19 Best Things to Do in Northern Virginia

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 broader audience in the South and Mid-Atlantic. With a string of seaside and rural towns to explore, restaurants serving flavors straight from the Chesapeake Bay and Rappahannock River, and countless charming boutiques, there’s plenty to keep travelers entertained for a weekend or even a week.

Although the area is known for its old-fashioned oyster farmers and sailing, recent years have brought new shops and businesses to the area, attracting those seeking experiences that are both modern and true to the flavor of the region.

“There’s a wonderful influx of creative, entrepreneurial, expansive thinkers who 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 many business owners who have opened up shop in Irvington, bringing a breath of fresh air to those visiting the area.

Want to experience the Northern Neck for yourself? Here’s where we recommend staying, eating, having fun, and shopping on a tour that includes Northern Neck highlights in Irvington, White Stone, Kilmarnock, and Weems.

Stay on the north neck

Book a weekend at the iconic Tides Inn

The Tides Inn is a historic Virginia resort that has held a central place in many families’ memories for generations. Located on Carter’s Creek in Irvington, the Tides has undergone a massive renovation in recent years, and the rooms are now renovated 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 to watercolor painting to golf, it’s easy to spend your entire weekend here if that’s your plan. You can also hop on one of the bikes for a ride around town.

tidesinn.com, 480 King Carter Dr, Irvington, VA 22480

Make yourself comfortable at the Hope & Glory Inn

The Hope & Glory Inn, a bed and breakfast offering comfortable rooms and charming cottages, places you in the heart of the small town of Irvington. Behind the inn is a relaxing saltwater pool and a garden bath, a claw-foot tub in a garden, that is a surprising and restorative way to end a day. The inn’s restaurant, The Colonnade, offers a fine dining experience in a historic space with Chef Meseret Crockett at the helm.

hopeandglory.com, 65 Tavern Rd, Irvington, VA 22480

Where to eat and drink

Start your day at the local restaurant

The Local is the perfect place to grab a coffee, breakfast sandwich or lunch. Order a latte and the B-Triple-C to start your day off right. The combination of cream cheese, cucumbers and bacon is unbeatable.

instagram.com/thelocalirvington, 4337 Irvington Rd, Irvington, VA 22480

Shop for baked goods at Out Of The Oven Bakery

You can smell the cinnamon before you even see Out of the Oven’s bakery. Cinnamon rolls, muffins, croissants and cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth, but be sure to grab a loaf of sourdough to take home.

outoftheovenbakeryva.com, 549 Rappahannock Dr, White Stone, VA 22578

Grab your lunch to go at River Market

If you need a quick lunch to grab while on a boat ride, head to River Market. This no-frills deli offers homemade sandwiches, burgers, brownies and desserts, as well as some of the best fried chicken you’ll find in the area.

rivermarketva.com, 538 Rappahannock Dr, White Stone, VA 22578

Enjoy fresh fish at Miss Mary’s Seafood

Staying in a vacation rental and looking to cook your own meals? Shop for fresh seafood at Miss Mary’s Seafood, a longtime fisherman’s market in White Stone. Whether you’re looking for crabs, oysters, fish, or homemade dishes like soups and crab cakes, Miss Mary’s has it all.

missmarysseafood.com, 758 Rappahannock Dr, White Stone, VA 22578

Feast on Seafood at Dredge

If you’re craving seafood classics like crab dip, fried oysters, fish tacos and crab cakes, head to Dredge. You’ll find a touch of Caribbean influence in their cuisine and cocktails.

dredgeirvingtonva.com, 4357 Irvington Rd, Irvington, VA 22480

Feast on locally inspired dishes at Adrift

Adrift’s casual menu changes often, meaning it’s worth stopping by every time you’re in town. Perennial favorites include shrimp and grits, internationally inspired dishes like wings and soft-shell crab, and a baked version of Steamboat Wharf Oyster Co.’s oysters, which are among the best in the area.

Adrift is also open as Moor for lunch Wednesday through Saturday, serving sandwiches, bites and deli items.

adriftva.com, 572 Rappahannock Dr, White Stone, VA 22578

Sit down for a fine dinner at Salt And Meadow

The Northern Neck may have a laid-back vibe, but you can enjoy seasonal, fine dining at the newly opened Salt and Meadow. From truffle risotto to seared duck to Virginia blue crab agnolotti, every dish is exceptional. Save room for dessert: the chocolate stout cake is a dish you’ll dream about for days.

tidesinn.com. 480 King Carter Dr, Irvington, VA 22480

What to do on the Northern Neck

Go oyster hunting with Tides Inn’s resident conservationist

Oysters are an integral part of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem and the culture of the Northern Neck. One oyster can filter 50 gallons of water per day, and the growing population has an immeasurable impact on the health of the region’s waterways.

