Williamsburg Attractions

With its "close proximity to Colonial Williamsburg" (three miles) and to Richmond, Norfolk and Virginia Beach (about 50 miles from each), this "first-class", Euro-themed, Anheuser-Busch–funded playland is "arguably the most scenic theme park" in the country, with a "lush, green" 100-acre setting and "lots of shade"; "super-friendly employees dress in costume", and the "plentiful activities" and rides include "thrilling roller coasters", "elaborate shows" and a brewery school; still, a faint few fret "lines can be long" and the sheer size of the place "overwhelming."

An hour northwest of Virginia Beach, this "picturesque" "living history" village near Jamestown and Yorktown was restored by the Rockefeller family and provides a "look back at prerevolutionary Virginia" with "costumed guides who walk the streets, work in the shops" and "help you understand the lives of Colonial Americans"; there are also parades, historic taverns and a variety of demonstrations like chocolate-making; P.S. it gets "pricey", especially if you stay at the nearby Williamsburg Inn.

A "timeless" Robert Trent Jones Sr. design near Williamsburg, this "tight, challenging" "oldie but goodie" is "a joy to play", with an "imaginative" routing "through pines and ponds" that features "some of the best par 3s over water anywhere" (including a particularly "worthy" 7th and 16th) plus a set of closing holes that "will test every golfer to the limit"; once you factor in "wonderful conditions", a "helpful staff" and "nice facilities", you have "one of the best layouts around."

Although some say it's "not as dramatic as the Gold course", this Rees Jones creation is considered "much more forgiving than its sister" (which was designed by the architect's father), with "perfectly manicured greens" and "lovely surroundings" making it "a pleasure for any level"; "excellent Southern hospitality" and carts are included in the price, although walking is allowed; N.B. it hosted the 1998 and 1999 USGA State Team Championships.

Set on former Algonquin Native American land, this "fine course" is loaded with "varied challenges, from elevation changes to dramatic bunkering to water" (including a par-3 11th with agua on three sides) to what some consider "too many blind shots" – so "make sure you ask for hints from the pros before you play"; even though it's quite a test, it remains a "favorite choice" in the Williamsburg area; N.B. carts are mandatory and included in the cost of play.

A "perfect warm-up for the River", this short, "resort-style" layout is considered the "easiest of the Kingsmill courses" thanks to a "well-maintained", woman-friendly Arnold Palmer/Ed Seay design that's "always interesting", with "fairly challenging holes" that "wind through a residential area"; some suggest the "narrow fairways" are "lined by too many houses" (it feels "more like corn rows than a plantation"), but it nevertheless offers "some scenic" areas.

Considered "a must-play if you're in the Williamsburg area", this 1975 design from Pete Dye (who stopped by to renovate it in 2004) offers a "fantastic test throughout", with some claiming that "the first 15 holes are worth it just to get to the 16th–18th", which boast "incredible" James River views; the course is "a thrill to play right before or after" the annual LPGA event, and a "welcoming" staff adds to its status as a "superior venue."

Perhaps "the most interesting of the three courses at Kingsmill", this "Williamsburg-area must-play" is tucked away in a secluded, wooded corner of the resort, with a "great layout" designed by Curtis Strange and Tom Clark featuring a "signature double green" shared by the 12th and 15th; given that it also has the same "excellent facilities" as its siblings, including a golf academy, it's no wonder some surveyors dub it their "personal favorite."