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Six Reasons to Take a Northern Neck Vacation

As a Northern Neck resident, I’ve always considered our attractions underutilized. That makes it a great destination if you are looking for a place to relax and unwind from the hassles of city life.  The pace here is more gentle and waiting in lines is an unfamiliar “activity”. Our attractions are generally smaller and more spread out, but that does not keep you from enjoying them.  It’s easier to get around on our quiet country roads with farms, fields and waterways as the backdrop scenery to enjoy.   As you’ll discover a Northern Neck vacation offers excitement or a quiet getaway, it’s up to you!

Let’s take a quick look at six reasons why you should consider the Northern Neck for your next vacation.

THE MUSEUMS OF THE NORTHERN NECK

With more than 19 diverse theme museums there’s bound to be something to suit your taste. Here’s a quick rundown...

Stratford Hall Plantation is the birthplace of Robert E. Lee.  Explore the original home built in the 1730s and learn of the plantation life of the Lee Family, whose ideals and leadership helped shape democracy in the United States.   Not far away is the Menokin Ruins, a restoration project of the home built for Francis Lightfoot Lee and his wife Rebecca. 

George Washington Birthplace National Monument.  Located on our colonial cow path you can visit the plantation where the “Father of our country” was born.  The birthplace of James Monroe is just around the corner.

Completed in 1735, Historic Christ Church remains the best preserved of colonial Virginia’s Anglican parish churches. The Carter Reception Center houses a museum of the history of Christ Church and its patron, Robert Carter.

The Reedville Fishermen’s Museum invites you to discover the menhaden fishing and watermen’s heritage. The Walker House, a restored watermen’s home (c.1875)  and a walking tour of Reedville is available at the museum. See the 1922 buy boat, ELVA C. and the skipjack, CLAUD W. SOMERS, built in 1911.

And rounding out our must-see list is the Steamboat Era Museum in Irvington.

THE NORTHERN NECK WINE TRAIL

There are 7 Virginia Farm Wineries scattered throughout the area, and they make a perfect journey for a Northern Neck Vacation. The climate is mild compared to most of Virginia and wines produced include: Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot, and Petite Verdot.

While most vineyards here have been planted within recent years, Ingleside has been growing wine grapes for decades. The wine tasting rooms will usually be open but call ahead for a tour time. The wine trail runs through the whole region and makes for more than a day or two of tasting and touring.  The trail takes you near so many other destinations and attractions you can easily fill your day with scenic and historic Northern Neck heritage attractions.

OUTDOORS FUN

With miles of unhurried back roads, you’ll find it easy to enjoy a bike ride.  Several towns have bike trails and the Northern Neck Tourism Commission offers bike trail guides to help you plan your trip.

Golf courses abound in the area.  With world-renowned courses like The Golden Eagle at the Tides Inn, the area is a golfers paradise.  The mild climate means golf gets an early start and most of our courses are open to the public. 

Charter fishing is popular and the charter boat captains are happy to lead you to their favorite spots for Rockfish and Bluefish.  Our 1100 miles of shoreline provide room for marinas near the Chesapeake Bay or the Rappahannock and Potomac rivers.

Birding and wildlife trails are scattered through the area.  There are 21 sites on the Virginia Birding trail, but the whole region is part of the Atlantic flyway for migratory birds.  Bald Eagles, Blue Heron and Osprey all call the Northern Neck home.

SHOPPING

The great selection of antique stores offer a trip back in time with collections of fine antiques ranging from furniture to jewelry.  The Kilmarnock Antique Gallery is the largest collection with over 100 vendors in their 22,000 square foot mall-like facility.

Art galleries offer local artists a venue for their works.  Hunting, fishing and rural country life are commonly portrayed on canvas.   Pottery and stained glass workshops add to any artistic venture in the area.

Gift shops are found in many of the attractions in our area.  Wineries, museums, historic homes and gourmet shops offer interesting gifts generally catering to the appropriate theme.

Farmers markets are found nearly every weekend somewhere on the Northern Neck.  Fresh produce and locally made products are the highlight of any trip to the market.  Westmoreland Berry Farm offers fresh fruit and ice cream sundaes overlooking the Rappahannock River.

EVENTS

The largest event is in nearby Urbanna – The Urbanna Oyster Festival draws nearly 80,000 visitors each year in November.  Small town festivals, fishing tournaments, crab races and seafood festivals delight visitors with a taste of Chesapeake cuisine. 

The upsurge in wine festivals brings us the End of Winter Wine Festival, the Northern Neck Food and Harvest Festival, the Northern Neck Wine Festival, the Chesapeake Bay Wine Festival, and the Caledon Art & Wine Festival. 

Check with http://chesapeakebayevents.com to see if there is an event scheduled for the timeframe you would like to visit.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The area is noted for the wide selection of cottages and B&Bs.  Rent a waterfront cottage or stay in the heart of the countryside to enjoy the quiet country life.  There are themed B&Bs with Georgian or Victorian styles plus some of the finest resort suites on the Chesapeake Bay.

Be sure to make your reservations early, especially for holiday timeframes.