First Thanksgiving

Attend the Berkeley Plantation First Thanksgiving Festival on November 1 to see where English colonists first held a thanksgiving celebration, one year and 17 days prior to the landing of the Pilgrims in Massachusetts! Then, make plans to enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner in Virginia or book a Thanksgiving travel package!

They Gave Thanks for Their Safe Arrival to the New World

The first Thanksgiving occurred when Captain John Woodlief led the newly-arrived English colonists to a grassy slope along the James River and instructed them to drop to their knees and pray in thanks for a safe arrival to the New World. It was December 4, 1619, and 38 men from Berkeley Parish in England vowed:

"Wee ordaine that the day of our ships arrivall at the place assigned for plantacon in the land of Virginia shall be yearly and perpetually keept holy as a day of Thanksgiving to Almighty God."

You'll find their vow carved on a brick gazebo marking the location believed to be where Woodlief knelt beside the James River.

Visit Berkeley Plantation and tour the grounds, gardens and three-story manor house built in 1776. See this birthplace of Benjamin Harrison, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and of his son, the ninth U.S. President William Henry Harrison. Harrison's grandson, another Benjamin Harrison, became the 23rd U.S. president.

Historical Highlights of Berkeley Plantation

• Berkeley stakes claim as the site of the first distillation of bourbon whiskey, produced by missionary George Thorpe, who declared it "much better than British ale."
• It was at Berkeley that Union General Daniel A. Butterfield composed "Taps," which was customarily used as a "lights out" bugle call for soldiers camped on the grounds.
• The Georgian mansion is believed to be the oldest three-story brick house in Virginia that can prove its date. It is decorated with 18th-century antiques.
• Berkeley became a focal point of economic, cultural and social life in colonial Virginia. It has been host to more than 10 presidents, including George Washington.

Enjoy a Virginia Thanksgiving Dinner!

Williamsburg - Nov 14, 21, 28 - James River Plantation Thanksgiving Progressive Candlelight Tour - Explore the history of America's Thanksgiving tradition in Williamsburg's James River Plantation country, minutes from the site of America's first official celebration. Visit the historic buildings of Piney Grove at Southall's Plantation – Piney Grove, Ashland, Ladysmith, Dower Quarter & Duck Church – with “Tours-By-The-Owner.”

Stephenson - Nov 14 - Jordan Springs Give Thanks Dinner and Concert - Celebrate your thanks at Jordan Springs with a feast to end all feasts. Once you have tasted delectable culinary masterpieces, you will be treated to a concert by Winchester Orchestra. The orchestra, begining promptly at 8 p.m., is comprised of 40 top quality musicians.

Clarksville - Nov 26 - Decadent Thanksgiving Feast at Cooper's Landing Inn - Thanksgiving at Cooper's Landing. Let us take the work out of this year's Holiday season... Celebrate Turkey Day in Lake Country! Join us for a decadent Thanksgiving Feast. We will be serving a traditional Thanksgiving meal with gourmet flair. Dinners will be plated and each family will have the choice to have their own turkey. We will even box the leftovers for you to take home for turkey sandwiches! Call to reserve your table... Seating will begin at 11:00am

Glen Allen - Nov 26 - Thanksgiving Day at Wyndham Virginia Crossings - Choose fom hand carved herb crusted turkey breast and brown sugar glazed ham, roasted salmon, southern fried crispy pork cutlets and more. Served from 12 to 4 and reservations are recommended.

Locust Dale - Nov 26 - Thanksgiving Dinner at The Inn at Meander Plantation - Come celebrate Thanksgiving at the Inn at Meander Plantation. We offer two seatings at 1:00pm and at 4:00pm. The menu will feature Chef Scale's sophisticated modern classic Thanksgiving dinner which is available on our website. Dinner fare is $75.00 per person; not inclusive of taxes gratuity and alcoholic beverages.

Natural Bridge - Nov 26 - Natural Bridge Thanksgiving Buffet - Give yourself a break. Enjoy a delicious meal and live entertainment at the Natural Bridge Hotel. All you have to do is show up and dig into a world-class all-you-can-eat buffet. Serving from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations required.

Staunton - Nov 26 - Thanksgiving Brunch at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel - From the traditional roasted Thanksgiving turkey to Beef Bourguignon and New England Clam Chowder, the delectable buffet is not to be missed. $35/adult; $17.50 ages 5 to 12; under 4 is complimentary. Serving from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Virginia Beach - Nov 26 - Traditional Thanksgiving Family Dinner - At Founders Inn, we'll do all the work without your having to sacrifice the traditional, beautifully prepared meal. Turkey, stuffing, carving stations, breads and desserts await.

Wintergreen - Nov 27-30 - Thanksgiving on the Mountain at Wintergreen Resort - The holiday season of family traditions at Wintergreen Resort begins with Thanksgiving. Traditional feasts, the grand illumination of the courtyard, Gingerbread House and boxwood wreath workshops.

Book a Thanksgiving Travel Package!

Clarksville - Thanksgiving at the Lake - Fall is a very special place as Cooper's Landing. Enjoy two nights in a romantic room with double jacuzzi tub and fireplace, welcome basket of homemade pumpkin bread and warm apple cider, full four-course gourmet Thanksgiving Feast served on Thanksgiving Day and lots more!
» Nov 24-30 * $425/couple

Damascus - Thanksgiving Reunion at the Apple Tree Bed and Breakfast - Four rooms with private baths, full breakfasts, discount Barter Theatre tickets and of course, Thanksgiving dinner!
» Nov 25-29 * $150/person/day

Luray - Mimslyn Inn Thanksgiving - Enjoy a festive atmosphere with a menu that includes all your favorites. Roasted turkey, potatoes, dressing and all the trimmings, plus an overnight stay.
» Nov 25-30 * $69.95/person

Natural Bridge - Natural Bridge Thanksgiving Buffet Package - Eat good, walk it off and stay the night at the historic Natural Bridge Hotel. Package includes buffet for two, admission to The Natural Bridge & Cedar Creek Trail, Monacan Indian Village, and The Drama of Creation; Natural Bridge Caverns; Wax Museum; Toy Museum and an overnight for two.
» Nov 25-27 * Call for Rates

Newport News - Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday Discount - Why crowd into a house when visiting family over the holidays? Stay at the Microtel Inn for two nights or more and receive a special rate of $39.99/night. A third night gets an extra 10% off!
» Through Dec 26 * $39.95/night for two or more nights

Warm Springs - Thanksgiving with Flair: Concert, Gourmet Dinner and Mountain Villa - Three nights' accommodations, Thanksgiving dinner and a wonderful concert at Garth Newell!
» Nov 25-30 * $469/couple

Williamsburg - Thanksgiving at Kingsmill Resort - Let Kingsmill Resort be your home away from home for a 2 night stay in a one-bedroom suite. Breakfast daily is included along with our scrumptious Thanksgiving buffet dinner with all the trimmings. Plus, complimentary transportation is provided to Colonial Williamsburg and Prime Outlets.
» Nov 25-29 * $469/couple

Woolwine - Dutchies View Thanksgiving Package - Come celebrate Thanksgiving at Dutchies View B&B with a two-night stay, full breakfasts each morning, and all the Thanksgiving trimmings you might expect. Be treated to pecan and pumpkin pies, and maybe even a light keylime!
» Nov 24-30 * $340/couple