| Some even brave the danger of too much culture by visiting the historically pivotal village of Jamestown or the stunning Mariner’s Museum in Newport News. But most just go through the tunnel on I-64 and blast through to Richmond, I-95, and beyond. So it is no wonder that some of Virginia’s more interesting but smaller and less known Peninsula treasures are frequently overlooked. When in doubt, I always take the coast road. It’s never failed me. Follow me and you’ll likely find yourself on old Route 5 along the James River. Remember, without the rivers, there’s no Peninsula. And without the rivers, Virginia’s history would have happened somewhere else. So get off I-64, find the water, and discover the Peninsula. Here’s some of what you’ll find:
 The Yorktown Battlefield:
Where the extraordinary final battle of the American Revolution was fought. The National Park Service has preserved it and maintains a wonderful array of programs and exhibits to transport you back to that amazing time and place where British general Lord Cornwallis was forced to surrender to George Washington and his army of “farmers with pitchforks”. http://www.nps.gov/york/index.htm
Colonial National Historical Parkway: This 24 mile scenic Colonial-style highway connects Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown. Its panoramic vistas, gently winding curves, through patches of Pine and Evergreen forest, constantly leaves the visitor with an expectation as to what the next curve may bring forth. http://www.nps.gov/colo/index.htm
James River Plantations
In Charles City County, tucked between the James and Chickahominy Rivers along Rt 5, beautifully preserved mansions and grounds are open for you to glimpse the gracious living of Virginia’s antebellum past. At 18th century Berkeley Plantation, on July 4 catch the annual wreath laying ceremony honoring Benjamin Harrison V, one of seven Virginia signers of the Declaration of Independence.
 At Sherwood Forest Plantation, home of the 10th U.S. President John Tyler from 1842 until his death in 1862, enjoy the longest frame house in America, over 300 feet long. Down the river, Shirley Plantation, Virginia's first plantation founded in 1613, only six years after the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown. Here you can witness life in colonial America leading up to the Revolution.
At nearby Evelynton Plantation, the family patriarch, Edmund Ruffin, fired the first shot of the Civil War at Fort Sumter. His later agricultural contributions earned him the title "father of American agronomy." Evelynton was also the site of fierce Civil War skirmishes in 1862 between Union forces and Confederates during the bloody Peninsula Campaign. Find out visitor information for all the plantations at http://www.jamesriverplantations.org/
Elsewhere on the Peninsula, you have a chance to participate in some unique special events and explore some local attractions this summer:
 Blackbeard Pirate Festival
On July 9-11, 2010, Hampton will celebrate its 400th Anniversary during a weekend of events. One of these special events commemorates the demise of Hampton’s most infamous visitor, Blackbeard the Pirate. Blackbeard and 100 of his crew in authentic costumes will roam the cobblestone streets from their tall ships docked nearby. Music, food and festivities abound for the whole family. http://www.blackbeardpiratefestival.com/
Peninsula SPCA Exotic Sanctuary & Petting Zoo
The SPCA maintains a petting zoo and exotic animal area that is open to the public. Great for kids, the petting zoo is populated with goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, geese, and other animals that are wonderful with children. The exotic animal area houses leopards, mountain lions, jaguars, bald eagles, Canadian lynx, foxes, otters, and more. http://www.virginia.org/site/description.asp?attrID=12044
Free Saltwater Fishing Days
The weekend of June 4-6, 2010 are free saltwater fishing days. Get your rod and some bait and go down to the sea and take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy Virginia’s salty bounty.
Peninsula Fine Arts Center
Adjacent to the famous Mariner’s Museum, you can discover the every-changing world of art at the Peninsula Fine Arts Center. Children can create personal masterpieces in the interactive Hands On For Kids gallery, while adults can find original works by local artists in The Gallery Shop. Special events and evening programs are held year-round. Parking is free. http://www.pfac-va.org/
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