General Information
About the Lodge
The Williamsburg Lodge, after an extensive refurbishing project completed in early 2007, now comprises eight buildings interconnected by sheltered brick-paved walkways. Always fondly regarded for its characteristic southern hospitality, the property enhancements provide guests with comfortable accommodations reminiscent of a southern family home. Guest rooms include furnishings that blend the timeless American styles of craftsmen from across the country and reflect pieces in Colonial Williamsburg’s collections. Furnishings throughout the hotel and its guest rooms are inspired by the one of the finest collections of American folk art, which is housed in the nearby Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum. The lobby, lounge, restaurant, and conference rooms are conveniently situated for all guests.
Accommodations
Rooms can be reserved by contacting the Williamsburg Lodge. All reservations must be accompanied by one nights deposit and is fully refundable if cancellation is received three days prior to arrival.
You can make reservations by calling: 1-800-261-9530
Refer to Group Code SHAG08A when making reservations.
Guest rooms are arranged in several distinct buildings, which are connected by covered walkways.
Main Building: Many rooms in the main building retain their original hardwood floors and are connected by corridors of restored cypress paneling, louvered outer doors, and restored light fixtures. Other original guest rooms have been transformed into suites with views of the Lodge’s arrival courtyard or the fountain garden at The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg.
Tazewell Hall: All rooms in this more contemporary addition to the Lodge include a patio or balcony with rocking chairs for relaxing and enjoying the surroundings. Three suites offer fireplaces.
Guesthouses: Four new guesthouses, opened in 2006, each feature 30 rooms decorated in Colonial Williamsburg colors with furnishings inspired by folk art in the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum and furniture from Colonial Williamsburg’s collections.
Guests of the Williamsburg Lodge enjoy the following advantages:
- Discount conference tickets good for the duration of your stay for access to Historic Area trade sites and museums. The pass is $15 per ticket.
- Insider Activities-programs, tours, and more.
- Preferred reservations for:
- Dining at Colonial Williamsburg’s taverns and restaurants
- Spa appointments at The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg
- Tee times at the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club
- Court times at the resort tennis club
- Delivery of purchases from the shops of Colonial Williamsburg directly to your hotel.
- Complimentary WiFi and high-speed internet access in all guest rooms.
What to Expect
Weather
In July, expect warm and humid weather during the day; it’s the South, after all. Typically in July you can expect a low of 67o and high around 85o or higher, with an occasional passing rain shower.
Dress Code
Resort casual during the day and in the conference center, including shorts, khakis, polo shirts, skirts, etc. Neither jackets nor ties will be required for any of the conference events.
Some restaurants have specific dress codes. Please click here to refer to the restaurant for further information.
Smoking Policy
Smoking and non-smoking rooms are available upon request. All indoor areas of the resort are non-smoking, but there are outdoor areas assigned for smokers.
Swimming
Colonial Williamsburg provides two outdoor swimming pools and an indoor pool at the Spa. Adults may relax in the adult-only, spring-fed pool bordering the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club or swim in the heated outdoor pool with their children. A baby pool is also on site. Life guards are on duty during posted times. Lockers, changing rooms and food service are located at the pool areas.
Valet Parking
The conference committee has arranged for complimentary valet parking during the conference week. Please mention this to your valet at the time of your arrival. For those who prefer to park their own cars, the hotel staff can guide you to an underground parking facility.
Fitness Center
Located within the Spa facility, the Fitness Training Quarters include a selection of free weights, weight training stations, treadmills, elliptical machines, stair steppers and other equipment. A variety of fitness and relaxation classes are held in the group exercise studio. Hours of operation: 6am to 9pm (Mon-Fri); 7am to 9pm (Sat-Sun).
Tipping
Gratuities are not included in any of the hotel fees. Tipping is discretionary.
The Spa
You may want to shake off a long day at the conference center with a relaxing massage. The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg celebrates the best of the American Experience with signature spa experiences. Since its opening in Spring, 2007, it has provided relaxation and healing practices from European, African and American Indian cultures. The spa motto, "a continuum of wellness," is reflected in every detail.
For information on Spa services and to purchase certificates, call
(757) 220-7720 or (800) 688-6479
Miscellaneous Conference Information
Breakfast
Continental breakfast on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday will be provided for conference participants and guests.
Lunch
During the conference all lunch breaks are on your own.
First Timers Lunch
First time attendees at the SSA Conference will receive an invitation from the SSA Board to join them for lunch on Wednesday afternoon. Invitations will arrive via email so keep an eye out.
