Registration now open for Colonial Swim Camp
Registration for the Colonial Swim Camp at William & Maryis now open. The camp runs June 17-21 is open to competitive swimmers ages 8-18. The Tribe swim coaching staff runs the camp. For more information or online registration, visit www.colonialswimcamp.com.
Contact Matt Crispino at mecrispino@wm.edu or at 221-3393.
Saturday March 23 – Newport News to Yorktown – William and Mary Mason School of Business Yorktown Victory Run 8 Miler – http://www.yorktownvictoryrun.com/ –
Saturday March 30 – Williamsburg – 9th Annual Ali’s Run Bone Marrow 5K at William and Mary – Information and registration at https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/Williamsburg/AlisRun
Saturday April 6- Williamsburg – New Quarter Park – Queens Lake 5K at New Quarter Park t https://www.raceit.com/Register/?event=19848 .
Sunday April 7 – College of William and Mary – RED Carpet Run 5K – 9 AM – Sponsored by Sigma Phi Epsilon to raise to raise awareness and contributions for YouthAIDS and the RED Campaign. Registration http://wmsigep.com/page.php?pageid=19
Sunday April 7 – Surry – Virginia Duathlon – http://www.active.com/running/surry-va/12th-annual-virginia-duathlon-and-5k-2013
Saturday April 13 – Richmond – Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K – http://www.sportsbackers.org/events/monument-avenue-10k
Saturday April 20 – Sunday April 21 – Hampton, Sandy Bottom Nature Park – 10 th Annual 24 Hour Run – individuals or teams of 2 to 12 – George Nelsen (757) 874-4635 or nelsengeorge@msn.com – http://va24hourrunforcancer.com
Saturday April 20 – Williamsburg – Run the D.O.G. register online at https://www.raceit.com/search/event.aspx?id=18019 [course records]
Saturday April 20 – Williamsburg, Governor’s Land – Walk for Hospice – Join us for a leisurely 2 mile walk followed by a Celebration of Life on Saturday, April 20, 2013! Walk as an individual or form a team – invite family, friends, co-workers and neighbors to join you. Walk in memory of, or in honor of someone, or just walk to support Hospice House! https://sna.etapestry.com/fundraiser/HospiceSupportCareofWilliamsb/hikeforhospice/ and https://www.facebook.com/events/538632362843701/
Saturday April 27 – Stephens City – Warrior 5K and Fun Run – http://www.active.com/running/stephens-city-va/warrior-5k-and-fun-run-2013
Saturday May 4 – Williamsburg – Singletrack Maniac 50K – Start time 6am, 10 hour time limit (19 min mile pace). Race course explores Freedom Park, 70% singletrack trails, start and finish location is Hornsby Middle School . Race Director: Ellen Womeldorf, 757-259-4176, ellen.womeldorf@jamescitycountyva.gov. This ultra, a first of its kind in the area, is a James City County special event looking for volunteers and local sponsorship. http://maniac50k.wordpress.com/
Saturday May 4- Williamsburg – Walsingham 5K Run/Walk – register online at http://www.raceit.com/search/event.aspx?id=18098 More information at http://www.walsingham.org/page.aspx?pid=701
Saturday May 4 – Hampton – Riverside 5K By The Bay – Proceeds to benefit the Riverside Rehabilitation Institute Giving Fund, which benefits patients that need assistance with their medical care. http://www.riversideonline.com/rri/5k-by-the-bay.cfmfor more information
Saturday May 11 – Kilmarnock – Northern Neck Montessori School Kilmarnock 5K – http://www.kilmarnock5k.com/
May 15 – 18 – Newport News Park – Virginia Senior Games – http://nnparks.com/vasrgames13/vasrgames13.htm
Saturday June 1 – Williamsburg – Run for the Achievable Dream 8K – http://www.runforachievabledream.com/ –
Sunday June 2 – Williamsburg – Run for the Achievable Dream Half Marathon – http://www.runforachievabledream.com/
Saturday June 8- Williamsburg – Mental Health 5K Run – Eastern State Hospital – To benefit Bacon Street –
Saturday June 8 – Jamestown – Jamestown International Triathlon – 7 AM – Swim 1500 Meters, Bike 40K, Run 6.2 Miles – http://www.trifind.com/re_95664/JamestownInternationalTriathlon.html
Saturday, June 22 – Williamsburg – Virginia Legacy Soccer Club/Warhill 5K Run/Walk ] Entry Form
Friday July 12 – Williamsburg – Sweatin’ for Scholarships: Triskaidekaphobia 5K Run/Walk -. Entry Form
Or for more info on running in Williamsburg VA check out Colonial Road Runners website
Spring tennis clinics at Kingsmill in Williamsburg VA
The Kingsmill Tennis Club will host spring clinics for kids beginning April 10. Clinics will be held after school for eight weeks and are available for age groups 5-6, 7-9, 10-13 and 12 & up.
