VA public schools - suggestions on what to do/see when visiting?

[Anonymous]

During spring break, we are taking our 11th grader on tours at: W&M, CNU, VCU and UMW. We're staying for 3 nights in Williamsburg as our "hub". Just curious if there are certain places we should check out (on or off campus) while we're checking out these schools. We're also looking for recommendations on places to eat (lunch and/or dinner) - nothing fancy, but maybe some non-chain places that are unique to these areas. I figured I'd ask here instead of the travel board because I'm guessing that many of you have kids at these schools or are familiar with them. I'm from Ohio, so I've never been to any of these places

Thanks in advance!

[Anonymous]

VCU has a ton of amazing local coffee places nearby. There's a thriving hipster/coffee thing going on there. I would recommend The Lab by Alchemy Coffee!

I would grab lunch at the Cheese Shop when you're at W&M. It's just steps off the campus at the entrance to Colonial Williamsburg and is a very popular local place for lunch. It gets crowded, though! In general, you should give Colonial Williamsburg a shot. It's a little tacky but full of history and lots of fun.

When at UMW, walk around Downtown Fredericksburg! Super cute area. If you want an interesting dinner, go to the Bavarian Chef in the historic downtown area, a really well done German restaurant. It's in the old train station, and I think they have another location roadside on 29 towards Charlottesville.

I don't have a ton of experience with the area around CNU, but I would definitely recommend checking out its proximity to beaches if you have the chance. It's fun to see the beaches and it's good to know if your DC is interested in having a beach nearby for college.

Have fun!

[Anonymous]

In Williamsburg, right near the campus, there are the “dellys” and restaurants in Merchants Square. We like The Trellis and the Cheese Shop.

[Anonymous]

Are these scheduled tours or are you doing self guided tours?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are these scheduled tours or are you doing self guided tours?

We have scheduled tours. If there are things on campus that are interesting that wouldn't be on the guided tour, I'd love to hear about them!

[Anonymous]

OP here - thanks for all of the suggestions so far! Would love more suggestions!!!

[Anonymous]

Colonial Williamsburg is worth exploring if you get a chance. Honestly 4 colleges in 4 days is going to take up the bulk of your time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Colonial Williamsburg is worth exploring if you get a chance. Honestly 4 colleges in 4 days is going to take up the bulk of your time.

Tours are 2 hours each and we still have to eat Not really looking for sightseeing tours, just want to make sure we don't miss a special place on campus that the regular tour wouldn't hit, or an excellent well-known eatery, or a cute attraction in town, etc. Plus, I'm not a fan of spending too much time in the hotel (the whole family of 4 is going

[Anonymous]

For Christopher Newport, I recommend Midtown Eats -- it's about 2 miles from CNU on J Clyde Morris Blvd.

Also, directly beside CNU (turn left instead of going straight at the CNU main entrance -- follow the signs to the Mariners' Museum) is a wonderful park/marine sanctuary. It's the Riverside neighborhood and it's a lovely drive (and walk, if the weather is nice) along Lake Maury and the James River.

So many amazing food options in Richmond -- you could spend days there! Also have a beautiful museum of fine arts.

[Anonymous]

I always suggest to eat in the dining halls when visiting colleges. Better if you can do two different ones.

[Anonymous]

When i was a student at W&M, Aroma cofeehouse was my favorite for lunch and dinners. It is still packed wth students this days. Your kid might like to stop by to see the student life outside the college. Portabella mushrooms wraps were my favorites.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For Christopher Newport, I recommend Midtown Eats -- it's about 2 miles from CNU on J Clyde Morris Blvd.

Also, directly beside CNU (turn left instead of going straight at the CNU main entrance -- follow the signs to the Mariners' Museum) is a wonderful park/marine sanctuary. It's the Riverside neighborhood and it's a lovely drive (and walk, if the weather is nice) along Lake Maury and the James River.

So many amazing food options in Richmond -- you could spend days there! Also have a beautiful museum of fine arts.

Yes! We toured CNU (currently my son's top pick) last year and did all of the above. We also explored Newport News and came upon the Victory Arch (WWII memorial) and the attached park along the water. Just beautiful.

[Anonymous]

Another poster already mentioned downtown (old town) Fredericksburg when you visit UMW, and I second that. It's such a pretty town, reminiscent of Old Town Alexandria, but on a smaller scale. Lots of history there and cute little shops and restaurants. When we were there, we had brunch at the BEST place - Mercantile. So delicious.

[Anonymous]

Thank you all so much! I'm going to try to hit as many of these suggestions as possible!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:During spring break, we are taking our 11th grader on tours at: W&M, CNU, VCU and UMW. We're staying for 3 nights in Williamsburg as our "hub". Just curious if there are certain places we should check out (on or off campus) while we're checking out these schools. We're also looking for recommendations on places to eat (lunch and/or dinner) - nothing fancy, but maybe some non-chain places that are unique to these areas. I figured I'd ask here instead of the travel board because I'm guessing that many of you have kids at these schools or are familiar with them. I'm from Ohio, so I've never been to any of these places

Thanks in advance!

If you want to treat yourself to a fine meal, make a reservation at Fat Canary in Williamsburg. Also, when you walk around the W&M campus, check out the Lake Matoaka amphitheater.