Charles City County: Rivers, History and the Virginia Capital Trail

Charles City County lies between Williamsburg and Richmond along Route 5 Scenic Byway and the Virginia Capital Trail. Two rivers shape the natural surroundings and give your stay a varied rhythm: you can explore historic estates, spend a day cycling, or watch for birds along waterways and in protected areas. If you are looking for a vacation rental or vacation home, it is worth considering the focus you want for your trip. Depending on your plans, culture, nature, outdoor activities or culinary discoveries may take center stage.

Getting Around by Bicycle and Finding Your Way Easily

The Virginia Capital Trail runs for 51.7 miles through Charles City County and is fully paved. This makes it a clear point of reference for a trip during which you would like to spend several days cycling or riding another type of two-wheeled vehicle. Market 5 is located directly on the trail. In newly designed shipping containers, you will find shops, food and other experiences; as a stop along the way, the site is particularly well suited to a tour along the trail. Free parking and a public restroom are available at the Charles City Courthouse along the Virginia Capital Trail. For a scenic drive with a variety of landscapes, the Virginia 5&Dime Route, with its special visitor stops, is another option.

Plantation Homes and History Along the James River

Charles City County combines its river landscape with numerous historic sites and stories. Berkeley Plantation was built in 1726 by Benjamin Harrison IV; costumed tours of the Georgian mansion are offered daily, while the gardens overlook the James River. Berkeley Plantation was also the site of the first official Thanksgiving in 1619. Shirley Plantation was founded in 1613 and is described as Virginia’s first plantation. Westover was created around 1730 by William Byrd II; the lawn offers an impressive view of the James River, above which eagles circle. President John Tyler lived with his family at Sherwood Forest from 1842 until his death in 1862.

The Charles City County Visitor Center, located in the county’s historic 1901 Clerk’s Office, offers further insights. Four interactive outdoor exhibits focus on the historic Charles City courthouse as well as battles during the American Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Piney Grove at Southall’s Plantation is a museum of history and vernacular architecture; the gardens, grounds and nature trail can be explored on a self-guided basis daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Kittewan, a medium-sized colonial-era plantation house, overlooks the marshy Kittewan Creek.

Nature Experiences Among Rivers, Forests and Wetlands

The 24-acre Lawrence Lewis, Jr. Park on the James River features a fishing and bird-watching pier, a short boardwalk through the swamp, a wooded path and a boat ramp. Eagles, great blue herons and other waterfowl live in the park. The Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area offers mowed paths for hiking and opportunities to observe wildlife. Ospreys and bald eagles are frequently spotted along the steep banks of the Chickahominy River and within the area. Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery also combines fishing with wildlife observation.

Local Cuisine and Special Travel Experiences

Indian Fields Tavern serves American bistro cuisine in a rustic farmhouse setting. The property also includes a tasting room for 5 Fields Brewery. At Historic Peace Hill Farm, you can choose free, self-guided farm tours or take part in guided tours during which visitors enter the enclosures and pastures and experience the animals up close. In suitable weather, the Sunday dinner experience may include an optional hayride.

Chickahominy culture is also part of the county’s character. The tradition of a regular annual Chickahominy Fall Festival and Pow-wow began in 1951. Traditional dance is a central part of every Chickahominy Pow-wow. If your travel group has different interests, you can therefore alternate nature days, historic sightseeing, bike tours and culinary stops, and choose your accommodation based on your preferred daily routines.

More Destinations for Your Search

As an additional starting point, you can explore Charles City. You can find more destinations at the same level under Galax, Petersburg, Prince Edward County, Accomack County, Buckingham County, Washington County and Lancaster County.

For the higher-level travel overview: Virginia.