The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Earned Media Coverage

December 5, 2013

TRAVEL INDUSTRY OFFERING CYBERMONDAY DEALS

By Beth J. Harpaz

11/26/13

The travel industry is offering promotions large and small for CyberMonday. Some companies are participating for the first time, while others are embracing the online holiday sale in a bigger way than in the past.

American Express Travel is launching its first-ever CyberMonday promotion, with substantial hotel discounts and deals throughout the U.S. and Canada for Jan. 13-31. The promotions will be bookable athttp://www.amextravel.com beginning Monday (Dec. 2) at 12:01 a.m. and will last 72 hours. Liberty Travel has participated in CyberMonday before, but the volume of deals and their promotion is bigger this year and offers deeper savings. Liberty has assembled 99 deals with up to 65 percent off, bookable Black Friday through CyberMonday (Nov. 29-Dec. 2), featuring resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico along with cruises and escorted tours.

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/travel-industry-offering-cybermonday-deals

Liberty is also giving a credit of up to $100 on all new bookings made in Liberty Travel stores Friday-Monday (Nov. 29-Dec. 2). Get a Black Friday code at http://www.LibertyTravel.com , available as of 12 a.m. Friday (Nov. 29), then present it to an agent to take $50, $75 or $100 off (depending on how much you spend) on trips worth $2,500 or more. Priceline.com is doing a one-day sale beginning at 12:01 a.m. Monday (Dec. 2) promising "50 percent off flights for travel before Dec. 18" on select flights from unsold inventory. Spokeswoman Leslie Cafferty says "there are a lot of options for those who are there first," advising deal-seekers to "start searching early."

George Hobica of AirfareWatchdog.com says "the hipper newer" airlines like Virgin America and JetBlue have participated in CyberMonday airfare sales in the past. But he says they often simply bring out their "usual Tuesday or Wednesday promo code sales wrapped up in a CyberMonday package."

For cruise-lovers, Royal Caribbean will offer onboard credits of $50, $100 and $200 per stateroom (depending on length of cruise) as well as reduced deposits for departures Jan. 1 or later. The offer applies to bookings with paid deposits made Dec. 2-4 athttp://www.royalcaribbean.com or via 800-Royal-Caribbean, and it excludes sailings on Quantum of the Seas. The hotel industry is offering a wide variety of online post-Thanksgiving sales. Anthony Melchiorri, host of the Travel Channel show "Hotel Impossible," says the holiday sales can be "a win-win for hotels and consumers." Hotels push deals for periods when they have capacity, "and consumers can save up to 65 percent." He added that "more and more hotels seems to be joining in" the promotion as the years go by.

But check websites for details as every offer is different. Some deals go live on Thanksgiving or Black Friday; some are available all weekend; some begin at 12:01 a.m. CyberMonday (Dec. 2). Some are for 24 hours, some last several days. Many have blackout dates for popular travel periods. Some hotel deals are straightforward rate offers, others are 10 percent off, some give triple credit-card points or dollar-amount credits during a stay toward amenities or services. Some require coupon codes.

Among the lodging companies offering some type of online deal are Hotels.com, Starwood hotels, BedandBreakfast.com, Pacifica Hotels, Loews Hotels, Preferred Hotel Group, Omni Hotels and Red Roof Inns. Destinations range from big cities and beaches to spas and ski resorts, including Manhattan's Waldorf Astoria, the Conrad Chicago, Eden Roc and the Fontainebleau in Miami Beach, Vermont's Woodstock Inn, California's Westin Monache Resort at Mammoth Mountain, Vail Resorts in various locations, Divi Vacations and Resorts, Wyndham Vacation Rentals, Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas, Canyon Ranch in three locations, Miraval Resort & Spa in Tucson, Ariz., Wild Dunes Resort near Charleston, S.C., and Omni La Mansion del Rio in San Antonio, Texas.

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/travel-industry-offering-cybermonday-deals

Myrtle Beach, S.C., has created a destination-wide effort at VisitMyrtleBeach.com/TravelSaturday. The website is housing deals that can be booked on the Saturday after Thanksgiving (Nov. 30), from free rounds of golf with some lodging purchases, to half-off tickets at Ripley's Aquarium.