Spring break clinics run the week of March 25 and April 1.
Call 253. 3945 for more information or click here
Williamsburg Boat Club offers row lessons
The Williamsburg Boat Club (crew and sculling) is offering Spring Learn to Row classes. Classes consist of 3 indoor sessions and 3 outdoor sessions to learn to row as 4-8 person crew. Must be 14 years or older. No experience necessary. Click here for more information on dates
The First Tee of the Virginia Peninsula serves area youth ages 7 – 14. It is a collaboration between local area golf courses and the Peninsula Metropolitan YMCA. This program provides an environment for youth to learn valuable life skills as well as learning how to play golf.
The First Tee of the Virginia Peninsula began with limited programming in the fall of 2011 at The Hampton Golf Course in Hampton. Over the past 2 years, we have added 2 additional program sites, one at Newport News Park and one at Colonial Heritage in Williamsburg. The First Tee Life Skills Experience curriculum is a program that teaches valuable everyday life lessons to children. It has been delivered to almost 900 participants in the Peninsula area through Hampton, Newport News, and Williamsburg school districts as well as our outreach programs.
Each Thursday, Colonial Heritage Golf Club shifts gears and plays host to a group of Williamsburg area youth for an afternoon of golf. The young golfers are members of The First Tee of the Virginia Peninsula, and hitting the links is just the tip of what the organization provides to the community.
Currently, the local First Tee has approximately 4,000 participants in Williamsburg, York, Newport News and Hampton VA .
Spring sessions will be held Monday-Thursday and Saturdays. Day and time depend on age and experience level. Monday thru Wednesday the sessions will be held at The Hamptons Golf Course, Thursdays will be held at Colonial Heritage Golf Course in Williamsburg and Saturdays will be held at Newport News Golf Course.
The First Tee Life Skills and Golf Instruction Voucher is available for active Military Families.
If you are interested in this program, please CLICK HERE to download the Voucher.
This program is for children ages 7 – 14.
Become a Coach Make a difference
The First Tee Coach Program is a multi-level educational training program that prepares staff and volunteers at chapters of The First Tee to deliver The First Tee Life Skills Experience. The First Tee philosophy that drives these programs was developed with input from leading experts in the field of positive youth development.
Through a progressive series of activities and educational experiences, coaches learn to empower youth to explore options and make their own decisions, two elements that are critical to the development of a child’s value system. Research shows that The First Tee Coaches play a key role in creating positive relationships that inspire young people to look into their future, set goals and discover their individual potential.
Individuals can progress through several stages of The First Tee Coach Program depending on the level of involvement and training desired:
To enroll in The First Tee Coach Program, contact a chapter near you for more information.
The Williamsburg Inn tennis club invites tennis players to participate in activities for the 2013 season.
Programs for beginners to advanced are offered. Junior clinics for ages 5-17 begin the week of March 18.
Call the tennis pro shop at 220-7794 for information on membership, junior and adult clinics, private lessons, leagues and the Sunday doubles round robin.
Or email teaching professional Hoy Correll at hcorrell@cwf.org
Tennis enthusiasts gather at the Williamsburg Inn Tennis Club. There, you can choose from six Har-Tru courts and two premier surface courts.
You’ll be drawn to the exciting tennis programs available for all ages and skill levels. Individuals and families can enjoy a personalized tennis experience with instruction to sharpen strokes—in a private lesson or clinic. For our junior guests, the tennis club offers instruction for the experienced player and beginner alike. Private individualized instruction is offered, as well as group lessons for various ages and skill levels. Please contact the Tennis Pro Shop for group lesson times. If you’re looking for a match, their tennis staff is happy to assist you.
Tennis Courts, Events, & Services
Enjoy unlimited use of tennis courts: six Har-Tru courts and two hard surface courts (open seasonally). Members may participate in leagues, rounds robins and clinics to fit all playing levels. Private instruction and racket stringing are also available.
Preferred Rates, Discounts, & Privileges
Tennis members receive preferred guest-of-member fees, preferred court reservation times (up to seven days in advance), and are invited to social and competitive events. They also receive a 15% discount in the Tennis Pro Shop, as well as a 15% dining discount at the Gold and Green Course Clubhouse Grills, the Williamsburg Lodge restaurant, the Williamsburg Inn’s Regency and Terrace Rooms, and Huzzah! BBQ Grille (alcohol excluded).
2013 Membership Pricing
Membership can be paid on an annual or quarterly basis.
