Shirley Plantation at Christmas

Shirley Plantation Great House - Christmas

If you are looking for a wonderful place to visit that can offer up a true taste of colonial Virginia, look no further than Shirley Plantation in Charles City.  

Gift Shop at Shirley Plantation, Christmas tree

Located between Richmond and Williamsburg, along the river, it is a lovely drive up Highway 5 in the countryside to arrive at Shirley.  Open to the public now for over fifty years, Shirley is currently accessible to visitors throughout the week. Tours, such as schools, also can be arranged by contacting Janet Appel, Director, at Shirley Plantation.

This time of year, the gift store is full of all kinds of goodies, including a great assortment of jams made especially for Shirley Plantation.  Artwork, books, jewelry, dishes, ornaments, and more can be found on location. 

The lion greets guests!

This beautiful plantation is still an operational farm and family-owned.  Five original structures are open for viewing. After parking, visitors enter through the Queen Anne style forecourt.  Two brick structures flank the left and two flank the right.  At the center and top of the forecourt is the Great House.  Two original flankers are no longer present on the property.  

Christmas tree in the kitchen.

Decorated for Christmas, this year the kitchen held the Christmas tree. I have a manuscript, out on submission, set at Shirley Plantation and going there is like a Christmas gift to myself!

Colonial fare displayed in the kitchen building.

A feast was being prepared in the kitchen building. I am going to admit that Julian Charity, the historian, Janet Appel, and the delightful Randy Carter and I did not partake of our luncheon in the kitchen (it is all replicas of authentic colonial food!)  A beautiful display, though!

And in closing...(From the Shirley Plantation Facebook page For a gift that lasts all year long...a Shirley Plantation Foundation membership starts at just $40.00! Call 1-800-232-1613 or visit www.shirleyplantation.com for information.

Bio: Carrie Fancett Pagels is owner/administrator of Colonial Quills.  She writes "romantic" historical fiction and is represented by Joyce Hart.  Carrie is the ACFW MidAtlantic Zone Director.  She also has an international group blog "Overcoming With God."