Other destinations, tour companies and travel entities with some type of deal beginning Thanksgiving or in the days that follow — again, check websites for sale windows, terms and blackout dates — include SeaWorld theme parks, Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, RailEurope, REI Adventures, GottaPark airport parking and the tour company Gate 1 Travel.

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/travel-industry-offering-cybermonday-deals

“The Complete Cyber Week Travel Deals Guide: Black Friday, Cyber Monday”

By: Peter Greenberg

11/21/2013

Don’t spend this Black Friday waiting in the cold to grab the latest toys or electronics. Spend it at home booking your next winter vacation or spring break getaway. Hotels all over the country and abroad are offering great deals this Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Take a look at some of the best deals this year.

Valid Black Friday through Cyber Monday:

In Colonial Williamburg, if you book a stay of at least two consecutive nights in a suite at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge, or Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel and Suites, you get one of those nights free. You must travel before through March 31, 2014. Book by phone at 1-855-296-6627 with the code CYBER.

Valid Black Friday:

At 10 am ET on Black Friday, Colonial Williamsburg will offer an exclusive ticket offer available for purchase over Thanksgiving weekend. This promotion will only be available online and no code is required.

http://petergreenberg.com/2013/11/21/complete-cyber-week-travel-deals-guide-black-friday-cyber-monday/

“Spend the Holidays in Colonial Williamsburg”

By: Amanda Rodriguez

11/26/2013

The holiday season is well underway and it’s certainly beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Maybe a little bit more in some cities than in others. We were fortunate enough to enjoy the opening weekend of holiday festivities in Williamsburg, VA, and they definitely know how to deck the halls! Planning a holiday excursion to the beautiful Historic Triangle? Here are some must-sees and dos for your family!

See the History

http://blog.trekaroo.com/spend-the-holidays-in-colonial-williamsburg/

Colonial Williamsburg is a living history city; when you visit it’s like stepping into the 18th century. Everything from the clothing to the horse drawn carriages are reenactments of the time leading up to the Revolutionary War. You can learn about the life of a book binder or silversmith, get around town in a horse drawn carriage, and stand along the road as the militia makes their way through the city center. You can visit the city free of charge, but to get a truly immersive experience, consider purchasing tickets to the Revolutionary City. A ticket allows you entrance into many of the exhibits, museums, guided tours, and shows. In addition, the program also offers maps for children to participate in a variety of activities to earn a colonial pin. My boys, The Dudes, loved checking out the various buildings in the city, and even picking up a trade for the day. Go during the holidays to enjoy even more holiday themed programs, and see the beauty of the city all decorated for the season.

Do you take history seriously? Be sure to visit the nearby Yorktown andJamestown settlements as well.

Be Amused

http://blog.trekaroo.com/spend-the-holidays-in-colonial-williamsburg/

Busch Gardens, a popular warm weather amusement park destination, also knows how to bring the holiday season to life. The annual Christmastown events are filled with holiday shows, a magnificent holiday market, sleigh rides, live shows, and more for families to enjoy. Of course, there are also plenty of edible joys to be had and a chance to snap some sweet pictures with Santa too!

http://blog.trekaroo.com/spend-the-holidays-in-colonial-williamsburg/

If you’re looking for something more low-key the Yankee Candle Company in Williamsburg goes all out. The village shops turn into a winter wonderland filled with beautiful decorations to enjoy with your family. We spent hours inside looking at all of the displays, enjoying the edible treats, and finishing off some of our holiday shopping for our family and friends. Yankee Candle during the holidays is SO much more than just a candle shop!

Rest and Relax

There are a variety of lodging options in the Williamsburg area. This visit we stayed at the beautiful Kingsmill Resort. Situated along the James River, the resort boasts breathtaking views, a prestigious golf course, delicious dining options, and a host of family friendly amenities to keep everyone in the family happy and entertained. Although we visited the city on an uncharacteristically warm December weekend, the outdoor swimming facility was closed for the season, but the indoor pool, basketball courts, and game room were quite enough to keep The Dudes entertained. I was most pleased by the comfortable, spacious guest rooms. We stayed in a suite that included a full kitchen. As convenient as that was, I am happy to report that I didn’t cook a thing during our stay. Mostly because I didn’t have to! In addition to all of the leisure activities available, Kingsmill is home to a number of restaurants. Pizza lovers that we are, we chose to dine at Regatta’s, Kingsmill’s on-site Italian eatery, and we were extremely pleased with everything from the ambiance and the service to the delicious wood-fired pizzas. And, just like every place else we visited Kingsmill was expertly dressed for the holiday

http://blog.trekaroo.com/spend-the-holidays-in-colonial-williamsburg/

season, both inside the lobby and around the grounds. The Dudes loved seeing all of the lights and the ceiling high Christmas tree in the lobby.

