Last month, I shared with you how homeschooling families, or at least parents, could save quite a bit of money on admission to Colonial Williamsburg.  If you choose to visit the area, you won't want to miss Historic Jamestown and Yorktown Battlefield and you can even visit for FREE, so keep reading.      

Located in the Historic Triangle, nestled away from the busyness of the often congested cities of Virginia Beach, Hampton and Newport News, you’re sure to appreciate the slower pace and beauty of Yorktown and the historic Yorktown Battlefield.  It’s hard to imagine that this was the site of the final major land battle in a war to win America’s Independence.  It was at Yorktown, that Cornwallis was defeated. Embarrassed, he refused to attend the ceremony of surrender, instead sending his subordinate.

I wish I could say that my family truly enjoyed our visit at Yorktown.  It certainly began picture perfect.  We were all excited to be there and initially found it relaxing.  It was a beautiful, clear day.  The wind was blowing slightly and there were some visitors flying kites in one of the fields. Sounds perfectly wonderful, doesn’t it? So what’s not to like?

Once we entered the Visitor’s Center, we paid our admission and bought Jr. Ranger books for the kids to complete along with the audio tour of the battlefield.  We went in to the theatre to watch the movie that was offered as an overview of the battle at Yorktown and then onto the exhibits of the small museum.  So far so good. 

And then…we started the battleground tour.  Since we had opted not to go on a Ranger-led walk that day, the kids were required to complete the entire Jr. Ranger book, that means fill in all the answers.  Right away, we missed something that we should have found at the redoubts.  The harder we tried to find it, the more frustrated we became until my husband said it was time to move on.  Things were beginning to go downhill and fast…my normally joyful, cheerful, fun to be with husband was not a happy camper and didn’t see the point in the Jr. Ranger program.  I, on the other hand, count the Jr. Ranger as part of our schooling on the road and very much wanted it completed.  The kids love to get their patches and badges and since they’d already put a good effort into completing the book, they certainly didn’t want to stop.  At the conclusion of our tour, we knew we’d missed some of the pertinent information but at this point, my husband was ready to go, insisting that we were never to do another Jr. Ranger program in his presence.

I led three upset children into the Visitor’s Center to see if the ranger would have mercy on us, or if he would send us back out in the field to find the three answers we’d missed.  Thankfully, he wasn’t a stickler for having every space filled in correctly and awarded them their prize.  My husband could not believe the transformation as we exited the complex, out came three children as happy as can be with their patches and a certificate recognizing them as Jr. Rangers and a very happy mommy, thrilled that we were able to complete some ‘school’ for the day. 

Our Historic Jamestown visit was as pleasant as Yorktown was frustrating, and the Jr. Ranger was extremely easy for my children to complete.  We did visit prior to the 400^th anniversary of the settlement of Jamestown and I know that there is much more to it now.  At the time we visited, the highlights of the trip were the Pocahontas and Captain John Smith statues and the Jamestown Memorial Church.  We also LOVED the glass blowing demonstrations and went once just to watch the skilled craftsmen at work.  They didn’t talk much while we were there, as they have quotas to meet.

If you do choose to visit, I would suggest that you allow several hours per attraction to really learn everything you could if you are a history lover. Pack a lunch and savor it. Just learn from my mistake and don’t spoil your visit by making a big deal out of nothing!  Personally, I wouldn’t plan to visit both Yorktown and Jamestown on the same day unless I was really pressed for time. 

© 2009 Tonya Prater/Live the Adventure

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As you may know from reading my blog, my family is really thrifty when it comes to planning outings.  It’s not that we never spend money on attractions, but we certainly prefer those that are free or low cost.  In fact, we’ve found so many places that are free that we are really critical when we have to pay. And I’ve found that the more we pay, than the more likely we are to be disappointed.

That being said, there have been a few times that we have paid quite a bit of money for our entertainment and one of those times was to Colonial Williamsburg, but it was money well spent and as usual, I found out how we could save a lot of money off our tickets, so read on. 

