Southeastern Association of Tax Administrators

58th Annual Conference - Williamsburg, Va. - July 13-16, 2008

About Virginia

Williamsburg Pottery Factory

The Williamsburg Pottery Factory might be easy for a tourist to miss. After all, there are many outlet malls in the Williamsburg area. But it stands out as a premier shopping destination, with over 3,000,000 visitors each year from all over the world. The prices are unbelievably low (a current special includes leaded crystal votive holders for 99 cents), and the product selection incredible. Shoppers can easily spend an entire day here, rifling through over 120,000 items in 32 buildings. And best of all, if you're worried about fitting your purchases into your suitcase, the Pottery Factory will ship anywhere in the United States.

Busch Gardens Europe

Whether you're a rollercoaster fanatic, or you prefer to keep both feet firmly on the ground, Busch Gardens Europe promises European adventure. Get on board one of the dozens of rides offered – all leave you breathless and smiling from ear to ear. Try one of many European delectable delights at the restaurants – a favorite is "Das Festhaus" in Germany, where you can watch regular Oktoberfest shows while you dine. Or, catch one of nine other shows offered in various in-park theatres. And don't forget the kids! They'll love the kids' area and rides, the train that runs all throughout the park, the petting zoo, and getting to meet the Budweiser Clydesdales!

Water Country USA

If your favorite part of any theme park is the water rides, why not explore this theme park with only water rides? Water Country USA features many different types of aquatic attractions, all set to 50's and 60's surf-themed music. Ride an inner tube down a lazy "lagoon," body surf in Virginia's largest wave pool, or ride the 37-foot-tall "Rampage" water slide. There's a kids area here, too, along with life preservers for anyone whose swimming skills are a little rusty.

Paramount's King's Dominion

If you're looking for a different theme park, and you're willing to get out of Williamsburg for a while, Paramount's King's Dominion is another great option. Located 45 minutes north of Richmond, it offers thrilling rides, great food, and tempting gift shops. In fact, it was recently voted Virginia's most exciting theme park. With 12 roller coasters, King's Dominion brags it has the "best rollercoaster collection on the East Coast."

Richmond

On your way back to Williamsburg, why not do a little more sightseeing in historic Richmond? Richmond is about an hour from Williamsburg, and offers many historical attractions, including the Whitehouse of the Confederacy, and the Museum of the Confederacy.

The Whitehouse of the Confederacy, part of the Museum of the Confederacy, was home to Confederate President Jefferson Davis; it served as Executive Mansion of the Confederate States of America from 1861 to 1865. According to the Museum of the Confederacy, the house was "the social, political and military center of the Confederacy."

The Museum of the Confederacy offers the world's largest collection of Confederate artifacts. Its mission is to preserve the objects and history of the Confederate era.

If you're up for a little baseball, Richmond is also home to the Richmond Braves, the Atlanta Braves' Triple-A team.

Jamestown and Yorktown

Jamestown and Yorktown are two historic settlements well worth a visit. At Jamestown, you can relive the lives of the people of 17th Century Virginia, while at Yorktown, you can see what it was like for those who witnessed the Revolutionary War, and the building of a new country.

At the Jamestown Settlement, you can explore recreations of a Powhatan village and the colonists' fort, and tour replicas of the ships that sailed from England to Virginia in 1607. Jamestown Settlement is, essentially, a living museum.

Historic Jamestowne, located next to the Jamestown Settlement, is the actual historical site of Jamestown, where you can view the real remnants of the fort.

Yorktown Victory Center is the museum of the American Revolution. View a continental Army encampment, and a 1780's farm (both re-created). Experience "a unique blend of timeline, film, thematic exhibits and outdoor living history."

Yorktown Battlefield is where you and your family can set foot on the location of the battle that won the Revolutionary War.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is one of the most well-known beaches on the East Coast, and is only about an hour from Williamsburg. It offers sand, surf, and more gift shops than you can shake a sand-covered beach umbrella at. Or, if you're not up for all the usual tourist action, try the slightly more sedate Chesapeake Bay on for size.

Blue Ridge Mountains

If you can't get enough nature, but you're already burned from the beach, check out Virginia's section of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Take a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, or explore Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive. All offer astounding views of Virginia's most beautiful peaks and valleys, along with flora and fauna that will fascinate any wildlife lover.