Williamsburg during the holidays is a serious delight that families of all ages can enjoy together.

Disclosure: We received complimentary hotel accommodations and tickets to enjoy some of the listed attractions in order to facilitate this review.

http://blog.trekaroo.com/spend-the-holidays-in-colonial-williamsburg/

COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG HOSTS GRAND ILLUMINATION

12/3/13

Colonial Williamsburg is preparing to host its annual Grand Illumination.

The illuminations begin on Sunday when candles are lit in the windows of public buildings, shops and residences. A fireworks program will follow that will be presented simultaneously at three sites throughout Colonial Williamsburg.

Prior to the fireworks, guests will be able to participate in an annual lighting of glow sticks ceremony to begin the final countdown to the fireworks program.

The Grand Illumination tradition originated in 1934 with a "White Lighting." This first re-creation of an 18th-century Christmas in Williamsburg featured single candles in the windows of the historic area's restored and reconstructed buildings, as well as garlands and greens on the outside of the buildings.

http://www.apnewsarchive.com/2013/Colonial-Williamsburg-prepares-to-host-annual-Grand-Illumination/id-68baadc52422412c89e410821e5aa9ce

“Natural Christmas decorations at Colonial Williamsburg”

By: Ann M. Efmitz

11/27/2013

Each year, in the span of about four days, a dozen Colonial Williamsburg floral designers and carpenters bedeck approximately 80 sites (exhibition buildings, administrative offices, taverns, shops, retail shops and guest houses) through the Historic Area with unique natural decorations.

Each year, the designers come up with new ways to decorate doors, windows and railings with exquisite natural items.

Those walking through the Historic Area may discover wreaths adorned with dried fruits or vegetables, feathers, cotton, seed pods, magnolia leaves, corn cobs, sunflowers, seashells and a variety of other natural elements.

The range of material is expansive, with the only stipulation that the material used must have been present in colonial times. Some of plant items found on the wreaths and swatches still grow in gardens across town.

Each designer works on creating decorations for up to a dozen buildings. The choices for the decorations are left up to each designer and are generally made dependent on the building’s type, use and color.

In addition to the decorations, there are miles of pine roping which extends throughout the Historic Area. It is changed a few times over the course of the season, depending on the weather. Wreaths are also maintained and elements replaced dependent on wear.

According to Colonial Williamsburg, the decorations include:

http://www.williamsburgmag.com/features/va-wm-natural-christmas-decorations-at-colonial-williamsburg-20131118,0,7723603.story

• More than three miles of white pine roping; • 2,550 white pine and Frasier fir wreaths; • 15 truckloads of pine, holly, boxwood, magnolia and berries • 79 cases of fruit.

Colonial Williamsburg offers walking tours that to allow guests the chance to see the decorations up close and to ask questions. Participants can learn about the materials, construction techniques, and traditions of Colonial Williamsburg decorations.

There’s usually a program offered for locals and guests by landscape staff who demonstrate how to decorate a wreath, swag or other traditional holiday decorations using fresh fruit, greens and other natural materials.

For more details on holiday programming, visit www.colonialwilliamsburg.com.

http://www.williamsburgmag.com/features/va-wm-natural-christmas-decorations-at-colonial-williamsburg-20131118,0,7723603.story

Cyber Monday guide: Small retailers and apparel stores shine By Nicole Paitsel

11/30/13

Last year, employees in the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation's distribution center prepared and shipped boxes at more than 10 times their normal rate for Cyber Monday.

"When I think about the 958 boxes we did on the Friday and Saturday before Cyber Monday to prepare, and the 910 boxes we did on Cyber Monday, it's just amazing," said Roz Ramsey, manager of the distribution center.

