Love Sport? Love Art? Love music?

. Cycling

The City of Williamsburg, a known “bicycling community” and a designated “Bike Friendly Community” by The League of American Bicyclists, is a perfect location for Spoke & Art, a one-week long combination sport, art and culinary event that will take place on the lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg on Francis Street (formerly the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Art Museum) beginning today through Sunday, September 27, 2015. 326 West Francis Street in Colonial Williamsburg. image

Under the Spoke & Art tent you will find a pop-up sports bar, The HandleBar, with a big screen TV to watch the races in real-time; fresh, local restaurant food and beverage for purchase and a gallery of sports paintings, sculptures and photography curated by John Lee Matney, owner of Linda Matney Art Gallery, plus a large display of Las Bicicletas bicycle sculptures in three sizes to purchase and enjoy.

Come out for lunch everyday and watch the race LIVE.

There are many more events like morning yoga sessions, business night, and the Williamsburg Celebrates Art Contemporary Artisans Show. A list of all the events can be found at www.spoke-n-art.com.

 

Spoke & art kickoff night

Monday 9/21 from 5-9 PM

 

imageCome on out to kickoff this week of fun and excitement.  The DOG Street Pub Running Club will be ending their weekly 5K run under the tent. Legend has it that they love to drink a beer or two when they’re done, so why not join them?

Live music by The Hark.

Food and drink will be available for purchase from the Dog Street Pub.

More events here

Colonial Fondo Features Pro Rider Ted King Leading Scenic Bike Ride

. Cycling

Colonial Williamsburg hosts a recreational bike ride this fall when the Colonial Fondo comes to town. Cannondale-Garmin professional rider Ted King leads the September 26 ride, which begins at 7 a.m. and follows a course of either 50 or 70 miles through America’s oldest counties, finishing on the Colonial Parkway along the James River about 11 a.m.
Inspired by popular Gran Fondo rides created in Europe in the 1970s, the event is not a race and is not timed. It is part of a bicycle-themed weekend that includes a hotel package with rooms available at the bike-friendly Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel and Suites and a Friday night party, “Beer, Bikes and BBQ” at Chowning’s Tavern, with live music and open exclusively to ride registrants.
The Colonial Fondo takes place during the week Richmond hosts the 2015 UCI Road World Championships, with bike races expected to bring thousands of professional riders and their followers from all around the world to the area Sept. 19-27. Race enthusiasts who participate in the Colonial Fondo can avoid the crowds and take a scenic drive via Route 5 to Richmond to see the competition with women’s elite riders Saturday afternoon and the men’s elite riders Sunday morning. Hardy cyclists can also take the Virginia Capital Trail bike path that connects Williamsburg to Richmond and is scheduled for completion by September.
Friday afternoon at 4:45 and 6:30 p.m., the Kimball Theatre presents the classic bicycling film, “Breaking Away,” (1979) starring Dennis Christopher, Dennis Quaid and Daniel Stern. Saturday afternoon at 12 and 4 p.m., the Kimball will show “American Flyers” (1985) starring Kevin Costner and at 2:15 and 6:15 p.m. the Italian classic “The Bicycle Thief” (1948). The cost of the fondo is $95 for riders who register prior to July 31 and includes the bike ride, swag, free parking and admission to “Beer, Bikes and BBQ.” The hotel package starts at $150 per rider per night and includes ride registration, lodging, swag, “Beer, Bikes and BBQ,” free parking, breakfast, admission to the film series and a daily Colonial Williamsburg admission ticket.
The City of Williamsburg is showing its support for bicycling with a traveling exhibit of outdoor sculptures called “Las Bicicletas,” a series of 40 brightly colored abstract steel sculptures of bicycles by Mexican artist Gilberto Aceves Navarro placed at various landmarks around the city through October.
Route segments, registration and information are available at www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/fondo. Enthusiasts are invited to join the conversation about the fondo on social media using the hashtag #colonialfondo. Information is also available at 855-296-6627.

Park to park bicycle tour July 11 2015

. Uncategorized

Pedaling, parks and pool time – The Park to Park Bicycle Tour is July 11, 8 a.m-2 p.m. at Chickahominy Riverfront Park (CRP). This annual self-guided bicycle tour is offered by Parks and Recreation in partnership with Williamsburg Area Bicyclists. It features rides of different lengths: a family ride (ride as little or as much as you’d like), 15 miles, 30 miles or the NEW Half Century ride (50 miles), which includes visits to Mid County Park, Powhatan Creek Trail, Freedom Park, Little Creek Reservoir Park and Upper County Park. Cool off after your ride in the CRP pool.
See the registration form for more information

Download form here

Events happening in Williamsburg VA June 6& 7 2015

. Uncategorized

Run for the Bacon 5K
Jun 6 (see website for times)
First Annual Run for the Bacon 5K benefiting Bacon Street (formerly known as the Mental Health Run). The activities include, a bacon costume contest,  awards and of course bacon and bacon treats! 

Jamestown Gran Fondo
Jun 6, 7:30 am – 4 pm
The Jamestown Gran Fondo has Century, Metric Century and 30 mile options. Each distance is fully supported with mechanics and well stocked aid stations. See website.

Jamestown Triathlon
Jun 7, 7 – 11 am
Swim, Bike & Run through Williamsburg and James City County then explore all that the area has to offer. 1500 meter swim, 24 mile bike, 6.2 mile run.

National Trails Day
Jun 6, 8 am – 6 pm
Celebrate the outdoors by hiking the miles of multi-purpose and hiking specific trails along Taskinas Creek and the York River in York River State Park..