William Smiley is the Tides Inn’s resident conservationist and has been instrumental in rebuilding the oyster beds surrounding the property. He takes groups on tours of the oyster farming and breeding operations, then brings them back to the dock for an oyster roast to sample the harvest coming out of the river.

tidesinn.com, 480 King Carter Dr, Irvington, VA 22480

Get out on the water

The best way to experience the Northern Neck is, of course, from the water. Whether you rent a boat or kayak, getting out on the water gives you a better perspective of the area’s landscape. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of everyone’s favorite neighbors: the schools of dolphins that travel the Rappahannock River during the summer.

virginiasriverrealm.com

Discover the steamboat era museum

Learn about the area’s history and the rich tradition of steamboats along the Chesapeake Bay in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Exhibits include the wheelhouse of a classic 1894 steamboat known as the Potomac.

steamboateramuseum.org, 156 King Carter Dr, Irvington, VA 22480

Try your hand at sailing

For the full water experience, embark with Sail & Surf Adventures and Captain Clay aboard his 36-foot sailboat, Galena. It offers relaxing sunset cruises and day trips, but you can also try your hand at learning the ropes with a sailing lesson.

sailsurfadventure.com, 347 Carter’s Cove Dr, Weems, VA 22576

Find challenge and restoration at Blue Honey

If you love working out while traveling, Blue Honey is the perfect place to find a practice that will also make you feel like you’re on vacation. This bright studio in a converted house offers yoga, meditation, and pilates classes that focus on connection.

blue-honey-irv.com, 301 Steamboat Rd, Irvington, VA 22480

Catch a show at Lancaster Players Playhouse

It’s worth checking out if this community theater is putting on a show while you’re in town. It may be a small theater in a small town, but its shows are packed with talent.

lancastersplayers.org, 361 Chesapeake Dr, White Stone, VA 22578

Where to Shop on the Northern Neck

Discover antiques in White Stone and Kilmarnock

From the charming antique shops of White Stone, where you’ll always find jewelry and glassware that’s sure to make a home, to the vast halls of Kilmarnock Antique Gallery, the Northern Neck is full of antiques. Take a stroll through Kilmarnock and you’ll find a myriad of second-hand and thrift stores dotted around the streets of the small town.

antiqueoutfittersva.com, 390 Chesapeake Dr, White Stone, VA 22578
virginia-antiques.com, 144 School St, Kilmarnock, VA 22482

Get a complete overview of Pointe Provisions

After decades in New York, Pointe Provisions owner Liza Carter returned to her hometown to open this carefully curated and curated boutique. You’ll find vintage, antiques, kitchenware, furniture, jewelry, and even children’s items all in this cozy space.

pointeprovisions.com, 538 Rappahannock Dr White Stone, VA 22578

Stop by August Table for gorgeous block printed linens

If you love the look of a tiered table, August Table is a must-visit for gorgeous block-printed linens and new and vintage home decor. This shop is housed in a converted farmhouse, and there are four rooms downstairs to explore.

augusttable.com, 434 Rappahannock Dr, White Stone, VA 22578

Spend a few hours exploring Irvington’s local shops

Irvington is a town full of shops new and old, perhaps enhanced by the constant flow of foot traffic (and bike traffic!) from the Tides Inn and Hope & Glory Inn right downtown.

“We’re in a unique position to carve out a niche for ourselves and become pioneers in our industry,” says Gerczak, who enjoys taking the time to check out the latest new releases at local stores on his days off.

Stop by the Daily Magic Shop for personal care products, jewelry, and beautiful versions of everything from tea to cookbooks. Livi’s Market is a gas station, deli, and gift shop all in one, perfect if you need snacks for your stay. Dear Neighbor offers trendy yet classic styles that you’ll take with you around town. And Irvington Home Goods offers coastal-inspired home and kitchen items, perfect for dreaming of your future beach (or river!) home.

For those who love sewing, Irvington’s Needlepoint Village is a destination worth visiting, even if you’re not staying in town.

If you fancy a quick drive, Pink Lemon in White Stone offers a vibrant collection of homewares, clothing and jewellery.

dailymagicshop.com, 235 Steamboat Rd, Irvington, VA 22480
instagram.com/livis.market, 4447 Irvington Rd, Irvington, VA 22480
shopdearneighbor.com, 19 King Carter Dr, Irvington, VA 22480
irvingtonhomegoods.com, 4349 Irvington Rd, Irvington, VA 22480
villageneedlepointofirvington.com, 4395 Irvington Rd, Irvington, VA 22480
thepinklemonva.com, 577 Rappahannock Dr, White Stone, VA 22578