The typical number of boxes prepared and shipped in a day at the Williamsburg warehouse? 150.

announced earlier this season that it expects Cyber Monday to be its busiest day of the year.

Best deals

Although shoppers will continue to see deals promoted as "doorbusters," Cyber Monday still lags behind Black Friday as a day to get the deepest discounts on certain products.

Most deal experts agree that discounts on clothing and shoes are the highlight of Cyber Monday sales. Electronics generally should be purchased during a Black Friday sale.

"Every year we sit at our computers ready to post hot products on Cyber Monday," says Mike Tietjens, blogger for crazytowndeals.com. "Then as these 'so-called deals' come in, we realize it's just another Cyber Monday without great deals on electronics. If you are shopping for clothing, good for you. Cyber Monday is your day."

Mark LoCastro, an expert with dealnews.com, agrees with Tietjens, saying Cyber Monday is a day for apparel.

"On Cyber Monday, you'll see significantly fewer tech deals (compared to Thanksgiving and Black Friday), but it's the undefeated heavyweight champion when it comes to clothing and shoe deals," he says.

On the dealnews.com website, 32 percent of apparel deals were marked "Editors' Choice" — or the lowest price of the year — during Cyber Monday 2012 alone.

For the past two Cyber Mondays, dealnews editors saw an average of 45 percent more clothing deals than on Black Friday, and about 53 percent more deals than on Thanksgiving Day.

They also reported 50 percent more shoe deals on Cyber Monday than Black Friday or Thanksgiving.

Sign up for a free weekday TidewaterBiz news email here.

http://www.dailypress.com/features/shopping/dp-fea-cyber-monday-20131130,0,647375.story

Jerry Tietjens has a bit more faith in Cyber Monday than his brother, Mike.

"Due to what experts are predicting will be a fairly lackluster shopping season for retailers, maybe, just maybe more sites will be very aggressive in their pricing this Cyber Monday, as businesses see it as a second opportunity to sell everything under the sun," he said.

Local deals

Cyber Monday is also a time for smaller online retailers to shine. They often get overlooked in the bustle of big-box Black Friday.

Employees are anticipating a record Cyber Monday at La Tienda, a Toano-based gourmet food retailer, said spokeswoman Laurie Hager.

"We are already seeing momentum building. It is such an exciting time of year," she said. "We are planning site-wide free shipping on Cyber Monday, as well as a big sale on fantastic meats from Spain such as dry-cured jamón (ham) and delicious sausages and chorizos."

New this year, La Tienda will experiment with a type of "show-rooming," the ability to view items in person and then order them online.

Shoppers at the Toano store will be able to shop online using in-store computers while reviewing the products in person and having access to staff for questions.

La Tienda's website offers a number of gift items not available in the retail store, so shoppers will have the advantage of an increased inventory, as well.

"We expect to pack more than 100,000 orders at (our) packing stations in Toano this year and will begin double shifts next week to keep up with holiday demand," Hager said.

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is offering several deals this year, according to spokeswoman Barbara Brown.

Guest who book a stay of at least two consecutive nights in a suite at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge, or Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel and Suites can get one of those nights free. The offer is valid on stays through March 31, 2014 and may be booked by phone at 1-855-296-6627 with the code CYBER.

In addition, the retail website williamsburgmarketplace.com/sale is offering 30 percent off all purchases plus free shipping on orders over $49.

These offers are available now through 11:59 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2.

Colonial Williamsburg also is offering a buy-one-get-one-free deal on annual passes during the Black Friday, Cyber Monday shopping holidays.

The offer is available online only at colonialwilliamsburg.com/cyber. No code is needed.

The Gloucester-based retailer Peace Frogs began offering 20 percent off everything on its website, starting Friday, Nov. 22 as part of its Cyber Monday promotion. Deals run through Monday.

Jennifer Raines, owner of Quirks of Art in Williamsburg, says she will offer a 20 percent discount on everything in her online store, kinksandquirks.com, on Cyber Monday.

http://www.dailypress.com/features/shopping/dp-fea-cyber-monday-20131130,0,647375.story

Norfolk-based Taste Unlimited offers free ground shipping on all online orders on Cyber Monday, says Amy Jordan, a spokeswoman.