Family $725
Individual $510
Junior $215
Logan Bishop and her horse Ashgrove lead the Victory Gallop, placing first at the annual Stonehouse Stables Winter Series Classic on March 2 in the Stonehouse Stables Main Show Ring in Toano.
Other winners in the Classic were Gwyneth Martin in second, riding Rock ‘N Roll’ Abigail Best in third. riding Farnley Good Samaritan; and Madison Cooper in fourth, riding In the Stars and Stripes. The Classic is a scored event and was judged by Clyde Poarch, a recognized VHSA judge. Show sponsors Southern States, Tractor Supply and Charlie Faber Shoeing Services provided prizes for the top eight participants. The “Lucky Thirteen” Winter Series, with 40-plus competitors, finished the season with the March Show and will hold an Awards Banquet on March 23. For information, call 566-0666.
The James City County Parks and Recreation Spring/Summer 2013 Destination Recreation Activity Brochure is now available online. It highlights a variety of new spring and summer offerings as well as your favorite events and activities occurring through September 2013.
Inside you will find Special Events for Family, Outdoors and Health/Wellness
The brochure is also available at the James City County Recreation Center, the James River Community Center, the Satellite Services Office, the Freedom Park Interpretive Center, the libraries and all public County government offices.
Sign up for youth softball leagues The Williamsburg Recreation Department will hold Youth Softball Registration for girls ages 6-15 through Feb. 28. Register online at www.williamsburgva.gov/rec or in person at Quarterpath Recreation Center. Slow-pitch leagues for ages 6-10. Fast-pitch leagues for ages 8-15.
Call 259-3760 for more information
Junior golf programs offered at Ford’s Colony Ford’s Colony Country Club will offer a series of after-school golf clinics and summer camps later this year.
Cost is $75 per session and includes practical on-course experience on etiquette, rules, putting short game and full-swing and course play.
Call Eric Simmons at 258-4109 for more info
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$35 – Early Twilight Special – Limited Time Only! Temperatures are starting to rise, now is the time to dust off your clubs and tune-up your golf game for the season. To celebrate these mild February temperatures, we are going to offer our $35 Twilight golf rate starting at 12 pm. Make your tee-time today as this offer will be available for a limited time only! Call 757.645.2030 to book your tee time today! Serving both Williamsburg and Tidewater, this artfully crafted Arthur Hills masterpiece emulates the classic beauty and refinement of the natural terrain and landscape of its southern Virginia surroundings. Meandering through 175 acres of densely wooded grounds, the 6,889 yard, par 72 championship golf course offers five sets of tees and immaculate playing conditions creating a truly distinctive experience with every round. Strategically placed bunkers, undulating fairways and carefully planned water features create an enjoyable golfing experience for all playing abilities from novice to expert. Make the Colonial Heritage Club your destination for your next Williamsburg golf vacation. |
Explore housing options/ homes for sale homes in the Colonial Heritage Community
Go Ape, the treetop adventure course in James City County’s Freedom Park is planning to add a separate course designed for younger children, ages 5 and up, in addition to its regular course, designed for adults and children 10 and up..
Construction on the Jr. Course will start this winter or early spring, with a projected opening date this summer.
What is Go Ape Tree Top Junior?
A fun filled experience of canopy exploring, trail blazing and obstacles for all to enjoy. You’ll negotiate crossings and finish on a high (literally) with one awesome zip wire!
The Tree Top junior course is aimed at adventurers aged 5-10 years. The safety systems are designed so that participants stay attached the whole time they are in the trees and there is no need for them to move any safety lines. Participants only become unattached when back on the ground. We don’t require adults to accompany over 6′s on the course but you are more than welcome to book yourself on. The course is quite physical and high in the trees, you know your child best so please do accompany them if you think they’ll need the moral or physical support.
Can I go on as an Adult?
If you want to join your mini Tarzans then just book yourself on. Bear in mind the course is designed for children so the safety cable won’t be quite where you would like it.
It’s Expo time! – Come to the FREE Destination Recreation Expo Feb. 23 ,2013, 9 a.m.-noon at the James City County Recreation Center.
Be one of the first to register for the upcoming summer camps, discover your parks and learn about classes and programs.
Interactive demonstrations, hands-on activities and raffles are just a few great features of this event. We’ll keep your children engaged while you gather information about summer camp opportunities, sports, aquatics, special events, parks and facilities, REC Connect and inclusion programs.
