Where America began and History lives. Williamsburg, is well represented by world-class accommodations, attractions, restaurants, and golf. The beautiful city of Williamsburg is a family destination significant for much more than just its' prestigious historical past.
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My Dad gave my Mom a hubcap for Christmas. She gave him an ashtray. Both opened their large boxes with the gleeful anticipation of 5-year-olds. Upon reviewing the contents, both said, "Honey, you shouldn't have." Truer words were never spoken. Granted, Mom was annoyed when she lost her hubcap in a pothole the size of Lake Michigan, but I doubt she'd been pining to find its replacement under the Christmas tree.
Once for Valentine's Day, Dad cut out letters from newspapers and magazines to spell out, "Dinner for two at the Olive Garden." Sorry, but there's nothing romantic about an invitation that resembles a ransom note.
Given my provenance, you may question my credibility to write a gift-giving column, but since it's less than two weeks before the most romantic holiday of the year and you're not ready, perhaps some tips are in order.
1.Plan ahead. Yes, we're all busy with our lives, our children's lives, our parent's lives...but block out 30 minutes on your calendar to plan your Valentine's Day celebration. Arrange for the sitter. Make the reservations. Schedule carpools...handle the logistics today so you're ready for February 14th.
2.Honor him or her. What makes your significant other unique? Mom is now a robust 70-year-old. She spends her afternoons in the garden, drinks a glass of white wine while preparing dinner, and then scoots to the arts center to throw pots. A basket filled with pottery glazes, wine, kidskin gardening gloves and heirloom seeds might not sound as romantic as a card and red roses, but a gift of these everyday items illustrates that her significant other "gets" her. Honest, she'll feel the love.
3.Invoke the past. After couples have been together for awhile, it's easy to forget why you fell for him or her in the first place. Remind them. My husband and I met on a 3-day, 250 mile bike ride through the Shenandoah mountains. He swears I just hung around him because he plied me with gorp during the trip. So one year I wrapped a box filled with trail mix and wrote on the card, "You lured me in by being generous with your gorp, but your eyes, your sense of humor and your intelligence keep me hooked."
4.Relax. Several of the spas in Williamsburg offer couples massages. Book early and often and you're guaranteed a date for next year.
5.Learn together. Couples who tackle new adventures - whether learning to tango or make tapenade - stay together. Wrap something that suggests the course you've signed up for - guitar picks, silicone spatulas, a paper airplane...just be sure the class is something that you both have an interest in.
You might forgo all these suggestions and just stop in at the convenience store for a card, candy and flowers on your way home, but you're more creative and thoughtful than that. Right honey?
UPDATE: Online Registration is Open for the Rocketts Landing Virginia Capital to Capital Bike Ride!
Saturday, May 8th - 7:30 AM Rocketts Landing - Richmond, VA
Event Details
Join the ride this year and register for the 2010 Cap2Cap ride, one of the fastest growing cycling events in the region! Your participation supports the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation in its mission to make the Virginia Capital Trail a world-class adventure. Once again, you will be treated to Virginia's most stunning scenery while pedaling through 400 years of history. And thanks to extensive support from the Richmond and Williamsburg bike clubs, you will find friendly and knowledgeable volunteers ensuring you have a great day.
What is the Virginia Capital Trail? The Virginia Capital Trail is a pedestrian and bicycle trail that connects the Commonwealth's past and present capitals of Jamestown, Williamsburg and Richmond along the Scenic Route 5 corridor. The Capital Trail traverses 50+ miles, five jurisdictions and 400 years rich in history along one of the first inland routes in North America.
Three distances, Two Starting Locations and One Unforgettable Day
Do you want to spend the day in the saddle pedaling 100 miles? Or do you feel more like a 50-miler? How about a comfortable 25-miles? Decide on your distance then choose your starting location: downtown Richmond along the James River in the Rocketts Landing village, or beside the beautiful Chickahominy River at James City County's Chickahominy Riverfront Park. Both offer exciting and beautiful scenery for your mass start, and a whole lot of fanfare. Each route brings you back to where you started, happy and hungry and ready for more Cap2Cap fun. Keep in mind, you must finish where you start. There is no shuttle service if you end up at the wrong finish point. And for you who are counting on a cold adult beverage after your ride, we can only offer that at the Richmond venue due to regulations at Chickahominy Park.
