The Colonial GC
Williamsburg, VA
1995, Lester George & R. Wrenn
Colonial 6885 73.2 N/A 133 N/A 72
Paces Paines 6380 70.7 76.3 128 141 72
Causey's Care 6003 69.0 74.1 120 135 72
Fees: ~$80 Wknd Ride high season
Golfcourse.com Review: The Colonial is a traditional championship layout in an unspoiled natural setting. The course winds through hardwood forests and tidal marshes, completely devoid of real estate development. Five sets of tees accommodate players of varying skill levels. The Colonial also features a large practice range and teaching facility, including a practice course with 3 regulation holes. The course has received significant recognition form national publications. The Colonial offers Stay and Play packages which are available through Golf Williamsburg at (888)-2-GOLF-WB.
Signature Hole: #6. This par 3, affectionately referred to as "The Abyss" requires a forced carry over Mill Creek Wetlands to a wide but shallow green. The required carry from the Pace's Paines tee is approximately 160 yards. Reaching the green is only half of the battle, as the green is sloped and devilishly fast.
Best Bar Nearby: A bar and lounge completes the clubhouse complex and serves cocktails and snacks. You can watch sporting events and sip single malt Scotches. Colonial Williamsburg Taverns (Shield's, King's Arms, Josiah Chowning's & Christiana Campbell's) offer servers in costume and Colonial-inspired cuisine, but tend to be pricey and crowded, $$$.
Where To Grub: Per the website, the on-premisis Mill Creek Inn is casual but elegant. Located in the main clubhouse and providing a full array of culinary specialties as well as a full and interesting wine selection. THE DAILY PRESS food editor summed it up thusly: "It was wonderful . . . a special evening." The chef artfully blends fresh local ingredients with his own unique style, to develop a perpetually changing menu of exceptional VA cuisine.
Washington Golf Monthly recommends The Williamsburg Inn, offering the coat-and-tie Regency Room, which boasts an incredible wine list to go with its meat and fish entrees. OR, for those willing to travel a bit from the hub of Williamsburg, there is the Fox Hunter Grille, located near the Chickahominy River, or the Kitchen at Powhatan Plantation. Be warned: the Kitchen only seats about two dozen, but what a meal. OR, The Whaling Company, 494 McLaws Circle, visible from Rt 60, serving somewhat upscale, quality seafood, recommended by Jeff. OR, if you're not starving and don't mind a short drive, you GOTTA try Pierce's Pitt BBQ, (Rt 143, 447 E. Rochambeau Dr) in nearby Lightfoot (www.pierces.com ). Outstanding pulled pork smoked BBQ sandwiches, served with coleslaw on the sandwich. Got our food twice as fast as any McDonald's, even though the lunch crowd was starting to pour in, they move some people through here. About $6 for more great food than you could eat, and great service. Take a bottle of the sauce home for grillin'. Locals and friends of mine rave about the ribs & BBQ at Double D (Rt 60 about 1 mi. N of intersection with 199). T&L Golf magazine recommends: Berret's Seafood (119 S. Boundary St.) w/ fresh regional seafood, steaks, and chicken, with casual raw bar outside, $$$. OR, Old Chickahominy House (1211 Jamestown Rd), Southern breakfasts & lunches, $. And oh yeah, don't forget to visit Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens. OR, Food Network recommends the gourmet cuisine at Trellis, and their famous, decadent chocolate desserts are some of the best in the country.