Smithfield Marketplace is offering 20 percent off a selection of 12 gifts and free shipping on those items for Cyber Monday. The affiliated store The Peanut Shop is offering a similar promotion, according to Alexa Ricketts, a spokeswoman for Smithfield Specialty Food Groups LLC.

Specific deals include a 2-pound holiday gift box for $21.59 (regularly $26.99) at The Peanut Shop's website, and a Country Ham and Biscuits Sampler for $39.99 (regularly $49.99) through the Smithfield Marketplace website.

To weed through the endless number of discounts, you need to do your research ahead of time. And you should know what the item normally costs, Jerry Tietjens said.

"Just because you see '50 percent off' doesn't mean it's the best price on the web. Check any deal site like ours, and you'll start to learn what you should be paying for something versus what retailers say you're 'saving,'" he said. "As a general rule of thumb, list price is a rarity online."

http://www.dailypress.com/features/shopping/dp-fea-cyber-monday-20131130,0,647375.story

Beat the crowds at holiday attractions

By Nicole Paitsel

12/1/13

The Christmas season brings twinkling lights, dazzling trees, hot chocolate, shopping extravaganzas, and long, long, long lines.

In 2012, tourists spent more than $882 million in Williamsburg andJames City County — a combined total that puts the area in the Top 5 tourism destinations for the state, according to a report by the Virginia Tourism Corp. Tourists spent about $266 million inNewport News last year.

Those numbers are positive from a revenue perspective. It can create a small headache for locals who want to experience certain attractions during peak times.

Still, if timed right, local residents can have their Busch GardensChristmas Town and short lines, too.

"The busiest weekend during this period is usually Grand Illumination Weekend, Dec. 6-8 with Grand Illumination on Sunday, Dec. 8," said Bob Harris, senior vice president with the Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance. "We also experience strong visitation for after-Thanksgiving weekend sales shopping at Williamsburg Premium Outlets and all of our shopping venues. While some of our

properties are full on some of the weekends in late November and December, many of our properties do have accommodations available on that weekend and others throughout the holiday season."

Here are some tips from local venues about when to visit.

Williamsburg Premium Outlets

As is the case with most attractions, weekdays are the best time to beat the crowds. If you shop on the weekends at the premium outlets, early morning or late in the day is the best time to browse, according to Jo Slack, director of marketing for the outlet.

"The best times to come during the weekends are 9 to 11 a.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. because you won't have to wait as long to get a dressing room or check out," she says.

During the holiday season, there are extended shopping hours. Daily hours are posted at premiumoutlets.com/williamsburg.

Patrick Henry Mall

Waiting in line to see Santa Claus can kill the spirit of things. Avoid Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. if you want to skip the long lines.

You won't wait long if you come anytime Mondays through Thursdays, says Mikia Ross, a spokeswoman for the mall.

In addition, try to get those Santa pictures as early as possible. The closer to Christmas it is, the longer the lines.

You can find a schedule for Santa Claus at shoppatrickhenrymall.com.

Celebration in Lights

You won't wait in line to get through the Celebration in Lights drive-through lights display in Newport News if you come any day other than Saturday, says Renee Popernack, a spokeswoman for the city's department of parks and recreation.

"Saturdays are the busiest nights and Dec. 24 is always a big night," she said.

The lights display is at Newport News Park and is open from 5:30 to 10 p.m. every night Nov. 28 through Jan. 1. For daily weather information, call 926-1400.

Christmas Town, Busch Gardens

The same advice is true for Christmas Town — Saturdays attract the crowds.

"Christmas Town begins daily operation on Dec. 13 so consider a weekday trip to the park either before or after Christmas," says Kevin Crosset, a spokesman for the park. "The park will be open through Dec. 31, except Christmas Day."

Visitors who arrive at 3 p.m. when the park opens have the run of the park. This is a good time to visit Santa in the North Pole Workshop area, when the line has not yet had time to form.

Lights begin glowing around 4 p.m., Crossett said.

You can find more information about hours and tickets for Christmas Town at buschgardens.com/va.

Colonial Williamsburg

For a truly local experience, visit Colonial Williamsburg on a weekday, says Barbara Brown, a spokeswoman.

"If people can only visit on the weekend, then earlier in the day is best," she said.

Details about hours and tickets can be found at colonialwilliamsburg.com.

