Time harkens back to a slower pace, when rush hour consisted of ships of sail and river bateaux. A lasting legacy can be experienced just east of Richmond along the James. See what it was like to be a member of the gentry in Virginia from the "FFVs" (First Families of Virginia) to the tycoons of the 20th century.

Flowerdew Hundred Museum - The newly built, large mansion on the grounds (with the exception of original 19th century outbuildings) has little to do with the historic nature of this site. As with the current house, early plantations were built on this rise overlooking the James. It is from this high ground that you can see the original site of the Flowerdew Hundred settlement, which lies on the southern bank of the James, below the museum and the 17th-century windmill reconstruction. The museum has a miniature replica of one of the original plantation houses as they would have been constructed during the early days of the colony. The Flowerdew settlement failed after an Indian massacre in 1644 and the area became the site for later 18th and 19th century James River plantations. / 1617 Flowerdew Hundred Rd. / Hopewell / (804) 541-8897 / $

Sherwood Forest Plantation - Known as the longest frame house in America, this was the home of John Tyler (10th president of the United States). The house has been lovingly restored by the Tyler family and is filled with family heirlooms and original Greek Revival architectural details. / 14501 John Tyler Hwy. / Charles City County / (804) 829-5377 / $

Westover Plantation - The premier example of a Georgian architectural complex, Westover was built by William Byrd II, the early explorer, surveyor of the Virginia and Carolina border and founder of Richmond. Built in 1730, the house interior is only open during the Aprils Historic Garden Week tours, but the grounds are open and are well worth visiting. The sprawling lawn that sweeps down to the banks of the James River is breathtaking and the architecture of the outbuildings and wrought-iron gates are not to be missed. / 700 Westover Road / Charles City County / (804)829-2882 / $

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