5 Fantastic Things to Do on Virginia’s Northern Neck

Updated on May 9, 2023 by Julie McCool

Visit Virginia's Northern Neck and explore the area's rich history and nature, small-town beauty, and delicious local food and wines. The Neck is just a two-hour drive from Washington DC, Fairfax, and Richmond, and its waterfront parks, historic sites, and coastal towns make it an ideal weekend getaway in the Washington DC area.

Here are five fantastic things to do on Virginia's Northern Neck, along with tips on where to stay.

Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. We will make a small commission from these links if you order something, at no additional cost to you.


1. Eat Local on the Virginia Oyster Trail

Oysters are a favorite on Virgnia's Northern Neck.
Oysters on Virgnia's Northern Neck

In November 2015, the Virginia Oyster Trail was launched to connect travelers to Virginia oyster purveyors, raw bars and restaurants, and the watermen culture. The Oyster Trail includes stops throughout Coastal Virginia, the Northern Neck, Middle Peninsula, and Virginia's Eastern Shore.

Virginia is the largest producer of fresh-wild catch and farm-raised oysters in the country. Oysters are farmed year-round, and they actively filter the water they are grown in, so they're eco-friendly. Each region produces oysters with distinct flavors, from briny to sweet, and they all pair well with the native Virginia wines you can find at Northern Neck wineries.

Giant corkscrew at Dog and Oyster in Virginia's River Realm
Dog and Oyster Winery, Virginia's River Realm

You can enjoy locally produced and harvested oysters and wine at restaurants and wineries throughout Northern Neck.

2. Step Into History on Virginia's Northern Neck

Northern Neck is the birthplace of George Washington and Robert E. Lee, and was home to many important Virginia statesmen. US history is preserved in grand mansions and small towns, and both are worth a visit.

George Washington Birthplace National Monument

Washington Birthplace buildings
Washington Birthplace

George Washington was born and lived his first three years at a large farm along Pope's Creek. The lovely site, along with a large Visitor Center, recreations of the homestead, natural trails and farmland, and beautiful views of the tidewater lands similar to what George would have experienced, are preserved for the public. It's a wonderful place to learn about Washington's upbringing and future as a Virginia gentleman farmer. Read more about George Washington Birthplace.

Stratford Hall, Birthplace of Robert E. Lee

Stratford Hall, Northern Neck
Stratford Hall, Northern Neck

Another important Virginia family lived just a few miles from the Washingtons. Built in 1730, four generations of the Lee family lived at Stratford Hall, including two signers of the Declaration of Independence, a Revolutionary War hero, and Civil War General Robert E. Lee.

Visitors to Stratford Hall can tour the mansion and outbuildings; learn about the Lees, Virginia history, and site restoration in the Visitor Center; hike the nature trails; and visit the mill and beach along the Potomac River. Begin your stop at the Visitor Center, where you can purchase a tour ticket, pick up a trail map, and get your bearings.

Bridge to Stratford Hall
Bridge from Visitor Center to Stratford Hall Great House

Because of the broad scope of history that has passed through its halls, restoration is taking a unique approach at Stratford. Instead of reflecting a snapshot of life at Stratford, different rooms are being restored to illustrate different periods in the mansion's history. Work is still underway and it is fascinating to see how each room is taking shape.

If weather and time permit, take the drive through the farm and down to the Potomac River and the grist mill. On weekends the mill may be open for visits, and you'll enjoy lovely views from an overlook and the beach. Use caution, the road is rough and steep in parts, and the strong river current means wading and swimming are not allowed.

Grist mill race Stratford Hall
Grist mill race Stratford Hall

Historic Reedville

Serene Reedville on Virginia's Northern Neck
Serene Reedville on Virginia's Northern Neck

In addition to the historic properties that dot the Northern Neck, you can explore many small towns with a rich history connected to the water. We enjoyed an early morning, self-guided tour of the historic main street of Reedville.

Reed House, Reedville
Reed House, Reedville

Maine sea captain, Elijah Reed, purchased the land that is now Reedville in 1874 and began the menhaden fishing industry. It's location on a peninsula, jutting into Cockrell's Creek, with a deep harbor and quick access to the Chesapeake Bay, made Reedville an ideal fishing port.

Fished for oil and fertilizer, the menhaden industry was so lucrative the town, with only 500 inhabitants, was once known as the wealthiest town in the United States.

A menhaden boat could produce more oil in a week than a whaling ship could during it’s entire, multi-year voyage, and it could do so close to shore and out of harms way.

Southern Fried Science

You can view ship captain's homes, including a section known as Millionaire's Row, on your walking tour. Stop in at the Reedville Fisherman's Museum to learn about the life of a waterman (check hours; closed mid January to March).

Take note of the Gables Mansion at 863 Main Street, once home to Captain Fisher. The house was built with custom-made bricks, brought to the site as ballast in the early 1900s and mixed with bits of iron for strength. The four gables that give the roofline its distinctive look are sited to the compass points

The Gables B&B, Reedville
The Gables, Reedville

Much of the home's interior wood and glass come from the schooner as well. One unique feature—the mizzenmast of Captain Fisher's schooner provides a centerpiece and roof support on the upper floors.