The renovation of James City County Mid County Park, including the Kidsburg playground, is scheduled to begin Tuesday, Jan. 22. Kidsburg is being replaced; however, its design and theme will be retained in a new playground structure. The new 30,000 square-foot playground includes a general play area, a ship replica, swing area and a separate gated area for children ages 2-5. Along with Kidsburg, a new office/restroom facility is being constructed in the park. See details here
Most of the park will close on Jan. 22 to allow staff to prepare the site for contractors who begin their work at the end of the month. Staff work includes moving and storing items to be retained such as maintenance equipment, picnic tables and trash receptacles, removing the Kidsburg fence pickets and instituting safety measures such as shutting down electricity to the park. During this phase of construction, the existing building and Kidsburg structure will be razed and replaced.
During construction, the Mid County Park walking trail, basketball courts and tennis courts will remain open and accessible from the rear parking lot off Monticello Avenue. For public safety, all electricity to the park will be turned off, outdoor lighting will be unavailable, and the park will close daily at dusk. At all times, please avoid the construction area. The park is scheduled to reopen in its entirety early this summer.
If you previously reserved your Kidsburg fence picket, you’ll be notified of the pick up process. Pickets will be available for pick-up at the Mid County Park Office, 3793 Ironbound Rd., on the following days:
If you’re unable to retrieve your pickets on these days, or if you have not reserved your picket, please call 757-592-0495 and leave your name, the name on the fence picket, your phone number and a message. You can also request your picket online at jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation/kidsburg-picket-request.html. A plaque will be installed at the park to honor its history and those individuals and businesses that supported the park through fence picket purchases and as volunteers.
Kidsburg, a community-built playground, opened in 1994 and no longer meets ADA guidelines or current standards for public-use playgrounds. The new playground will be fully ADA and safety compliant, universal and barrier free. Project funding was appropriated by the James City County Board of Supervisors as part of the Parks and Recreation Capital Improvement Budget.
During the park renovations, please enjoy the playgrounds located within our other County parks and facilities – Chickahominy Riverfront Park, Forest Glen Playground, Ironbound Park, Little Creek Reservoir Park, Upper County Park and the James City County Recreation Center, James River Community Center and the Warhill Sports Complex. In addition to these sites, all Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools playgrounds are open to the community after school hours.
Few names in golf course architecture are as recognizable as that of the Jones family: The late, great genius Robert Trent Jones and his equally renowned sons, Robert Trent Jones II and Rees Jones, a.k.a. "The U.S. Open Doctor." Together, the three industry giants have designed or remodeled nearly 1,000 courses across the globe.
The State of Virginia can now boast of its own version of the Jones Trail highlighting essentially three eras of course design. Golfers can play the Golden Horseshoe’s Robert Trent Jones-designed Gold Course and Rees Jones-designed Green Course. A short trip down Intestate 64 from Williamsburg lies the popular Rees Jones-designed Club at Viniterra in New Kent. Viniterra is quickly becoming one of the regions’ most popular courses.
The Golden Horseshoe Golf Club is located just a few miles from Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area. Two internationally acclaimed courses — the Gold and the Green — as well as the executive-length Spotswood Course make Golden Horseshoe one of the premier members of the "Resort Collection of Colonial Williamsburg."
Fittingly for a family destination, golf at Golden Horseshoe is a father-son affair. Trent Jones Sr. designed the Gold Course in 1963 and Rees came along to build the Green Course nearly 30 years later. Golden Horseshoe’s Gold Course combines panoramic views with intriguing and often-difficult shot demands; or as Trent Jones Sr. called it, "a natural arboretum upon which a great golf course has been built. The overall result is perfection."
Opened in 1963, the Gold Course is both an enduring example of traditional golf course architecture – walk able and free of surrounding real estate development – an excellent counterpart to its companion Green Course, which at 7,120 yards plays a little tougher than its sibling. The par on Green is 72, the course is rated an intimidating 75.1, with a slope of 134. Rees incorporated rolling fairways among old-growth woodlands with water in play of six of the 18 holes. "The course defines the shot," he said, "but gives the player several options. It’s a shot maker’s course." The Green Course hos
ted the 2004 U.S Women’s Public Links Championship.
Located just off I-64 in New Kent toward Richmond, The Club at Viniterra opened in late 2009 as an amenity to help sell real estate and once the golf course fully matured, the developers elected to open the course for public play earlier this year. Needless to say, Viniterra has won the hearts of the area’s golfers.
Built upon nearly 1,200 acres of wooded and rugged terrain, Viniterra can stretch to nearly 7,800 yards from the tips and flies against the grain of your typical Tidewater design. With massive fairways and run-ups to nearly all of its jaw-dropping green complexes — combined with the thoughtful and strategic placement of various grass, sand and water hazards — Viniterra is enjoyable for golfers who select the proper set of tees, as some holes offer up to a dozen different teeing grounds.
