Kingsmill Resort, Williamsburg, Virginia, rolls out three plus designer courses plus much more
By Katharine Dyson
Three designer courses and one neat little nine-hole layout plus a bundle of other things to do makes Kingsmill Resort & Spa in Williamsburg, Virginia, the place to come if you want it all. Just minutes from the heart of Colonial Williamsburg and nudging up to Busch Gardens, Kingsmill is a perfect choice for those who want to come here with family or friends and play golf guilt-free even if no one but you plays. It's also a good choice for those who are just getting into the game thanks to the par 3 Bray Course.
While you are teeing up at Pete Dye's splendid River Course soaking up views of the James River, your nongolfing gang could be savoring a cup of coffee and a pastry at The Mill while they plan their day.
For the thrill seekers, Busch Gardens with its roller coasters and high energy rides may be the ultimate way to spend their time. Or while you are having your own thrills digging your way out of a deep bunker, your travel companions' only angst: could be which spa treatment to book.
Your kids will hardly know you're rounding the turn on the scenic Woods Course, a solid Curtis Strange/Tom Clark design for they will be having a fun-filled time at Kids Kamp.
Later you may take everyone out to play the par 3, nine hole Bray Course where the longest hole is but 110 yards. It's a perfect family course and is sometimes used for night golf where glowing balls light the dark skies.
On another day while you are pounding out hole #11 on the Arnold Palmer/Ed Seay Plantation Course, a 434 yard meat grinder par 4, your pals might be finding out all about what life was like 200 years ago as they tour Jamestown Settlement or Colonial Williamstown. Here American history comes alive with costumed guides and extensive indoor and outdoor exhibits including three working replicas of the ships which brought settlers to Virginia's shores. But then, you might want to save that one for a time when you can go along.
You do get a brief glimpse of history as you reach the last two holes on the River Course as pilings of the original pier leading from the banks into the James River, can still be seen just off shore. There are other reminders of the past on the Plantation Course as well as the River Course including the foundations of historic buildings. Specific places of interest are marked by plaques including one noting the site of one of an original Indian village.
One-, two- and three-bedroom villas will easily accommodate your group. Your balcony will look over the James River, Wareham's Pond, or golf courses and you'll have extra conveniences like a kitchen, flat screen tvs, and wi-fi service.
For casual dining try Regattas where pizza and pasta is on the menu or head to The Marina Bar & Grille overlooking the harbor where the seafood is as good as the views There is also Eagles located in the golf clubhouse and known for itsbeechwood-smoked cooking. On chilly nights gather around the fire pit for some camaraderie.
For a change of pace, you can lounge by the expansive indoor pool, go fishing on Wareham's Pond, site of the Bass Pro Shop Shootout or work up a sweat in the sports club.
Kingsmill has plenty of water toys including kayaks and paddleboats along with jet boating and parasailing (something new at Kingsmill and with 15 tennis courts, it is one of the top tennis resorts in the country.
It is more than likely you will run out of time before you run out of things to do here - did we mention hiking and biking? Next time, you may even want to leave your clubs home.
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Revised: 10/07/2013 - Article Viewed 32,539 Times
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About: Katharine Dyson
Katharine Dyson is a freelance golf and travel writer, author, and columnist for several national & international publications and websites as well as guidebook author and blogger. Realizing that a golf and travel writer is the most underpaid, over privileged profession on the planet, she embraces the life style traveling all over the world to play golf and check out resorts. She is a member of the Golf Writers Association of American, Golf Travel Writers of America, the Society of American Travel Writers, and Metropolitan Golf Writers Association.