Youth Rowing Club in Williamsburg

. Boating

Pain has a different meaning to the Williamsburg Boat Club Juniors coaches – and probably to anyone else passionate about crew, or rowing.

It isn’t something to shy away from or be defeated by. They not only embrace it; they chase it.

“It is so incredibly painful when it’s done right,” said WBC Juniors coach Tom Rooks. “And therefore, the fulfillment, the euphoria you can get from rowing, is pretty spellbinding. It’s overwhelming.”

image

“You do it right,” said coach Graham Ludmer, “it’s unlike any other level of exhaustion I’ve felt in another sport.”

Rooks, Ludmer and Jason Mitchell lead the WBC Juniors, a high school club less than a year old that is experiencing significant growth. The club started with five participants for a camp last summer, grew to 14 in the fall and featured 27 for the spring season, which wrapped on Saturday in a dual meet against a Virginia Beach team

More here

Learn more about the Williamsburg Boat Club for Juniors here

Register for the Patriot Running Festival Williamsburg VA May 29-31, 2015

. Running

Patriot Running Festival
May 29-31, 2015

Williamsburg, Virginia

imageFrom 5K to the more than 21 miles of the Warrior Challenge, the Patriot Running Festival has an event for everyone. Join us at America’s Start Line, Williamsburg, Virginia, and take part in a three day running adventure. The Patriot Running Festival features the Run for the Dream Half Marathon on Sunday May 31st. The weekend also includes a 5K on Friday evening, May 29th, and an 8K and fun run event on Saturday, May 30th.
Up for a Challenge? Runners may choose from one of two challenges on the weekend, the Patriot Challenge (8K Saturday/Half Marthon Sunday), or the all-new Warrior Challenge (5K Friday/8K Saturday/Half Marthon Sunday). 

Runners will receive:

  • Finisher medal (all races, challenge runners also receive special challenge medal)
  • Technical Race Shirt (all races, challenge runners also receive special challenge shirt)
  • First 3000 runners receive single-day ticket to Busch Gardens
  • First 4000 runners receive single-day ticket to Colonial Williamsburg
  • All races will be proceeded by a Post Race Bash in the Sunken Garden at William and Mary. Beer/Food/Music will be on the menu.

Don’t forget to take advantage of great rates at our Official Race Hotels. The Colonial Williamsburg hotels are conveniently located just seconds from the start line. Runners who stay in one of these hotels will also have their Colonial Williamsburg tickets extended for the length of their stay.

The Patriot Running Festival proudly supports three great organizations: An Achievable Dream Academy, The Massey Challenge, and Paralyzed Veterans Racing. We invite and encourage you to create or join a fundraising team and support one of these great causes.

Register for the Patriot Running Festival

Burning of The Socks: Origins of Our Odd Tradition =York River State Park Williamsburg VA

. Kayaking

 

John Gresham, Education Support Specialist, York River State Park

Click to EnlargeYork River State Park first kicked off the canoe and kayak season with the “burning of the socks” ritual in 2011. Celebrating a water sport by setting something on fire seemed like a good idea in and of itself. But, as with all traditions, this oddity of our park does have a history.

Bob Turner, a long time worker at a yacht club near Annapolis MD, is said to have been the founder. The winter of 1976-77 was particularly cold. Bob and some of his fellow boat workers were more than ready for the spring equinox, the traditional start of the boating season. When that first day of Spring came, they took off their socks, placed them in an old paint can, and ignited them. They toasted their new ritual with cold beer.

Of course, we are not offering alcoholic beverages. But, at York River’s “Burning of the Socks,” we do offer a bit of tradition as we burn our worn out, natural fiber hosiery, honor those who started the tradition as we read “Ode to the Sock Burners,” and supply humor as we sing our invented hymn, “I Wanna Burn My Socks.” If the water and air temperature adds up to 120 degrees or above, our interpretive staff will lead guess on the first paddling trip of the season. Bring your own watercraft, or rent a canoe, solo, or tandem kayak from us. The festivities begin at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 11. Our rain (or too cold) date will be Saturday, April 25.

Click Here for a location map of York River State Park

Destination Recreation Expo Sat Feb 21, 2015

. Camps, Summer Camps, Team Sports

Your one-stop-shop for everything James City County Parks and Recreation has to offer! Discover your parks and facilities, learn about all the classes and programs offered throughout the year and be one of the first to register for summer camps! Informational booths, interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities are just a few great features of this event. We’ll keep your children engaged while you gather information about summer camp opportunities, sports, outdoor, aquatic programs, special events, parks and facilities, REC Connect, inclusion and therapeutic programs and activities offered through our affiliate organizations. Raffles and discounts for camps, classes and facilities given on the day of event! All ages welcome.

Saturday, Feb. 21: Destination Recreation Expo, Free, 9 a.m.-noon at the James City County Recreation Center

5301 Longhill Rd.
Williamsburg, VA 23188
 757-259-5353

More info here

Carlton Farms Stables Williamsburg VA

. Horseback Riding

imageCarlton Farms in Williamsburg VA has been locally owned and operated since 1992. The owner fell in love with the story of Secretariat in 1973 and entered into the racing business in the late 70s. After the 70s, he longed to have horses a little closer to home and decided to get back into the horse industry. Since then, our stables by the river has flourished into a wonderful and breathtaking escape.