Having walked through Colonial Williamsburg as a child, I always wanted to return with my family when I had children of my own.  On several visits to the region my husband and I had planned to stop, but just hadn’t been able to for whatever reason. Then we found ourselves in Virginia Beach for an extended amount of time and how could we resist the urge to visit? 

I knew that we could go for free so to get a feel for it before plunking down all that cash, the kids and I went with friends to see what we thought of it.  Though some of the buildings and events are open only to ticket holders, there was no shortage as to what we could do. I quickly realized that it’s best to do a bit of planning before you visit as things change daily.

Your first stop at the historic city should be to the Visitors Center, where you’ll find plenty of free parking, to pick up a free program guide and map called “This Week at Colonial Williamsburg”.  This guide will let you know what’s going on, what events will be taking place where and also whether you will need a ticket to enter the building or take part in the program or if it is a free event.  You can also find this online prior to your visit which will be extremely helpful because some events only take place once during the day and you’d hate to miss out on something you really wanted to see.

If you are purchasing a ticket, be sure to watch the movie that is offered in the Visitors Center called “The Patriot”.  If you opt not to purchase the ticket, you can rent this from the library prior to your visit so it will be fresh in your mind and your child’s mind as to what was going on at this turbulent time in our history. You can also pay just to watch the movie, which at the time of our visit 3 years ago, $3 per person. 

On our first visit, we enjoyed going into the Bruton Parish Church and visiting the churchyard, watching an outdoor auction for Colonial goods and touring the post office and many of the gift shops that sold authentic replicas of Colonial wares. 

Since we are on the road full-time, we don’t always learn about every single attraction before we visit; there just isn’t enough time. But if you really want to get the most out of your visit to Colonial Williamsburg, make sure you take time to learn about the events leading up to the American Revolution before your visit. You can easily do this by reading some good historical books, watching movies, using the lesson plans that are online or visiting the kid’s page for Colonial Williamsburg.    

Many visitors dress up when visiting the historic city, so to save money, you may choose to make or borrow costumes before visiting.  There is also a stop in the Visitors Center where you can rent costumes for the kids for about $20 bucks with a deposit. 

There are many places to eat at Williamsburg, but we found that we enjoyed packing a lunch to eat on the lawn. To experience 'a taste' of Williamsburg, we purchased ginger cookies and bottled lemonade- my kids thought that was great.   

Okay, you've read to this point, now how do you save money? Well, you won’t readily find out about this at Colonial Williamsburg- in fact, we were on our third visit before I found out, but if you are a homeschool teacher (this also includes your husband if he helps teach), you will receive 50% off any admission ticket that you choose to purchase. I called today to confirm that they still offer this. Your children do not apply for the homeschool discount, but if you have AAA or are military, you can save additional $$$. If you have a child under 5, they are admitted free. Those savings really adds up!  Plus, you also receive a discount at the Bookstore in the Visitors Center on purchases that you will use for school. I believe it is 20%, but I didn’t check on this.  Since we were in the area at that time, we opted for the Liberty Pass which allowed us to tour the Governor’s Palace Tour, and return anytime we wanted for a full year.  It was certainly money well spent, and was fun and educational for the whole family.  As America’s largest living history museum, Colonial Williamsburg is high on our list of favorites and a site not to miss!     

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When we first began traveling with my husband’s job, we spent a week in Tennessee, before quickly moving on to Virginia Beach.  We spent the next year and a half split between working in the Virginia Beach area and spending our time at home in Ohio.  During our stay in the Historic Triangle, we visited as many free and low cost attractions that we could find. I stopped at every visitor’s center along our route and asked what attractions they had nearby that would appeal to a family interested in history and natural outings, not the typical commercial attractions they would normally recommend.  I also asked the front desk employee's at every hotel we stayed at the same question.  Often I was told to visit the mall, the zoo, the aquarium, etc. but occasionally, someone would recommend a real treasure to us and away we’d go, thrilled to have found something out of the ordinary.  It’s not that we don’t like commercial attractions, it's just we weren't on vacation and like many families that live paycheck to paycheck, we had to watch every penny. Besides, I’ve found that the more money we spend on an activity, the higher the chances are that we will be disappointed.  If it’s free and you had an awful time, oh well, what are you out?  I can honestly say that I can’t remember ever having an awful time on any of our outings, but some have been, ummmm, interesting…