"Another fun thing to suggest to locals is to visit the Williamsburg Lodge and see the display of gingerbread houses made by the pastry chefs," she says. "They can enjoy a meal or a drink or snack in the lounge by the fire and see the gingerbread houses, which are located throughout the main level."

Long-time benefactor honored by Colonial Williamsburg 11/25/13

Colonial Williamsburg presented it's highest award, the Colonial Williamsburg Churchill Bell to Forrest E. Mars Jr., a member of the board of trustees and long-time financial benefactor of the foundation.

The award was presented to Mars on Nov, 16 by Colonial Williamsburg president Colin Campbell.

The Churchill Bell has been awarded 11 times since its creation in 1992.

According to a citation that accompanied the award “…in his personal and professional life, Forrest Mars exemplifies the traits that have propelled the American character, culture and economy through time: freedom of thought, creative energy, discipline of purpose and commitment to democratic principles.”

As a result of Mars’ generosity, Colonial Williamsburg has completed two major restorations in the Revolutionary City, with a third to follow. The three projects allow Colonial Williamsburg to dramatically expand its interpretation of life in the years prior to and during the American Revolution.

R. Charleton’s Coffeehouse, which opened in November 2009, replicates a vibrant meeting place at the center of political and social activity. The James Anderson Armoury complex, dedicated hours before the Churchill Bell ceremony on Nov. 16, recreates an industrial site that helped forge the American Revolution. The Armoury complex includes a tin shop, workshop, storage buildings, kitchen and blacksmith shop, reflecting the hub of activities showcasing the complexity and urgency of mounting the American war effort against Great Britain, the world’s most powerful 18th-century nation.

http://www.vagazette.com/news/last_word/va-vg-longtime-benefactor-honored-by-colonial-williamsburg-20131125,0,6971310.story

The third project, scheduled for completion in 2015, is reconstruction of the 18th-century Market House, which will restore one of the central features of Market Square, bringing greater vitality and authenticity to Colonial Williamsburg’s interpretation of economic and social life in colonial America.

“Not since the Rev. W.A.R. Goodwin, rector of Bruton Parish Church, first shared with philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr., his plea for preservation, has Colonial Williamsburg seen such a builder as Forrest Mars,” said Campbell.

Sir Winston Churchill was presented what was then called the Williamsburg Award Dec. 7, 1955, by Winthrop Rockefeller – chairman of the Colonial Williamsburg board of trustees at the time – in a ceremony held in London’s historic Drapers’ Hall. The award recognized the former British prime minister for his leadership and commitment to liberty and freedom and was renamed in his honor. Colonial Williamsburg Chairman Thomas Farrell described Forrest Mars as “a man who fulfills Churchill’s ideals of duty... a man of resolution and dedication” who helps to sustain “the abiding importance of Colonial Williamsburg [and its] commitment to the future.”

Then as now, the bell was handcrafted by Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Trades in the shape of a town crier’s bell. The Churchill Bell has been presented 10 additional times, honoring recipients for dedication to the preservation of history and original American ideals and values, support of education and young people, and service to the publi

Previous recipients of the Colonial Williamsburg Churchill Bell are Abby M. O’Neill and the members of the Rockefeller family, 1992; George V. Grune, Chairman and CEO, and the employees of the Reader’s Digest Association, 1992; Ambassador and Mrs. Walter H. Annenberg, 1993; Joseph and June Hennage, 1994; William and Gretchen Kimball, 2000; Robert and Marion Wilson, 2002; Ann Lee Brown and the late Charles L. Brown, 2004; Jim Lehrer, 2011; Sandra Day O’Connor, 2011; and Gordon Wood, 2011.

http://www.vagazette.com/news/last_word/va-vg-longtime-benefactor-honored-by-colonial-williamsburg-20131125,0,6971310.story

Spending frenzy in person and online But Cyber Monday predicted to be bigger that Black Friday By Steve Vaughan 11/29/13

It's hard to imagine how Premium Outlets could have been any busier on Black Friday.