Chelsie Liming has been coaching and showing professionally for more than 18 years and is a certified trainer for the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association. She has trained and shown numerous A-rated, quality VPBA-registered ponies while managing Foxlair Farm in Spotsylvania, Va. Chelsie has competed at various prestigious horse shows, including the Washington International Horse Show, the Upperville Colt and Horse Show, the Middleburg Classic, the National Horse Show, and VHSA Finals. Chelsie also assisted in training collegiate members of the University of Mary Washington equestrian team and successfully coached the Hazelwild Farm Interschool team (Fredericksburg, Va.) to the championship in 2013.

Lessons

imagePerfect for beginners & advanced riders…

We are accepting new students for dressage and hunters from beginner to advanced

Our Trails Are Now Open!

Our trails are located where the Battle of Greensprings occured and located right around the corner from Jamestown Settlement.
Each trail ride lasts anywhere from an hour and twenty minutes to an hour and thirty minutes. And they are meant for anyone! If you have never ridden before, our trails are perfect for you!
Call (757) 220-3553 for pricing and to schedule your trail ride today!

Stables

We offer 56 12×12 stalls with automatic waterers in each stall, two wash stalls with hot and cold water, and utility/tack rooms.

We have a brand new space at our facility for our boarders and guests. A brand new Guest Lounge! With heating and air, this lounge will be a great room for boarders and guests to come and hang out!

Indoor Arena

Carlton Farms has a spacious indoor arena that is about 16,000 square feet. This area has a loft overlooking the arena and an indoor lounge where spectators can watch and observe other riders.

We have one lit outdoor ring and one bigger ring used for shows and lessons right behind the barn. When not used for lessons, these can be used by boarders at anytime.
Take the Virtual Tour of our Facility!

More info here

Contact Us

3516 Mott Lane
Williamsburg, VA 23185
(757) 220-3553

image

Drinkwater Equestrian

. Horseback Riding

Drinkwater Equestrian is a family owned and operated facility. It is run by Allison Drinkwater, and her husband, Phillip Drinkwater, who is also a farrier. They purchased the property in the fall of 2013. One of the many benefits of riding/boarding at Drinkwater Equestrian is that it is a completely new and up to date facility from the barn to the fences and the ring etc. Drinkwater is members of the Virginia Horse Show Association (VHSA) and the Middle Peninsula Horse Show Association (MPHSA) and will be hosting several shows for MPHSA this year dates TBA.Drinkwater Equestrian is a family owned and operated facility. It is run by Allison Drinkwater, and her husband, Phillip Drinkwater, who is also a farrier. They purchased the property in the fall of 2013.  One of the many benefits of riding/boarding at Drinkwater Equestrian is that it is a completely new and up to date facility from the barn to the fences and the ring etc. Drinkwater is members of the Virginia Horse Show Association (VHSA) and the Middle Peninsula Horse Show Association (MPHSA) and will be hosting several shows for MPHSA this year dates TBA.

         Although the farm is new, the owners have a significant amount of equestrian experience. Allison has ridden and shown since the age of seven and has been an instructor for the past seven years as well as running a separate boarding facility. Prior to being a barn manager, Allison obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Christopher Newport University and was also a supervisor for the Budwieser Clydesdales. Phillip has ridden and owned horses the majority of his life as well as being a full time farrier for five years. (Here is a link to his website www.drinkwaterhorseshoeing.com) We are excited to have our new facility up and running.  Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

Lessons

drinkwater equestrianGroup lessons are an hour long with no more than three riders in each group. We welcome all levels of riders. Beginners start out in private lessons one on one with the instructor where they will learn all the basics of horse care which will enable them to move into a group lesson as they progress. Lesson rates are as follows:

Group on Lesson Horse-$40

Group on own horse-$35

Private on Lesson  Horse-$45

Private on own horse-$40

Camps

At Drinkwater Equestrian we offer several opportunities for your children to take part in our day camps. Each camp is five days long and ranges in skill level from our entry level beginners camp to intermediate and advanced riders. 

Camp – $350

Shows

We are members of the Virginia Horse Show Association (VHSA) and the Middle Peninsula Horse Show Association (MPHSA) and we hosted several shows for MPHSA at our farm this year,  on July 9th and on September 6th. Dates for the 2015 season to be TBA.

If you are interested in Lessons or Camps feel free to call Allison Drinkwater at 757-784-3531or kfancyvalentine@aol.com

Boarding 

Drinkwater Equestrian offers full care board for $575 per month, this includes a 12 x 12 rubber matted stall with an automatic waterer, orchard grass hay, and bedding as needed. Also included in board is feeding twice daily as well as turnout in one of our four pastures, access to our 130 x 230 riding ring to which we recently added lights, covered outdoor wash stall, and open areas around the farm to ride. Private turnout as well as additional care is available upon request (ask for pricing). If you are interested in board please contact Allison Drinkwater at 757-784-3531 or kfancyvalentine@aol.com

Address

Drinkwater Equestrian

255 Peach Street

Williamsburg, VA 23188

Golden Horseshoe’s Gold Course Honored Among GOLFWEEK’S Best Resort Courses for 2015

. Golf

The historic Gold Course at Colonial Williamsburg’s Golden Horseshoe Golf Club remains one of the most respected golf courses in the country, being named again to Golfweek magazine’s list of Best Resort Courses for 2015.
The classic 1963 Robert Trent Jones Sr. design is No. 49 on the collection of top 100 resort courses in the country, moving up an impressive 13 spots from the 2014 rankings, and is one of only three Virginia destination golf courses to crack the top 50.
Withstanding the test of time, the Gold Course has earned a variety of honors for decades, and earlier this year was again named to Golfweek’s list of Best in State Courses You Can Play. Showing its versatility through the years, the par 71 has been listed among Golf Digest’s list of “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses,” as well as America’s 200 Toughest Courses” and among “America’s 50 Most Fun Public Courses.”

