April 2024
Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay
Gloucester, VA

I booked 14 nights at Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay as part of my membership with no additional cost. The Campground doesn't pre-select sites which are first come first serve. I asked the Ranger at check-in for suggestions on an open sky site for my Starlink. He grabbed his golf cart and took me to several for me to pick. That friendly service lasted throughout my stay here. Although the two pools do not open until memorial day, this resort is loaded with acres of amenities and they are all in top shape. You can fish the private lake and the river from the peer without a fishing license. Anywhere else you must have a fishing license. The huge clubhouse has an open air covered patio with a stage for live entertainment. As nice as this resort is I think my favorite attribute is it's close proximity to so many historical towns and landmarks in the Chesapeake Bay region. I will definitely stay here again and I also want to stay at Bethpage Camp-Resort just down the road.
  Chesapeake Bay Site Map

April 2024
Gloucester, Virginia

Gloucester is nestled along the banks of the York River in the Middle Peninsula of the Chesapeake Bay. In 1651, Gloucester county was established being named after Gloucestershire, England. Although the town is filled with history, the circle on Main St in the census-designated place known as Gloucester Courthouse, is a captivating view of 17th, 18th, and 19th century history. Here you will find the Colonial Courthouse, the Colonial Jail, the Debtors Prison, the Clayton Building, the Confederate Monument, and the Masonic Lodge. The Edge Hill House, built in the 1750s is remarkably well preserved. The downtown district is riddled with boutique shops and restaurants and well as the Gloucester Brewing Company micro brewery. Six miles south of downtown is Abingdon Episcopal Church serving the Abingdon Parish established in 1651 and has an active congregation today. Gloucester played a part in the Revolutionary War being along the York River which was a logistical hub and a site of military activity. The 1781 Battle of the Virginia Capes helped lead to the eventual Cornwallis surrender to George Washington at Yorktown. More on Yorktown later in the blog.
Visit Gloucester Website

April 2024
Williamsburg, Virginia

Williamsburg is one of America's First Planned Cities and was laid out in 1699 under the Colonial Governor. The Colonial Governor's Palace is perhaps the most iconic of the reconstructions in all of Colonial Williamsburg. Although there are many ticket options for building entrances and guided tours, it's okay to see as much as possible with no admission fees especially when you have your dog with you for the day. The Palace area alone is filled with historic structures, carriage rides, and reenactments from actors in period dress. Duke of Gloucester Street, described by FDR as "the most historic avenue in all America," is full of history, boutique shops, restaurants, and is Dog Friendly! There is an area within Colonial Williamsburg called Revolutionary City where you can witness reenactments of iconic events like Patrick Henry's "Give me liberty, or give me death!" speech, military drills, and other history leading up to the Revolutionary War. Williamsburg is the hub of the Historic Triangle including Yorktown and Jamestown, all of which are must see attractions in the Chesapeake Bay region. I did visit Jamestown this trip but only walked the National Park Service trails with my dog as I did the full Jamestown experience in 2010 during my daughter's 5th Grade Washington Trip. Needless to say, I love Williamsburg!
Colonial Williamsburg Website

April 2024
Yorktown, Virginia

Just across the York River from Gloucester Point is historic Yorktown Virginia best know as home to the 1781 decisive Battle of Yorktown during the American Revolutionary War. American General George Washington with help from French forces brought approximately 17,000 American and French troops to surrounded British-occupied Yorktown. The Battle of Yorktown lasted approximately 3 weeks when British General Cornwallis surrendered effectively ending the American Revolutionary War. The signing of the Treaty of Paris officially ended the war in 1783. You can walk through the well preserved earthworks and redoubts as you follow a well marked driving tour leading visitors to many of the battlefields historic points. The Moore House is where Cornwallis selected to have negotiations with American forces for surrender. The historic village of Yorktown is remarkably well preserved. Main Street is lined with colonial-era buildings with boutique shops, museums, and galleries. Along the riverfront is Yorktown Beach with a plethora of shops, restaurants, and pubs all in the similar colonial-era themed architecture. The beach and river walk area is a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon after the battlefield tour.
Visit Yorktown Website
Yorktown Battlefield NPS