Oddly enough, more credit cards are likely to ring up charges next week on what is anticipated to be the biggest shopping day of the year.

http://www.vagazette.com/news/va-vg-blackfridaycybermondya-1130-20131129,0,3210061.story

Cyber Monday is expected to produce more than $2 billion in sales, topping the $1.6 billion in spending predicted for Black Friday. With many stores starting their Black Friday sales on Thursday, Thanksgiving itself is expected to be the third busiest shopping day of the year with more than $1 billion in sales, according to the National Retail Federation.

Locally, both Colonial Williamsburg and Colonial Heritage have rolled out Cyber Monday deals on tickets and rounds of golf, respectively.

Other local business who do a large online trade, including La Tienda and Quirks of Art will also look for increased sales.

Quirks of Art owner Jennifer Raines has also been active in the Shop Local Saturday effort, which urges consumers to patronize locally owned and operated businesses — as opposed to national chains — on the day after Black Friday.

For shopping in person, however, Friday was another banner day for local stores.

Every parking space was filled and incoming cars circled constantly through the parking lot at Premium Outlets on Friday afternoon. Some drivers inched along behind shoppers walking toward their cars. Hopes of snatching a soon-to-be-empty parking space were dashed when the quarry stopped only to stash armfuls of bags before returning to the stores for more.

According to an analysis of online searches, women's' boots are the hottest overall items this Christmas season.

That seemed to hold true at Premium Outlets. At Nine West, one entire wall of the store was taken up by boots, and that aisle was packed.

Another of the most wanted brands is Michael Kors. At the Michael Kors store in Premium, there was a velvet rope line to get inside. A security guard said the building was at capacity.

Betty Doughtier, of Richmond, said Black Friday at Premium Outlets is an annual event for her and her daughters. She arrived about 7:30 a.m. and was taking a break at about noon.

"We were looking for Coach handbags," she said. "We found them too, at a really good price."

Like many husbands and boyfriends at the shopping center, Bob Kees of Williamsburg hunkered down on a bench. He also said Black Friday is an annual event for his family.

"I'm here with my wife and my son and my daughter-in-law," he said.

Michelle Malfourd of Colonial Heights looked tired but satisfied at she sat an a bench surrounded by bags.

"I've had a very productive day shopping," she said.

Full parking lots and lines were also reported at area Target and Walmart stores, Best Buy and Yankee Candle.

http://www.vagazette.com/news/va-vg-blackfridaycybermondya-1130-20131129,0,3210061.story

Hometown: Get a Little Help Cooking a Homemade Thanksgiving

By Hannah S. Ostroff

11/22/13

Cooking an entire Thanksgiving dinner can be daunting. Thankfully, there are plenty of local options for those looking to supplement their meals with store-bought items that taste homemade.

Whether you pass it off as your own is up to you.

Raleigh Tavern Bakery

Pie is the traditional end to any Thanksgiving feast. New this year, the Raleigh Tavern Bakery (located behind the Raleigh Tavern on Duke of Gloucester Street) will be selling freshly baked pies.

Colonial Williamsburg’s pastry team, led by Chef Rodney Diehl, will be preparing pumpkin, pecan, rum cream and crumble-top apple cranberry pies. Pies will be on sale starting at 9 a.m. Tuesday and will also be for sale Wednesday.

Williamsburg Farmers Market

This Saturday is the first Holiday Market for this Williamsburg staple, located at Merchant’s Square on Duke of Gloucester Street. The market offers a wide selection of goods for those stocking up before Thanksgiving.

http://wydaily.com/2013/11/22/hometown-get-a-little-help-cooking-a-homemade-thanksgiving/

“It’s going to be a huge market for us, it always is,” said Tracy Herner, market manager.

There’s a little bit of something for everyone, she said.

Herner said pies are a big hit for those looking for a homemade feeling without the effort. There are two different pie vendors, as well as a baker who makes a wide variety of fresh breads.

For appetizers, there will be crab dip, cheese and a selection of jams and jellies.

“The farmers market does have a lot of things that are freshly baked or freshly produced that you could easily pawn off as if you made it yourself,” Herner said.

For a full list of the vendors who will be at this Saturday’s market, click here.

http://wydaily.com/2013/11/22/hometown-get-a-little-help-cooking-a-homemade-thanksgiving/

Colonial Williamsburg Presents Highest Award to Forrest Mars Jr.

