A Publication of the Colonial Crossings Owners Association

R E S O R T R E C E I V E S C E R T I F I C AT E O F E X C E L L E N C E AWA R D F O R 2 0 1 2 Colonial
Crossings of Williamsburg has been recognized as a highly rated resort by reviewers using the worlds largest travel site, Tripadvisor.com. The accolade, which honors hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide. Approximately 10 percent of accommodations listed on TripAdvisor receive this prestigious award. TripAdvisor is pleased to honor exceptional businesses for consistent excellence, as reviewed by travelers on the site, said Christine Petersen, president of TripAdvisor for Business. The Certificate of Excellence award gives highly rated establishments around the world the recognition they deserve. From exceptional accommodations in Beijing to remarkable restaurants in Boston, we want to applaud these businesses for offering TripAdvisor travelers a great customer experience. To qualify for the Certificate of Excellence, your resort maintained an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travelers on TripAdvisor. Additional criteria included the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.

The Lamplighter

Volume 12, Issue 3

SUMMER 2012 Dates to Remember:

In this issue:

Indoor Activities Christel House Open Road Trip! Local Event Calendar

2 3 4 4

Every Wednesday night is Burger Night at The Shack! Half off burgers from 5-9 p.m. Early Music Festival at Colonial Williamsburg September 25-28 Illuminights at Busch Gardens thru August 19 1st Annual CCW Fall Festival October 12-14

THE SHACK BAR & GRILL Opens poolside

After several months of strategic

planning and expenses, The Shack officially opened on June 29, 2012. The amenity is one of the biggest undertakings at the resort. We couldnt be happier to introduce a food and beverage operation at the resort for the

enjoyment of our owners and guests, said David Butler, Colonial Crossings Director of Member Services. We hope to see many familiar faces poolside. Serving made-to-order grill items, the bar and grill also features a wide variety of beer

and wines as well as a selection of tropical drinks. Happy Hour specials are offered daily and CCW owners receive 10% off their food order year-round.

Get free Chips & Salsa!

I n t e rva l s r e s o rt r at i n g s y s t e m

visit Colonial downs

BEAT THE HEAT! Great indoor activities

The summer heat is here! We have put

together a list of some of the areas best air-conditioned attractions. Save the sunburn and sweat for the beach. Museums
Virginia Living Museum
Check out the Dinosaur Exhibit! www.thevlm.org

Spas
The Spa at Colonial Williamsburg
To put it simply; a complete retreat. www.colonialwilliamsburg.com

Home of the Virginia Derby, Colonial Downs features thoroughbred and harness racing throughout the summer months. At 180 feet, the Downs features the widest turf track in the country! Guests can choose from various types of seating arrangements; the Jockey Club is our favorite! Races are held Thursday-Sunday and the season wraps up July 28.
www. colonialdowns.com

Williamsburg Salt Spa

The self-proclaimed first salt spa on the East coast, this spa offers a unique experience www.williamsburgsaltspa.com

Kid Spots
Ripleys Believe It or Not!
The Odditorium is not to be missed! www.ripleys.com/williamsburg

Virginia Air & Space Museum

Celebrating 20 Years and featuring the permanent Adventures in Flight Gallery. www.vasc.org

The Mariners Museum

The International Small Craft Center (exhibit) displays 150 boats from 36 countries. www.marinersmusuem.org

The Bounce House

Challenge mom and dad on the obstacle course before trying the 8 different inflatables. www.bouncehousellc.com/williamsburg

Dewitt Wallace Art Museum (CW)