The historic Gold Course at Colonial Williamsburg’s Golden Horseshoe Golf Club remains one of the most respected golf courses in the country, being named again to Golfweek magazine’s list of Best Resort Courses for 2015.
Host of the 2007 NCAA Division I Men’s Championship, the Gold Course is one of the best examples of traditional golf course architecture in the world. It is the premier course at the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club, which offers 45 holes of championship golf. The Gold Course, the Green Course and the nine-hole Spotswood Course are designated as Audubon sanctuaries, situated just south of the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area.
Renovated in 1998 by Jones’ son, golf architect Rees Jones, the Gold Course remains faithful to the original design. The project expanded the appeal of the course for higher-handicap players while simultaneously lengthening the course from the back tees to a maximum of 6,817 yards (144 slope).
In addition to golf at Golden Horseshoe Golf Club, guests have a choice of more than 1,000 guest rooms among five distinctive hotel properties, from economy to luxury surrounding Colonial Williamsburg’s Revolutionary City. Purchase of Colonial Williamsburg resort services and products supports The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, the private, not-for-profit center for history and citizenship that preserves and operates the restored 18th-century Revolutionary capital of Virginia.
Williamsburg, Va., is located within an hour’s drive of Richmond or Norfolk, 150 miles south of Washington, D.C., just off Interstate 64.
More information about the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club and Colonial Williamsburg is available by accessing the website at www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/do/wellness-and-recreation/golf or by calling toll-free 855-296-6627.

Ice skating returns to Williamsburg at Mid County Park

. Uncategorized .

James City County Parks and Recreation welcomes winter with cool fun at Mid County Park! The County’s seasonal synthetic ice rink, previously located in New Town, has moved to Mid County Park to offer users more space and an improved skating surface.

Iceburg, the Skate Rink at Mid County Park, opens for the winter season Nov. 15-March 1. To accommodate more guests, the operating season was expanded. The relocation to Mid County Park also offers rink visitors access to more amenities including picnic tables and shelters, indoor restrooms and heated facilities, more ADA accessible parking and walking routes as well as full use of the popular and nearby Kidsburg playground as another fun recreational offering. All park facilities will remain open during skate rink operating hours.

There are weekday, weekend and winter break hours. The rink is open daily – weekdays 5-9 p.m. and weekends noon-9 p.m. The rink is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Operation hours may be adjusted based on weather conditions, participation numbers and special events. Also check out jamescitycountyva.gov/iceburg regularly for the complete list of themed skating nights and festivities.

image

Skating is $8/adult and $7/youth ages 6-17, and the fee includes the skate rental. James City County and Williamsburg residents can skate for $7/adult and $5/youth ages 6-17, including skate rental. Youth ages 5 and younger skate for free. Season passes are also available for families, adults, youth and seniors ranging from $30-65 per person depending on residency. The rink will maintain a supply of skates ranging from children’s 9 to women’s 10 to men’s 13.

There is no age requirement, but everyone entering the rink must wear skates. Children under 12 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.

The surface of the open-air skate rink is made of an EZ Glide 350 synthetic ice surface, offering a smooth surface suitable for all skating activities. Synthetic ice has a similar surface to ice, and almost anything that can be done on refrigerated ice can be performed and perfected on this synthetic ice. While synthetic ice is about 65 percent of the speed of real ice, there is risk of injury from falls and collisions. Skaters of all ages and abilities will find the surface as a safe and enjoyable alternative to refrigerated ice.

During the seasonal operation of the Skate Rink, the park’s basketball courts will be closed through March 7. Please visit the County parks offering basketball court options: Ironbound Park, 150 Magazine Rd., Chickahominy Riverfront Park, 1350 John Tyler Memorial Hwy. and the Warhill Sports Complex, 5700 Warhill Trail which features four courts with lights. Two indoor courts are also available at the James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Rd. For a one-time fee of $10, County residents can purchase a Daily Card, good for two years. The Card provides free access to the Center fitness equipment and courts on three days – Thursdays, 1-3 p .m.; Fridays, 6-8  p.m.; and Saturdays, 2-5 p.m.

For more information on skating, group rates or to schedule private functions, please call 757-259-5360.

Winter Teen Camp at Jamestown 4-H Center

. Camps .

Jamestown 4-H Center is offering an overnight camp for teens (ages 14-19) December 29–31, 2014. This is a great opportunity for Junior 4-H Camp Counselors to participate in their own camp, or for teens that never had the opportunity to participate in Junior 4-H Camp to experience camp!  This camp will include classes, campfires, a talent show, and a dance – just like summer camp. For more information and registration forms visit: http://jamestown4hcenter.org/specialty-camps/. Registration is due December 17th, 2014. Parents, this could be a great Christmas gift for some well-deserving teens!

James City County 4-H Camp info 2015

. Summer Camps

James City County’s Junior 4-H Camp at the Jamestown 4-H Center will be held on June 29-July 3, 2015. Junior 4-H Camp is a residential, week-long summer camp program available to youth ages 9-14. Campers participate in instructional-based camp classes (such as archery, kayaking, robotics, challenge course, arts and crafts, and much more), unstructured recreation and swim time, evening programs, and campfire programs. Teens ages 15-19 can apply to serve as volunteer Camp Counselors and teens ages 13-14 can apply to serve as Counselors-in-Training during camp. Information about camp registration and Counselor and Counselor-In-Training  applications will be announced in December. Please watch the website (http://offices.ext.vt.edu/james-city/programs/4h) for more information.