11/30/13

Colonial Williamsburg president Colin Campbell presents the Colonial Williamsburg Churchill Bell to Forrest Mars, Jr. (Photo courtesy Colonial Williamsburg Foundation)

Forrest E. Mars Jr. has been honored with the Colonial Williamsburg Churchill Bell for his contributions to Colonial Williamsburg over more than 25 years.

Mars, director emeritus and former CEO of Mars Inc., is a Colonial Williamsburg trustee and major benefactor, so the organization bestowed upon him its highest honor: theChurchill Bell.

The Churchill Bell is named for Sir Winston Churchill, who received the Williamsburg Award in 1955 from Winthrop Rockefeller; the Churchill Bell award evolved from the Williamsburg Award. The Churchill Bell is a handcrafted replica of a town crier bell, made by Colonial Williamsburg’s historic trades.

Trustees have now received the bell 11 times since it was created in 1992. Mars was presented with the bell Nov. 16 at a formal ceremony held in the Williamsburg Lodge’s Virginia Room.

A printed citation accompanied the bell, reading, “… in his personal and professional life, Forrest Mars exemplifies the traits that have propelled the American character, culture and economy through time: freedom of thought, creative energy, discipline of purpose and commitment to democratic principles.”

Mars has contributed $11 million to Colonial Williamsburg since 2007, enabling construction of R. Charleton’s Coffeehouse, which opened in 2009, and the James Anderson Armoury complex, which celebrated its grand opening Nov. 16 — the same day Mars was honored with the Churchill Bell. Mars also contributed toward the Market House project, which is scheduled for completion in 2015.

http://wydaily.com/2013/12/02/give-the-gift-of-history/

“Not since the Rev. W.A.R. Goodwin, rector of Bruton Parish Church, first shared with philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr., his plea for preservation, has Colonial Williamsburg seen such a builder as Forrest Mars,” said Colonial Williamsburg Foundation President and CEO Colin Campbell in a release. “Forrest built his remarkable career in global business on the very tenets of liberty that shaped and fueled the great American experiment in democracy. In so doing, he affirmed a great lesson of history — that freedom, fairness and opportunity offer the greatest hope for the realization of individual and collective potential.”

Aside from Mars, other recipients of the Churchill Bell are:

• Abby M. O’Neill and the members of the Rockefeller family, 1992

• George V. Grune, Chairman and CEO, and the employees of the Reader’s Digest Association, 1992

• Ambassador and Mrs. Walter H. Annenberg, 1993

• Joseph and June Hennage, 1994

• William and Gretchen Kimball, 2000

• Robert and Marion Wilson, 2002

• Ann Lee Brown and the late Charles L. Brown, 2004

• Jim Lehrer, 2011

• Sandra Day O’Connor, 2011

• Gordon Wood, 2011

http://wydaily.com/2013/12/02/give-the-gift-of-history/

Gift the “Gift of History”

By Emily Ridjaneck

12/2/13

This holiday, share your love of Williamsburg with friends and family. Give the “Gift of History” with a gift in their name to The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. For just $35, each of your recipients will receive a gold-finished holiday ornament featuring scroll-work from the Palace Gates, a personalized letter acknowledging your donation, plus a year-long subscription to the Colonial Williamsburg Journal – a quarterly magazine filled with fascinating stories about our home town and the early patriots who risked everything in the name of freedom. The Gift of History program makes it easy and convenient to share everything Williamsburg with those on your holiday list. All Gift of History donations must be made by December 10 to ensure holiday delivery to recipients. Click here to learn more about donating to the Colonial Williamsburg Fund.

http://wydaily.com/2013/12/02/give-the-gift-of-history/

Holiday Night at the Spa

By Emily Ridjaneck

12/3/13

Thursday, December 12, 5 – 7 PM

Sample spa products and services first-hand, enjoy a glass of wine, and wrap up your holiday shopping. Experience a seated chair massage, a hand-softening treatment, or mineral make-up application, plus get tips on quick hair styles and even learn how to reduce stress during this busy season. Then select unique, one-of-a kind gifts for your friends, family, and coworkers at a savings of 25% or more. Limited space available so come early.

For additional information, please call the Spa of Colonial Williamsburg at (757) 220-7720 or visit the website.

http://wydaily.com/2013/12/03/holiday-night-at-the-spa/