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Other than the estates (click here for full information on Berkeley, Shirley, Westover, and the other plantations), Highway 5 has practically nothing on it (which, one has to admit, is one reason why the drive is so lovely). We found that out to our dismay last time we were there. No problem, we throught, we'll just pop over to Shirley, take the tour, then get something to eat.
Except...there WAS nowhere to eat. Berkeley used to have its own quaint little cafe, but that closed down three years ago, the gift shop gal at Shirley informed us. What to do? Luckily, we had a box of chewy granola bars in the trunk to tide us over a bit.
So...a little careful planning for your tour is called for. Here are some James River Plantations tour tips to make your day run smoothly. Want to spend the night in a plantation? Click here.
Gas up!
As we mentioned, there's not much on Highway 5 (you really have to see the remoteness to believe it). So be sure to check your gas guage before you start your James River Plantations tour.
Gas stations are available on the southern end of Highway 5, in Williamsburg/Jamestown, and near exit 22 at the northern tip of Highway 5.
With gas prices going through the roof, you need to save every penny. We found a great website, www.gasbuddy.com, that let's you type in a zip code to find the cheapest gas stations in that area. Click here to check gas prices in the area you want to travel.
Where to eat?
These are your dining options when visiting the plantations.
- Bring a picnic lunch
- Go hungry
- If you're driving up from Virginia Beach or Williamsburg, eat in Williamsburg, then drive north on Highway 5 to start your tour
- If you're driving down from Richmond, eat in Richmond or grab a quick bite at the Dairy Queen on your right just after you get off at exit 22
- Try one of the only two restaurants near Highway 5 - The Dockside Restaurant (see below) or The Indian Fields Tavern (a good 20-25 minutes south on Highway 5, and not always open during the day)
The Dockside Restaurant--A Great View
Thanks to the gift shop lady at Shirley Plantation, we didn't have to starve! She directed us to the Dockside Restaurant after our plantation tour. We'd never have found this place on our own!
Upon leaving Shirley, when you get to Highway 5, make a right. In a mile or so you'll see a flashing light. Make a right. This road takes you over a bridge over the James River. The Dockside Restaurant is on the right hand side, just over the bridge.
The Dockside lives up to its name...its right on the river. It actually has a view that is both lovely and disappointing (not the restaurant's fault!).
On the right, you can see the the east river bank--still sparsely populated--and imagine what the early settlers might have seen as they sailed up the James for the first time. On the left, you see the town of Hope, rather ironically named since its horizon is chock full of factories and smokestacks.
Anyway, the food--mostly seafood--is quite good and reasonably priced. (I liked the grilled crabcakes, served with a hush puppy.) They have a great chldren's menu with large portions.
So, now you have your James River Plantations tour tips...go out and plan a great tour!
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