Bethany Christian Church

When you tour the Berkeley Plantation, you'll be among a couple of history's most significant connections. One is that the plantation house is said to be the site of the Thanksgiving celebration of 1619, although debate still exists over the exact location of the original event. The gorgeous Georgian manor is also the birthplace of Benjamin Harrison, who was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Also, our ninth President, William Henry Harrison, was born here as well. Enjoy lush gardens and restored grounds as you stroll after the tour to enjoy the scenery that extends all the way to the James River.

Browns Island was named for Elijah Brown who acquired the land from Rhode Island in 1811. This piece of land is strategically located near downtown and is now part of the James River Park. Live concerts are held there on Fridays during the summer, and the land features footpaths and hiking trails that prove to be popular with nature and outdoors enthusiasts from all over the area. Added attractions include the fast water with large and small rapids and a path that leads down to the river behind a pier that all make for a great opportunity to commune with nature.

Buddy's is actually the perfect name for this bar, as you will more than likely be "buddies" with several of the people here because of both the venue's popularity and its unusually small size. Actually, this popular under-30s crowd watering hole is five times longer than it is wide, so you will press the flesh quite a bit, even if you are just heading to the bar. Buddy's serves a light menu early in the evening, but if you wait until later to try and get in, you might be facing at least a 15-minute wait outside. Then again, you might make a new "buddy" before you even enter the bar!