Out and about around Williamsburg, Va: Shirley Plantation

Last visited 4/22

We stayed at Wyndham Williamsburg Kingsgate

https://clubwyndham.wyndhamdestinations.com/us/en/resorts/wyndham-hotels-resorts/united-states-of-america/virginia/williamsburg/club-wyndham-kingsgate

Once again, not necessarily an unknown place if you are looking at things to do around Williamsburg, Va. However, on the offseason it is quite nice to visit Shirley Plantation, the oldest continually worked plantation in the country. Since it is privately owned, an admission is charged to help the upkeep of the property. Find more information here: https://historicshirley.com/

Shirley is America's oldest plantation, having been granted in 1613, and has stayed in the Hill-Carter family since then. Currently, it is home of the 11th and 12th generations of this family, which we had the pleasure of meeting when we were there. It's hard to imagine being a 10 year old getting to run around this house and its grounds. One of the nicest things about Shirley is that they are embracing the history of the plantation with respect to varied narratives, including native Americans, indentured servants and enslaved peoples. It is a work in progress, but it allows for a more complete picture of its history.

To begin, find the gift shop and buy your tickets. You will be assigned a time for the guided tour of the main house. The other structures on the property are self-guided.

The front facade of Shirley Plantation

I'm not photogenic, but at least I can prove I was here

Sculptures marking the beginning of the plantation's driveway

The dovecote where small birds were raised for food

The kitchen outbuilding demonstrating foods of the time

A small outbuilding where they keep sheep and chickens

Pack a lunch, and buy a soda from the gift shop. Apple Ginger Ale and the Blackberry Cream Soda were our favorites! There is a small patio off the gift shop where you can eat your lunch and just relax.

Nathan splurged and bought us soda with his own money

Then take a walk down to the James River. A cool part of the grounds to see is the Willow Oak. It was planted over 350 years ago, and because of this you are not able to approach it directly any longer as it is roped off to maintain its health,