Williamsburg in February?

[wackymother]

I'm thinking about going to Williamsburg next February, for Presidents' Week. I know the weather isn't that great, but it's better than February in New Jersey!

What I'm wondering is--is this so off-season that there's nothing to do? I'm assuming all the shopping is open, and of course Busch Gardens and Water Country will be closed. How about Colonial Williamsburg? Do they have their evening shows and a reasonable number of open buildings during Presidents' Week? Are there any special activities for the week? Thanks for any info!

[hvacrsteve]

Christmas time is nice, I myself would not go in February!
Too cold, BURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

[wackymother]

It's mighty brrrrrrrrr here in NJ, too. It's actually a few degrees warmer in Virginia.

[tonyg]

The outlets will certainly be open, but I still wouldn't go in February.

[gmarine]

I would think most everything is closed in Colonial Williamsburg in Feb. I doubt the weather is much different than NJ. IMO, it isnt worth the trip.

[tschwa2]

Hopefully a February owner can chime in with all the inside scoop with the "scene in Williamsburg" at that time of year. If you want a low key relaxing vacation with reasonable expectaions for weather I think you can have a great time. I own a February OC MD week and although it's dead (pop 6500 locals plus less than 1000 visitors compared to the estimated 350,000 estimated summer weekend population) if you go the same time of year for 10+ years in a row, you get to know what is open and what places have off season specials on what days, and what places to avoid regardless of the specials. More things will be going on during the weekend, so if you have a Friday or Saturday arrival take advantage of what's going on because it may not be open on Tuesday or Wednesday. I think you will have at least 2-3 days that make it into the 60's but you will have a few bitter cold days too especially after the sun goes down. Colonial Williamsburg is open 365 days a year but I don't think the visiting hours will be very long and most places won't have the reenactors and demonstrators. It's mostly walking through the buildings and reading the posted information.

I've taken the Chesapeake Bridge Tunnel to Williamsburg and it made an interesting 20 minute stop on the way down or way up; although one time was off season on a very windy cold day and we spent less than a minute in the outside observation area before retreating in the tunnel rest stop and grabbing a hot chocolate.

All that being said April/May and September/October would be more likely to have good weather, more attractions open and still avoid the crowds and as someone else said December has Christmas lights and holly and garlands and more attractions open. But if you have the time off available I think you can have a great time. Before we had children we loved to get away in February. My children always had a good time too. We had lots of family time and swam in the pool and played games and watched movies. Now that my oldest will be entering 3rd grade we have had to cut it down to a long weekend, leaving school an hour early on Friday and missing one day the next week and my husband and I alternate with who gets to stay the rest of the week with our 3 year old and sleep in and relax.

-Tracey

[Timeshare Von]

Isn't there a web site for Colonial Williamsburg? That is probably your best source for reliable info on what's open and what's going on . . . even in February!

http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/visit/

[SBK]

If you go during President's week, Williamsburg will have a very full schedule. Any other time, there will be fewer evening programs than usual and not as many buildings open during the day. But don't forget that you also have Jamestown and Yorktown to explore.

We have been several times in February and really enjoyed it. The lighter crowds mean that the docents and re-enactors have more time to talk to you, the winter landscape is beautiful in its own way and -- if you get lucky -- Williamsburg just glistens with a dusting of snow.

[Big Matt]

Last year CW closed all Taverns (restaurants) from January through March to save money.

Most of the daytime exhibits will be open. There are also a lot of things to do in Williamsburg besides CW. Jamestown, Yorktown, Plantations, etc. will all be open.

[wackymother]

Originally Posted by Timeshare Von

Isn't there a web site for Colonial Williamsburg? That is probably your best source for reliable info on what's open and what's going on . . . even in February!

http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/visit/

Yes, I checked it, but the calendar of events doesn't go nearly as far as February.

[wackymother]

Thanks for the info, everyone! It actually sounds promising. Now if the weather will just cooperate a bit....

[optimist]

We were there last President's week and loved it! Yes, it was cold but warmer than in NJ. Yes, there were restaurants that were closed in Colonial Williamsburg but there was plenty that was open and NO CROWDS! it was a pleasure to go through. As someone mentioned the tradesmen were friendly and happy to talk to us. It was so inviting to go in and spend some time by their roaring fire.

I would definitely recommend it!

[wackymother]

Originally Posted by optimist

We were there last President's week and loved it! Yes, it was cold but warmer than in NJ. Yes, there were restaurants that were closed in Colonial Williamsburg but there was plenty that was open and NO CROWDS! it was a pleasure to go through. As someone mentioned the tradesmen were friendly and happy to talk to us. It was so inviting to go in and spend some time by their roaring fire.

I would definitely recommend it!

Oh, good! Thanks, I'm going to try to use this to persuade DH. How was the drive down? Snowy messy?

[HuskyJim]

I live in Williamsburg, and I would suggest that you do not have to worry about snow being on the ground in February (sorry if you’re looking forward to it ). We have not had any appreciable snow for the past two winter seasons. Whatever an occasional storm might bring is usually not enough to cause a problem with the roads, and is usually gone within a few days. Not to say it can’t happen, but with global warming …..

But driving here may be an issue, so you'd have to just see what the forecast is closer to your travel dates.

Temperatures then should begin to warm up, with highs in the upper 40’s to 50’s. We usually get a warm spell in January and February that will even see a 60 or 70 degree day or two.

And I agree with the other posts that there is still plenty to do here, and less crowds.

CW did close most of the taverns last year, in January through March, due to the economy. That is the first time that they have gone to that extent, so I would suggest check again later in the year to see if they plan on doing that for next year.