The Route
Ride through one of the oldest inland routes of commerce in the New World as you meander through Charles City and Eastern Henrico Counties. Take in the abundant beauty as your cue sheet sends you through Civil War battlefields, underneath the generous tree canopy along Route 5, and across farmland that remains largely unchanged since our country's colonial days. As you ride, you will see portions of the beautiful Virginia Capital Trail currently under construction between Richmond and Williamsburg.
The Virginia Capital Trail Foundation
The Virginia Capital Trail Foundation (VCTF) is a 501 (c(3) organization, and is the principal advocate for the completion and enhancement of the Virginia Capital Trail, a 55-mile long, dedicated multi-use trail connecting Richmond and Williamsburg along the historic and beautiful Rt. 5 corridor. To make the Trail the world-class attraction it should be, the Foundation raises money to promote it within the region, the state and the nation through partnerships and larger trail affiliations. The VCTF is also charged with enhancing the Trail by installing signs, trailheads, benches and other amenities making the trail experience safe, educational and most importantly, unforgettable. To pursue this mission, the VCTF depends on contributions from people like you. Consider making a tax-deductible donation when you register.
The snow this year has got me really excited for the Winter Olympics. Sliding around on cafeteria trays, sleds, or even just slippery sneakers has me so excited to see the fantastic feats that are sure to be performed by the incredible athletes who will be competing in Vancouver this year.
I grew up in Montana, where downhill skiing was a weekly activity for most of the year. My mother was a downhill ski instructor, and I spent at least half my childhood sliding through the snow. The Winter Olympics were always a real treat to watch. I find the skill and precision of alpine skiing truly astounding - the Giant Slalom is the ski event with the widest, and therefore fastest, turns, and Olympic athletes competing in this event often clock speeds of over 80 mph. (For comparison, a recreational skier on a gentler slope is generally going around 15.)
Of course, not everyone gets as excited as I do about breakneck speeds on steep hills. Another excellent event is Figure Skating. Anyone who's ever been on ice skates can appreciate the difficulty of this sport, and the sheer athletic prowess of the athletes who compete in it. The graceful precision, the rendering of beautiful dance from hard ice and steel, is truly a sight to behold.
In the mood for some Winter Olympic Activities? You're in luck!
This Saturday, February 13th visit the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and celebrate the Winter Olympics at the Winter Olympics Family Day. Visit the museum with your family and enjoy special winter olympic themed activities.
From the director of Pretty Woman comes the romantic comedy of the season perfectly named - "Valentine's Day". This is the story of intertwining couples and singles in Los Angeles who break-up and make-up based on the pressures and expectations of Valentine's Day.
This movie stars what feels like most of Hollywood. The all-star line-up includes Julia Roberts, Ashton Kutcher, Anne Hathaway, Patrick Dempsey, Jessica Alba, Kathy Bates, Jennifer Garner, Jessica Biel, Shirley MacLaine, Bradley Cooper, Jamie Foxx, Queen Latifah, Topher Grace, Eric Dane, Taylor Swift, Taylor Lautner, and more!
The movie is set to hit Williamsburg this Friday - just in time for the romantic occasion on February 14th.
Movie Tavern at High Streetis located in the High Street Shopping Center on Richmond Road north of the College of William and Mary and Williamsburg Shopping Center. The Movie Tavern at High Street is a first run theater offering stadium seating and REAL D 3D Digital Projection. This theater combines the enjoyment of movies with an in-theatre dining experience.Click here for showtimes.
cents and tell us all about it.
1.Plan ahead. Yes, we're all busy with our lives, our children's lives, our parent's lives...but block out 30 minutes on your calendar to plan your Valentine's Day celebration. Arrange for the sitter. Make the reservations. Schedule carpools...handle the logistics today so you're ready for February 14th.
Contributed by WR Murphy
