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A Weekend in ... Williamsburg, Virginia
Find everything you need to plan your perfect getaway.
If
you haven’t been to Williamsburg, Virginia, recently, then a visit is
in order. While Colonial Williamsburg, America’s largest living-history
museum, has several new attractions, the city offers much more than
just historic sites.
— Jill Fergus
 STAY Williamsburg (www.history.org) offers six lodging options, including the posh 1 Williamsburg Inn,
which is debuting its refurbished 323-room Williamsburg Lodge later
this year — complete with two new Federal-style guesthouses and a
revamped main building with its original wood-paneled lobby. Also, look
for the opening of a brand-new, 25,000-square-foot freestanding spa
(across from the Lodge) with 12 treatment rooms.
DO The highlight of any area tour is a visit to the 301-acre 2 Colonial Williamsburg (www.history.org), a re-creation of an eighteenth-century community. Newly introduced is the two-hour interactive program Revolutionary City,
which deals with the turbulent times of and leading up to the American
Revolution. Visitors might overhear arguments between Loyalists and
Patriots, and they can always join the colonists in protests.
VISIT Aside from touring the historic area, you can visit the 100-acre theme park 3 Busch Gardens Europe (www.buschgardens.com,
open weekends only through October 29). Enjoy thrill rides like the
Loch Ness Monster roller coaster and the newly improved Curse of
DarKastle, or take in the latest shows, such as the Cirque du
Soleil–style Kinetix or Emerald Beat, an extravaganza celebrating Irish heritage.
Plan an outing to the 4 Williamsburg Winery (www.williamsburgwinery.com),
the largest in Virginia. The 320-acre estate produces 60,000 cases per
year, including the popular Governor’s White. There are daily tastings
and tours, and lunch at Gabriel Archer Tavern, overlooking the
vineyards, is a memorable treat.
CELEBRATE If you’re already looking toward the holidays, 5 Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg (www.history.org)
is particularly festive — with candles in windows, garlands of
evergreen and fruit adorning doors and fences, and fireworks. Visitors
can participate in events such as a holiday wine dinner with Thomas
Jefferson, tour beautifully decorated historic homes, or enjoy a
Christmas breakfast in a colonial tavern.
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AUTUMN ESSENTIALS FOR THE KITHCHEN
12 YOU NEED NOW
1 Latte Mixing Bowls, $30 (set of three), Williams-Sonoma, (877) 812- 6235, www.williams-sonoma.com
2 Spiced Pecan Pumpkin Quick Bread, $11, Williams-Sonoma
3 Pecan Pumpkin Butter, $9, Williams-Sonoma
4 KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer, $300, Williams-Sonoma
5 Le Creuset 1.8-Qt. Enamel Tea Kettle, $60, Sur La Table, (800) 243-0852, www.surlatable.com
6 Nespresso D90 Essenza Manual Espresso Maker, $179, Sur La Table
7 Pumpkin Towels, $20 for a set of two, Williams-Sonoma
8 Leaf Plate, $59 (set of 4), Williams-Sonoma
9 Dipping Oils, $12 to $15 each, Williams-Sonoma
10 Ruffoni Hammered Copper Stockpot with Acorn Lid, $250, Williams-Sonoma
11 KitchenAid 7-Qt. Slow Cooker, $130, Bed Bath & Beyond, (800) 462-3966, www.bedbathandbeyond.com
12 Jonathan Adler Oven Mitt, $7, Bed Bath & Beyond
More fall picks
 Canon PowerShot A540 Digital Camera, $259, Competitive Cameras, (800) 688-0211, www.competitivecameras.com /// Teal Drum Lamp, $50, Pier 1 Imports, (800) 245-4595, www.pier1.com /// Turbo Sport Portable Stainless Steel Infrared Grill, $189, Barbeques Galore, (800) 752-3085, www.bbqgalore.com
Cordless “Cube” 2.4 GHz Speakerphone with MP3 Player and FM Radio, $120, the Sharper Image, (800) 344-5555, www.sharperimage.com /// Zig Zag Scarf, $45, Nordstrom, (888)  282-6060, www.nordstrom.com /// Loro Piana Cashmere Scarf, $240, Neiman Marcus, (888) 888-4757, www.neimanmarcus.com /// Spark Screen, $39, and Backyard Firepit, $129, Smith & Hawken, (800) 940-1170, www.smithandhawken.com
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 Summer
might be a faint memory, but there are still plenty of fishermen
working away to pull up the daily catch. We checked in with Bonefish
Grill for their recommendation for a delicious from-the-sea dish to
cook up at home — and this month, it’s swordfish that’s cutting up the
competition. If you find yourself on the road, there are plenty of
gently priced seafood spots to check out as well. Now that’s what we
call tasty. — Jenna Schnuer
Dining at Home
The fish experts at Bonefish Grill (115 locations nationwide, www.bonefishgrill.com)
suggest their warm mango salsa as the perfect topper for mild, flaky
white fish — including the now-in-season swordfish. One of the easiest
fish to prepare, swordfish is best when it’s super-fresh. Consumers
should always ask their fishmonger or grocery store how long they’ve
had the product and whether it has ever been frozen. Also, this fish
has almost no smell, so if the swordfish you’re considering has a
strong odor, don’t purchase it. Once the steaks have been cut (about a
half inch thick), they need only salt and pepper or basic fish
seasoning, which can be purchased at any grocery store.
