top of page
Rt.10 & Rt.5 loop, known as Nickel / Dime is an iconic motorcycle route in Virginia which takes you through the heart of Virginia. Country side with rolling hills, a ferry ride, colonial Williamsburg and back on smooth country roads with nice relaxing canopy cover of trees.
Yesterday was a beautiful Monday — my first full day of retirement — so we took advantage of the weather and hopped on the motorcycle for a ride out of Richmond, Virginia. We headed south briefly on I-95 (about five miles) and took the exit toward Hopewell, crossing the river into Hopewell you will find The Boathouse Restaurant at City Point. If you like seafood with a view, the Boathouse at City Point is a perfect stop, sitting on the water with a relaxed atmosphere.
The Boathouse at City Point offers a warm and welcoming dining experience with beautiful views where the Appomattox River meets the James River. Known for its upscale coastal cuisine, the restaurant highlights fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients, complemented by a full bar and a relaxed waterfront patio. Whether you’re enjoying dinner at sunset or a casual drink by the river, it’s a perfect spot to unwind and savor the flavors of coastal Virginia.
https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=boathouse+hopewell&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8
From Hopewell we picked up Route 10 and rode toward Suffolk. Route 10 is a lovely, relaxing road: smooth curves, wide vistas and tree-lined stretches that make for a calm, scenic ride. We stopped in Suffolk, Va. in search of a local Mexican spot to fuel up — great food and the kind of little-town hospitality that keeps you smiling.
If you’re craving the true taste of Mexico, make a stop at Cazadores Mexican Restaurant, a local favorite serving authentic Mexican cuisine since 1999. Known as Suffolk’s first authentic Mexican restaurant, Cazadores welcomes guests with vibrant flavors and warm hospitality. Enjoy fresh tortillas, sizzling carne asada, savory seafood, homemade guacamole, and flavorful fajitas made with traditional recipes and fresh ingredients.
Whether you’re gathering for a fun family night or relaxing during happy hour with a handcrafted margarita, every visit feels like a fiesta. Come hungry, bring friends, and experience a delicious taste of Mexico right here in Suffolk.
Cazadores Mexican Restaurant
https://www.cazadoressuffolk.com
1701 N. Main Street, Suffolk, VA, 23434
After lunch we continued on Route 10 toward Scotland, Va. where the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry operates (free ferry). The ferry is a 20 minute crossing and drops you off near the Jamestown Settlement and Colonial Williamsburg — an easy and scenic way to cross the river. Williamsburg is an excellent place for an overnight if you want to explore Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, and nearby historical sites.
Step Back in Time at Colonial Williamsburg
Experience life in the 1700s at Colonial Williamsburg, the world’s largest living-history museum. Spanning over 300 acres, visitors can walk along historic streets, explore restored buildings, and interact with costumed interpreters who bring colonial life to life through demonstrations, stories, and hands-on experiences.
Highlights include landmarks like the Governor's Palace and the Capitol at Colonial Williamsburg, where early American ideas and debates shaped the nation’s future.
https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/visit/tickets-passes/single-day-ticket/
Discover the Story of America’s First English Colony
At Jamestown Settlement, visitors explore the story of the 1607 Jamestown colony, America’s first permanent English settlement. Interactive exhibits, films, and artifacts share the experiences of English settlers, Virginia Indian tribes, and the first recorded Africans in Virginia in 1619.
Outdoors, guests can walk through re-created villages and forts and board replicas of the ships that brought colonists to Virginia, including the Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery.
Plan your visit:
https://www.visitwilliamsburg.com/listing/jamestown-settlement/2333/
✅ Travel Tip: Many visitors combine the free ferry ride with a day exploring Williamsburg’s Historic Triangle, creating a memorable journey through early American history.
From Williamsburg we took Route 5 back toward Richmond. Route 5 is a motorcyclist’s delight: curvy, shaded roads with old trees arching overhead, passing small plantations and wineries. There are plenty of picturesque pull-offs and places to stop for a glass of wine or a short stroll. By the time we rolled back into Richmond the ride had been exactly what retirement should be — unhurried, scenic, and full of small discoveries.
Scenic Route 5 - Williamsburg to Richmond
Travelers looking for a beautiful and historic journey between Williamsburg, Virginia and Richmond, Virginia often choose the scenic Route 5 corridor, also known as the John Tyler Memorial Highway. This peaceful drive winds along the north bank of the James River and is famous for its canopy of towering trees, gently curving country roads, and centuries-old plantations.
Historic Plantations to Visit
Route 5 is home to several beautifully preserved estates that tell the story of colonial Virginia and the early United States.
-
Shirley Plantation – Virginia’s oldest family-owned plantation, dating to 1613, known for its elegant architecture and riverside setting.
-
Berkeley Plantation – Birthplace of President William Henry Harrison and site of the first recorded Thanksgiving in America (1619).
https://berkeleyplantation.com/
-
Westover Plantation – A stunning 18th-century estate famous for its Georgian architecture and sweeping river views.
https://www.historicwestover.com/
-
Sherwood Forest Plantation – The long home of President John Tyler, featuring one of the longest frame houses in America.
http://www.sherwoodforest.org/
Winery with River Views
A stop at a winery makes the scenic drive even more memorable.
-
Upper Shirley Vineyards – A beautiful waterfront vineyard offering tastings, a full restaurant, and panoramic views of the James River.
https://uppershirley.com/
Great Places to Eat Along Route 5
The drive also offers several charming local dining spots:
-
Indian Fields Tavern – A historic tavern serving classic Southern dishes in a cozy setting.
https://www.indianfieldstavern.com/
-
Cul's Courthouse Grille – A popular casual stop known for hearty meals and friendly service.
https://culscourthousegrille.com/
-
Upper Shirley Vineyards – In addition to wine tastings, their restaurant offers upscale seasonal cuisine with river views.
Why Visitors Love Route 5
-
Beautiful tree-lined roads that feel like a tunnel of greenery in spring and summer
-
Historic plantations showcasing centuries of Virginia history
-
Riverfront wineries and charming restaurants for relaxing stops
-
Peaceful countryside scenery just a short drive from major cities
Travel Tip:
*while the distance between Williamsburg and Richmond is only about 50 miles, the scenic stops along Route 5 make it easy to spend half a day or more exploring.
*this route can be reversed and is just as delightful.
*allow time to stop sporadically and enjoy new sights
bottom of page