Mountain Biking trail options in Williamsburg VA

. Mountain Biking

imageExperiencing the great outdoors is one of the best things to do in Virginia. How about experiencing the great outdoors on a mountain bike? We’re not talking about a leisurely stroll through the woods. We’re talking about rampin’ tree stumps, mud in your face, rocky terrain mountain biking. There’s epic mountain biking trails all over, so if you’re a mountain biker looking for some new tracks, check out some of these!

Freedom Park – Williamsburg
Choose “Trail C” of the six mountain biking trails at Freedom Park and experience the premiere Freeride Trail, boasting dozens of TTFs (Technical Trail Features), including dirt rollers, berms, log skinnies, teeter totters, A-frames, table-tops, gap jumps, gravity pits and more. “Trail D” is the park’s most difficult trail at five miles long and is the most overall technical cross-country terrain. Be prepared for sudden changes through hardwood and pine forests, several sets of switchbacks, and many short but twisty (and rooty) uphill sections with sharp turns.

York River State Park – Williamsburg
York River State Park 16 miles of designated single-track trails, as well as 15+ miles of double-track, multi-use trails. The Marl Ravine Trail is the original 6.5 mile, single-track loop at the park. This trail runs counter-clockwise and it is the most challenging trail at the park. The trail offers challenging roots, switch backs, short, steep ascents, flowing descents, and four wooden bridge crossings. The John Blair Trail is the newest trail in the YRSP trail system. This bi-directional trail traverses eastward crossing the park’s existing fire roads, allowing single-track access to some of the most beautiful areas of the park.

Upper County Park (James City Co.) – Toano
The 3.7-mile loop trail at Upper County Park is a technical one, with tight turns and off camber sections. Aerobically, this trail is one of the most challenging around, where many climbs come one after the other with few flat areas to recover. You will find it hard to take you hands off the bar to grab a water bottle or even your hydration pack hose. The trail sees little use, so expect a few sticks and branches and a narrow tread through low bush, which covers much of the forest floor along the trail.

–New Quarter Park – Williamsburg

This trail was designed and built by the Eastern Virginia Mountain bike Association (www.evma.org).  This is another great trail built and maintained by the Eastern Virginia Mountain bike Association (www.evma.org). Part of the Confederate Defensive Line was on this property and there are three Civil War dugouts clearly visible in the first mile of the trail. Please respect the area’s history by not disturbing them. The trail is a 5.8 mile single-track loop designed to be ridden counter-clockwise and is suitable for intermediate riders. Beginners will have trouble negotiating some of the tight turns and climbs, but there’s nothing dangerous to contend with. All the obstacles are either reasonable or have a ride-around. The first 3 miles follow the contours of a ravine which runs from the parking lot to the park entrance and there is barely a flat section in it – you’re going up or you’re going down! Most of the trail has good flow and sweeping turns, but there are some tight turns on downhill sections to watch out for. Once you know the trail you can carry your speed. Most of the climbing in this section of the trail is between milepost 2 and milepost 3. The second half of the trail returns to the parking lot closer to the tree line. There is less climbing and fewer sharp turns, but still enough challenge to hold your interest. The trail has an offshoot a little way past the 3 mile post. Go straight for a shortcut or turn right for more of a challenge. At the next split in the trail, go left for a large log pile, or right to detour around it. After a double switchback climb and an uprooted tree made into a smooth ride-over is about the only flat area of the trail. It’s fast and fun so make the most of it because there’s more climbing ahead. When you get to bumps like plow furrows you’re almost done.

Trail Map: Click Here To View

Explore more trails around Virginia here

Urbanna Oyster Fest Nov 7-8 2014

. Festivals .

Each November, the lovely town of Urbanna, found on the Rappahannock River, throws the country’s largest and longest-running oyster festival called the Urbanna Oyster Festival. The town’s streets are closed to vehicle traffic and become filled with oyster booths, seafood dishes, music and crafts. The festival highlight is the oyster shucking contest which draws spectators from around the world.

image

We’ve got Oyster, Oyster, Oysters and whole lot more! One of a kind artisan craft vendors, renowned artists, fantastic oyster exhibits illustrating our colorful waterfront history, fireman’s parade, oyster festival parade, waterfront activities, live music and other performances over the full two days of the event, Oyster Festival Queen & Little Miss Spat crowing, Oyster Shucking Contest featuring CHAMPION Shucker DEBORAH PRATT!  The Town of Urbanna Welcomes you and your family to come join in the fun!  Come by boat and anchor at the marina or in the harbor, park you cars just across the bridge from the town and catch a hay ride in! 

The Saturday parade of the Urbanna Oyster Festival has become the focal point of the weekend. It has grown from an event featuring antique cars and floats to a parade encompassing a large Shriners contingency, numerous marching bands, and beauty queens and their courts from across the state. This is an annual tradition that cannot be missed.

November 7/8, 2014

Find out more here

Second Sundays Festival Brings Artisanal And Musical Fun To Prince George Street in Williamsburg VA

. Concerts

Every second Sunday in Colonial Williamsburg, Prince George Street is filled with artists showcasing their crafts and musicians performing up and down the street.