The masterful Jones course routing incorporates many of the diverse, natural features of the site including frequent and dramatic elevation changes, various wetland areas and portions of mature, deciduous forest. Where appropriate, ponds and a total of 13 bridges were built to provide both strategic and aesthetic value. "What you see [at Viniterra] is what you get in terms of being able to see most every shot on the golf course," said Jones. "There are generous fairways and open approaches to many of the greens. If you have happen to go over some greens, there are catch basins and grass hollows to capture those shots."
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Psst. I’m a real estate agent…
This article is brought to you by local resident and REALTOR, John Womeldorf, known around town as “Mr. Williamsburg” because of his extensive knowledge of the Williamsburg/Hampton Roads area and its real estate market. If you are relocating, retiring, seeking a vacation home, or simply curious about homes and neighborhoods in the Williamsburg/Hampton Roads area, John is happy to help. Click here to send him an email, or call him at 757-254-8136.
Neighborhood Orientation Tours
Are the schools good? How is the traffic? Can you hear planes from nearby airports? Where is the closest grocery store?
It can be daunting to get all the information you need to choose not only the right house, but also the right neighborhood. Schedule one of John’s Neighborhood Orientation tours of communities in the Williamsburg/Hampton Roads area to get such essentials as:
home prices – shopping centers – military bases – recreational facilities – public and private schools – public transportation – aircraft/traffic noise – high potential accident zones – flood zones – playgrounds – major traffic patterns and commute times
Click here to email John about arranging a tour, or call or text him at 757-254-8136.
Are You A Military Family?
The Williamsburg/Hampton Roads area is home to many military families. John is experienced in helping them with the unique issues raised by frequent relocations, and he understands the kind of support team it takes to make smooth transitions both into and out of the area. Click here to email John about your needs and concerns, or call him at 757-254-8136.
Specific Needs Properties
If you have a specific type of property in mind, John can help you find it. For assistance in unearthing just the right property in the Williamsburg/Hampton Road area, click here to contact John by email, or call or text him at 757-254-8136. |
Well,. its no Rockefeller Center but Williamsburg’s first outdoor Skating Rink opens in New Town, this Friday Nov 23rd at noon.
Presented by Iron-Bound Gym in partnership with James City County and New Town the synthetic rink will be open seven days a week until January 13th, 2013.
Skating is $7/person including skate rental or $5/person with your own skates. All participants must wear ice skates. Season passes are also available for $50/person and include skates. Children under age 12 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.
See below for more specifics….
So “Does it look like real ice?” from a distance it looks like the real thing, Up close, the plastic panels appear snapped together like puzzle pieces.
So what’s it like to skate on synthetic ice ? While I am not a skater bit it felt hard to move your feet. It didn’t feel as slippery as real ice so you can’t go as fast. which is probably a good thing. When you stop moving your feet you stop moving, so you don’t have that overwhelming slipping feeling.
No one claims it exactly replicates ice. There’s a resistance. You’re actually pushing off and stroking harder. I am told the surface is good for training because beginners become “stronger at a faster rate.
The rink uses a plastic polymer injected with oils that are released “when the blade heats up and melts the top layer of the polymer. It should become slipperier as more people skate it.
. “You really need a large amount of people on there to get the oils worked around,” she said. “It’s not ice, obviously.”
Tickets are now on sale for the 2013 Kingsmill Championship to be held April 29 – May 5, 2013, on the River Course at Kingsmill Resort. Tickets, including a Special Holiday Promotion, are available here
General tickets start as low as $25.
Kingsmill is offering a “special holiday promotion” through Dec. 31 that might be attractive for the golfer’s in your social circle.
$60 buys you a discounted grounds badge for tournament week – Wednesday through Sunday, May 1-5 – plus a complimentary green fee good for any of Kingsmill’s three courses. For $80, you get grounds and clubhouse access along with the green fee.
The complimentary green fee is available for use on all three Kingsmill Resort courses, valued up to $185. These holiday gift offers will only be available until December 31st.
Throughout tournament week, Kids 17 & under are admitted free with a ticketed adult. Active and retired military will also receive special ticket promotions throughout the week.
The 2012 Kingsmill Championship had record-breaking crowds with more than 62,000 spectators watching the stars of the LPGA battle it out for the $1.3 million purse. With a stellar leaderboard and a 9-hole playoff, Jiyai Shin beat Paul Creamer to win the Kingsmill Championship, ending the longest playoff between two players in LPGA history.
“We are excited to have the Kingsmill Championship during the new spring dates this year,” stated Wayne Nooe, Executive Director of the Kingsmill Championship. “The 2012 event was an exciting family-friendly atmosphere with great golf and we look forward to welcoming the best LPGA players from all over the world once again to Kingsmill Resort.”
