens Williamsburg Discount Tickets...

Want Busch Gardens Williamsburg discount tickets?. Time is running out for some of the best deals. Both McDonald's and grocery chain Food Lion are offering coupons that can save you from $7 to $24 per ticket. But the coupons are only good until June 10.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg (officially known as Busch Gardens Europe) charges $54.95 for adult tickets, and $47.95 for a child's ticket (ages 3-9). With the McDonald's and Food Lion coupons, you can save $7 on adult tickets and get a child's ticket half price (about $24). Coupons, which are available at McDonald's counters and Food Lion checkouts (no purchase necessary), are good for up to six discount admissions.

However, even if you miss these deals, one local grocer's offer for Busch Gardens Williamsburg discount tickets will last all season. To get details, as well as other money-saving tips for Busch Gardens, Kings Dominion, Colonial Williamsburg, and Virginia Beach --go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

June 3, 2007 09:50 - Williamsburg Pottery is a Mecca for Bargain Hunters

Outlet lovers--here's your idea of heaven!

Williamsburg Pottery, a conglomeration of fairly ugly warehouses (200 acres worth), is actually one of Virginia's biggest tourist attractions. People come from all over to this spot near Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens Williamsburg for some serious bargain hunting and one-of-a-kind items.

Each building at the Williamsburg Pottery houses a different shopping "topic." A year-round Christmas store. "The Treasures of the Orient" store, specializing in yes, Oriental room screens, fans, etc. They even have an Indian Trading Post, selling Native American jewelry and gifts.

The Pottery thrives on the unique. Bring in a special piece from home-- Grandma's antique brass candlesticks, for example-- and their Lamp Workshop can turn it into lamp! They can make a lamp from just about anything. (Or repair that unrepairable family heirloom lamp in your attic.)

The Williamsburg Pottery also hosts a variety of factory-owned and operated shops and stores, including Oneida, Oriental Rug Mart, Christian Book Store, Pepperidge Farm, Pfaltzgraff, Easy Spirit, and Van Heusen. The factory is open for tours Monday - Friday, 8-4:00 pm.

Summer through Fall, you can even take advantage of their campground, for a cheap family vacation getaway alternative to pricey Williamsburg hotels. They're within 10 miles of Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, and Water Country USA. They even offer a special deal: spend $100 at Pottery and receive a free night at the campground.

For an extensive review of the Pottery, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com

For information on other Williamsburg sites, including Busch Gardens Williamsburg (check out our secrets of getting discount tickets!), go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

June 4, 2007 12:48 - Norfolk's "Harborfest" Features Tall Ships, Pirates and More

Tall ships, fireworks, and fun...for free! The 31st Annual Harborfest event, Norfolk, Virginia's largest summertime festival, sails into view June 8-10 at Town Point Park.

Harborfest will kick off at 3 pm on Friday with a fantastic Parade of Sail, as tall ships and a regatta of pleasure boats sail down the Elizabeth River to downtown Norfolk. Now's your chance to climb aboard and tour authentic Tall ships, peruse the wares of local artists and crafters, listen to live musical acts, including Los Lonely Boys, Kool & the Gang, and 38 Special.

You'll also be able to sample gastronomical delights--such as crab cakes, roasted corn, and funnel cakes--at the festival's 50 plus food vendors. The event culminates in a thrilling fireworks display at 9:30 pm on Saturday overlooking the Elizabeth River.

This year's event will prove to be bigger and better than ever, as it coincides with Dominion Enterprises' Sail Virginia 2007, Norfolk's signature event commemorating the 400th anniversary of the landing at Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in the New World. Sail Virginia 2007, which takes place June 7-12 (and which is also free to the public) will feature over 1,000 artists, actors, musicians, historians, Native Americans and sailing crews from around the world.

Harborfest Norfolk Celebration hours are Friday & Saturday, noon - 11 pm; Sunday, noon - 9 pm.

For information on other attractions in Norfolk, including the top spot for delicious crepes, and how to go on a free mermaid "scavenger hunt," click here.

June 4, 2007 21:59 - Luray Cavern is An Experience Unlike Any Other On (or Below) Earth

We've been to Luray Cavern twice. The first time was almost our last...