The 2nd Sundays Festival takes place every month, except for January and February, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It goes along the upper block of Prince George Street and extends down North Boundary Street. Local artists pay in order to showcase their work while multiple musicians preform live at different stages throughout the festival. The director of 2nd Sundays, Shirley Vermilion, created the event in 2010. Vermilion grew up in the Northern Neck of Virginia and lived in both Seattle and Richmond before she moved to Williamsburg in 2001.

“Williamsburg for a long time felt like it was all about history,” Vermilion said. “It was all it really did and Colonial Williamsburg kind of did everything, and that was what drove it.”

Vermilion was surprised when she found out that some of her neighbors in Williamsburg ranged from mystery novelists and children’s book authors to potters. However, Vermilion found out that it was difficult for them to display their work unless they left Williamsburg, as local opportunities were limited.

Vermilion originally decided to reserve her local clubhouse and feature around 15 local artists in a show she called First Colony Arts Bazaar. According to Vermilion, the show was well-attended and well-loved.

Some of the artisan-friendly booths at the festival. COURTESY PHOTO / SHIRLEY VERMILION

Some of the artisan-friendly booths at the festival. COURTESY PHOTO / SHIRLEY VERMILION

“I always thought, ‘here we are a tourist town; we need something like this downtown,’” Vermilion said.

In 2010 Vermilion contacted the Blue Talon Bistro executive chef and owner David Everett and general manager and owner Adam Steely to ask if they would help her facilitate an art festival on Prince George Street.

More of the story here

Virginia Capital Trail ribbon cutting in Charles City Oct 15th

. Cycling

On Oct. 15, 2014 cyclists will gather at the Charles City Courthouse complex to officially cut the ribbon on the 13-mile Sherwood Forest section of the Virginia Capital Trail. Charles City County officials are planning to help celebrate the addition of 13 more miles (and 29 contiguous miles) of the trail. That would leave work still to completed in Richmond, Varina and New Market Heights in eastern Henrico County, all scheduled to be completed by summer 2015.

This is another opportunity to gather in huge numbers, sending a message to First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe, our keynote speaker, and officials from Richmond to Williamsburg that this trail is important to a lot of people throughout the whole region. 

Hope to see you there!

Sherwood Forest Ribbon Cutting

Please join us to celebrate the opening of the 13-mile Sherwood Forest phase of the Virginia Capital Trail!

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

11:00 am

Location: Charles City County Courthouse Complex, 10900 Courthouse Road, Charles City, VA 23030

Keynote Speaker: Virginia First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe

image

The Virginia Capital Trail is a dedicated, paved pedestrian and bicycle trail that will connect the Commonwealth’s past and present capitals of Jamestown and Richmond along the Scenic Route 5 corridor.

Once complete, the Trail will traverse 50+ miles, four jurisdictions, and more than 400 years of history along one of the first inland routes in North America.

View the trail route and plan your visit.

Construction Progress for the VA Capital Trail

City of Richmond:

Rails have been pulled up just east of Lehigh Cement. City officials assure us they’re still on target for completion of this section by the spring of 2015.

Bridge over Gillies Creek

Varina:
V-DOT confirms that the Varina phase will be complete by summer 2015.

New Market Heights:

Scheduled to be complete by summer 2015

A can’t-miss party to benefit the Williamsburg Land Conservancy

. Concerts

The Williamsburg Land Conservancy is proud to announce their new fundraiser, Creekside Conservancy Celebration. The event will be held on Saturday, October 4th from 5:00-10:00 p.m. at Nettles Creek Farm on Bush Neck Road. Thanks to the generosity of David and Stephanie Allen, landowners who placed a conservation easement on their 158-acre farm, attendees will enjoy a fun-packed evening along the shores of Nettles Creek. Presented by Eastern Virginia Bank (EVB) and Middle Peninsula Insurance and Financial Services, the Celebration promises to be one of the fall season’s best events!

image
The evening includes music by the famous Midnight Movers. The Midnight Movers are a powerhouse of authentic soul and Motown sounds, led by the dynamic trumpeter and vocalist Curtis Pope. There are no continuously working groups more intertwined with American soul music. The Midnight Movers made their mark behind the scenes, backing up, touring with, producing, and arranging many of the genre’s most famous artists, including, Isaac Hayes and the Isley Brothers. The band is perhaps most famous, however, for its decades-long collaboration with “Wicked” Wilson Pickett.
Fresh oysters, food catered by the Two Drummers Smokehouse, beer, wine and a music powerhouse will make this a can’t-miss event! Gather your friends and purchase a table for 10; cost is $1,200. You’ll have a place to rest after you’ve danced to the great sounds of the Midnight Movers! Individual tickets are $100.

It’s a rain or shine event! In the case of inclement weather, we’ll move the party into the barn and under a big tent. It just doesn’t get any better than this!
Purchase your table or tickets today; we are limited to the amount of tickets we can sell, so don’t wait! Remember, it’s all for a great cause, the Williamsburg Land Conservancy. We’re the ones making sure our community stays greener and doesn’t become just another stop along Interstate 64. Support our efforts and have a great and memorable evening. Now that’s a winning combination!

When :Saturday, October 4, 2014, 5-10 p.m.

Where :Nettles Creek Farm, Bush Neck Road, Williamsburg, VA

Visit www.williamsburglandconservancy.org or call 757-565-0343
for more information or to purchase your tickets.
Proceeds to benefit the Williamsburg Land Conservancy

Attire is resort casual – No jacket required and boots welcome.

