Area Information
Ahhh, the Northern Neck... The first skinny finger of land in the state of Virginia that points directly to theChesapeake Bay is the Northern Neck, which has held tightly to its own identity for more than 400 years. Bounded by the Chesapeake Bay to the east, the Potomac River to the north and the Rappahannock River to the south, the Northern Neck region stretches through four rural counties: Northumberland, Lancaster, Richmond, and Westmoreland. Some consider King George part of the "Neck".
Called the “Athens of America” during the early 18th century, the Northern Neck boasts great plantations and reigns as the birthplace of three presidents — George Washington, JamesMadison and James Monroe. Remaining true to its agricultural heritage, the region appears suspended in time. Look closely at the picture-perfect towns, however, and you’ll find a few gas stations and wine-and-cheese shops ready to cater to modern needs. There are only six stoplights in the whole region, and many highways trace old Indian trails and Colonial roads. Laced with small rivers and long tidal creeks, the Northern Neck is one of Mother Nature’s finest backgrounds for a boater’s paradise. Many Hampton Roads anglers prefer to park their boats at one of the region’s marinas. In fact there are 12,000 boats registeredin the Northern Neck.
The Northern Neck is a place that’s as intertwined by geography as it is history. And, as you launch over the Rappahannock River Bridge and coast down to its shore, you’ll know immediately that it’s a place you might never want to leave. For a visitors guide to get you started, call the Northern Neck Travel Council at (800)866-2720 or (804) 453-6303.
Attractions
You’ll definitely need a map and a car to explore all the sites in this five-county region. As you could probably guess, the main attraction ‘round these parts is the water. That means boats, and if you don’t have one, you can catch a ride on a boat operated by Smith Island & Chesapeake Bay Cruises out of Reedville,(804) 453-3430. You’ll cruise from the KOA Campground and dock 13 miles off the Maryland shore at Smith Island. You’re welcome to pack your own picnic lunch or eat at one of several Smith Island restaurants (see our Daytrips chapter for details).You’ll need to make reservations for the Smith Island trip. On your trip you will see one of the original Lighthouses Of The Chesapeake Bay, Smith Point Light. Smith Point Light was built in 1897 and is still in operation today, however, the Government recently sold the light house as a private residence reserving the right to maintain the this very important light as an aid to navigation.
From Reedville you also can cruise to Virginia’s Tangier Island. Tangier Island & Rappahannock River Cruises, owned and operated by Linwood and Dorlena Bowis, makes regular runs on the Chesapeake Breeze to the historic Tangier Island that lies 11 miles off the Western Shore. You may walk the narrow streets of this quaint village and dine at one of the excellent restaurants. They also takes visitors on tours of the Rappahannock River from its dock in Tappahannock to visit the Ingleside Winery and from Fredericksburg, cruise on a vintage Paddle Wheeler. For details call (804) 453-BOAT. www.tangiercruise.com
If you’ve got a bit of angler’s blood, you can satisfy it by calling a charter services to arrange a day on the water. Choices in Reedville include The Sunrise charters, (804) 453-4639, TheDudley charters, (804) 453-3568, Red Osprey charters,(804) 453-6134, Pittman’s charters, (804) 453-3643, Capt'n. Danny Crabbe's Kit II, Call (804) 453-3251, Capt'n Ryan Rogers on the MIDNIGHT SUN, Call (804) 453-5812 www.chesapeake-fishing.com/midnightsun
While in Reedville, take time to linger at the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum, (804) 453-6529. It is open daily May through October from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 PM from November to December 22 and from mid-February through April. The museum features artifactsof the fishing industry, especially menhaden, which is the life blood of Reedville’s economy. The museum includes the Walker House, a restored waterman’s home that dates from 1875 and is Reedville’s oldest house. You’ll probably drive to the museum, but go around back and look for visitors who come via Cockrell’s Creek, rowing or motoring in by dinghy to the museum dock. Sign up for a ride on one of the museum's vessels and see Reedville from the water.
Reedville’s Main Street Historic District is a Norman Rockwell experience. Get a walking tour map at the Fisherman’s Museum and walk the length of what is dubbed Millionaire’s Row to see its elaborate turn-of-the-century houses. At that time, this town of sea captains and industrialists boasted the highest per-capita income of any American community. The fruits of their labor have been lovingly restored today, and several homes are operated as bed and breakfast establishments. Main Street hosts two very fine Restaurants, Tommy's and The Crazy Crab. Make an effort to dine at both of these restaurants and afterwards, walk to Chitterchats for a delicious ice cream cone and some local gossip.
