CHARLES CITY COUNTY. Although the house is open by appointment only to groups of 15 or more, it is worth calling to see if you can tag along with a tour. The large frame house, built in 1650, is a study in how life was lived in that time, and the architecture is outstanding and unique. The gardens are exquisite and are also open for tours by appointment. During Historic Garden week, held each year at the end of April, both the gardens and the house are open to the public.

CHARLES CITY. This is a plantation of "firsts" ­ the first official Thanksgiving was celebrated here, it was the first commercial shipyard, distillers created the first bourbon whiskey here and, to top it all off, the first 10 presidents visited the plantation! The 1726 Georgian house is authentically furnished and the gardens, overlooking the James River, are breathtaking. There is a museum exhibit, an audiovisual program and costumed guides to conduct tours. There is also a gift shop and the Coach House Tavern, which serves lunch. Another bit of trivia: "Taps" was composed here when McClellan housed his Union troops on the site. If you only get to one plantation, this should be the one.

COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG. One of the oldest Episcopal churches in the United States, Bruton has been serving members since 1715. Famous past worshipers include presidents Washington, Tyler, Monroe and Jefferson. The churchyard has many interesting 18th-century tombstones, so be sure and include it on your tour. The church is popular with travelers for its tours and holiday services. The parish also runs a wonderful gift shop, also located on Duke of Gloucester Street, and all proceeds go to charity.

COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG. Twin curved turrets and a majestic white cupola are the structural elements that characterize the Capitol building dominating the end of Duke of Gloucester Street. But the momentous events that occurred on this site make up an even bigger part of its personality. The first structure to be named Capitol in America, the burgesses met here for the first time in 1753 and Patrick Henry delivered his impassioned speech against the Stamp Act in 1765. When the center of Virginia government was moved, the building was used for admiralty court, a law school, a military hospital, a grammar school, and a female academy. The building you see today is a faithful representation of the original, and if you listen closely, you just might here the whispers of history.

The best place to start with this outdoor museum is at the visitor center. A film and an orientation walk are informative and will save you time. There is so much to see here ­ buildings, gardens, taverns, trade shops and demonstrations ­ that it is virtually impossible to see it all in a day or even two. The mini-city is laid out well (think of an 18th-century Disney World), and walking the area is a pleasure. Evening events are held during the summer, so be sure and check those out. Hours vary in winter.