Alex, our then 3-year-old, was scared of the dark. So as we descended down the stone steps into the cave, and as it got darker and darker, he started murmuring, "I don't like this. Can we go now?" Luckily, once he saw that the cave was indeed lit (and after numerous hugs and reassurances) he reluctantly started the tour (in my arms...all 30 pounds of him). But from time to time, he would whisper, "It's dark. Can we go now?"

We'd gotten about 15 minutes into the informative Luray Cavern tour when...snap! Our section of the mile-long trail was plunged into darkness, save for the lights of a lower section.

Well, if he could've figured out where to go, poor Alex would've skedaddled out of that section. Luckily, our plucky (and knowledgeable) guide calmly said, "Someone just flicked a switch they shouldn't have. The lights'll be back on in just a sec'." She was right; they were, and we managed to coax Alex into continuing the tour.

When we came back nine months later, you'd better believe that Alex was pre-t-t-y reluctant to take the tour. No worries. As the only boy among six cousins visiting that day, he quickly overcame his reluctance and took it like the "man" he was. And had a great time!

Luray Cavern is the largest and most popular cavern in the eastern United States. With 1.23 miles of cave to tour, it's big enough to give you a full appreciation of its magnificent stalagtites and stalagmites, but not so big that or hilly to be strenuous. It's also a nice retreat from a either a hot summer day or a cold winter's morning, having a constant temp of 54 degrees Farenheit year round.

Is the Luray Cavern tour worth the price? If you love caves, ABSOLUTELY! The cave is amazing...knowing you're deep inside the earth, stalagtites (or is it stalagmites?) dripping with water...fantastically odd formations all around you...a stalagpipe organ that plays hymns...it's an experience like none other on (or below) earth.

For a full review of Luray Cavern, and for admission, hours, and discount ticket info, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

June 5, 2007 11:05 - Virginia Beach Toppled from Sand Castle Record, But for How Long?

In the onging "sand castle wars" between Myrtle Beach, SC and Virginia Beach, Virginia, Myrtle Beach has temporarily come out on top. Myrtle Beach announced this week that it has built the tallest sand castle in the world.

Thanks to 300 trucks full of sand, Myrtle Beach's new sand castle, measured at 49.55 feet, topped a record by Virginia Beach, set last year when they erected a 37.9 foot sand castle at the 2006 Virginia Beach Neptune Festival. (Click here for a photo of the Virginia Beach sand castle.)

No doubt Virginia Beach is already making plans for wresting the title back from Myrtle Beach during this year's Neptune Festival coming up in September. Stay tuned for more as the battle goes on...

Source: NewsChannel 6 WJBF-TV

June 5, 2007 17:04 - Rowenas Tea Room Offers Delicious Discounts for Father's Day

What to get dad for Father's Day? Get him a delicious Almond Pound Cake from a world-class bakery. Rowena's, the mail order arm of Norfolk, Virginia's Rowena's Tea Room, is offering its first ever "best for the best" sale.

For a limited time, Rowena's is offering a 20% discount on their best-selling Almond cakes (we've tried 'em--they're delicious!) and there are a dozen different Almond Pound Cakes to choose from.

Hurry--the offer is only good through June 30. Rowena's Tea Room is located at 758 West 22nd Street in Norfolk.
To order a cake or get a catalog, call 1-800-627-8699.

We love Rowena's Tea Room so much, we've voted it our #1 Girl's Spot! To read our review of their memorable high teas (including their special "Children's Tea") go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

June 6, 2007 12:58 - Travel Site Lists Favorite Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotels

Want a Virginia Beach oceanfront hotel? I don't blame you. (There's nothing like being lulled to sleep by the waves.) Family-friently travel guide www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com has listed its top picks for hotels on the Boardwalk that get consistently top marks for their amenities and family-friendliness.

They include the Fairfield Inn & Suites Oceanfront (which welcomes visitors with fresh-baked cookies and lemonade!), and the Holiday Inn Sunspree (known for its "Kidspree" children’s activity center).

The site also lists a warning of one hotel to avoid above all costs, thanks to its rude staff and run-down facilities.

