The Liz Moore Market Watch Blog

A Weekend in Virginia's Northern Neck

Posted by Lynnette Tully on Wed, Sep 06, 2023 @ 06:47 AM

By: Lauren Cummings

Northern-Neck_photo6 blogPlan your weekend trip to Virginia’s Northern Neck with a thought-out itinerary from local insiders. We love sharing the beauty of our hometown, and we are so excited to show you why we love where we live!

Where to Stay

The Kilmarnock Inn is a collection of eight cottages that offer a private bath, balcony or deck, and free Wi-Fi. Three of which are pet friendly, so if you are considering bringing your fur baby along, you will be covered! The three-course breakfast is served daily and includes selections from the resort garden. This is a destination for those seeking a high-end yet homey feel for their vacation.

For a luxury stay on the Chesapeake Bay, look no further than The Tides Inn. You will be on a beautiful stretch of water, connecting you to the beautiful nature that Virginia has to offer. You can choose to stay in a Resort View or Water View room or suite. You may not want to ever leave during your stay – as this resort offers plenty to do, such as relaxing by the beach or marina or joining the inn’s art class.

Rise & Shine

Before your full day of plans, it’s important to fuel up on caffeine and a nice breakfast. We know just the spot!

The Local is the Northern Neck’s home for coffee! It not only serves a crafted cup of coffee by Richmond’s Ironclad Coffee Roasters, but it also serves as a social spot for the community. Grab a breakfast sandwich or panini when you stop by! The menu has a variety of tasty meals, and the outdoor seating is perfect to enjoy during the warmer months.

What to Do & Where to Go

Northern-Neck_photo4 blogEnjoy the natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant waterfront lifestyle that the Northern Neck of Virginia has to offer. Get outdoors, dive into American and local history, or have a family night of fun!

Westmoreland State Park is a beautiful and diverse natural park located in Westmoreland County. Visit the park for hiking, fishing, camping, and boating! You will have a lovely panoramic view of the Potomac River with beach access. This is a great spot for camping as a campground with 133 campsites, cabins, and a group lodge.

Head over to Irvington to discover the Steamboat Era Museum for an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. This is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and technology of steamboats, as well as the rich cultural heritage of the Chesapeake Bay region. See artifacts up close, such as engines, boilers, and more! Take a guided tour and learn even more interesting facts and details about the steamboat era.

The Reedville Fisherman’s Museum is another awesome destination for those interested in the history of boating and fishing. Located in the small fishing village of Reedville, this museum is dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of the local fishing industry. Learn about the important role of fishing in the local economy and way of life with engaging exhibits and displays!

For a family night of fun, visit the Compass Entertainment Complex is a state-of-the-art entertainment complex. The complex features a multi-screen luxury boutique movie theater and nine more attractions including an arcade, indoor adventure course, climbing walls, go-karts, mini-golf, and full-service restaurant and bar. This is a great spot for the kids to burn off some energy, making memories filled with fun and play!

Wine & Dine

The northern neck is the heart of Virginia’s wine country. Don’t forget to add these spots to your trip itinerary! For even more wine stops, check out the Chesapeake Bar Wine Trail that encompasses the region: https://chesapeakebaywinetrail.com/

Good Luck Cellars

“Luck is in the WINE of the beholder” is Good Luck Cellars motto! Enjoy a wine flight, by the glass, or a full bottle in the covered outdoor seating area or the indoor tasting room. This vineyard has the perfect locationkelsey-knight-udj2tD3WKsY-unsplash for scenic views of a beautiful backdrop and getting away from the hustle and bustle of busy life. Check out which food trucks and events are going on during the date of your planned visit: https://www.goodluckcellars.com/events

Dog & Oyster Micro-Vineyard is a charming winery in Irvington – a gem in Virginia’s wine country. If you love dogs and wine, this should be on your list of stops during your stay! The owners, inspired by their love for their canine companions and the region’s famous Chesapeake Bay oysters, created a delightful combination of the two in their establishment. The vineyard is a relatively small size, allowing for a more personalized and immersive experience for visitors.

Relax at a beautiful private cove and enjoy charcuterie paired with wine, beer, or cider at Jacey Vineyards. Head over on a Friday for live music and specials. Enjoy tastings, wine by glass or bottle, and great food paired with views of wooded forests, a scenic waterfront, and lush vines. You can even arrive at the cove by boat if you’d like. For those who prefer to arrive on land, don’t fret – there’s parking!

Good Eats

This Office is a café, bistro, and bar in Irvington that offers comfortable, lively American dining. The casual atmosphere extends to the seasonal patio seating, and the impressive menu pairs with the comfortable ambiance. They incorporate the freshest local ingredients across a variety of cuisines. This is a full-service restaurant, and you are sure to have a high level of gracious, southern hospitality during your visit!