If you're planning a trip to the Tidewater area this summer, I've included some attractions that you may be interested in. But to start with, you may want to look over the Virginia Time Traveler website. The focus for this year's program is Stories of the Nation, famous authors and poets. The program started March 1st and runs until December 1, it is free to participate and easy to get started. Follow the link above, download your passport from the website and begin to visit attractions from the list provided.  As you stop by each of the museums and historic site, tell them you are participating in the Time Traveler program and have them stamp the passport. When your child has accumulated six stamps, they will receive an official Time Traveler certificate signed by the governor of Virginia. If two of those sites happened to be on the Stories of the Nation list, your child will also receive an iron-on badge featuring the current year’s theme.  Some destinations will even offer discounts when you present the passport so keep it in your glove box so you’ll be sure to have it on hand.   Not planning a trip to the area but interested in the program?  They now offer a virtual program.  Just visit the websites, research the attraction and have your child write an essay that can be mailed in with the passport by Dec. 15th, 2009.  

Here is a partial list of attractions that we visited while in the area. I haven’t included a ton of information about the attractions because if I did so, this post would be never ending. But, if you’re interested in something you see here, I’ve included links to the websites- just click on the larger black typed word- and feel free to post a comment or email me if you have any questions.   

Bacon's Castle, Surry The home and grounds were the stage for Bacon’s Rebellion in the 1600’s, an uprising against the Colonial government.  We all enjoyed this tour.  Your admission to this Jacobean style home with an unusual triple staircase includes a guided tour of the home and self guided tour of the grounds.  Unfortunately, it rained the day we were there so we didn’t spend any time outside. There was brief mention of ghosts and haunting but this was not lingered on. 

Berkeley Plantation, Charles City One of the few plantations that have remained open for tours along the James River. Fee

Cape Henry Lighthouse, Virginia Beach We did not tour the lighthouse, but did drive on Fort Story military base which was exciting enough for the boys who were in awe of the soldiers.  You will need ID to enter the base and your vehicle may be searched.   

Cape Henry Memorial, Virginia Beach This is also on Fort Story. This is where the English settlers first landed on their way to Jamestown.  There is a cross and several monuments as a memorial. Although this is listed on the National Parks pages, you won't find a visitors center or any facilities.  We packed a lunch when we visited and flew kites on the beach.    

First Landing State Park, Virginia Beach Very nice visitor’s center featuring both historic content and a science side focusing on the ocean. Ask about the scavenger hunt.  They also offer free park programs in the summer that were really great. We learned how to go crabbing here. We spent a lot of time swimming here, it is more family friendly than VB plus, Chelsea found tons of beach glass for her collection.  Across the street there is another visitor’s center and hiking/bike trails.  Very nice.  There is a parking fee and camping is available. 

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel You will find the bridge either thrilling or terrifying, but you must see this famous landmark.  In the middle of the bridge there is a stop with a restaurant where you can get out and enjoy the view, take pictures and smash a penny in the gift shop.  If you homeschool, you may be interested to know that there is a video available on the construction of the bridge that my kids found fascinating, possibly by A&E or the History Channel. You can do a search at your library or try the interlibrary loan.  It cost us around $20 to cross the bridge.      

Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge, Northampton County Located on the Eastern Shore, right after you exit the bridge.  Very nice.

Turner Sculpture, Onancock On the way to Assateague Island, This was one of our favorite impromptu stops, thanks to our questions at the visitor’s center. We asked for a tour and they gave us one that was amazing. The sculptures are magnificent!  If you don't want to tour the factory, at least stop and view the gallery. Free.