For the full reviews, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

June 7, 2007 13:45 - Free Service Unearths Great Virginia Beach Hotel Rates

Looking for a family vacation getaway in Virginia Beach, but don't want to pay an arm and a leg?

Family-friendly travel guide www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com has partnered with HotelsCombined.com to let you compare rates on great hotels in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Williamsburg, or other great cities.

With the press of a button, you can search hotel rates from multiple online booking sites at the same time.

Just enter in your check-in and check-out dates and the name of the city where you want to stay. (Note: the search may take a a minute or more, since they're searching multiple sites.) You'll get back a list of hotels with room prices, hotel ratings, and (best of all, in our view) reviews from people who've stayed there. Sort them by price, reviews, location and more.

To try it, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

They also offer reviews of Virginia attractions and restaurants, as well as money-saving tips (like how to get Busch Gardens Williamsburg discount tickets or savings at Paramounts Kings Dominion)

June 8, 2007 17:58 - Space Shuttle to Shoot Jamestown Artifact Into Stratosphere

When (or if, depending on weather) the space shuttle Atlantis blasts into space tonight it will be bringing along a bit of Jamestown. To honor the settlement's 400th anniversary, the shuttle will carry a 400-year-old cargo tag from Jamestown. Jamestown was the first permanent English colony in the New World.

The space shuttle will also be carrying an astronaut from Virginia-- University of Virginia graduate Patrick Forrester---as well as six other astronauts. Plans for the 11-day mission include delivering a new segment and a pair of energy-producing solar panels to the international space station.

For more information about Jamestown, and its 400th anniversary celebrations, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

Source: Associated Press

June 8, 2007 19:40 - Busch Gardens Williamsburg Offers Fireworks Extravaganza

You mean Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Virginia has something even more explosive than its new dive coaster, Griffon? It's true. Visit Busch Gardens Williamsburg July 1 - 4 and you can celebrate our country's independence with a night of patriotic fireworks after dark. Best of all, it's all included with the general park admission.

The spectacular pyrotechnics of the Fireworks Extravaganza will start at 9:15 p.m. Although they can be seen from almost anywhere in the park, the best places to watch are Italy and Germany.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is also offering a delicious pre-fireworks buffet, including reserved fireworks seating, Dinner seating begins at 8:30 p.m. in the Black Forest Picnic area located behind Das Festhaus. Reservations are required, and seating will be limited, so call 1-800-343-7946 to make reservations.

For reviews of the park, tips, and secrets of getting Busch Gardens Williamsburg discount tickets, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

June 9, 2007 11:21 - Get a Busch Gardens Military Discount

Anheuser-Busch is once again offering its Here’s to the Heroes program, which provides a single day’s free admission to any one of the company's parks for the service member and up to three direct dependents. Anheuser-Busch parks include SeaWorld, Busch Gardens in Tampa and Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Sesame Place, Adventure Island, and Water Country USA in Williamsburg.

So far, nearly 2 million members of the US and coalition armed forces and their families have take advantage of the offer.

For details on how to receive the offer, as well as other tips for Busch Gardens Williamsburg discount tickets, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

June 9, 2007 11:29 - Busch Gardens Williamsburg Offers Rockin' Summer Concert Series

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is offering a Summer Nights Concert Series, featuring a mixture of country, oldies, and rock music. The series begins July 21 and continues every Saturday and Sunday through Sept. 2.

Musicians include:

• Dennis DeYoung (STYX) - July 21 - 22
• Oak Ridge Boys - July 28 - 29
• Eddie Money - Aug. 4 - 5
• Darryl Worley (Academy of Country Music nominee) - Aug. 11 - 12
• Brenda Lee - Aug. 25 - 26
• Chubby Checker ("The King of Twist") - Sept. 1 - 2

Admission to performances is free with admission to Bush Gardens Williamsburg. Lawn-seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis at Festhaus Park.

For details on getting Busch Gardens Williamsburg discount tickets, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

June 10, 2007 10:52 - What's the Best, Cheapest Way to See Busch Gardens?

So you want to go to Busch Gardens. What's the cheapest way to go? How can you get discount tickets? What's the best day to go? What are the best places in the park to cool off on a hot day?