The Crazy Crab is a locally owned casual spot in Reedville. The impressive Chef has 20 years of experience under their belt cooking in the finest restaurants, so expect your meal to be carefully crafted and highly satisfactory. The Crazy Crab takes pride in providing guests with a top-notch dining experience, and therefore offer fresh ingredients from local, seasonal farmers markets. You can be sure you are receiving the best of the season!

For a unique, coastal dining experience, visit Adrift in White Stone. The menu changes each day based on locally sourced and fresh ingredients. This spot is known for its refined plates and great wine. Locals and visitors indulge in a memorable dining experience where the staff is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. This spot is, “Virginia through and through,” providing the delicacies that the state has to offer through native wines and ingredients.

A Short Drive Away

For even more to do and see during your stay, check out more of our recommendations in Williamsburg, the Peninsula, and Richmond!

Try any of these spots, or find any worth noting? Let us know at lizmoore.com!

Tags: lizlocal-NorthernNeck-livelocal, lizlocal-NorthernNeck-food_and_drink, WYD5

It's Oyster Season on Virginia's Northen Neck

Posted by Lynnette Tully on Fri, Nov 04, 2022 @ 06:47 AM

oystersOne of the many reasons to #lovewhereyoulive on Virginia's Northern Neck or the surrounding areas is local oysters...and it's currently oyster season!

Oysters are a cold-weather food, meant to come from water so frigid only the salt stops the ice from forming. , that is September - April.

From salty to sweet, buttery to briny, Virginia’s oysters taste just like the waters they came from– whether it’s the mighty Rappahannock, the Chesapeake Bay, or the Atlantic Ocean.

These tiny yet tasty delicacies can be served raw, steamed, baked, fried, roasted…there really is no wrong way to cook oysters!

Here are our favorite ways to top an oyster:

Sweet Chili Oysters
Fill each oyster on the half shell with 1 tsp grated parmesan, then top with 1 tsp sweet chili sauce.
Grill at medium heat until cheese melts.

Mignonette Sauce
Combine 1 minced shallot, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 c champagne vinegar.
Serve alongside raw oysters.

Oysters with Classic Tartar
Whisk 1 c mayo, 1 c chopped dill pickles, 1 tsp parsley, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 tsp sugar, 1/4 tsp pepper.
Serve alongside raw, roasted, or fried oysters.

 

 

 

Tags: lizlocal-NorthernNeck-food_and_drink

Wineries, Breweries, and Cideries in Virginia's Northern Neck

Posted by Lynnette Tully on Wed, Jun 08, 2022 @ 01:48 PM

NNK wineOne thing is for sure, there's no shortage of wineries, breweries, and cideries (oh my!) in the Northern Neck of Virginia.  Perfect for a day trip or a night out, here's a list of our favorites:

General’s Ridge Vineyard
1618 Weldons Drive
Hague, VA 22469
804.472.3172

Ingleside Vineyards
5872 Leedstown Road
Oak Grove, VA 22443
804.224.8687

The Hague Winery
8268 Cople Highway
Hague, VA 22469
804.472.5283

Jacey Vineyards
619 Train Lane
Wicomico Church, VA 22579
804.580.4053

Good Luck Cellars
1025 Good Luck Road
Kilmarnock, VA 22482
804.435.1416

Triple V Farms
3138 Jessie duPont Memorial Highway
Heathsville, VA 22473
804.724.5765

Ditchley Cider Works
1571 Ditchley Road
Kilmarnock, VA 22482
804.435.2886

Kilmarnock Brewhaus
44 W Church Street
Kilmarnock, VA 22482
804.436.6207

Callao Brewing Company
129 Northumberland Hwy
Callao, VA 22435
804.529.1042

Tags: lizlocal-NorthernNeck-food_and_drink

Farmers' Markets in Virginia's Northern Neck

Posted by Lynnette Tully on Wed, Mar 30, 2022 @ 12:59 PM

With the arrival of Spring comes the opening of farmers' markets and Virginia's Northern Neck has many great local spots to choose from.  Support a farmer and enjoy fresh, local produce at our recommended markets:

Irvington Farmers’ Market NNK farmers market
1st Saturday of the Month
May-November 9:00am-1:00pm
Irvington Commons, 98 King Carter Drive
Irvington, VA 22480

Kellum Farms
Produce & Seafood
Open Daily 9:00am-5:30pm
3413 Irvington Road
Irvington, VA 22480

Old Farm Truck Market
Wed & Sat: 9:00am-3:00pm
Thu & Fri: 9:00am-5:00pm
453 Rappahannock Drive
White Stone, VA 22578

Dug In Farms
Open Daily 9:00am-5:00pm
155 Fleets Bay Road
White Stone, VA 22578

Garner’s Farm & Market
Open Daily April through Thanksgiving
9:00am-6:00pm
22645 Kings Highway
Warsaw, VA 22572

Heathsville Farmers’ Market
3rd Saturday of the Month
April-October, 9:00am-1:00pm
Rice’s Hotel/Hughlett’s Tavern
73 Monument Place, Heathsville, VA 22473

Tags: lizlocal-NorthernNeck-livelocal, lizlocal-NorthernNeck-food_and_drink

Carried Away Cuisine: Downtown Kilmarnock, Virginia

Posted by Lynnette Tully on Tue, Nov 09, 2021 @ 06:34 AM

Serving breakfast, lunch, take out, outdoor dining, specialty oils, pastries, and more, a stop at Carried Away Cuisine is a must next time you are in downtown Kilmarnock, Virginia!