Dinner
On Wednesday, July 23, a reception and Plantation Country Cooking buffet dinner will be held from 6:30 pm.
On Thursday, July 24, a reception, dinner and dance will be held from 6:00 pm.
(Business casual dress is suggested.) An espresso bar will be opened at 9:30 pm.
Badges
Attendee badges are required at all times in order to gain admission to conference functions. All individuals including registered attendees and their spouses, guests, and conference speakers must pickup a badge at the SSA Registration desk.
Your spouse/guest is welcome to attend any of the functions. They must wear their name badge during the functions.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Airports
Colonial Williamsburg is serviced by three primary airports:
Newport News-Williamsburg (PHF): 20 miles from hotel, (757) 877-0221
Norfolk (ORF): 40 miles from hotel, (757) 857-3200
Richmond International (RIC): 45 miles from hotel, (804) 226-3000
Each airport has rental car counters and bus/limousine services to the Williamsburg Lodge, as detailed below. Additionally, Tidewater Coach, Inc. provides an airport shuttle service using Suburban vans. By using the link provided below, or mentioning the SSA when using the phone number, conference attendees will receive a group discount offered by Tidewater. The SSA has not made arrangements for this discount, nor do we have a relationship with Tidewater. The discount is offered directly from Tidewater as an independent service provider. All prices do not include gratuity unless otherwise indicated.
From Richmond Airport (RIC) (50 – 60 min to hotel)
- Groome Transportation Company (800) 552-7911
| One Way (shuttle): | $40/pp, on hour/every hour |
| Reserved one way (Town Car): | $85 flat fee |
- Carey VIP/Limo (877) 422-1105
| Town Car (up to three passengers): | $167.84, gratuity and fees included |
| SUV (up to five people): | $207.97, gratuity and fees included |
- Tidewater Coach, Inc. 757-218-9539 - Same Party/Location
| Single: | $60 - One Way / $110 - Round Trip |
| Up to 3: | $75 - One Way / $125 - Round Trip |
| Up to 5: | $90 - Each Way |
From Norfolk (ORF) and Newport News (PHF)
- Carey VIP/Limo (877) 422-1105 (gratuity and fees included)
| |
Norfolk 40 min |
Newport News 20 min |
| Town Car (1-3 people) |
$162.84 (total) |
$ 93.12 (total) |
| SUV (up to 5 people) |
$202.97 (total) |
$115.57 (total) |
- Tidewater Coach, Inc. 757-218-9539 - Same Party/Location
Norfolk
| Single: | $75 - One Way / $125 - Round Trip |
| Up to 3: | $90 - One Way / $150 - Round Trip |
| Up to 5: | $95 - Each Way |
Newport News
| Single: | $35 - One Way / $65 - Round Trip |
| Up to 3: | $45 - One Way / $75 - Round Trip |
| Up to 5: | $50 - Each Way |
For Tidewater Coach, Inc., make reservations
At Least 24 Hours in advance of arrival
Tidewater Coach link: www.tidewatercoach.com/CWF_SSA.html
Phone: 757-218-9539
For all other ground transportation, reservations should be made At Least Two Days prior to your arrival. Check with your provider for pricing or scheduling changes.
Train/Bus
Amtrak serves the Williamsburg Transportation Center with a connecting train from Washington, D.C. The center is just blocks from the Historic Area and provides car rentals, a cab stand, and Greyhound Bus connections. (In case you like bus travel.)
Car
The Williamsburg Lodge is centrally located. From Interstate 64, take exit 238 onto Route 143 East. Follow Route 143 to the second traffic light and bear right onto Route 132 (Henry Street). Continue on Henry Street through the Historic Area. At the third traffic light, turn left onto Francis Street. Turn right on the second street (South England). The Lodge is immediately on the right. Turn into the circular drive on the right and check in at the Williamsburg Lodge Lobby. For a map of the Williamsburg area, click here.
Local Events and Entertainment
The Williamsburg Lodge will have discount coupons for the Theme Parks at the SSA registration desk. Discounts are generally about 10% off the window ticket price.
The Historic Area
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation operates the world’s largest living history museum in Williamsburg, Virginia-the restored 18th-century capital of Britain’s largest, wealthiest, and most populous outpost of empire in the New World. The Colonial Williamsburg story, tells how diverse peoples, having different and sometimes conflicting ambitions, evolved into a society that valued liberty and equality.