Assateague Island National Seashore, Chincoteague  Make sure you read Misty of Chincoteague before you go!  You will see wild horses! Jr. Ranger program.  An audio tour of Chincoteague is available in the Visitor’s Center.

Wallops Flight Facility Visitors Center, near Chincoteague Island Worth a visit. Ask about the scavenger hunt and if they have any programs for children (this varies). Free.  

Hampton Roads Naval Museum, Norfolk Don't miss! Free! The museum is often manned by sailors serving in the US Navy.

USS Wisconsin, Norfolk Don't miss! Free! Some of the volunteers actually served on this ship in WWII.  

MacArthur Memorial, Norfolk  Don't miss! Free, donations accepted. This is an awesome memorial, start with the movie before moving on to the museum exhibits. 

St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Norfolk Fun and Free. In 1776, Lord Dunmore fired his cannons on city of Norfolk from his ship in the bay. The cannonball lodged in the church was and is still visible today. Though we stopped to see the cannonball, we loved looking at the old tombstones. A word of caution, the crypts are cracking and you will be able to see bones if you look closely.  Make sure you take the time to read to beautiful epitaphs and inscriptions. Free.     

Historic St. Luke’s Church, Benn’s Church Quaint, historic, country church.  Free.   

Historic Jamestown We chose to go here vs. the more commercial Jamestown Settlement and we were not disappointed. We were there before the 400th anniversary, I know they have added exhibits since.  A highlight for us was the glass blowing demonstration, don't miss it. I would suggest visiting the Cape Henry Memorial, First Landing and then Historic Jamestown. An easy Jr. Ranger program is offered.  You may consider purchasing a National Parks pass if you are also planning to visit Yorktown and Assateague Island National Seashore.  Fee.

Old Coast Guard Station, Virginia Beach We did a field trip here with another family and it was one of our favorites. We learned about ship wrecks and the Virginia Beach area during WWII. Very inexpensive and worth the visit. I have a funny story about this one. 

Mt. Trashmore, Virginia Beach A fun stop to play. Our temporary apartment was only about a mile away so we enjoyed playing here.

False Cape State Park, Virginia Beach We participated in some of the park programs in the spring/summer for kids at Sandbridge beach (preferred over VB). We also went on a bus ride through the park and saw feral pigs and learned so much from the naturalist on board that I thought my head would explode.  Cost was $8 each for the twilight wildlife tour, and  it was one of my favorite activities in Virginia.  Just make sure you don't scrimp on the tick spray!    

Riddick's Folly, Suffolk  Another of our favorite stops.  We learned about the Civil War (the home was occupied by soldiers) and Planter's Peanuts (began in Suffolk). They have a collection of G.A. Henty books on display on one of the bookshelves that I'd love to have in my collection.  What is it about a homeschool mom and books? I can't help but take notice of them wherever I go.  Donations accepted.

Seaboard Station Railway Museum, Suffolk Another fun stop. The volunteers are awesome here! Ask about the scavenger hunt. Free.

Cedar Hill Cemetery, Suffolk My kids thought cemeteries were creepy until we went here on a self guided walking tour (this is available at the Suffolk Visitor's Center). Very neat place to visit.  The brochure also talks about the symbolism on the monuments, etc.  Most memorable was the unmarked grave in the potter’s field where a lion tamer, killed in the line of duty when the circus visited the area, was laid to rest. Free.  

Great Dismal Swamp, Suffolk This was a neat stop where we wanted to see bears in their natural environment.  We drove to Lake Drummond which is on the property, but you do need a pass (free, you can pick this up at the visitors center).  Educational material on the Great Dismal Swamp is available if you ask. I personally would not go back without my husband.  Although we went with another family, and it is a famous birding and naturalist trail, I was not comfortable here and after we arrived, I prayed all the way that we wouldn't encounter any bears.  It is beautiful though, depending on the time of year that you go through. Other times you will see why it is named the Great Dismal Swamp. Free.   

The Suffolk Museum, Suffolk  Small art museum that offers awesome, inexpensive art classes for kids in the summer. Free.

