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Start Your Christmas at Shirley
Share a 12-Generation Family Affair |
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| Christmas at Shirley Plantation, the oldest plantation in the Commonwealth of Virginia, has been a festive family affair for twelve generations. From December 1, 2006 through January 6, 2007 the Hill Carter family of Shirley will once again share their Christmas with visitors from far and near, in a special holiday tour that’s open to all. Begin your Christmas celebrations with an entertaining tour of the Great House of Shirley, dressed to welcome holiday visitors with garlands of greenery cut from Shirley’s grounds. Historical interpreters will lead you on a tour that celebrates four hundred years of Christmas as you progress through 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries of family Christmas holidays. Feasting, dancing, and kissing under the mistletoe are some of the ways1600’s settlers celebrated. In the great hall you’ll find genuine mistletoe recovered from towering Shirley treetops by 11th-generation Carter sons. In the elegant dining room admire the decorative dessert trees prepared in the manner of the 1700’s. Want to see a Victorian Christmas tree? You’ll find it in the historic master bedroom. In the parlor where Robert E. Lee’s mother, Ann Hill Carter, and father Henry “Lighthorse Harry” Lee were married in 1793, you’ll see the beautifully decorated 10-ft. Frazier Christmas tree selected by the present Mrs. Carter. Hear the story of why current residents Mr. and Mrs. Carter were unsuccessful in searching for their first tree together in 1960 on their 800-acre plantation. Looking for an edible celebration? Visit Shirley on Monday, December 4th to enjoy hot cider and refreshments from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and warm yourself by the fireplace in the historic old kitchen. Start your family Christmas celebrations in a humorous, decorative, and family-steeped way at Shirley Plantation, home of the 10th and 11th generations of one family to own and operate this historic treasure. You will surely learn something about Christmas you can share with family and friends for generations to come. Guided house tours are offered daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Shirley will be closed on Christmas day for the family to use the parlor. Regular admission to Shirley Plantation is $10.50 for adults and $7.00 for youths (6-18), with discounts for active-duty military, seniors, and AAA members. Shirley is located on Scenic Route 5, just 10 miles east of Richmond and 35 miles west of Williamsburg. For more information and directions, call 1-800-232-1613 or 1-804-829-5121. |
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© 2007 Shirley Plantation. All rights reserved. Website: First Graphics, Inc.