With roots reaching back to 1973, Williamsburg Campground continues to thrive as a favorite destination in Williamsburg, VA. For five decades, the campground has been owned and run by the same local family. Starting with 60 sites, the campground has grown tremendously over the years. Today it has 370 sites, extending over 80 acres. “We’re here—the same family and same great campground facilities” says Donna Fout, co-owner of Williamsburg Campground with her husband Gary since purchasing the business from her parents in the 1980s.

Just two miles from I-64, this beautiful award-winning campground has a remote, peaceful feel like it’s a world away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The area’s amazing attractions are only a short drive away. From the historic places of Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown to Williamsburg’s premier theme parks, Busch Gardens and Water Country USA, Williamsburg Campground provides guests resort level accommodations in the heart of the destination’s attractions and restaurants.

Looking to relax and enjoy the amenities our campground has to offer? Williamsburg Campground is a complete resort all within itself, with fun things to do for the entire family. Set in a scenic wooded atmosphere, the campground offers guests remarkable adventures and activities on-site. Come enjoy a heated pool, splash pad, two jumping pillows, Gravity Rail, geocaching, gem mining, kids playgrounds, a nine-hole disc golf course and more. In addition, Williamsburg Campground hosts festive year-round themed weekends and events, full of costumes and games. Halloween-themed weekends during October are especially popular and a must-do experience.

Williamsburg Campground’s wide-range of on-site amenities are equally impressive, offering families—including their furry companions—comfort and convenience. The grounds feature bathhouses, laundry facilities, a camp store, an activity room, a pavilion, nature trails, outdoor fire pits, a dog park and dog wash. Plus, there is free Wi-Fi and cable.

Williamsburg Campground accommodates all types of camping experiences, including full hookup RV sites as well as cabins and yurts. “Our campground is more than a place to stay,” says Donna. “It’s about people getting outside and enjoying good family fun, detaching from schedules at home and reconnecting with the great outdoors. Our family extends our heartfelt thanks to all our guests over the years for making our campground a special place.”

Come unwind by the campfire and discover the perfect Williamsburg experience for you and your family. Book your getaway today!

Wanna Go?
WilliamsburgCampground.com
1-855-881-1733 (toll-free)
4000 Newman Road Williamsburg
camp@williamsburgcampground.com

Regional Indoor Sports Venue Will Drive Economic Growth in Historic Triangle

The long-awaited Williamsburg Sports and Events Center is set to open in July 2026, and momentum is building with the “topping out” ceremony projected for late January 2026. That ceremony will mark a significant milestone as the final major structural steel element will be proudly put in place. Progress on the center is rapidly moving forward as exterior wall panels are currently being installed, with concrete slab placement not far behind.

The 200,000-plus-square-foot sports and events center is the result of a collaborative and forward-thinking regional alliance involving the City of Williamsburg, James City County, York County, Williamsburg Hotel & Motel Association (WHMA) and the Historic Triangle Recreational Facilities Authority (HTRFA). The new facility is designed to meet growing demand for local sports and recreation outlets, and to offer an outstanding venue for sports and events tourism which is an integral part of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s economy. Though the Sports and Events Center is a destination all on its own, it will complement the Greater Williamsburg region’s existing attractions.

Residents will be able to utilize the facility in a wide variety of ways, including recreational sports (basketball, volleyball, wrestling, soccer, futsal, flag football, etc.), meetings, corporate events and more during the week. In addition, local and regional visitors will be able to participate in tournaments and meets that will draw thousands of people to the Williamsburg region on weekends.

The construction of the sports and events center and campus is spearheaded by an exceptional design-build team composed of experts selected by HTRFA, and led by MEB as general contractor, Clark Nexsen as lead design firm, architecture firm GuernseyTingle, site contractor Henderson Inc. and the Timmons Group handling civil design. The vibrant, welcoming architecture was designed to complement the region’s historic character.

Richard Hibbett, Jr., client engagement practice leader at Clark Nexen weighed in on the project: “Our design-build team is extremely excited about the progress of the Greater Williamsburg Sports and Events Center. The facility will benefit the Williamsburg Region in so many ways, and we’re proud to be part of a project that will be a catalyst for tourism and increase the quality of life for the residents and businesses of the City of Williamsburg, James City County, and York County.”

Hibbett continues. “We’re grateful for the forward-thinking leaders of this region who have made this project a reality, including the City of Williamsburg, James City County, York County, the Williamsburg Hotel & Motel Association, Colonial Williamsburg, and so many more. The partners of MEB, Clark Nexsen, GuersneyTingle, Timmons Group, Henderson, and Victus Advisors are excited for the grand opening in 2026!”

The center will include hardcourt space sufficient to support at least 12 basketball courts that can be converted to 24 volleyball courts, 36 pickleball courts, ceiling-mounted basketball goals, volleyball nets, court dividers, scoreboards, and shot clocks.