For additional information and to purchase tickets, visit the tournament website
About the Kingsmill Championship
The Kingsmill Championship is being staged April 29 – May 5, 2013 at Kingsmill Resort’s River Course. The top women golfers in the world will compete for the $1.3 million purse in this 72‐hole, stroke play tournament. Kids 17 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult. Active and retired military will also receive special ticket promotions throughout the week.
About Kingsmill on The James and Kingsmill Resort
Kingsmill Resort, is a AAA Four Diamond resort that offers 422 guest rooms and suites, a 19,000‐square‐foot IACC certified conference center, six restaurants. three Championship Golf Courses with a golf club house, a tennis club with fifteen courts. There is a superb sports club with both indoor and outdoor pools, racquetball courts, sauna, and fitness rooms. There is also a full service spa and a large marina on the river with access to the bay. The full service marina has 90 permanent slips and 15 transient boat slips.
Kingsmill is located off I‐64 between Richmond and Norfolk and within close proximity to Williamsburg’s numerous destinations including Busch Gardens, Colonial Williamsburg, The College of William & Mary, Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center.
The community spans 2900 acres of protected area along the historic James River. Forty percent of the rolling green and wooded development will remain untouched forever. The two gated entrances are manned round the clock and there is a private police force.
There are a wide variety of housing choices available for sale in Kingsmill,ranging from condos, townhouses, and courtyard/ patio/ villas on smaller lots to smaller detached single family and large luxury homes, many with first floor master suites. Many of the homes were designed with seniors in mind.
For additional information about Kingsmill real estate click here
So what is the East Coast Greenway? Imagine a mostly flat, 3000 mile Appalachian Trail system starting in Calais, Maine and ending in Key West, Florida, when completed, the ECG will be nearly 3000 miles long and connect the major cities along the Atlantic Coast. Plans call for 90% of the trail to be off road.
The East Coast Greenway is routed on 400 miles of Virginia trails and roads—over 270 miles of spine routing plus about 130 miles of alternate routing. The routes connect urban, suburban, and rural areas from Arlington through Fredericksburg, Richmond, Petersburg, South Hill, and Clarksville, and (via the alternate Historic Coastal Route) Richmond to Jamestown to Chesapeake. The Historic Coastal Route follows the Virginia Capital Trail, a 50-mile route that closely follows Virginia’s Hwy. 5 along a mostly traffic-separated path and traverses a region steeped in history and natural beauty. The Historic Coastal Route will connect with the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail which, will bring travelers over the border into North Carolina.
While about 14% of the spine route is on completed multi-use trail, an additional 20% of the route is in development and headed toward becoming firm-surface, multi-use trail.
Currently open trails include the Mount Vernon Trail, Virginia Capital Trail, Tobacco Heritage Trail, and Dismal Swamp Canal Trail. In the coming years you should see quite a bit more trails built in Southside, Greater Richmond, and elsewhere.
The Virginia Bicycling Federation. has worked with the East Coast Greenway and VA Department of Conservation and Recreation to publish the East Coast Greenway Virginia: A Guide To Bicycling and Walking the ECG in Virginia, an informative and easy to use guide offers maps and turn-by-turn directions of the ECG route through Virginia.
You can get your guide free of charge at any of Virginia’s 12 Welcome Centers or you can order a copy by mail (the cost is $5 for shipping and handling), or download the pdf for free.
Download your free copy here here in PDF form, or order a hardcopy here (cost is $5 for shipping and handling).
Trail Status and Plans
More information on trails and greenways in Virginia
Steeplechase horses will compete at Colonial Downs in New Kent and tailgaters will party on the country’s second largest dirt oval as Central Virginia’s new spring racing event will kick off with an early April date.
The first ever “Dogwood Classic” will be held the afternoon of Saturday April 6th, 2013. Colonial Downs will produce the new event and oversee all operational aspects. A number of National Steeplechase Association (NSA) races are expected to take place on the Secretariat turf course and tailgating will be available on the track’s 1 ¼ mile dirt track.
The name “Dogwood Classic” was obtained thru a contest and promoted by Cox Radio stations in Richmond. Of all potential names submitted, five were chosen by a panel and posted for on line voting. Dogwood Classic received 33% of the votes while Commonwealth Spring Classic was second with 20%. The next three in order were Colonial Downs Spring Fling, Kentland Races and Brick House Races.
“We want to kick off the inaugural Dogwood Classic with an immediate vibrancy,” said Colonial Downs President Ian Stewart. “We’re excited to offer this event at the beginning of the spring festival season when nice weather has arrived and everyone is ready to shake off winter and enjoy terrific racing in a great party atmosphere.”
More event details and tailgating information will be available in the coming days at dogwoodclassic.com and via facebook.
A “launch party” is being planned for November 15th. For more information, call 804-966-7223.
Join us on October 20th for our 2nd Annual Wallerpalooza Fall Festival!
