Top 19+ Best Things To Do In The Northern Neck Of Virginia
Spend a weekend exploring the Southern portion of one of Virginia's oldest regions.

Steeped in history and oysters, the Northern Neck has been a beloved vacation spot for Richmonders and Virginians for generations. But it's caught the attention of a larger audience throughout the South and mid-Atlantic. With a string of waterfront and rural towns for exploring, restaurants that are serving flavors straight out of the Chesapeake Bay and the Rappahannock River, and countless charming shops, there's enough to keep travelers bouncing around for a weekend, if not a week.
While the area is known for old school oystermen and sailing, recent years have brought new shops and businesses to the region, appealing to those looking for experiences that feel both modern and true to the flavor of the area.
"There is a beautiful influx of creative, entrepreneurial, and expansive thinkers that have moved to the area and opened their own businesses," says Ashley Gerczak, Founder of Blue Honey, a yoga, meditation and pilates collective. She's one of several business owners that's opened up shop right in town in Irvington, bringing a breath of fresh air to those visiting the area.
Want to explore the Northern Neck for yourself? Here's where we'd recommend staying, eating, playing, and shopping during a visit that includes Northern Neck highlights in Irvington, White Stone, Kilmarnock, and Weems.

Stay On The Northern Neck
Book A Weekend At The Iconic Tides Inn
The Tides Inn is a historic Virginia resort that's a central part of many families' memories through the generations. Located on Carter's Creek in Irvington, the Tides underwent a massive renovation over the last several years, and rooms are now updated in a classic, coastal style. The hotel's lawn is one of the most serene spots in the area, perfect for relaxing with a cocktail in one of the adirondack chairs. From the spa to the activities, which include everything from beekeeping to boat tours, watercolor painting, and golf, it's easy to spend your entire weekend here if that's your plan. You can also hop on one of the bikes to take a spin into town.

Cozy Up At The Hope & Glory Inn
A bed and breakfast with cozy rooms and darling cottages, the Hope & Glory Inn puts you right in the heart of small town Irvington. There's a relaxing saltwater pool hidden away behind the inn, and a garden bath which is, yes, a clawfoot tub in a garden, is a surprising and restorative way to end a day. The inn's restaurant, The Colonnade, is a fine dining experience in a historic space with Chef Meseret Crockett at the helm.
Where To Eat And Drink
Start Your Day At The Local
The Local is the go-to spot for coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and lunch. Order a latte and the B-Triple-C to get your day started. The combination of cream cheese, cucumbers, and bacon can't be beat.

Grab Baked Goods At Out Of The Oven Bakery
You can smell the cinnamon before you even see the bakery at Out of the Oven. Cinnamon rolls, muffins, croissants, and cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth, but don't miss picking up a loaf of sourdough to take home with you.
Pick Up Lunch To Go At The River Market
If you need a quick lunch to take out on a boat ride, top by The River Market. This no-frills deli has sandwiches, burgers, homemade brownies and desserts, and some of the best fried chicken you'll find in the region.
Get A Fresh Catch At Miss Mary's Seafood
Staying at a vacation rental and want to cook your own food? Pick up a fresh catch at Miss Mary's Seafood, a market run by longtime watermen in White Stone. Whether you're looking for crabs, oysters, fish, or homemade dishes like soups or crab cakes, Miss Mary's has it.
Feast On Seafood At Dredge
When you want seafood classics like crab dip, fried oysters, fish tacos, and crab cakes, head over to Dredge. You'll find a touch of Caribbean influence in both their food and their cocktails.
Indulge In Locally Inspired Dishes At Adrift
Adrift's casually elevated menu changes often, which means it's worth a stop each time you're in town. Perennial favorites include shrimp and grits, international-inspired takes on dishes like wings and soft shell crab, and a baked version of Steamboat Wharf Oyster Co.'s oysters, which are some of the best in the area.
Adrift is also open as Moor for lunch Wednesday to Saturday, serving sandwiches, bites, and gourmet groceries.

Sit Down For Fine Dining At Salt And Meadow
The overall attitude of the Northern Neck may be casual, but you can find seasonal fine dining at the newly opened Salt and Meadow. From the truffle risotto to the pan seared duck to the Virginia blue crab agnolotti, every dish is a standout. Save room for dessert—the chocolate stout cake is one you'll dream about for days.

