The Cue Sheets provide routes to and from the key historic attractions in Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown in case you'd prefer to ride less and linger longer. To help you get a "lay of the land", following are some of the key attractions in the area:
Colonial Williamsburg - the historic area is about 1 mile long and 1/2 mile wide and within walking distance of the Mainstay. There are approximately 90 original structures and reconstructed buildings. You may walk the streets without an admission ticket but to gain access to many of the facilities you will need to purchase tickets. They are available at the
Visitor's Center, in
Merchant's Square in Colonial Williamsburg or
online.
Historic Jamestowne Island is part of the Colonial National Historic Park and sits on the west end of the Colonial Parkway. It was the site of the first capital of Virginia and there are ongoing digs in process. There is a fee of $14 to get access, which includes access to the Yorktown Battlefield as well. Tickets can be purchased at the Visitor Center which is located on the right as you enter the Island. Lifetime National Park Service Senior passes are honored and can be purchased at the Visitor Center for $10. (must be 62 or older).
Jamestown Settlement- lies next to the Historic Jamestowne on the James River. It is a museum of 17th century Virginia History and includes an outdoor re-creation of a Powhatan Indian Village, three English ships and a colonial Fort. Admission is $16 which includes the Yorktown Victory Center. We will be using the Parking lot of the Jamestown Settlement as one of our start points for rides.
Yorktown - founded in 1691 with many original buildings still standing. Lies along the York River with a scenic waterfront and a couple of nice waterfront restaurants. We will use the Yorktown Riverfront as one of our start points.
Yorktown Battlefield - located on the eastern end of the Colonial Parkway, is administered by the National Park Service and is the site of the last major battle of the Revolutionary War in 1781. The battlefield makes a nice bicycling route and the entrance fee of $14 and includes access to Jamestown Island as well.
Revolutionary War Museum (formally Yorktown Victory Center) - is a museum of the American Revolution. Completely renovated and expanded in 2017. Entrance fee can be combined with Jamestown Settlement.
James River Plantations - There are a number of plantations located along Rt. 5 West towards Richmond located along the James River. The most popular are
Shirley Plantation,
Berkeley Plantation,
Piney Grove at South Hall's Plantation,
Westover and
Sherwood Forest Plantation.
Busch Gardens - amusement park about 3 miles from Williamsburg. NOTE: Busch Gardens will be setup for "Howl-o-scream" during this period. The park is specially decorated for Halloween.
College of William & Mary - second oldest institution of higher learning in the US.
Williamsburg Winery- largest winery in Virginia and is along the bicycle routes that go along Lake Powell Rd on the way to/from Jamestown from the hotel. This will be the location of our Friday evening dinner.
Colonial Parkway - Runs from Jamestown, through Williamsburg and on to Yorktown, it is a 23 mile scenic roadway operated by the National Park Service. It is "bicycle friendly" since the speed limit is 45 mph. One of our bicycle routes going to/from Jamestown will use the Colonial Parkway for at least part of the route. The surface, consisting of concrete aggregate can be a bit jarring after awhile, especially on a "skinny tire" bicycle. Also be aware of open seams between the concrete sections.
Chippokes Plantation State Park - Just across the James River from historic Jamestown, Chippokes Plantation is one of the oldest continually farmed plantations in the country. A working farm since 1619, the park offers modern recreational activities and a glimpse of life in a bygone era. Visitors tour the historic area with its antebellum mansion and outbuildings, stroll through formal gardens, and view antique equipment at the
Chippokes Farm and Forestry Museum. The Chippokes Plantation State Park is on all the bicycle routes which go over the ferry to Surry County.
Williamsburg Premium Outlets - there are a couple different outlet plazas in Williamsburg but this is the biggest and best.