This event features fall themed crafts (Bring an old shirt and turn it into a trick-or-treat bag!), games for kids, and fun activities including an inflatable obstacle course, pumpkin launcher, and clown!
Wallerpalooza is from 10am until 2pm and there will be a $5 vehicle entrance charge during this time.
We hope to see you there! For more information, please call Waller Mill Park at (757) 259-3778. Visit us on the web at www.williamsburgva.gov/rec.
Two types of cycling events converge this weekend with the aptly named Williamsburg Dirt Festival.
James City County Parks & Recreation, James River Velo Sport, William & Mary Cycling Team and Eastern Virginia Mountain Bike Association are hosting the first local event of its kind.
"Williamsburg was chosen as the host town to both "support our local tourism industry and the great area we have locally to go bicycling both on the road and off," said Dexter Klock, president of Velo Sport.
Bikers hail mostly from Tidewater and Richmond, but they extend to Northern Virginia and Washington as well. "Most competitors are mountain bikers and road cyclists who also enjoy cyclocross," Klock explained
On Saturday, cyclocross races will be held throughout greater Williamsburg. Cyclocross combines dirt and road races with various obstacles. Saturday’s event will feature a full card of races, as well as beginner and mountain bike classes for cyclocross novices.
"[It’s] an up-and-coming sport among both mountain and road cyclists and racers," said Klock. "[It’s] great for the spectators, and is an action packed event for both the racer and spectator."
Want to go?
The public is invited. Anyone interested in cycling can take classes from expert racers. The festival runs Saturday and Sunday with many events at Freedom Park and Jamestown Beach Park. Here the Facebook page for the Dirt Fest.
Williamsburg Dirt Fest is a two day race event with Cyclocross and Mountain Bike Races, and a family friendly Bike Festival. There are spectator friendly races at two venues to compete in or watch all weekend, and loads of activities to enjoy.
CYCLOCROSS RACES
> Saturday 10:00 AM Cyclocross James Town Beach Park 2205 Jamestown Rd, Williamsburg
Registration Link https://www.bikereg.com/Net/17106
CROSS COUNTRY RACES
> Saturday 4:00 PM Twilight Dirt Criterium Freedom Park 5537 Centerville Rd, Williamsburg
Registration Link https://www.bikereg.com/Net/17103
***please note there is an error on the BikeReg site that shows the Crit on Sunday. SATURDAY is correct***
> Sunday 12:00 Noon to 4:00 PM Cross Country Races at Freedom Park 5537 Centerville Rd, Williamsburg
Registration Link https://www.bikereg.com/Net/17103
Additional Information & Details for Mountain Bike Races
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B9YNouVuhsSJbnZRaFdMZkoyX1E/edit
https://www.jccegov.com/recreation/parks/chickahominy-park.html
TREK Test Ride Demo Sunday 9/23 From 10:00 AM-3:00PM
Road and Mountain Bikes Available. Test rides are free. Bring your cycling shoes, helmet, picture ID and a credit card to check out the bike of your choice. See more Test Ride info at http://bikebeatonline.com/events/trek-demo-test-ride-event-details-pg556.htm
Festival activities include a Mountain Bike Skills Clinic, a Freeride Demonstration, Guided Night Trail Ride, BikeBeat Bike Maintenance Classes, Kids Bike Parade, Scavenger Hunt and Face Painting, Bunny-hop and Long Jump Contests, plenty of food, and limitless fun.
See the complete schedule of events at:
http://bikebeatonline.com/merchant/437/files/WilliamsburgDirtFestInfoPages.pdf
Thank you to these GREAT organizations for making this event possible!
~ Cyclocross Races by James River Velo Sport
http://www.jrvs.org/
~ Cross Country Races sponsored by the College of William & Mary Cycling Team
http://wmpeople.wm.edu/site/page/cyclingclub
~ Bike Festival by the Eastern Virginia Mountain Bike Association
http://evma.org/
~ Race Venues and Festival Grounds by the James City County Department of Parks and Recreation
http://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/RECREATION/
~ Test Rides & Maintenance Classes by BikeBeat
http://bikebeatonline.com/
HAUNTED TRAIL ZOMBIE OBSTACLE CHALLENGE…On Saturday, October 27, 2012-two hundred people will have the opportunity to outrun the Zombies of Beaverdam Park…for the rest of you…GOOD LUCK!
Groups of evacuees will depart every 5 minutes. Evacuees will face 15 to 20 obstacles, including mud and water, over 1-1/4 miles while Zombies try to capture their flags and turn tum into the LIVING DEAD!
CAN YOU SURVIVE??? A mile and a quarter of Obstacles, Zombies, Water, Mud???