Directions to Nettles Creek Farm, 2001 Bush Neck Road
Travel on Centerville Road to Jolly Pond Road and turn. Stay on Jolly Pond to Bush Neck Road and turn. There will be signs to direct you to Nettles Creek Farm.

Purchase tickets here

ShinDIG at Jamestown: An Evening of Barbeque & Bluegrass to Benefit the Jamestown Rediscovery Project

. Concerts

imageCome and join in the fun at  the third annual ShinDIG at Jamestown to benefit the Jamestown Rediscovery Project. Enjoy bluegrass music with our very own Archaeology Director Bill Kelso and the Who Ever Shows Up Band from 6:30 – 8:00 pm at the Dale House Café on Jamestown Island.

The Williamsburg-based band features eight musicians including Bill Kelso, banjo; Doug Burgoyne, guitar; Jack Cowardin, fiddle; Rob Foos, dobro; Bobby Hornsby, bass; Rennie Howard, banjo; Ellen Kelso, bass; and Steve Robertson, guitar.

Soak in the views of the James River while you enjoy music and a BBQ dinner provided by Carrot Tree Kitchens. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. All proceeds benefit the archaeological research, educational programs and operations of the Jamestown Rediscovery Project at Historic Jamestowne

Tickets are $30 per person and include the BBQ dinner.Tickets must be purchased online in advance. An email confirmation will be sent after the ticket purchase is made. Tickets will NOT be mailed to participants.

Thursday, September 25, 2014  6:30 – 8:30 pm

Gates open at 5:45 pm

Buy tickets here

Fall 2014/Winter 2015 edition of James City County Destination Recreation available now

. Uncategorized

imageJames City County Parks and Recreation has your fall and winter covered with a great variety of classes, events and activities for everyone in your family! The Fall 2014/Winter 2015 edition of Destination Recreation features Freedom Park, our many park partners and the wealth of opportunities and programming they bring to our community. Come rediscover Freedom Park – for hiking and biking, history and learning or for fun and adventure! New opportunities this fall include “The Lounge” and Club 55+ programming and the Skate Rink moves to Mid County Park, plus your favorite fall programs and special events return! Please check out this Fall/Winter edition for details on all the offerings and then sign up for the programs most beneficial to you and your family! To download a copy of the brochure click below or pick up copies at the Recreation Centers, all public parks and recreation facilities, County government offices and at the County and City libraries! Enjoy the cooler months ahead with James City County Parks and Recreation!

View it here

Fall discounts at Busch Gardens Williamsburg VA

. Busch Gardens

The sun has set on summer and a curse has descended on Busch Gardens® in the form of a song. The park has been transformed into Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream®.  Guests brave enough to venture into this cursed park will navigate through Wendigo Woods™, one of five Terror-tories™ or experience  a darkly entertaining show like Monster Stomp™ on Ripper Row®. The curse spreads Sept. 12 and continues weekends through Oct. 26.
During the day families can enjoy the same natural fun offered year-round but with a fall harvest twist.  However, when the clock strikes 6 p.m., park guests must get ready for the serious scares as they become the main attraction.  Fall into fun at Busch Gardens and plan your next daycation or weekend getaway with our frightfully fantastic deals to help save a few dollars on park tickets, meals and extended vacations. Check out this month’s deals below.
September Deals

  • Wendy’s  Single-Day Ticket Deal – Visit participating Wendy’s locations in Hampton Roads, Richmond, Charlottesville, Roanoke, Harrisonburg, Northern Virginia and Raleigh for $5 off a single-day ticket to Busch Gardens®.  Double the discount to $10 by entering the promo code found on the Wendy’s  in-store coupon online at www.buschgardens.com/va.  Offer expires Oct. 26, 2014.
  • Papa John’s Single-Day Ticket Deal – Visit participating Papa John’s locations in Hampton Roads and Richmond for $5 off a single-day ticket to Busch Gardens®.  Double the discount to $10 by entering the promo code found on the Papa John’s in-store coupon online at www.buschgardens.com/va.  Offer expires Oct. 26, 2014.
  • Groupon Single-Day Ticket Deal – Save 40 percent off a single-day ticket for select dates Sept. 12-Oct. 24, 2014. Limited time offer, while supplies last. Visit www.Groupon.com for more information.
  • Meal Deal – Make mealtime a breeze and get your lunch and dinner all in one delicious package for only $24.  Upgrade to the Meal Deal Combo for only $5 more and get a souvenir cup, then pay only $.99 for refills for the remainder of the year.

On-going Deals

  • Busch Gardens® Fall Fun Card – Pay for a day and get unlimited admission to the park for the price of a single day admission, Sept. 6 through Oct. 26, 2014.  Enjoy the frights by night at Howl-O-Scream® or come during the day for a fun fall day of play. The Fall Fun Card does not include parking and is not valid for Christmas Town™.
  • Busch Gardens® + Colonial Williamsburg Bounce Ticket –  Enjoy unlimited visits to Busch Gardens and Colonial Williamsburg for up to seven consecutive days from date of first use with the Busch Gardens  + Colonial Williamsburg Bounce Ticket. Online only.  Price: $97 (ages 13+), $77 (ages 6-12) & FREE (ages 0-5). Valid through Oct. 26, 2014.
  • Christmas Town™ Fun Card – Enjoy unlimited visits to Busch Gardens’ Christmas Town on regular operating days Nov. 21 – Dec. 31, 2014. The Christmas Town Fun Card does not include parking. To purchase, visit www.ChristmasTown.com/va.