MEB describes the project’s other details: “There will be a state-of-the-art indoor rollout turf system sized to cover the entire hardcourt space, providing significant flexibility and allowing for indoor soccer, field hockey, football, and lacrosse, amongst countless other sporting events, and there will be dedicated space to support visitor, spectator, and team arrivals, gathering, viewing areas, food and beverage, administration, and registration.”

Sports tourism in Virginia generated $2.7 billion in direct spending in 2022, resulting in a total economic impact of $4.5 billion statewide, according to a study by the Virginia Tourism Corporation and Tourism Economics.

The Coastal Region, which includes Greater Williamsburg, accounted for 27% of this spending, contributing $1.2 billion in total economic impact. This included:
• $364.3 million in total labor income
• Support for 11,136 part-time and full-time jobs
• $94.7 million in state and local tax revenues

With the addition of a regional sports center in the Historic Triangle, the Greater Williamsburg area has the potential to capture a larger market share, further boosting economic benefits for the entire Coastal Region.

To Book Your Space for 2026 and Beyond:
Steve Ryan, Kemper Sports
sryan@kempersports.com
224-383-6009

Preservation Virginia’s Efforts to Safeguard Historic Sites

By Julie Matthews

A leader behind statewide efforts to protect and promote the Commonwealth’s historic places is Preservation Virginia, with their work focusing on preservation, education and advocacy. Since 1889, the organization has helped save more than 400 historic places and it currently owns and operates six historic sites, spanning approximately 100 miles of history, from Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown in Hanover County down to Cape Henry Lighthouse in Virginia Beach with the John Marshall House (in Richmond), Historic Jamestown (in James City County), and Smith’s Fort and Bacon’s Castle (both in Surry County) in between.

While all of these sites are important in their own right, Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown is not to be missed. One of the oldest sites in Hanover County, Scotchtown is Henry’s only original standing house open to the public. Called the “orator of the American Revolution,” Henry lived here from 1771 to 1778 and conceived some of his most revolutionary ideas including his famous “Give me liberty or give me death!” speech, which he delivered on March 23, 1775 at the Second Virginia Convention at St. John’s Church in Richmond. In 1958 Preservation Virginia acquired the remarkable site and restored the building and grounds to reflect how it looked back during this pivotal time period.

With 2025 marking the 250th anniversary of Henry’s monumental speech, there’s no better time than now to explore Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown. “There is nothing quite like visiting a historic site and immersing yourself in history!” says Dawn Burnett, Scotchtown Site Coordinator. “By walking on the same floorboards that Patrick Henry walked on, or walking the grounds and having a quiet moment to contemplate the lives of the enslaved, you are able to get a better sense of what life was like in those tumultuous years leading up to the revolution.”

Scotchtown hosts a variety of events, as well as summer camps and field trips. “The best way for people to interact with Scotchtown is during a special event,” says Patrick Laird, Scotchtown Site Coordinator. “Whether they come out for one of our many special tours or a unique demonstration, they can really take a deep dive into the site beyond that of a regular tour. Regardless of when they actually visit the site, they will always be welcomed by knowledgeable staff who will surely make every visit a memorable one.”

In 2025, the site will open a new exhibit, “Give me Liberty! Patrick Henry in the Fight for Freedom.” In addition, Preservation Virginia is actively building out its descendants initiative to ensure more voices and stories of those that lived there are heard and honored. Furthermore, in 2026 a number of significant renovations will be made to the site. “Supported by recent Virginia 250 grant funding, we’re working to make Scotchtown more accessible for all visitors,” says Will Glasco, CEO of Preservation Virginia. “Within the next year, new pathways and accessibility ramps will be installed, and the parking area improved. We want everyone to have the opportunity to experience history where it happened, and this new initiative will make that possible.”

Scotchtown is open March through December. Learn more about Preservation Virginia and purchase tickets by visiting PreservationVirginia.org.

Wanna Go?
preservationvirginia.org
804-648-1889
204 West Franklin Street Richmond, VA

Explore the Affordable Luxuries of Williamsburg’s Skincare Destination, Perfectly Natural Soap

Shaen and Rich Goestch have spent the past twenty years researching, honing and perfecting the craft of soap making. What began as a quest to remedy their oldest child’s skin sensitivities quickly turned into a lifelong venture. Perfectly Natural Soap is now a leading crafter and distributor of high-quality, artisan products. During your visit to Williamsburg, enjoy a complimentary hand scrub after shopping deodorants, cleaning sprays, poison ivy soothers, beard washers and of course, the Goestch’s famous soap bars.