You can find out at the HTZOC! Take the challenge.
Check in begins at 1 pm at the Whitcomb Lodge at Beaverdam Park
For ages 12 and older
Registration is $25 and is limited to the first 200 Evacuees
The challenge fee includes: Official Race T-shirt, flags, souvenir, surprises and water station.
The evacuation route winds through Nature Trail, Multi-Use Trail, Exercise Trail and the Parking Lot.
The HTZOC is a Park Partners, Inc fundraiser to raise money for Gloucester County Parks. Please visit the Park Partners, Inc website to print a registration form and sign up today to TAKE THE CHALLENGE!
Registration info here: http://gloucesterparks.org/haunted-trail-zombie-obstacle-challenge
map location for Beaverdam Park.
The Patriot’s Half: Located on the James River next to the Jamestown settlement, centerpiece for the 400th celebration of Jamestown. Just minutes from I-64 in Williamsburg, VA the Patriot’s Half is a must do event. After a 1.2 mile swim in the James River athletes will ride through 58 miles of rural countryside on mostly flat terrain and good pavement. Once you have laced up your running shoes you’ll be treated to a flat and fast 13.1 mile run on a combination of bike paths and jogging trails.
Course Details:
Swim: The swim course is a 1.2 mile rectangular course in the brackish James River. The start and finish alternate each year between the beach next to ferry and the beach downriver from the 4H center (tide dependent). The water temperature is expected to be in the upper 70’s. A preliminary water temperature will be posted on the website on the Thursday prior to the event. An official reading will be taken race morning. There is a current in this swim course, be sure to practice swimming across currents and how to take advantage of them.
Bike: The bike course is fast and mostly flat. There are a couple rollers and sections of false flat on this course but you can ride the entire way in your big ring. There are 3 water bottle hand offs on the course at miles 15, 30, and 44 (Deer park sport caps). Please plan your fluid intake accordingly as there will be 12 miles to ride from the last hand off to the bike finish.
Run: The new run course is FANTASTIC! This course is a combination of asphalt bike paths and VERY well maintained and mulched jogging trails. There is not a hill anywhere on this course. It is a 2 loop course for the half with well stocked aid stations at least every mile throughout. Each aid station will have water, HEED, ice, flat Coke, Chex mix, orange quarters, Hammer Gel, and E-Caps. Each station will also have a porta jon nearby.
The final field has been set for the Kingsmill Championship as the LPGA Tour makes its highly anticipated return to Williamsburg, VA for the first time since 2009. The stellar field is led by top-ranked American, Stacy Lewis, and two-time winner at Kingsmill, Cristie Kerr.
“We are thrilled to have this type of response from the players and the community surrounding the return of the Kingsmill Championship,” says Tournament Director Katherine Thigpen. “We expect a tremendous turnout from the fans and cannot wait to showcase the greatest women golfers in the world.”
Along with Lewis and Kerr, 2012 tournament winners Ai Miyazato (ranked 4th on the Money List), Azahara Munoz (ranked 7th), and Mika Miyazato (ranked 8th) highlight the spectacular 144-player field. Previously announced superstars who will be competing include Paula Creamer, Michelle Wie, Natalie Gulbis, Morgan Pressel, Juli Inkster, and Lexi Thompson.
The Kingsmill Championship will be staged September 3-9 at Kingsmill Resort’s River Course. The top women golfers in the world will compete for the $1.3 million purse in this 72-hole, stroke play tournament. Tickets start as low as $25 and can be purchased online at www.thekingsmillchampionship.com. Kids 17 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult.
For more information, visit www.thekingsmillchampionship.com.
About Kingsmill on The James
Kingsmill On The James is a vibrant resort community, less than three miles from Colonial Williamsburg, and located on a 2900 acre protected area along the historic James River. Forty percent of the rolling green and wooded development will remain untouched. The two gated entrances are manned round the clock and there is a private police force.
There are a wide variety of housing choices available for residents in Kingsmill, these range from condos, townhouses, and courtyard/ patio/ villas on smaller lots to smaller detached single family and large luxury homes, many with first floor master suites. Many of the homes were designed with seniors in mind.
There are six restaurants on site, 54 holes of golf with a golf club house, and a tennis club with fifteen courts. There is a superb sports club with both indoor and outdoor pools, racquetball courts, sauna, and fitness rooms. There is also a full service spa and a large marina on the river with access to the bay. The full service marina has 90 permanent slips and 15 transient boat slips.
Kingsmill is located off I-64 between Richmond and Norfolk and within close proximity to Williamsburg’s numerous destinations including Busch Gardens, Colonial Williamsburg, The College of William & Mary, Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center.
For additional information about Kingsmill real estate click here
Williamsburg Outside.com 