The Gables mizzenmast
The Gables mizzenmast

The nearby towns of Irvington and Kilmarnock are also interesting, quaint, and walkable places to visit.

Unique Preservation at Francis Lightfoot Lee's Menokin

Menokin Glass House rendering
Menokin Glass House rendering; photo: menokinrubblewithacause.com

Once the home of Declaration of Independence signer Francis Lightfoot Lee, Menokin fell into disrepair and then was further collapsed by a fallen tree. Today, The Menokin Foundation is undertaking the Glass House Project, a unique partial restoration of the mansion that will expose the buildings architecture to visitors under a protective glass layer.

Stop at the Visitor Center to view a short video and displays about Menokin and the restoration work, then visit the mansion to see the work in progress. In 2015, the property opened a new trail, offering a nice hike down to Cat Point Creek, where you can enjoy a view much like that encountered by explorer Captain John Smith in the early 1600s.

Menokin trail to Cat Point Creek
Menokin trail to Cat Point Creek

3. Visit a Virginia State Park

There are 3 lovely Virginia State Parks along the shoreline of the Northern Neck—Caledon and Westmoreland border the Potomac River, and Belle Isle hugs the Rappahanock River to the south. All of that shoreline offers beautiful views, boating, and birding, but there are no beaches or swimming access, except in the pool at Westmoreland.

Caledon State Park

Caledon SP Visitor Center
Caledon SP Visitor Center

The northernmost state park on the Northern Neck, Caledon is a National Natural Landmark known for its old growth forest. It's the summer home to many American bald eagles, so it's a popular spot for bird watchers of all ages. There are several nice trails to hike, including the 2-mile Boyd's Hole Trail, which leads to the Potomac River. Other trails provide access to marsh areas, woodlands, and a cliffs overlook. This is a dog-friendly park, so you're likely to encounter 4-legged friends when hiking. There are 6 primitive hike-in, boat-in campsites, but most people visit as a day trip.

Westmoreland State Park

Further down the coast, you'll find good fishing, camping, birding, and hiking at Westmoreland. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, visitors have access to an Olympic-sized swimming pool with bathhouse and snack bar. Year-round camping is available at tent sites and in cabins, a good option for hardy winter campers. Birders find the park an excellent site for spotting American bald eagles, ospreys, kingfishers, great blue herons, common terns, green herons and gulls, as well as wintering waterfowl. The park is also a great destination for fishing, with paddleboats, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards available for rent Memorial Day through Labor Day and on weekends beginning in mid-April and ending Columbus Day.

Belle Isle State Park

With seven miles of shoreline on the Rappahannock and access to Mulberry and Deep creeks, Belle Isle is ideal for exploring tidal wetlands from shore or by boat. Drive out to the Mulberry Creek Boardwalk for pretty views, or hike there on the 2-mile Mud Creek Trail. Other trails pass through farmland and upland forests.

Belle Isle offers full service camping from March to early December, and primitive camping is available year-round. There is also a mansion and guest house available for overnight stays and special events. In season, visitors can rent bikes, canoes, kayaks and motorboats for exploring the creeks. There is a universal access playground, fishing pier, and special programs that highlight predator birds—blue herons, osprey, hawks and bald eagles—and other wildlife found in the park.

 

4. Spend a Night by the Shore

The Tides from the marina on Carter's Creek in Irvington VA
The Tides from the marina on Carter's Creek in Irvington VA

All that history, hiking, and feasting is sure to make you sleepy, and long distances make it hard to cover the area in a day, so we highly recommend staying for an overnight or longer.

On one visit, we were hosted in the lovely Waterside Cottage at The Gables B & B, but it is now closed. Instead, head south to stay in relaxed luxury at The Tides Inn in Irvington. The classic waterfront resort offers luxury accommodations, spa treatments, dining, and golf along Carter's Creek in Irvington.

5. Get Out on the Water

Boats on Cockrell's Creek, Reedville
Boats on Cockrell's Creek, Reedville

Virginia's Northern Neck is a peninsula surrounded by unique and beautiful marshes, creeks, the Potomac and Rappahanock Rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay, so water views are all around you. When the weather is fair, you'll find lots of opportunities to get out on the water. Bring a boat and explore the Lancaster and Westmoreland Water Trails. Rent a canoe or kayak at one of the state parks to explore smaller marshes and creeks. Arrange a fishing charter or a scenic river cruise on the Rappahaock, or cruise across the bay to remote Tangier Island for fresh blue crabs and a look at the watermen's life.

Rich history and nature, small town beauty, and delicious local foods make Virginia's Northern Neck an ideal weekend getaway, just 2 hours from the DC area.

Northern Neck is a relaxing destination year-round, but it's most popular in summer and the shoulder seasons, when warm weather draws people to the water. Seasonal events like spring Garden Week, summer berry picking at Westmoreland Berry Farm, and fall's oyster and wine festivals attract visitors from around the region. Whenever you choose to visit, you'll find unique sites, delicious food, and water views that make Northern Neck a relaxing and beautiful Virginia destination.

[hr]

Follow Fun in Fairfax VA on FacebookTwitterPinterest, and Instagram.