Berkeley Plantation was the location of the first Thanksgiving.

Visit Virginia's Berkeley Plantation 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 8, 15 - James River Plantation Thanksgiving Progressive Candlelight Tour and Dinner - 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. Savor traditional specialties during an elegant four-course candlelight dinner and visit the historic buildings of Piney Grove at Southall's Plantation.

Clarksville - Nov 27 - Decadent Thanksgiving Feast at Cooper's Landing Inn - 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 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!

Locust Dale - Nov 27 - Thanksgiving Dinner at The Inn at Meander Plantation - Come celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday at the Inn at Meander Plantation. We are offering two seatings for dinner, one at 1:00pm and the other at 4:00pm. We are running our five course prix fixe dinner option and guests will have a choice for four of the five courses. The menu will feature both traditional Thanksgiving courses and American fine dining cuisine to choose from.

Luray - Nov 27 - Thanksgiving Day Buffet in Shenandoah National Park - Skyland Resort celebrates Thanksgiving Day with a bountiful buffet. Over 12 relishes, soups, salads & starters, four entrees, seven desserts, plus breads and beverages served from 12:00 noon to 9:00pm.

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! Available until November 29.

Marion - Thanksgiving at the Collins House Inn - Looking for a quiet, relaxing, Thanksgiving getaway in the heart of the Blue Ridge mountains? Come for beverages and hors d’oeuvres Wednesday evening, a candlelit breakfast each morning, and a complete Thanksgiving dinner. November 26-28.

Williamsburg - Kingsmill Thanksgiving Package - Enjoy three nights in a one bedroom suite and a Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet just like mom used to make. Also includes breakfast every morning and shuttle service to both Colonial Williamsburg and Prime Outlets for anyone who wants to start their holiday shopping spree. November 26-30.

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! November 26-30.

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