The 301-acre Historic Area, with 88 original 18th-century buildings and more than 500 structures re-creating the colonial capital of Virginia, is a brief stroll from the Williamsburg Lodge front entrance. The combined Museums of Colonial Williamsburg are a convenient, short walk from the Lodge, and right next door to the 40 stores of Merchants Square. The College of William and Mary, “the alma mater of the nation,” is just on the other side of Merchants Square.
Costumed interpreters tell the stories of the men and women of the 18th-century city-black, white, Native American, slave, indentured, and free-and the challenges they faced. The 2008 Events Schedule can be viewed here.
In addition to the Historic Area, you may also want to visit these sites operated by the foundation (contact the Lodge front desk or Visitor Center for more information):
- The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum
- The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum
- Bassett Hall (Rockefeller residence during restoration)
- Carter's Grove
- John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Library
The 2008 Vacation Planner provides an up-to-date overview of Colonial Williamsburg's Historic Area, museums, hotels, recreational opportunities, and more. To download your copy, visit: Colonial Williamsburg Vacation Planner
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Shopping
Shopping in the Historic Area of Colonial Williamsburg is both a learning experience and a means to acquire some wonderful 18th-century possessions. Most shops will even deliver your purchases to your room at the Williamsburg Lodge.
- Mckenzies: spices, candied ginger, rock candy, and horehound drops.
- Colonial Nursery: Herbs, flowers, seasonal greens and wreaths.
- Greenhow Store: Wrought iron, willow baskets, fine imported porcelain, floor cloths, fabrics, cooper's items, tin ware, craftsmen's tools.
- Golden Ball: Silver and gold jewelry, sterling silver hollowware, and other items I inspired by the 18th century.
- Raleigh Tavern Bakery: Gingerbread, queen's cake, cookies, ham biscuits, Sally Lunn bread, rolls, cider, King's Arms Tavern Ginger Ale, and Chowning's Tavern Root Beer.
- Tickets, Treasuries, and Books: Souvenirs.
Merchants Square
Located adjacent to Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area, Merchants Square is an 18th-century style retail village with over 40 shops and restaurants. Visitors and local residents alike regularly experience the Square’s unique shopping, dining and special events offerings in a setting of unrivaled beauty.
Dining
- The Kings Arms: Known in colonial times as the restaurant where “the elite meet and eat!” The atmosphere at this premier tavern is one of simple elegance, one that benefits the statesmen and gentry who often dined here. Casual attire, no jeans. Reservations are recommended.
- Shields Tavern: An 18th Century coffeehouse, serving a light fare menu.
- Chowning’s: Traditional style PIT BBQ. Casual menu during the day, bar and entertainment in the evenings. Casual attire. Reservations not required.
- Christiana Campbell’s Tavern: Caters to diners with a taste for seafood. Open for dinner daily. Casual attire. Reservations recommended.
- The Williamsburg Inn Regency Room: Savor distinctive food and wines in an atmosphere of graceful elegance. Live music at dinner. Jacket and tie required at dinner; no denim at lunch. Reservations recommended.
- The Williamsburg Inn Restoration Bar: A place to enjoy cocktails and conversation. Open daily.
- The Williamsburg Inn Terrace Room: The perfect gathering spot for traditional afternoon tea.
Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-TAVERNS,
or through the Williamsburg Lodge.
Interested in Donating Conference Prizes – Raising Awareness of Your Company?
Donating gift items for inclusion with the Conference registration material or attendee raffle is an excellent way to raise awareness/increase the profile of your company. Whether smaller items that would be included in the attendees registration materials or one/a few items that could be used in the attendee raffle, all donations are appreciated. Such items add to the enjoyment of the event and put you company name/logo in the hands of the attendees.
Click here to download the form indicating your company will be donating conference prizes. Complete and return the form as soon as possible.
2008 SSA Golf Tournament
Tuesday, July 22
Date, Time and Fees
Tuesday, July 22
Check-in Begins at 7:00 am
Shotgun Start at 8:00 am
$140.00 includes green fee, cart, and range balls (charged to your room)
$55.00 for club rentals (right or left handed available)
Golden Horseshoe - Gold Golf Course
Opened in 1963
Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., who called it his finest design. From the back tees, the course is 6,817 yards with a par of 71 and slope of 138.
Format
Scramble – A player, B player, C player, and the “I play once a year at the SSA tournament” player.
Team and Individual Prizes and Special Rules
Click here for a Golf Registration Form
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