Perfectly Natural Soap boasts three brick-and-mortar locations across the Peninsula. The shop on Williamsburg’s Richmond Road is the couple’s largest and arguably most regularly frequented location. During the summer months, the shop extends its operations to Sunday afternoons and invites patrons to sample an array of products infused with raw ingredients and natural oils. Browse similar merchandise at Perfectly Natural Soap’s original storefront in Historic Smithfield or downtown in Williamsburg’s Merchants Square.

You’ll likely find something new every time you visit Perfectly Natural Soap too. “We are always adding and modifying our product line to meet the needs of our customers,” says Shaen. “We’ve grown our facial skincare line to include more cleanser, serum and facial oil options. We also have a new scent addition to our men’s line, Maverick, that’s quickly becoming a bestseller.”

Summer scents breathe earthy bouquets of Coconut Lemongrass and Grapefruit Mint, while fall and winter scents capture nostalgic aromas of pear, amaretto and apple pie.

Are you visiting and need your items shipped home? Perfectly Natural Soap offers free shipping on purchases of $75 or more. As an extension of their natural ingredients, Perfectly Natural Soap utilizes reusable packaging such as glass containers, wax paper and green packaging on all shipments.

Shop Perfectly Natural Soap at PerfectlyNaturalSoap.com or at 202 Main St., Smithfield; 423 Prince George St., Williamsburg; 2021 Richmond Rd., Ste. A, Williamsburg.

Plan Your Visit
perfectlynaturalsoap.com
757-345-5407
2021 Richmond Rd Ste. A, Williamsburg, VA

757-808-5077
423 Prince George St., Williamsburg, VA

Go-Karts Plus has been delivering family entertainment in Williamsburg for more than 35 years. This immensely popular one-stop action park offers several go-kart tracks, including a rookie track, with another thrilling go-kart ride coming soon. In 2025, Go-Karts Plus will take go-karting to a whole new level of fun with an elevated go-kart track called the Skyline Speedway. (Check GoKartsPlus.com for the grand opening date.) On this newest attraction, riders will embark on an epic driving experience as they climb three stories high and then zoom downhill around an exhilarating course. “Go-Karts Plus is not just kiddie stuff,” says owner Jeff Miller. “We have go-karts appropriate for 6-year-olds to 80-year-olds.”

Even so, the fun doesn’t start and stop on the park’s race tracks. Go-Karts Plus spans across 8 acres, double its size when it opened for business in 1988, and features a variety of other exciting rides. These include Blaster Boats, Bumper Cars, the Python Kiddie Coaster, the DISK’O’ thrill ride and an updated, state-of-the-art video arcade full of games and prizes. Younger children can burn off energy in Toddler Town, a free outdoor play zone.

If playing miniature golf is more your speed, come putt your way through 18 holes of Gold Rush Mini Golf amongst captivating scenery. “The landscaping here is very organic with 30-year-old trees keeping you well shaded,” Miller says. During the summer, be sure to cruise up to the snack bar for some refreshing hand-dipped ice cream and other tasty munchies.

Offering something fun for the entire family, Go-Karts Plus is open from mid-March to mid-November. Visit the website for more information, including park schedules and pricing. Enjoy free admission and free parking every time you visit.

If It’s FUN, It’s HERE!

Plan Your Visit
757-564-7600 • GoKartsPlus.com
6910 Richmond Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188

For golf enthusiasts seeking a premier public course with an unparalleled legacy, Golden Horseshoe Golf Club in Williamsburg, Virginia, is a must-visit destination. Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr. and his son, Rees Jones, it is the only place in the world where you can play side-by-side father and son championship courses. The Gold Course, a masterpiece by Robert Trent Jones Sr., is a true test of skill, featuring stunning natural landscapes, rolling fairways, and challenging water hazards. The Green Course, designed by Rees Jones, offers a more forgiving layout while still delivering a first-class experience.

Now, there’s even more to get excited about—The Shoe, a brand-new 9-hole, par-3 course, is set to open this summer. Designed for all skill levels, The Shoe provides a fun, fast, and scenic golf experience, perfect for families, beginners, and seasoned players looking for a quick round. Whether you’re visiting Williamsburg for history, leisure, or competition, Golden Horseshoe Golf Club offers a world-class golf adventure that can’t be found anywhere else. Don’t miss your chance to tee it up where championship tradition meets modern fun. Book your tee time today!

Wanna Go?
goldenhorseshoegolf.com
855-556-2982

Exploring the savors of Williamsburg’s famed modern Indian kitchen

When Amiraj arrived to the Williamsburg food scene in 2020, it breathed new life into Indian cuisine. Amiraj’s dedication to providing authentic and sometimes funky dishes has resulted in a sizable client base that rivals even the most seasoned eateries in the historic triangle.

Yes, some guests return to sink their teeth into familiar favorites like chicken tikka masala and butter chicken, but many return to discover the latest culinary creation Amiraj has to offer.