Answers like these can be found on www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com. This family-friendly travel site offers tips like these for Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Kings Dominion, Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, Luray Caverns, and, of course, Virginia Beach. They feature unbiased reviews of restaurants, hotels, museums, and more.

For Busch Gardens Willliamsburg tips (including a review of their new ride, Griffon, and how to get military discounts), click here. For reviews of Virginia attractions (including money-saving tips and how to get in certain museums for "free"), click here. For ideas for planning a cheap family vacation in the Virginia Beach area, click here.

June 10, 2007 17:53 - How to Save Money on a Virginia Vacation

With gas prices and airfares up, more Americans are sticking closer to home for their vacations this year. A family beach vacation to Virginia may be just the ticket for your budget.

According to the annual Vacation Costs Survey by AAA, a family of four can expect to spend an average of $252.46 per day in Virginia (for food and lodging), making it slightly more expensive than North Carolina, but far less than Hawaii (which averages $650 per day) and Washington, D.C., ($611 per day).

Plus, if you know where to look, there are ways to save even more in Virginia. Travel site www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com has recently published tips on getting a good hotel rate. They also offer free or inexpensive vacation ideas (like how to visit Colonial Williamsburg for free), ways to get discount tickets at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Kings Dominion, and Luray Caverns, and reviews of quirky but inexpensive restaurants and attractions.

For more information, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

June 12, 2007 12:55 - Free E-Book Shows Stay-At-Home Moms How to Make Money Online

You are in constant motion as a mom... loving, nurturing, playing, comforting, organizing, healing, giving. Family comes first! There is no other place that you would rather be than with your kids. But you'd also like/need to contribute financially to the family.

So... if you stay at home, why not Work At Home, Mom (WAHM)?

Travel site www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com, which was started by a stay-at-home mom, is offering a free download: WAHM-IT!, The Masters Course. WAHM-It! shows moms how to build a web site that lets them make money from home--yet requires no technical knowledge or prior experience. And it's not a get-rich-quick-scheme.

The free e-book was written by four Work-At-Home Moms (WAHMs) who introduce readers to a work solution that "fits" naturally with their family needs, is rewarding, exciting and soul-satisfying.

To get the free e-book, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

June 12, 2007 20:07 - "Sail Virginia" Ships Available for Tours and Day Cruises

If you enjoyed the sailing ships at the Sail Virginia 2007 event and the Norfolk Harborfest last weekend, here's how to climb aboard for more.

Several of the ships that participated in these events are berthed in Hampton Roads, and are available for tours or day sails. They include the Alliance (an 80-foot schooner at the Yorktown waterfront), and the American Rover (at Waterside marina in Norfolk). Both are available for day sails. Click here for schedules.

You can also tour the Godspeed, the Susan Constant, and the Discovery at Jamestown Settlement. All are replicas of the original ships that brought the settlers to Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in America. For hours and tour prices, click here.

Source: The Daily Press

June 13, 2007 09:43 - Site Offers Cheap Family Vacation Secrets at Colonial Willliamsburg

Want to visit Colonial Williamsburg, but don't want to pay an arm and a leg?

Travel site www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com is offering "Secrets of a Cheap Colonial Williamsburg Vacation." The free tips include how to see Colonial Williamsburg for free, inexpensive places to eat and shop, and other money-saving ideas.

Here's their latest cheap family vacation secret...Colonial Williamsburg's Summer Breeze Concert Series.

Colonial Williamsburg will offer its annual Summer Breeze Concert series in Merchant Square on Wednesday in July and August. Admission is free! For details on this and other secrets, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

June 13, 2007 16:53 - Stunning State Parks Show Virginia as Pocahontas Saw It

Forget the boardwalk. If you really want to see Virginia Beach the way Pocahontas saw it, head for these two stunningly beautiful and remote parks: Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park.

Located 18 miles south of Virginia Beach, these amazing wildlife preserves let you truly return to nature. The thousands of acres of marshes, sand dunes, beaches, and ponds provide a home for migrating and wintering birds, deer, mink, river otters, turtles, and other creatures.