Tags: lizlocal-NorthernNeck-food_and_drink

It's Apple Picking Season in Virginia

Posted by Lynnette Tully on Tue, Aug 31, 2021 @ 09:57 AM

skylar-jay-VW4x7oFSFJU-unsplashAs Fall arrives, so does apple picking season in Virginia.  Here are some of our favorite destinations that make for a great day trip.

1. Carter Mountain Apple Orchard
Pick your own apples, enjoy the beautiful views, and treat yourself to the famous apple cider donuts!
1435 Carters Mountain Trail,
Charlottesville, VA 22901

2. Rock Hill Orchard
Pick your own apples or select from a variety of
pre-picked apples! Enjoy the famous apple butter as well. Call ahead for hours.
3151 Elon Road,
Monroe, VA 24574

3. Stribling Orchard
A beautiful orchard farmed by the Stribling family for 6 generations. Pick your own apples and enjoy their fabulous apple pie!
11587 Poverty Hollow Ln, Markham, VA 22643

4. Graves’ Mountain Orchard
Go apple picking here in October and enjoy their family-friendly apple harvest festival!
205 Graves Mountain Lane,
Syria, VA 22743

Tags: lizlocal-NorthernNeck-food_and_drink, lizlocal-peninsula-food_and_drink, lizlocal-richmond-food_and_drink, lizlocal-williamsburg-food_and_drink

Kilmarnock Inn

Posted by Lynnette Tully on Tue, Jul 06, 2021 @ 11:24 AM

By Susan McFadden

For visitors looking for a more bed and breakfast lodging and dining experience, the Kilmarnock Inn is the port of call. Located on a side street in the charming, walkable Town of Kilmarnock, the inn reflects Virginia’s rich presidential history.

Each of the Kilmarnock Inn’s eight guest cottages is named for a Virginia-born president, such as the Wilson House named for the 28th president Woodrow Wilson.

A classic Southern-style comfort foods menu is served in the Jefferson Gathering Room, or guests can enjoy al fresco dining on the back deck during warm-weather months. The dining facilities are open to the public. Kilmarnock Inn guests enjoy a complimentary full breakfast during each morning of their stay.

 

Tags: lizlocal-NorthernNeck-livelocal, lizlocal-NorthernNeck-food_and_drink

Unwind at the Irvington's Tides Inn

Posted by Lynnette Tully on Tue, Jul 06, 2021 @ 11:02 AM

fab-lentz-Kal0BnJvy94-unsplashBy Susan McFadden

Many visitors first discovered the Northern Neck when they moored their boat at one of the many marinas that inhabit the 1,100 miles of coastline or cruised into the marina at the Tides Inn in Irvington, the region’s premier resort, which opened its doors in 1947. The 47-room resort was the brainchild of local residents E.A. Stephens and his wife, Ann. They purchased a 25-acre farm with extraordinary water views and, through a leap of faith, built an inn that welcomed families and couples with room rates starting at $14 per night.

Today, the Tides Inn is still the regional premier resort drawing guests from across the world, the USA, and the Mid-Atlantic. According to their website, the Tides Inn “…continues to introduce new guest experiences, inviting visitors to create their own All-American traditions along the Chesapeake Bay.

Under the management of Enchantment Group, refreshed public and meeting spaces were unveiled in 2019.”
Although the nightly rates are considerably higher than in 1947, the accommodations and resort amenities rival those located in more well-known destinations.

One of many notable perks for Tides Inn guests is the Premier Sailing School that operates from the resort during the summer months. Premier Sailing’s owner Arabella Denvir and her husband Phil
founded the school in 1998 after a long and accomplished sailing history that included years of cruising and racing in Ireland and England’s waters. They also founded the Malta Sailing School and Malta Young Sailors Club before bringing their business model to the lower Northern Neck. Phil passed away
in 2011, but Arabella and her seasonal staff of experienced sailors continue to introduce children, couples, and families to the joy of sailing through personalized instruction.

Classes are not limited to Tides Inn guests but are open to the public. Premier Sailing also offers its Junior Sailing Program to non-members through the Rappahannock River Yacht Club.

Tags: lizlocal-NorthernNeck-livelocal, lizlocal-NorthernNeck-food_and_drink