“We like to go above and beyond when we welcome guests into our dining room. We have a core menu with signature dishes, many of which come in the form of traditional Indian [plates],” says Nitesh Arora, Amiraj’s general manager and wine director. “Our guests are always open to trying new things, so we try to play with creativity beyond the Indian classics and take inspiration from the seasons.”

Out-of-the-box creations truly are an Amiraj speciality. One staple dish, Surf & Turf Madras, is the perfect marriage of traditional and local. The entree boasts a mouthwatering blend of tender meats and savory seafood bites infused with classic Indian flavors.

“We like to call this one out because it’s a blend of two different cooking styles,” says Arora. “Tamarind elevates the sweet and spicy flavor of the lamb-based broth and is finished with tandoor grilled salmon and shrimp.”

Another must-try fusion is Amiraj’s Crab-Scallop Nilgiri. The dish features juicy crab meat simmered in a coconut-cilantro sauce and finished with seared scallops. “The [plate] is South Indian-inspired and has a coastal finish inspired by our roots in Williamsburg,” Arora explains.

Despite Indian cuisine’s inclination for spice, Amiraj excels in sweets. Kufli, or Indian ice cream, is unique to Amiraj in that it is made entirely in-house without artificial flavors or preservatives. Seasonal flavors heavily influence the restaurant’s frozen offerings. Cardamom pear and sweet potato pie are just two of the funky iterations that have been served alongside year round flavors like mango and pistachio.

Head over to the bar and you’ll find a host of handcrafted sips with playfulness at their core.

“Our house cocktail menu features classics with a twist, as well as Indian-themed [libations] like our Punjabi Summer,” Arora explains. “We challenge ourselves with our beer and wine programs too. Our goal is to enhance the dining experience by offering a perfect pairing, a thoughtful balance or an interesting style. We have some quality names, Indian wines and plenty of boutique pours that are great for a night out. We’ve also done many craft beer specials from breweries across the U.S.”

Experience the array of savors and sips for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Learn more at www.amiraj.com.

Plan Your Visit
757-565-3200
204 Monticello Avenue, Williamsburg
Amiraj.com

In June 2022, The Wagsters Magic Theatre opened its doors, becoming Williamsburg’s one and only magic show. This dynamic live show delivers Vegas-caliber entertainment including spectacular illusions, daring escapes, heartfelt stories and much more.

“The goal of the show is to invite the audience to escape reality for a little while; to come inside our four walls and shut off their minds,” says Brandon Wagster. “We give adults permission to be kids for a while.”

Owning his own theatre has been a dream of Brandon’s since he was a young boy, when he would put on performances in his garage. Hannah, co-owner of The Wagsters Magic Theatre, shares her husband’s passion for entertaining others. The pair both grew up in Columbia, South Carolina, and have spent more than a decade performing together. In 2020 the Wagsters received the prestigious Merlin Award, the magic industry’s equivalent to an Oscar Award, from the International Magicians Society for “Best Theatrical Magic Production.”

When opportunity knocked in Williamsburg, the Wagsters made the move and opened a theatre of their own. The Wagsters’ show is unlike any other magic show you have seen or might be imagining. With its state-of-the-art technology and colorful costumes, it is sure to mesmerize people of all ages. The premier venue, with just 63 seats, provides an intimate atmosphere allowing the Wagsters to closely interact with audience members both during and after the show, when they stay around to talk with the audience. Not surprisingly, the Wagsters have “superfans,” as they refer to their loyal followers. “Another goal of the show is that people come back,” says Brandon. “It’s not so much about magic but building a relationship with fans.”

The Wagsters are dedicated to bringing the audience an engaging, exciting experience that they will not forget. The show is updated each year, including upgrading its technical equipment, with new magic illusions and entertainment in effort to enhance the experience for attendees. And due to it being a live show with a new audience each time, the show will always be different. “It’s never the same show twice,” admits Hannah.

Shows run year-round, including a “Christmas Spectacular” during the holidays, and can be enjoyed whether rain or shine. Due to the popularity of the shows and limited seating, buy your tickets in advance and come be WOW’ed by the wonders of the Wagsters!

Editor’s Note: The majority of the shows sell out, so please be sure to book your tickets as soon as possible.

Wanna Go?
WilliamsburgMagic.com
877-WAGSTER (924-7837)
5535 Olde Towne Road
Williamsburg

Guides tell stories of Thanksgiving, the Harrisons, the Civil War and the present owners of Berkeley. Native American, colonial and Civil War artifacts can be explored in the museum. Self-guided grounds tours include gardens, original dependencies and reconstructed slave quarters.

Tours, exhibits and children’s activities make visiting Berkeley an educational and fun experience for the entire family. A Virginia and National Historic Landmark

Plan Your Visit
berkeleyplantation.com
(804) 829-6018
12602 Harrison Landing Rd,
Charles City, VA 23030