You can camp, walk or bike 5 miles of trails, and boat or fish (with a license). Hunting of deer and feral pigs is also available on a limited basis at False Cape, Virginia's most remote park. It's also one of the last undisturbed coastal environments on the East Coast.

For more information, including park hours, camping info and fees, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

June 15, 2007 08:13 - Busch Gardens Ride Heading for Theatres?

The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that producers have plans underway to make a movie based on Corkscrew Hill, an animated 3-D stereoscopic amusement ride at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Virginia. The ride would become the basis of a 3-D CG (computer-generated) feature film.

Visual effects experts Jeff Kleiser and Diana Walczak (who created the ride for Busch Gardens) are planning to extend their idea to feature-length film. Kleiser and Walczak's visual effects work was showcased in the movies Clear and Present Danger and Stargate.

According to Busch Gardens, the Corkscrew Hill ride takes visitors "on a magical and mystical Celtic journey," transporting them "to a world where hungry witches and magical stallions are the norm." Children have to be at least 42 inches to go on Corkscrew Hill.

For tips on planning a trip to Busch Gardens Willliamsburg, including ways to get discount tickets, as well as a review of their new ride, Griffon, click here. For reviews of Virginia attractions (including money-saving tips and how to get in certain museums for "free"), go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

June 17, 2007 09:26 - New Children's Memorial Puts God Back in Jamestown

God is back at Jamestown. While promoters of this year's Jamestown's 400th birthday celebrations did their best to edit God out--eliminating any mention of Him and calling the settling of Jamestown "an invasion," one Christian group has honored the occasion with a monument paid for by $1 donations from thousands of children.

The Jamestown Children's Monument was dedicated yesterday during events held by Vision Forum Ministries. The monument is a 4-sided structure featuring the Fifth Commandment ("Honor your mother and father that thy days may be long") and a sculpture of the Bible open to Psalm 78.

Doug Phillips, Vision Forum founder and organizer of the Jamestown Quadricentennial: A Celebration of America's Providential History, says the monument is their answer to the official editing of Christianity from Jamestown history.

"This year, those involved with the official commemoration have chosen not to erect a significant marker to Jamestown's legacy, even as they have banned the word 'celebration' from their event. We believe we have much to celebrate, and we are honored by the $1 donations that the grateful children of America have given to fill this void and support the Jamestown Children's Memorial," Phillips said.

The monument will stand on the grounds of Sherwood Forest, the location of Fort Pocahontas, former home of the nation's 10th president, and one of the James River plantations. It's owner, Harrison Tyler, is a descendent of both Pocahontas and the nation's 10th president.

For more information about Jamestown and its attractions, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com. For details on planning a tour of the James River Plantations, click here.

Source: WorldNetDaily.com

June 17, 2007 09:53 - Last Minute Cruise Deals from Norfolk, Virginia

Wow! They're doing it again. An 8 day/7 night Royal Caribbean cruise to Bermuda for only $799? Thanks to the new Norfolk, Virginia cruise terminal, cruises to Bermuda have never been cheaper for those living in the Mid-Atlantic region, and if you can travel last minute, your savings could be huge.

Vacations to Go, a travel site specializing in last minute cruise discounts, is advertising the week-long cruise departing from Norfolk, Virginia, on June 23 on Royal Caribbean's Empress of the Seas. Prices start at $799 for an inside cabin and $899 for an oceanview cabin.

As with the listed prices on most cruises, prices are US dollars per person, based on double occupancy, subject to availability, and do not include airfare or airport and government taxes or fees (if applicable). However, they do iinclude port charges. The cruise stops in Hamilton and St. George's, Bermuda.

Don't wait: these last minute deals are extremely limited.

For details, call 800-338-4962 or go to www.vacationstogo.com.

Before and after your cruise, why not take advantage of beautiful Norfolk, Virginia? Mermaids, Nauticus, USS Wisconsin, Virginia Beach, charming antique shops, fantastic restaurants, and more. For details on visiting Norfolk and Virginia Beach, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

June 18, 2007 08:42 - Today Show Touts Colonial Williamsburg as Last-Minute Travel Deal

The Today Show's "D’Elia’s Deals" has picked Virginia's Colonial Williamsburg as one of its four top last-minute family getaways that are easy to get to and don't cost an arm and a leg.