What To Do On The Northern Neck
Go On An Oyster Tour With The Tides Inn's Resident Ecologist
Oysters are an integral part of both the ecosystem of the Chesapeake Bay and the culture of the Northern Neck. One oyster can filter 50 gallons of water per day, and the regrowth of the population is making an immeasurable impact on the health of the area's waterways.
William Smiley is the Tides Inn's Resident Ecologist, and he's played a critical role in rebuilding the oyster beds surrounding the property. He leads groups on tours of the work that's being done to farm oysters and boost their numbers, then takes them back to the dock for an oyster roast to taste the harvest that comes out of the river.

Get Out On The Water
The best way to see the Northern Neck is, of course, from the water. Whether you charter a boat or rent a kayak, getting out on the water gives you a better perspective on the landscape of the region. If you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of everyone's favorite neighbors—the dolphin pods that move through the Rappahannock River during the summer.

Explore The Steamboat Era Museum
Get acquainted with the history of the region and the rich tradition of steamboats along the Chesapeake Bay in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Artifacts include the pilothouse from a classic 1894 steamer that was known as the Potomac.
Try Your Hand At Sailing
To truly experience the water, set sail with Sail & Surf Adventures and Captain Clay aboard his 36’ sailboat, Galene. He offers relaxing sunset charters and day trips, but you can also try your own hand at learning the ropes during a sailing lesson.
Find Challenge And Restoration At Blue Honey
If you're the type that likes to work out while traveling, then Blue Honey is the place to find a practice that also feels like vacation. This light-filled studio in an old house offers yoga, meditation, and pilates classes centered around connection.
Catch A Show At The Lancaster Players Playhouse
It's worth checking to see if this community playhouse happens to have a show while you're in town. It may be a small theater in a small town, but its shows pack a major punch in talent.
Where To Shop On The Northern Neck

Go Antiquing In White Stone And Kilmarnock
From the charmingly cluttered Antique Outfitters in White Stone, where you'll always find jewelry and glassware that just has to come home with you, to the expansive halls of Kilmarnock Antique Gallery, the Northern Neck is rich in antiques. Wander around Kilmarnock, and you'll find a myriad of secondhand and thrift stores dotting the small town streets.

Get A Collected Look At Pointe Provisions
After several decades in New York, the owner of Pointe Provisions, Liza Carter, moved back to her hometown to open up this curated and collected shop. You'll find vintage items, antiques, kitchen wares, furniture, jewelry, and even children's goods, all within this cozy space.
Stop In August Table For Beautiful Block Print Linens
If you love the look of a layered table, then August Table is a must-visit for beautiful block print linens and new and vintage home decor. This shop resides in an old farmhouse, and four rooms are set up downstairs for exploring.
Spend A Few Hours Exploring Irvington's Local Shops
Irvington is concentrated with shops new and old, perhaps bolstered by the steady stream of foot (and bicycle!) traffic from the Tides Inn and Hope & Glory Inn, right in town.
"We are in such a unique position to be able to carve out and pioneer our place here," says Gerczak, who enjoys taking the time to check out the latest wares at the local stores on her off days.
Stop by Daily Magic Shop for self-care products, jewelry, and beautiful takes on everything from tea to cookbooks. Livi's Market is a gas station, gourmet convenience store, and gift shop all in one—perfect if you need snacks for your stay. Dear Neighbor has both trendy and classic styles that you'll take back to the city with you. And Irvington Home Goods has coastal-inspired home and kitchen items, ideal for dreaming of your future beach (or river!) house.
For those that love stitching, the Village Needlepoint of Irvington is a destination worth the drive—even if you're not staying in town.
If you're up for a short drive, Pink Lemon in White Stone has a vivid collection of homewares, clothing, and jewelry.
dailymagicshop.com, 235 Steamboat Rd, Irvington, VA 22480instagram.com/livis.market, 4447 Irvington Rd, Irvington, VA 22480shopdearneighbor.com, 19 King Carter Dr, Irvington, VA 22480irvingtonhomegoods.com, 4349 Irvington Rd, Irvington, VA 22480villageneedlepointofirvington.com, 4395 Irvington Rd, Irvington, VA 22480thepinklemonva.com, 577 Rappahannock Dr, White Stone, VA 22578
