Williamsburg, Jamestown and the Elderly

[jgirvine]

Ok, need some advice. I am taking my parents ages 81 and 83 to Virginia in May. I got a "I want to see the Marine Corps museum before I die" from my Dad. I was tempted to ask him if I refused to take him if he would stay around longer, but I am a good southern daughter and let the guilt get too me so here we go. We are staying for 4 nights in a Williamsburg Timeshare. One day we will drive up towards Washington to see the Marine Museum. The question is what do we do the other 2 days. My Mom is very mobile, but my Dad is not. He walks, very slowly with a cane and can not go great distances. What would be everyone suggestions as to what to take them to and show them without wearing them out? Oh, my Mom's request is to see Jamestown. There seems to be 2 Jamestown attrations, Historic Jamestown and Jamestown Settlement...which should we go to? Does anyting have bus tours, or golf carts or anything. I welcome all help and assistance.
Thanks

[laxmom]

The Historic Jamestown is the actual location and archaeological dig site. There is a lot of walking on uneven ground. The other, The Settlement, is the new museum that just opened. It looked wonderful when we were there but not open yet. The living history part of this is at the back of the property and does require a lot of walking but you may be able to get thru the museum with a scooter or wheelchair. This is the 400th anniversary so there will be a lot happening there. (Someone correct me if I have these 2 sites backwards.)

There is so much to do in Williamsburg but so much of it involves a lot of walking. Check to see if any of the places you want to visit have chairs for you to use. If not, you might want to look into renting one. My Dad was not thrilled with the idea, but understood that it meant he got to see more and enjoy the trip more. Good Luck.

[KenK]

HAve you checked the timeshare to see if they have elevators or not? Maybe its not important......when I help vets get a T/S unit, it something we always need to check

[jgirvine]

Yes, I was able to get a timeshare on a first floor unit.

Anyone know if you can RENT an electric scooter?

[KenK]

Is Dad interested in the service areas? Might he have been a service member?

If you have time, I think he (and everyone else) might like the www.carriebcruises.com out of Norfolk. If you look hard, you will see one free with one coupons. It is a tour of the harbor, and of parts of the Naval Base. Very interesting, easy access, with no stairs seating (but he needs to use stairs to go to the top, if he wants. Rest rooms are on the no stairs areas.

I thought watching the loading of the coal ships from the rail cars was very interesting (I'm easily pleased). The Carrier Ronald Regan was in the port (plus others) at the time. There is a too many stairs museum (in a ship) next to where the CarrieB leaves from, and close to it is the Gen Douglas McArthur Memorial (no stairs, might be one to access the info building)

If you have time, you can get onto Fort Story.....at the tip of the N VB beach front. Twin light houses....(forget it...he might want to see the view from the top. The Bridge Tunnel complex is a wonder of the world, and you can drive past it..where he can see the structure....you can also drive across...discount if you return the same day....and a life saving museum (US Coast Guard) on the main area of the VB Boardwark.)


About Jamestown.....IMO, the federal section seems to be more interesting. (I can't remember many steps, and did see wheelchairs). The ranger does a great tour, and most in on the grass surface....a dig, the church, the narration is very interesting.

If military, Yorktown might be important to him, too. But your going to find not enought time. The drive between Jamestown to Yorktown is beautiful (goes right under Williamsburg)...and many want two weeks to explore as much of Williamsburg alone. (Not everyone, but some)

A ride on the free Surry ferry to Scotland (Va) is right at the foot of the Jamestown Settelment, and it travels across the James River to the other side of VA. (Small town is called Scotland....maybe those oldtimers were homesick)

Check here and scan to Tidewater:

http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10527

I don't know where you can get a electric cart.

What T/S are you staying? Some have stairs to access the first level.

[KenK]

MAybe Joe or some of the other locals will see this and give ideas.

[MusicMan (Formerly JP)]

"Anyone know if you can RENT an electric scooter?"

I made a quick phone call to the county "senior services line" and they checked with the Williamsburg Visitor Center. The gave me a number (757) 220-2117 to contact for mobility scooter rental, but so far no one answers. The number of the Visitor Center is (757)229-1000 if you'd like to contact them. If I have time and can remember I'll try back later on the first number and let you know what they say.

[jgirvine]

I found a scooter rental in Richmond. $100 for the week. I thought that was a GREAT price. I will have to rent a full size car, but that is ok.

KenK mentioned he liked the "Federal" section of Jamestown best....not sure I understand which he is referring to. The "Historic Jamestown" of the "Jamestown Settlement". Can you please clarify.

My dad was a Marine in WWII. Served in the south Pacific. That is reason for the trip. The new Marine Museum and his desire to go and see it.

Going to fly into Richmond on Monday, staying at the Fairfield Kingsgate. Supposed to have a first floor unit. Go to the Marine Museum on Tuesday. Williamsburg on Wednesday, one of the 2 Jamestown on Thursday, and home on Friday.

Still would like any and all advice. I really really appreciate it.

Thanks