Today Show travel journalist Valarie D'Elia chose the Historic Triangle (Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown, plus nearby Busch Gardens Europe) as one of her recommended four-night or four-day packages for a family of four--all for under $400 a night this summer.

Colonial Williamsburg is offering a "Families Free" Flex Vacation, which includes four nights stay at one of its top hotels near the Historic area, and tickets for four to seven area attractions during your length of stay, incuding Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area and museums, Busch Gardens Europe, Water Country USA, Jamestown Settlement, Historic Jamestowne, Yorktown Victory Center, and Yorktown Battlefield. Prices start at $800.

To book this package, call 1-800-HISTORY, or go to www.history.org.

Want an even cheaper way to enjoy the Colonial Williamsburg area? Go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com for "Secrets of a Cheap Colonial Williamsburg Vacation," discount ticket secrets for Busch Gardens Europe, and reviews of Williamsburg outlet malls and other local attractions.

Source: www.msnbc.com

June 18, 2007 16:51 - Want a great rate on Colonial Williamsburg hotels?

Want a great rate on Colonial Williamsburg hotels?

There are tons of places to stay in and around the Williamsburg area, and there are many price options too. To avoid paying an arm and a leg on a hotel, check out travel site www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com. They've found a cheap deal on a hotel that's within four miles of both Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens Williamsburg for only $55 per night weekdays (kids under 17 are free, and the hotel features a free continental breakfast and outdoor pool.

Plus, they offer discount tickets for Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Colonial Williamsburg!

For more information, or to check hotel rates at multiple sites simultaneously, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

June 19, 2007 14:57 - Want a great rate on Virginia Beach lodging?

Want a great rate on Virginia Beach lodging?

There are tons of places to stay in the Virginia Beach area, and there are many price options too. To avoid paying an arm and a leg on a hotel, check out travel site www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com. They've found a cheap deal on a Virginia Beach oceanfront hotel with free continental breakfast, on-site parking, an indoor pool, rooms with fridges and microwaves, a fitness room, and cable TV w/HBO for only $79 per night weekdays.

For the details, including how to check hotel rates at multiple sites simultaneously, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

June 20, 2007 16:02 - Jamestown 2007 Commemoration Continues with Smithsonian Event

While its big birthday bash took place last month, the Jamestown 2007 commemoration is continuing at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival next week in Washingon, DC. The 41st annual festival is free and will take place on the National Mall June 27 to July 1 and July 4 to July 8. It will include performances and exhibits on the "Roots of Virginia Culture" in honor of Jamestown's 400th anniversary.

The Jamestown 2007 commemoration is a year-and-a-half series of events marking the 400th birthday of the New World's first permanent English settlement.

Artisans from across Virginia, including shipwrights, potters, blacksmiths, peanut farmers, and carpenters, will take part in the event, as well as representatives from the three cultures (England, Senegal, West Africa, and native American indian tribes) that met at the early colony.

Hundreds of thousand have attended the Jamestown events so far this year, as well as an estimated 456,000 people who viewed the Godspeed replica ship's recent promotional tour to six East Coast ports. The Godspeed replica is one of three replica ships at the Jamestown Settlement attraction.

For more information about Jamestown, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

Source: The Daily Press

June 20, 2007 16:16 - Looking for a Virginia campground that's packed with amenities?

Okay...so you're going camping in Virginia, but you want a campground that's packed with amenities. No problem.

There are many great reasons for camping in Virginia...enjoying the glorious outdoors and dazzling views, getting back to nature, and of course, saving money so you can spend it on what's really important to you (shopping at outlet malls, visiting amusement parks like Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Kings Dominion, and seeing local Virginia attractions).

Travel site www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com has published a guide to top Virginia campgrounds that include tons of amenities and are near major summer attractions. Among their picks: a Virginia Beach campground that offers ice cream socials, marshmallow roasts, flashlight candy hunts and hayrides...plus provides a shuttle link to the beach through the Virginia Beach Wave trolley.