 Bonefish Grill Swordfish with Warm Mango Salsa (serves eight)
1 cup red onion, charred and chopped>>1 quart diced
mango>>1/4 cup diced red pepper 1/2 cup mango puree>>1/4
cup scallion>>1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 Peel and slice the red onion into two or three large pieces. Char on a grill.
2 Chop the red onion into quarter-inch pieces.
3 Dice the mango and red pepper.
4 Stir mango, red pepper, and mango puree together.
5 Before serving, heat in microwave or on stovetop for three minutes. Add scallion and
cilantro. Serve over grilled swordfish fillet.
Grill
swordfish fillets at 400˚F, six to eight minutes per side. Make sure
not to overcook; fish should still be moist when you poke it with a
fork.
 Dining On the Road
Order up some drunken shrimp with a side of sunshine at the Gumbo Pot
at the Los Angeles Farmers Market. Later, while the rest of the town is
downing salads before they hit the gym, indulge in some fried catfish
and oysters. 6333 West Third Street (corner of Third and Fairfax),
(323) 933-0358, www.thegumbopotla.com
One of the best deals in Dallas is the served-year-round summer platter at Aw Shucks Oyster Bar.
For just $19, you’ll haul in plenty for two people — a half pound of
boiled shrimp, a half pound of crab legs, a half pound of sausage
(well, it never hurts to have a little red meat), boiled potatoes, and
corn. 3601 Greenville Avenue, (214) 821-9449, www.aw-shucks.com
Jimbo’s Place is easily the most unusual eatery on our list;
just outside Miami, it’s the only place we know of where, for $10 a
pound, you can order up smoked salmon, marlin, or tuna (smoked fish is
all Jimbo serves) and a beer to enjoy while watching (or playing) a bit
of boccie. Go and hang out. You’ll be happy. Duck Lake Road, Virginia
Key, (305) 361-7026, www.jimbosplace.com
There are neighborhood sushi spots aplenty in New York, but Hamachi
gets our vote for having some of the most innovative (and not too
pricey) rolls around. We’re hooked on the nutty tuna roll, which wins
awards for the best use of macadamia nuts this side (or any side) of
Hawaii. Pair it with the eel-icious joshi-noshi maki roll for a
taste-buds-a-poppin’ meal. 34 East 20th Street, (212) 420-8608, www.hamachisushi.com
After a day of watching surfers on Maui’s coast, we tool over to Paia and get in line at the Paia Fish Market.
Their $7 Mahi burger serves up a bigger (and tastier) piece of fish
than any fine-dining establishment on the mainland — and their onion
rings rock our world. 110 Hana Highway, (808) 579-8030
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PLAYING TO THE CROWD Don’t despair if you can’t catch your
favorite Broadway show in New York City. These days, the best shows
take to the road, visiting as many as 140 cities each year. From the
Paramount in Seattle to the new Carnival Center for the Performing Arts
in Miami, old-fashioned theaters and grand auditoriums bring Broadway
to your doorstep. Don’t miss these fabulous productions. — Becca Hensley
 Sweet Charity
Hey,
Big Spender, grab your gal and head to the Pantages Theatre in Los
Angeles. Molly Ringwald stars as Charity Valentine in this oldie but
goodie about the virtues of optimism in a sometimes troublesome world.
Choreography is by Wayne Cilento of Wicked and Aida fame. It plays through October 8.
www.sweetcharity themusical.com
 Phantom of the Opera
Sure,
it’s been around for a while, but this successful and quintessential of
all Broadway shows has never been to Las Vegas — until now. It opened
at the Venetian in June with a shorter length (95 minutes — yet not one
song was cut) and a breathtaking stage presence. www.phantom lasvegas.com
 The Color Purple
You
knew it wouldn’t be long. Beginning in April 2007, Oprah delivers her
long-awaited box-office pleaser to the Windy City. After a year’s run
at the Cadillac Palace, the musical, based on the novel by Alice
Walker, will tour numerous cities. One original cast member, Felicia P.
Fields (Sofia), plans to resume her role. www.colorpurple.com
 The Pirate Queen
Chicago’s
Cadillac Palace Theatre welcomes this new musical in a pre-Broadway
world premiere October 3 to November 26. Portraying the real-life story
of legendary Irish pirate chieftain Grace O’Malley, the show combines
the lively traditions of Irish song and dance with riveting
storytelling.
www.thepirate queen.com
 Twelve Angry Men
Baltimore,
Boston, and beyond host this riveting courtroom drama, in which 12
jurors deliberating a guilty verdict find they must first face their
personal truths. Intriguing and provocative, the play stars Richard
Thomas and George Wendt and is directed by Scott Ellis.www.12angry mentour.com
 Wicked
Take your teen to Wicked
and earn points for life. This beguiling alternative Oz tale triggers
everyone’s inner child. Whimsical costumes wow as surreal lighting and
a stunning set propel the audience to another world. You can see Wicked soon in Toronto, Houston, and Miami (among other cities). www.wickedthemusical.com
 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Follow
the hilarious escapades of two rival con men as they trick their way
into the heart of the posh French Riviera — not to mention into the
pocketbooks of some merry widows they meet along the way. Just departed
from Broadway, this show can be seen in multiple cities this fall. www.dirtyrotten scoundrelsthe musical.com
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