Home to an extensive collection of antiques. wwww.history.org

The Movie Tavern

Order dinner and watch a summer blockbuster! www.movietavern.com

G o l f, g o l f & m o r e g o l f !
First
tee jitters. Hacking at a little white ball, cursing after you shank it in the pond and then you hole it from 35 feet for par. Its 7 a.m. and you drove all night. All for this? You betcha! Highlighted by the River Course at Kingsmill, Marsh Hawk at Fords Colony and the Gold Course at the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club (Colonial Williamsburg), Williamsburg offers some of the finest golf in the Southeast with 14 championship courses. Hosting numerous PGA and LPGA events, the Ri v er Co ur s e a t Kingsmills redesign was overseen by worldrenowned course architect Pete Dye in 2004. Adjacent to the James River, the course measures nearly 6,900 yards from the gold tees providing a remarkable golf experience. Narrow fairways and unforgiving bunkers are coupled with tree-lined fairways to make Marsh Hawk at Fords Colony one of the best true golf tests in Williamsburg. The par-72 course includes some of the easiest par-3s in Williamsburg and the elevation changes provide visual illusions that will challenge the best. The Gold Course at the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club (Colonial Williamsburg) is arguably the most beautiful golf display in the region. Voted by Golf Magazine as among the Top 100 places you can play, the par-71 layout also received 4 1/2 stars by Golf Digest. Tucked away in rolling woodlands, the Gold Course invites its visitors to experience dramatic scenery that will enhance any golf outing. ***

Other Great Places to Play

Plantation Course at Kingsmill Blackheath at Fords Colony The Tradition at Stonehouse Williamsburg National - Jamestown Course The Golf Club at Brickshire

1st Annual CCW Fall Festival

IN OUR COMMUNITY
Christel house open

Inflatables Costume Contest Pumpkin Patch and More

the Christel House, said Michael Voss, Colonial Crossings Business Manager. We are proud to have sponsored a hole for this years event and pay it forward. Opening its doors in 1998, the Christel House is dedicated to transforming the lives of impoverished children worldwide. Founded by Christel DeHaan, a recognized leader in the timeshare and travel and tourism industries, the Christel House has programs based in six countries including India, Mexico, South Africa, the United States and Serbia.

On June 11, 2012, more than 150 golfers

teed it up for the 10th Annual RCI Christel House Open at the Green Course at the Golden Horsehoe Golf Club in Williamsburg, VA. The event was hosted by Goodmanagement, Inc. The golf tournament brings together some of the top area industry professionals in a combined effort to continue the growth of

October 12-14, 2012 5-8 p.m. Nightly

Event Calendar
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
The skies ignite with Illuminights! Nightly though August 19 Park Open Daily - 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. *** Entertainment at the Raleigh Enjoy a nightly mix of musical, comedic and theatrical performances at the Raleigh Tavern. Admission is required for this event. Event is Nightly July 10 - 17, 2012 *** Pastimes of Colonial Virginia Experience 17th and 18th-century games and more in hands-on activities throughout Jamestown Settlement and the Yorktown Victory Center. Event runs August 1 - 31, 2012 ***

Budget vacationing:
road trips still the cheapest option

For many of us, it was just part of growing

up. Piling into the family station wagon, fighting over the window seats and arguing over what cassette was going to be played. Or how about the reverse seat? Nothing said vacation like a good ole road trip! Caught up in the hustle-and-bustle of Americana, road trips are rapidly becoming a lost experience. The ever-increasing cost of fuel and our seemingly desperate need to maximize convenience with air travel, the road trip has taken a backseat when it comes to vacationing. But the reality is that a road trip still fits the mold for the family counting every penny when it comes to finding an affordable travel option.

Colonial Williamsburg:

To help illustrate this point, we estimated the cost of travel expenses alone for a trip from Norfolk, VA to Orlando, FL. Our review assumes a family of four, driving a vehicle averaging 23 miles per gallon with an 10-gallon fuel tank and the national average of $3.36 per gallon of regular unleaded gasoline. Here is what we came up with: Norfolk, VA to Orlando, FL: 754 miles Gas Expense: $100.80 (3.5 Tanks) For comparison, we decided to look at a lowcost airline company to see how much a flight for a family of four would cost. Norfolk, VA (ORF) to Orlando, FL (MCO) Total cost: $1,046.40 So when planning your next vacation, consider driving! Your wallet will thank you!

Jamestown Settlement:

Williamsburg Farmers Market

Local vendors display their finest goods and produce. Event is at Merchants Square on Duke of Gloucester Street Saturdays through the Summer ***

Water Country USA

Take a ride on Vanish Point! Nightly through August 19 Park Opens Daily at 10 a.m.

20% OFF
@

THE SHACK
Offer expires 8/30/12

Excludes Alcohol. Can only be used once

200 English Garden Way Williamsburg, VA 23188