Reedville is the home of the largest fishing industry in the non-communist world, an industry that built Reedville and the surrounding towns. This comes from the menhaden, the small fish whose oil extracts and fish meal are in demand for food products, cosmetics and as hight protein animal feed. We are also home to the world famous Reedville Bluefish Derby, held every year during the second week of June. It is based out of Buzzard's Point Marina, a full service marina with plenty of deep water slips for you to berth in while visiting the "Neck".
Scattered throughout the Northern Neck are fascinating historic sites.
Near Montross is Stratford Hall Plantation, birthplace of Gen.Robert E. Lee. Besides having a grand house to tour, the 1738 plantation is a working farm with 1,600 of its original acres.Nature trails lead you along a 3-mile hike to see wildflowers and wildlife. Stratford Hall is open daily from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. From spring to fall, a plantation lunch is served in a log-cabin dining room. Call (804) 493-8038.
George Washington’s Birthplace National Monument is in Oak Grove, 8 miles west of Montross. On Route 204. are constructed house and farm depicting Washington’s boyhood lifestyle. There are easy walking trails and picnic tables. The historic site is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM except Christmas and New Year’s Day. Call (804) 224-1732.
Off Route 3 in Lancaster County, you can see the Mary Ball Washington Museum, which honors its former resident who was the mother of the first president. Museum exhibits highlight several centuriesof life in Lancaster County. The museum is open 9 AM to 5 PM Tuesday through Friday and from 10 AM to 3 PM on Saturday.Call (804) 462-7280. Included in the museum complex are the1797 Old Clerk’s Office and the 1820 Old Jail. Self-guidedwalking tours are a good way to see the Lancaster Courthouse Historic District.
In Irvington, Historic Christ Church dates from 1735 and is considered the country’s best example of an unchanged Colonial church. The church, a National Historic Landmark built in the shape of a cross, is open year round Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM, on Saturday from 1 to 4 PM and on Sunday from 2 to 5 PM. Call (804) 438-6855. Tours are offered from April through November, and there is also a museum. Four other museums to put on your itinerary if you have time are the Westmoreland County Museum and Visitor Center inWestmoreland, (804) 493-8440; the Kilmarnock Museum in Kilmarnock, (804) 435-0874; the Richmond County Museumin Warsaw, (804) 333-3607 or (804) 394-4901; and the Kinsale Museum in Westmoreland County, (804) 472-3001 or(804) 472-3895. Another historic site is Rice’sHotel/Hughlett’s Tavern in Heathsville, (804) 529-6224. Also in Heathsville is the Northumberland County Historical Society, whose library has extensive genealogical records.Nearby is the town’s 1851 Courthouse and 1844 Jail. Both are part of the Heathsville Historic District walking tour. A map is available at the historical society behind the county courthouse.The society is usually staffed Monday, Wednesday and Thursdayfrom 9 AM to 4 PM and on the second and fourth Saturdays ofthe month from 9 AM to 1 PM. Call (804) 580-8581.
If you happen to be in Kilmarnock looking for entertainment,check for the schedule at the Center for the Arts, (804)435-2400. Eight annual events are held, including children’s plays, opera, musicals and other concerts featuring professional and community musicians.Something different to explore on the Northern Neck is Ingleside Plantation Vineyards near Oak Grove, (804)224-8687. Besides touring one of Virginia’s largest wineries and sampling its wares, you can visit a museum and gift shop. There is a picnic area outside. The winery is open from noon to 5 PMSundays and from 10 AM to 5 PM on other days.
Nautical friends have advised us of the Annual Carters Creek Boat Parade on July 4. At this fun event, work boats, pleasure craft, mini-tugs and any other floatable devices pull into the creek to give a real show as they parade the waters. They are cheered on by those who line the docks and shoreline.If you’re dying to put on your hiking boots and take in some stunning scenery, the Northern Neck has eight natural areas designed with you in mind. Many trails are comfortable for the novice or those taking children along, while some challenge the more advanced hiker.
You’ll find the easiest trails at Belle IsleState Park in Lancaster County, (804) 462-5030; the GeorgeWashington Birthplace National Monument in Oak Grove,(804) 224-1732; and Westmoreland State Park in Montross,(804) 493-8821. Moderately difficult trails are at the Caledon Natural Area in King George, (804) 663-3861; Voorhees Nature Preserve at Westmoreland Berry Farm in Oak Grove,224-9171; and Ruritan Nature Trail at RappahannockCommunity College in Warsaw, (804) 333-6700. The Corrotoman River Nature Trail on Route 3 in Lancaster has moderate to difficult trails, while Stratford Hall Plantation in Montross has trails that range from easy to difficult, (804)493-8038. Shopping as in the rest of the locales we’ve encountered in our Bay exploration, shopping in the Northern Neck leans toward antiques and gifts. Many shops mix the old with the new to create an intriguing shopping experience.
Excerpts Used by permission NorthernNeck.com |
