James River Plantations...
History Resides here!
The James River Plantations are what dreams are made of. Did you ever dream about having tea with high society ladies? Are you fascinated by old homes and their famous inhabitants? Then you need to spend some time visiting the Virginia Plantations. There are many beautiful James River plantations in this area. They are all just West of Williamsburg along Route 5 and all easily reached in under an hour. All of the historic plantation homes are on the National Registry for Historic Landmarks. They span the centuries from the 17th through 19th century.
These James River plantations are beautiful and full of history. If you enjoy touring old homes then I would say don't miss them. My only tip is to leave your children at home. Each Virginia plantation is filled with original antiques and lots of rooms you can only view from behind a velvet rope. None of the items in the houses are meant to be caressed by little hands... if you catch my drift!
Berkeley Plantation
Berkeley Plantation isn't the oldest plantation but it is the most well known. It is also the first three story brick house in Virginia and the first with a pediment roof. This doesn't mean much to anyone but an architect. So if you are not an architect let me tell you that this is the official spot of the first Thanksgiving. You won't read about it in any history book but it is fact! Visit Berkeley Plantation and not only see the site of the First Thanksgiving but stand Where Benjamin Harrison and Williams Henry Harrison stood and where Taps was composed. Learn much more at the Museum and movie presentation. There are costumed guides who will take you through the buildings and then you can take a self guided tour of the breathtaking gardens right on the shores of the James River.Berkeley Plantation is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Tours run from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Last tour begins at 4:30 p.m. Allow approximately 1-1 1/2 hours for guided house tour and self-guided garden tour. Admission Prices Adults: $11.00
Children (Ages 6-12) $6.00
Students (Ages 13-16) $7.50
10% discount: AAA members, Military and Senior Citizens Call for more details- (888)-466-6018
Shirley Plantation
Shirley Plantation is still owned by the same family who built it eleven generations ago. They still also work this grand plantation making it the oldest family-owned business in Virginia. Shirley is the first plantation built in Virginia back in 1613. Visit Shirley Plantation and meet the family. You can take a guided tour of the house and a self guided tour of the gardens. Check their website for exciting special events like my favorite the Halloween cemetery ghost tour. The plantation is open daily except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hours of operation are from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Tours run continuously all day. The last guided house tour begins at 4:45 p.m. Allow a minimum of one hour for your visit, which includes a guided house tour and self-guided grounds tour. Specialty gift shop open 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Admission Prices
Adults $11.00
Seniors (age 60+) $10.00
Youth (ages 6-18) $7.50
Under age 6 Free
AAA Members and Military discountswith identification
Sherwood Forest Plantation
Sherwood Forest Plantation was the home of President John Tyler from 1842 until his death in 1862. The plantation is still owned today by John Tyler's grandson. This is one of the more spectacular plantations in the area. The gardens are thought to be one of the most complete plantation yards left in America dating back to c.1680. This plantation is also comes complete with it's own ghost. The Gray Lady who has been seen and heard by many. Since this home is a private residence only tours of the grounds are allowed. Sherwood Forest Plantation's grounds are open 9:00 am-5:00 pm daily.
Edgewood Plantation
Have you ever wanted to actually stay at one of the Virginia plantations? Here is your chance. Edgewood Plantation is one of the few James River plantations that is operating as a Bed and Breakfast. Not only can you take a tour of this plantation or enjoy tea or lunch you can also stay overnight and be enveloped in the history and the ghosts of the past. Endview Plantation is right next to Berkeley Plantation and at one point was part of Berkeley. According to the stories, there was a young woman living at Edgewood who was in love with a man living at Berkeley Plantation. He went off to war and never returned. She is still waiting for him in her upstairs room. You can stay in her room if that kind of thing interests you. (I think it is all fascinating and I am trying to convince my husband we need to go!)This B&B welcomes children over 12 only. To book this B&B or others in WilliamsburgClick HereIf you just want to visit this plantation, but not sleep with the ghost you should consider visiting for a tour and tea or lunch. For the tea you will get gloves to wear and your hostess will provide you with a hat to match your outfit as well as a lesson in etiquette. Are you visiting over a birthday? They will book private tea parties for small groups.
Westover Plantation
Westover Plantation is America's premier example of Georgian architecture. Built in 1730 by William Byrd II who was a colonial leader and the founder of Richmond.
The gardens and grounds are open daily for a self-guided tour. The house is open during Garden Week only. For information, call (804) 829-2882.
North Bend Plantation
North Bend Plantation is also a functioning Bed & breakfast. The grounds and outbuildings are open daily from 9-5 for self guided tours. There are five different out buildings to tour. For guided tours of the main house you need to make advance reservation. This property was built by William Henry Harrison's Sister and is still owned and operated by direct decedents of the family.
Piney Grove at Southhall's Plantation
Piney Grove is a museum of Early Virginia Folk Architecture where historic buildings are used to tell the history of the James River Plantations and surrounding country. The family that owns Piney Grove has assembled five different buildings from the late 1700's to the early 1900's. All have been lovingly restored and are opened as a Bed & breakfast. As their guests you will be treated to a candlelight breakfast in the 1790 Log Room. The property has a pool, nature trails, barnyard animals and lawn games for you to enjoy and in the evening they have James River Plantation Progressive Candlelight Tour and Dinners. If you don't stay at the B&B, the tours of the inside are limited to group tours only. You can however tour the gardens.For more information please call Joan at (804) 829-2480.
If you want to see the grounds and gardens most of all, you can purchase a James River Plantations Gardens and Grounds Pass. This pass gets you access to four-sites for one price.:Piney Grove at Southall's Plantation, Westover, North Bend and Edgewood are also included. The cost of the ticket is $9. Advance purchase of the multi-site pass may be made by calling (804) 829-2196. If you want to purchase it when you arrive you can get it at the first plantation you visit.
These James River plantations will give you a great feel for what life was like during the 1700 and 1800's for the wealthy Southerners. I love the plantations! If you are like me and love looking at old homes and gardens then I encourage you to add this day to your itinerary. If the Gardens are what you are after get the James River Plantation Gardens and Grounds Pass. If you want to go into a house I would recommend Berkeley and Shirley. They are the only two that you can actually see the interiors without having to stay at the Bed & Breakfast. To book a B&B Now! Click Here
Return from James River Plantations to plan more of your trip to Williamsburg Virginia.
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