For details on this, as well as other Virginia Beach and Williamsburg campgrounds, as well as money-saving tips, reviews, and discout ticket secrets, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

June 21, 2007 07:45 - "Walk With the Dinosaurs" Show Comes to Norfolk

Ever seen a mommy Tyrannosaurus-rex mom have it out with other hungry predators?

Soon, you can. "Walking With Dinosaurs - The Live Experience" will premiere at the Norfolk Scope Sept. 26-30. Based on an award-winning BBC TV series, the show features animatronic replicas of the toothsome tyrants.

The dino-stars will include a two-ton Torosaurus, a snarling Tyrannosaurus rex, an Ornithocheirus with a 40-foot wing span, and a long-necked Brachiosaurus, which is longer than two buses.

The life-size animatronic creatures will roar, fight, and basically show what dino-life was like during their 200 million year reign on Earth.

The $12 million Australian show is on a two-year North American tour, thanks to 30 tractor-trailors and 15 huge creatures. The creatures move thanks to drivers in motorized sleds between the dinosaurs' legs. Puppeteers move the arms, heads and tails by remote control.

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. July 21 ranging from $32.50 to $79.50. Call (757) 671-8100.

Before and after the show, why not take advantage of beautiful Norfolk, Virginia? Mermaids, Nauticus, USS Wisconsin, Virginia Beach, charming antique shops, fantastic restaurants, and more. For details on visiting Norfolk and Virginia Beach, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

Source: PilotOnline

June 25, 2007 14:36 - Busch Gardens Williamsburg Discount Tickets? Here's Where to Get 'Em!

As summer goes on, finding sources for Busch Gardens Williamsburg discount tickets is getting a little tougher. Some of the deals--like McDonald's and Food Lion coupons--are done for the season.

But travel site www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com has found three new sources for Busch Gardens Williamsburg discount tickets that are good all season long. They include a local Williamsburg store, a local hotel, and a Virginia grocer.

For details, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

June 26, 2007 08:29 - Richmond's Landmark Theater Offering Discount Attraction Tickets

Looking for Busch Gardens discount tickets? How about Colonial Williamsburg and Kings Dominion discount tickets?

Richmond's Landmark Theater is now selling discount tickets to major Virginia attractions, including Busch Gardens, Paramount's Kings Dominion, Colonial Williamsburg, and Water Country USA. Some group discounts are available.

The box office is located at 6 N. Laurel Street in Richmond. Hours are Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information, call (804) 646-4213 or (804) 646-4214.

Travel site www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com has gathered the details on exactly how much you'll save, as well as other places for getting discounts to these attractions.

For Busch Gardens discount ticket secrets, click here.

For Kings Dominion discount ticket secrets, click here.

For Colonial Williamsburg discount ticket secrets, click here.

Source: Richmond.com

June 26, 2007 08:36 - Virginia Shakespeare Festival Opens in Williamsburg

"O Romeo, wherefore art thou, Romeo?" Shakespeare's famous tale of love and tragedy takes the stage this week as "Romeo and Juliet" opens the Virginia Shakespeare Festival in Williamsburg.

Acting as the doomed young lovers will be New York actress Rebecca Blumhagen and Aaron White, a master's graduate in acting from the University of Houston.

"Romeo and Juliet" may be the most produced play in history, says Director Steven Breese, who promises a very physical production with sword-play and drama. "Line for line, it packs more theatrical punch than any of his other plays," says Breese. "Everything happens in a very immediate way in front of the audience. It's very romantic and very violent."

"Romeo and Juliet" will run through July 8. The Virginia Shakespeare Festival, which is held at Williamsburg's College of William and Mary, continues with Shakespeare's "Love's Labour's Lost" from July 13-22 and closes with "What the Butler Saw" from July 27-Aug. 12.

Subscriptions are $45 for all three plays, with single tickets also available for $20 for adults and $10 for students. Call 221-2674 for information.

While in Williamsburg, why not visit the Historic Area? Travel site www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com has named its top five favorite spots at Colonial Williamsburg (as well as the spot you should skip). They also offer the free guide "Secrets to a Cheap Colonial Williamsburg Vacation".

Source: Daily Press