Va

Instagram Travel:The Thrill of Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Va

When I was in Colonial Williamsburg this summer, I posted a few Instagram photos of Busch Gardens while visiting the theme park. The photo below appeared in my Instagram feed.  I asked my community if they would watch, like me, or if they would take the 240 feet DROP on the Mach Tower.  It is the highest ride in the park. 



The majority said, "Watch!" What would you do?

Honestly, I did a lot of watching at Busch Gardens. I'm a bore. I loaded my body with Dramamine because I'm prone to motion sickness.  And despite drugging myself so I won't be dizzy, I just cannot get on rides like the Griffon with a 90-degree, 75 mph freefall from 205 feet. 



I got the heebie jeebies every time this roller coaster dangled people over this ledge. Look at that drop! Busch Gardens is filled with thrill rides like this. My children are either too young or either my oldest child is still too short to ride these types of rides. Those factors caused us to debate on whether or not to go to the theme park at all during our vacation. 

It was a big debate because one day at the park for a family of four without any discounts was $268. Knowing that we did not have teenagers who love these thrills, we wondered if we should wait to spend that type of money when our kids were older, and could ride more. 

However, I talked to several friends who had visited the park with young children, and they all agreed that it was worth the expense. They encouraged us to visit.

Why?

Here's a clue.




And let's not forget this superstar.




I need to go ahead, and let you know now that our visit to the park turned out to be complimentary at the very last minute as a surprise for my family due to my working with Colonial Williamsburg on several feature stories. Even though, we had only food costs associated with this park visit, I believe Busch Gardens is certainly a thrill for all ages. It is worth the expense, in my opinion. 



I was impressed with this park a lot. Busch Gardens is extremely clean and attractive. There are rides for the younger kids in each section of the park, the entertainment is good, and the food is reasonably-priced, especially for a place that has captive guests. If you are there, you are not going off property to eat. You will eat at the park. I really enjoyed the pretzels in Germany. 


The Sesame Street Forest of Fun is a blast for toddlers, preschoolers, and even young elementary-aged students who are still too small for the big thrill rides. We hit that area twice. During the summer season, this area of the park hosts a splash park so bring the bathing suits or either a change of clothes for the little ones. 

I would suggest booking a Bounce Pass to Busch Gardens with your hotel package to save money. The Williamsburg Lodge was my "Pack Your Bags" feature this month, and I highly suggest buying tickets as part of your lodging package. It's the way to go. Most hotels in the area offer some type of ticket savings package. Colonial Williamsburg provides complimentary transportation from its hotels, and it's a breeze getting there. With a bounce pass, you can go as often as you like while on vacation. 

I think the park is the most fun at night. 

As for my most popular photo on Instagram during my visit to Busch Gardens, the honor goes to this twirling ride. 



I guess people just love giant tea cups. And as much as I love tea, I had to stay off of this ride. With my motion sickness, I don't do spinning.  See, I told you I was a bore. 

For more information on travel to Greater Williamsburg, visit www.visitwilliamsburg.com. Busch Gardens is hosting Howl-O-Scream now through October 27 and Christmas Town from November 22 to December 31. 

Want to Go:
Busch Gardens
1 Busch Gardens Blvd.
Williamsburg, VA

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Be sure to follow me on one or more of my social media platforms.  TwitterInstagram ,FacebookPinterest, Google Plus or on Bloglovin, if you just want post updates. When traveling, I'm on Instagram the most.  My personal family Instagram account is LeighPHines.


Disclosure: I received complimentary tickets to Busch Gardens during my vacation. As always, my opinions can't be bought and your experience may vary.



Instagram Travel:The Thrill of Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Va

Wednesday’s Wish We Were Here: The Homestead in Hot Springs, Va

To celebrate Summer’s arrival, it’s time for us to take a little midweek escape. Today’s destination is rich with Southern history and has been welcoming guests since 1766.

The Homestead is such a grand resort
All images are courtesy of The Homestead

The Homestead, a luxury resort and spa nestled in the Virginia countryside and surrounded by the splendor of the Allegheny Mountains, is an ideal place for families to relax, unwind, and have some fun. This summer will be no exception because the resort is adding new amenities as part of a $25 million revitalization plan. The first phase, Allegheny Springs, consists of new outdoor pools, including a children’s pool, whirlpools, and a sandy beach.  These new pools are now open and are ready for some big-time summer splashing.


New Pool area at Allegheny Springs


The second and final phase of Allegheny Springs will open in August, and it will include 100-foot water slides, a 400-foot lazy river, and private cabanas.
 
The revitalization plan is very impressive, and later phases for the summer include an 18-hole miniature golf course inspired by the resort’s renowned Cascades Course and a new natural hot-springs spa garden for adults only.

The new spa garden is slated to open August 4, 2012

In Hot Springs, Virginia, which the Homestead Resort calls home, there are natural hot springs known for their soothing, healing properties. In fact, Thomas Jefferson bathed in the natural springs in 1818 and spent three weeks at the Homestead’s mountain spa soaking three times a day in the gentlemen’s pool.  The Homestead’s spa today is more luxurious than ever. 


The Homestead has the honor of operating the first spa in the U.S. 


 It even has a kid’s spa menu where your little one can get a vanilla cupcake pedicure, and the strawberries and cream manicure.  How’s that for pampering?

If you like active vacations or quiet ones, then the Homestead Resort will be the perfect resort for you.  The activities are endless. The Homestead is offering special packages all summer.  As a special perk, they also have a kid’s club for ages 3 to 12, where your little ones can participate in a wide variety of supervised activities all day.  You know I’m a big fan of those!


Your traditional, Southern, luxury hotel room awaits you at the Homestead Resort. 


Look! They left tea out for me in my future room. 



I think I’ll “pack my bags” and head that way later this summer.  Traditional afternoon tea starts at 3 p.m. I'm so there.  My son wants to hit the miniature golf course as soon as it opens in mid-August.  What do you want to do? Want to try your hand at horseback riding, or fishing? 

Want to Go:
The Homestead, a Luxury Resort and Spa
7696 Sam Snead Highway
Hot Springs, VA


Wednesday’s Wish We Were Here: The Homestead in Hot Springs, Va

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