The Virginia Air and Space Center, Newport News  I was hesitant to visit this museum since we've been to many space museums, but it was free with our ASTC reciprocal membership, so we decided to stop in. I'm very glad we made the effort, the museum is very nice and they were in the process of adding several exhibits while we were there two years ago. Definitely worth the visit.  

The Virginia Living Museum, Newport News  Excellent! Very nice.

The Virginia War Museum, Newport News Not free, but wonderful. My boys (husband included) loved this destination in Virginia. If you have any interest at all in America’s military and the wars we’ve been involved with, this is a must see.

Yorktown Battlefield, Yorktown Jr. Ranger program is offered. An audio tour is available. Start with the movie, and inside exhibits before touring the battlefield.  Although this was very nice, we do not have good memories of our visit thanks to the Jr. Ranger program!:)  Fee.

Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg  You may not realize that you can visit Colonial Williamsburg for free, though some buildings will be inaccessible and special events and programs are off limits if you aren't wearing a pass. We found plenty to do inside Colonial Williamsburg several times before we broke down and purchased tickets, which double as an annual pass. Be sure to ask about discounts and be specific, a reduced rate will not be offered. When we were there I found out that homeschooler teachers can receive a 50% discount off their ticket cost, but that discount doesn’t' apply to homeschool students. Other discounts available are AAA and military. If you dress up before your visit, you're also likely to be included in many of the programs. If you plan to visit, make sure you do a bit of research so you are familiar with the programs that are offered each day.  Some events only happen once a day so you don't want to miss out.  

There you have it, some of the attractions that we visited in the Virginia Beach area.  I'll probably write more about the highlights of our travels in future posts for now....Happy Traveling! 

© 2009 Tonya Prater/Live the Adventure 

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I've always believed that the best way my children could learn about something was through experience.  That's why I've always been a firm believer in hands-on activities and lots of field trips.  For as long as we've had kids, and certainly before we were "on the road" traveling with my husband's job, we've visited parks, zoos, and museums.  Even before they were able to appreciate or even realize we were  there! Field trips, as we began to call these outings as they started school, just became a way of life for us. 

When we did begin to travel as a necessity, I tried really hard to stay in the hotel room in Virginia and focus on the bookwork, but it wasn't easy when we were surrounded by so much history.  Realizing that we wouldn't be in the area forever, we began to venture out and ended up with over 65 outings! All within a three hour radius of Virginia Beach- just in the several months we were there! Which leads to a funny story I'd like to share.....

We were staying at a wonderful hotel right on the beach and one day shortly after we arrived in the area, we ventured down the Boardwalk to see the sights. We hadn't walked too far when the kids noticed some interesting objects in front of a charming, white seaside cottage that looked a bit out of place among all the large hotels and  'commercialism" of Virginia Beach. The objects the kids were inspecting turned out to be rudders, anchors and other pieces and parts of boats, scattered in the sand in front of The Old Coast Guard Station.  

We didn't really have any plans other than to stroll along the Broadwalk and beach so I suggested to the kids that we tour the inside.  The kids disappointedly said, "No, mom, we can't go in today." Not fully understanding, I checked the hours on the door and once more assured them that it was open. Sighing, the kids said: "No, we can't go because we can't do school work today, it's Saturday, Mom!"  The lightbulb began to glow in my head as I realized that they equated all museums as school!  The kids assured me that they would like to visit during the week and normal school hours, so the very next week, we returned- and they were more than happy to go! 

***The Old Coast Guard Museum which is housed in the 1903 Life Saving Station was one of the kids' favorite field trips in Virginia Beach, and one of mine too!  The museum is now on the National Register of Historic Places and contains two floors of artifacts that include life saving devices, artifacts  and stories of Shipwrecks along the Virginia Coast and information regarding the area during WWII that truly fascinated us!  We had no idea that the East Coast of the United States had been subject to sea attacks during WWII, but German submarines were actually found near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay! 

© 2009 Tonya Prater/Homeschooling…Live the Adventure

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