Busch Gardens, Colonial Williamsburg and Water Country USA, Virginia

Kathy Horowitz facilitates a monthly women’s writer’s group at the Life 
Center in Huntington.  Her work 
has appeared in The Long Islander, 
Long Island Woman, Calyx, Blue 
Unicorn, and Seventh Quarry. Kathy 
offers freelance writing, editing, 
and proofreading services
 (kahorowitz@gmail.com)
www.kathyhorowitz.com.  

Years ago when I was a teen, my sister and I camped out in the backseat of our parents’ Chevy Impala with Barbie dolls for her and a journal for me as we made a road trip to Williamsburg, Virginia. Mind you there was no Busch Gardens or Water Country USA back then.  And there was a lot less traffic too. Here are some key attractions you and your family won’t want to miss.  Buy tickets for all 3 and save.

• Busch Gardens 
(www.seaworldparks.com/BuschGardens/Williamsburg). This 383-acre kid-friendly park is surrounded by Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown.  New this year is the wooden coaster, InvadR, or drop 90 degrees from 205 feet on Griffon or launch 63 mph on Tempesto. The little ones will love to explore the Sesame Street Forest of Fun and Land of the Dragons.  In the fall the park turns into a scary place for spine-chilling fun at Howl-O-Scream and during the holidays view the 8 million lights at Christmas Town, one of the largest Christmas light displays in North America.  Since 1990 Busch Gardens has been voted the world’s most beautiful theme park as you can stroll down Parisian streets, through the hamlet of Scotland, and celebrate Germany’s Oktober Bier Fest.  But don’t forget that it is also a place for learning about wildlife.  Visit and learn about the bald eagles, Clydesdale horses, and gray wolves.  See website for a list of special events.

• Colonial Williamsburg
(www.colonialwilliamsburg.com). Families will enjoy exploring the 18th century by engaging with the community firsthand.  Take a tour of original 18th-centruy buildings, beautiful gardens, two museums, and more. Kids can be Patriots at Play for hands-on activities or be an archaeologist alongside some of Colonial Williamsburg’s experts as they excavate the cellar of Archibald Blair’s 18th century store.  Children can bring their favorite dolls to Mrs. Campbell’s Tavern for an all-American Tea Party and dine on delicious treats and teas.  Or go on a behind-the-scenes stable tour to learn about 18th century carriages and animals.  Kids will love “The Toy Workshop of the World,” German wooden toys from dolls to soldiers to arks and animals.

• Water World USA
(www.watercountryusa.com). Just three miles from Busch Gardens, this water park is Virginia’s largest offering water slides (Meltdown, Nitro Racer, Jet Scream), rides (Cow-A-Bunga, Aquazoid), lazy river (Hubba Hubba Highway), and a wave pool (Surfer’s Bay), and more! Be sure to check out the park’s newest thrill ride, Colossal Curl.  

        Happy riding and exploring!