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Girl Gone Travel

Girl Gone Travel

North America, Travel
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July 10, 2010

Elmo, Roller-coasters, and Churros- Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, VA

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On the next stop of our 2010 Road Trip Adventure, after a day of activities in Washington, DC and an awesome couple of nights at Alexandria, VA, we made our way to Williamsburg, VA.  I had hoped that we would able to stay longer so that we could go to Colonial Williamsburg, but we only had one day. And that day was all about Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

I had made the mistake of mentioning to my boys that we would be going to a “really awesome park” two days beforehand, so for the days till then all three were tormenting me about it. Finally, the day arrived and all my kids were excited beyond words.

We slept in that morning, so started our day a bit later. But this turned out to be a great thing because the temperatures have been insane. But because the temperature was so high, it managed to keep a lot of people away, which meant we almost owned the park! The lines were minimal which of course meant we could ride favorite rides over and over.

While my husband and the oldest enjoyed the crazy roller-coaster rides such as the Griffon and the Loch Ness Monster, the little ones and I spent most of our time in Sesame Street Forest of Fun cooling off in their water area, and taking pictures with our hosts  Elmo, Ernie and Bert, Cookie Monster, and others. This little-kid friendly area also had rides, and it was great that my boys were able to enjoy so many of them.  Limits for most rides seemed to be between 42′ to 46′ tall. Once you get in the park, find a measuring zone and your kid will be given a color coded wrist band which lets those managing the rides know right away if your child can get on without having to measure them each time.  You also get a list to go with the color coded band that lets you know which rides your child can get on. It was here, at this Forest of Fun, that my little ones rode their first roller-coaster, all by themselves!

Even though there were some where the kids could not get on, there was plenty for them to do. Another great little-kid friendly section in the park is the Land of Dragons, where kids can enjoy getting lost in the large tree house, get wet in the sprinklers, and ride on the kiddie rides perfect for their size.

When it comes to food, I can’t say it’s all really great. Hamburgers, fries, chicken fingers, hot dogs. The most variety we found was in “France”, at Trapper’s Smokehouse, where they offer BBQ ribs, grilled chicken and corn on the cob.

And as far as treats there are plenty to be found. On this trip I introduced my kids to churros.  I know it’s odd that they haven’t had any before, especially with us being from New York City and all.  But, it was here, at Busch Gardens Williamsburg that I introduced my little ones to the sugary, cinnamon covered treat. And needless to say, they loved it!

We stayed in Busch Gardens till the fire works that are part of there Illuminights celebrations, which will take place from now till August 22, were done. We managed to ride Le Scoot and get soaked 5 times in a row, and didn’t start making our way out till everything closed down and the crowds started making their way to the park gates.

As we walked out, my kids with their mouths covered in churro delight, my 3 year old looked back and said, “Good-bye Elmo’s place. I wuv you!”, indicating that this adventure was indeed a success.

For more information on Busch Gardens Williamsburg admission, hours, and more, please visit their website.

*Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. Complimentary admission was provided courtesy of Busch Gardens Williamsburg. The views and opinions expressed here are strictly my own. For more information please refer to the disclosure page.

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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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2 Comments
  • Sherri
    August 8, 2010

    Hi Carol,

    Thanks for the great info about Busch Garden. I now know to bring swimsuits for kids. We plan on going in the next few weeks.

    Sherri

    Reply
  • Water Fun at Sesame Place, Langhorne, PA | NYCity Mama
    September 19, 2010

    […] our visit to Bush Gardens in Williamsburg this past Summer, my little ones have not stopped talking about wanting to see Elmo and […]

    Reply

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About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

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Woke up feeling rested after going, going, going f Woke up feeling rested after going, going, going for over a week…and grateful for the privilege that is living in such a beautiful region. There are so many points of access for relaxation and stillness here, including right outside my door. So before delving into the work day, I took a peaceful walk, stopped for brekkie (thanks, @ellasacreshomestead), and continued the day refreshed.

If 10 years ago…or even 5 years ago…you had told THIS Brooklyn girl that she would find joy living full time in rural NY, I would’ve laughed in your face. And while NYC will always be home and #1 in my heart, as I live through my 3rd year here, I have to say…yeah. I get it. 

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Love coffee as much as I do? Here is my (very, ver Love coffee as much as I do? Here is my (very, very) short list of fave coffee shops, from Manhattan to Brooklyn. 

I spend A LOT of time at coffee shops…whether in my job as a barista or during my free time exploring endless cafes during my travels, but especially around NYC and the Finger Lakes. These are the most noteworthy cafes I find myself returning to again and again in New York City.

📍@conwellcoffeehall in the old Life and Trust Building in the Financial District. An epic space, great brekkie and coffee, brought to you by the same folks of Sleep No More…who (separately but in the same space) offer similar interactive-style performances we know them for, this time revisiting the age of old money, big banks, and the stock market crash collapse of 1929.
📍The @bookclubbar is a bar, book store, and coffee shop in the East Village. Cozy, with outdoor seating, and a wonderful selection of books, booze, and brews. Very few people get all of these elements to work well. They nail it.
📍The @plantshednyc in the East Village. Airy space with a beautiful selection of flowers and plants, and big, bright windows whereby to enjoy your cafe choice. 
📍@DawnsTillDusk in Dumbo is a cafe by day and wine bar by night. It’s a Yes to both for me!
📍@Usaginy in Dumbo is an art gallery, with small bookstore and gift shop, and cafe…but their in-house freshly made onigiri is 😘👌🏾
📍@pplnyc in Williamsburg is rustic, and pretty, and cute…and yeah, the coffee’s good!
📍@bluebrown_nyc in Williamsburg stole my heart when I first visited last year on my birthday. I love the vibe of this community cafe and the creativity they bring to their pastries and drinks.
📍@Devocionusa (anywhere), though my local spot is Dumbo. I love that they are all about the coffee…and just the coffee. No fancy, trends here. Come for the impeccable coffee, and delicious pastries, and cool vibes. But mostly, the coffee.

This list doesn’t even make a dent on my long list of cafes but they are the highlights. Share your fave spots in the comments! ☕️

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This is your reminder to PLAY. No matter your age. This is your reminder to PLAY. No matter your age. Play. Play with your partner. Play with your adult friends. Play with your kids, even the adult ones. Play with strangers. The world can be cruel and hard and deflating. So, when the opportunity comes…and even if you need a nudge from your loved ones…give your heart, soul, and mind a reprieve and play. 

Today me and mine played at the Keff Joons pop-up in Dumbo, Brooklyn. This is @cj_hendry latest art installation where they transformed a Brooklyn warehouse into balloon-filled dreamscape and playground for all. There is no fee and the earlier you arrive the shorter the wait. Once inside you become one with the art in a fun and dramatic way. But hurry! The installation is only up till April 20th! 

📍50 Gold Street, Brooklyn, NY

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