Fall Vacation Packages

  • Play by Day, Fright by Night – Click here to save on a Busch Gardens® getaway.  Fall into fun with a family getaway package starting at $45 per person per night for a family of 4*
    • Offer valid for visits to Busch Gardens weekends  September 12 through Oct 26 and includes:
      • A Busch Gardens Fall Fun Card valid for unlimited admission to Busch Gardens until Oct 26
      • Your Choice of hotel  accommodations
      • Free dinner certificate with each park ticket purchased
      • A 6-inch-8-inch family photo for only $10

*Based on a standard room for a 3 night stay for a family of 4 for the Play By Day, Fright By Night package.Price is subject to availability and change without notice.
Pass offers and benefits

  • Pass Members Bring A Friend Free to Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream® – Active Busch Gardens Williamsburg 1-Park, 2-Park & Platinum Pass Members can Bring a Friend FREE to Busch Gardens® Williamsburg for one single-day visit to Howl-O-Scream on Sept 12, 19 or 26. To redeem the offer, visit www.bgwpass.com. 
  • Purchase a 1-Park Annual Pass for just $10 per month on EZpay (or a one-time $120 payment) and watch the savings add up. Annual Pass members receive free parking, in-park discounts on food and merchandise and reduced pricing on single-day tickets for friends and family. In-park discounts and other perks of being a member, including invitations to exclusive events like ride nights and appreciation weekends, discounts on single-day Christmas Town™ tickets and unlimited admission to Howl-O-Scream®, makes owning an Annual Pass a no brainer for people who enjoy the park.
  • Pass members who sign up for email through buschgardens.com/emailva will receive updates on the latest park news, exclusive email-only offers, invitations to exclusive events and other information that will help you make the most of your membership.

Enter to win

  • Howl-O-Scream® Scare, Share & Win Contest – A curse has descended on Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream and we want to see your cursed #HowlOSelfie.  Enter Sept. 12 through Oct. 5 on Instagram and Twitter for the chance to win one of four Howl-O-Scream prize packages:
    • Two single-day general admission tickets to Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream and dining for two at Igor’s Fright Feast 
    • Two single-day general admission tickets to Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream and two pass for Monster Stomp Ripper Row: A Backstage Experience
    • Two single-day general admission tickets to Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream and $50 Busch Bucks
    • Two single-day general admission tickets to Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream and two Eerie Insider tours

The entry process, official rules and submission criteria are available on howloscream.com/scaresharewin. The giveaway is open to legal residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia.

Calling All Parrot Heads in Williamsburg VA

. Concerts

imageTHE PARROTS OF THE CARIBBEAN-A SALUTE TO JIMMY BUFFETT.
September 27, 2014
Lake Matoaka Amphitheater (College of W&M Campus). Gates will open at 5 pm show starts at 7 pm and will conclude at 11 pm. “Parrots of the Caribbean is the #1 Jimmy Buffett Tribute Act in the Country…Bar None.” Parrots of the Caribbean will bring excitement, energy, and first class musicianship. It’s a show you will not forget. With their island costume changes it’s sure to spread that island feeling. This concert is a fundraiser for PIPE, Providing Indoor Plumbing to Everyone. In 2007 there were several homes still lacking indoor plumbing in the Historic Triangle. Thanks to the efforts of the members of the Leadership Historic Triangle (LHT, now LEAD) Class of 2007 and Housing Partnerships, there are now only a few homes in our community lacking this basic necessity. This project aims to keep continue raising money to help provide gap funding for these remaining projects, which are not fully covered by available state funds.

Be sure to wear your favorite Hawaiian shirt, and break out those flip flops as we dance and move to the sounds of Parrots of the Caribbean! Ticket and concert information www.PIPEConcert.com

Parrots of the Caribbean – “#1 Jimmy Buffett Tribute Act in the Country…Bar None”

7pm, Saturday, September 27, 2014 – Doors open at 5pm.

Lake Matoaka Amphitheater – Map

College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia

Tickets on sale at the gate at 5pm.

$12 Pre Sale General Admission

$15 Day of Event – $10 for students and children (under 12)

Parrot head attire encouraged.

Doors open at 5pm.

Drinks and food will be sold (no outside drinks or food allowed)

All proceeds benefit PIPE (Providing Indoor Plumbing to Everyone) to install plumbing in homes that still lack it.

Purchase Tickets here.

Purchase Student or Child Ticket here.

Buy your tickets online and save! No paypal account is needed: just click “Pay with a debit or credit card” on the paypal page and pay as a guest.

$12 online; $15 at the door; $10 for students and children (12 & under) at the door

Patriot Half Triathlon this Saturday in Williamsburg

. Triathlon

The last of the summer’s three triathlons visits greater Williamsburg this weekend. If it finishes on time, it will avoid a potential conflict with one of the area’s most popular events – the annual Kiwanis Shrimp Feast.

Saturday’s Patriot Half Triathlon includes a 1.2-mile swim, a 13.1-mile run and, most important to locals, a 58-mile bike ride. A smaller event on Sunday features a 750-meter swim, 20K bike ride and a 3.1-mile run.

Like earlier races this year, the bike course will impact a few roads in James City County, with most of the biking portion held in Charles City County. Specifically, Greensprings Road and Route 5 between Centerville Road and the Judith Dresser Bridge will experience congestion as cyclists head out and return. Likely times for congestion are between 7 a.m. and noon.

More of the story here