Northern Neck, Virginia is one of the best-kept secrets in Virginia

Accessed by the Chesapeake Bay, nestled between the Rappahannock River and the Potomac river is a Virginia escape This place is a haven of tranquility. By crossing the bridge and entering the Northern Neck Peninsula, you are leaving behind modern life in favor of a place where it seems to be unmoored.

Northern Neck, birthplace of George Washington and James Madison, is a place steeped in rich history. It can also feel like it is stuck in the past at times. There are 1,100 more miles of coastline in the region than there are roads or traffic lights. The density of 50 people/square mile is lower than a half percent of the area upstream along the Potomac. The “Northern Neck” pace is relaxed and there’s little rush.

This relaxed atmosphere is what brought chef Devin Rose to the area to open Adrift in 2018. Rose, who grew up working in his father’s Northern Neck restaurant, left to continue his culinary training and returned to his hometown to bring the food that he loved to his beloved place. Few people have a better understanding of the secrets and restaurants in this area.

This is our guide to the Northern Neck Region in Virginia.

Where to stay?

The Tides Inn

The jewel of the Northern Neck. The Tides Inn The property will undergo a restoration project in 2021 to create a living coastline with a boardwalk. Rose said that “what they’ve accomplished over the last few years is pretty incredible.” Understated elegance and a stunning setting combine with a warm welcome to make sure guests relax in luxury. The inn’s serenity is such that one may not want to leave the Adirondack chairs perched on top of the water. An ecologist full-time, a horticulturist and an artist provide experiences such as oystering, pinot and painting classes, or bird-watching tours.

Merroir Oyster Bed

Many of the vacation rentals on the Northern Neck have beautiful views and private docks. The Middle Peninsula is the perfect place to book if your trip revolves around food. Some people have spent a day at Merroir, eating oysters and drinking beer, then ordering more oysters. Fortunately, The Oyster Bed, a rental house with three bedrooms and excellent guest reviews is only steps away. Guests also have access to Merroir’s boat docks as a bonus.

The Best Places to Eat

Local or Chesapeake Doughnut Company

Rose suggests that you start your day at The Local In Irvington, enjoy a custom-blended Blanchard’s coffee with a breakfast sandwich (or avocado toast) and meet locals. White Stone’s is located in the town next door. Chesapeake Doughnut Co. The bakery also offers a variety of delicious sandwiches and biscuits, including some with homemade doughnut or biscuit dough.

Lee’s Restaurant

Lee’s RestaurantThe same family has owned and operated in Kilmarnock for over 80 years. Rose says, “It is like going back in time.” “And I say that in the most positive way possible.” While refilling sweet or unsweetened tea, the waitresses will call you “honey”. Order some tasty fried pickle chips, fried spicy beans, or fried fish. For dessert, homemade pie is a must at this old-school restaurant.

Willaby’s

William Barnhardt found his love of hospitality in college by throwing parties. Willaby’s ever since—for more than three decades. You can choose to sit indoors or outdoors at this riverfront bar, which has a beach. You can choose from Ma’s Oyster Stew, seafood sandwiches and other comfort foods. Keep an eye on the schedule for live music. Do not leave without a few of the chargrilled signature oysters.

Miss Mary Seafood

If you are a cook, Miss Mary Seafood Makes it Easy. Tony Ferguson and Lisa Carol are passionate about seafood. They source their fish from a network of local fishermen that is unmatched, to provide what Rose describes as the freshest sea food in the city. The co-owners are happy to offer advice and know how to cook the seafood. Rose described her as a “personality”. “She’d do anything for her customer.”

Old Farm Truck Market

Local is the best way to describe it this White Stone shopIt sells organic produce and products from other farms, including those that follow its “beyond” organic, sustainable practices. Rose says that his “awesome team” can assist you in creating a meal with some of the same ingredients as he uses for his own restaurant. You can also leave the cooking up to the shop. The market’s rotating selection of prepared foods like soups and salads, quiches and hand pies as well as stews is provided by Joe Merolli. His resume includes NYC’s Le Bernardin.

Adrift

Rose’s restaurant, AdriftThe Northern Neck is a must-visit destination. Rose uses the ingredients that he brings each week to create his menu. He learned the phrase “Fresh Is Essential” while working at The Inn At Little Washington. It now forms the basis of his cooking philosophy. “Fin to scale, nose to tail, roots and leaf” is what he calls it. Rose’s mission is to improve the taste buds of both locals as well as visitors. There are also options for those who prefer more traditional tastes. Tuesdays are Italian Night and Wednesdays are Burger Night.

Merroir

The cousins Travis Croxton and Ryan Croxton have revived Virginia oystering. This once-thriving industry was on the verge of extinction when they launched Rappahannock Oyster Co., in 2005. They are served in some of the most prestigious restaurants around the country. However, the restaurant on the farm is where you can enjoy their oysters. At MerroirDiners can enjoy the fresh seafood while gazing at the river. Rose suggested that diners watch the sunset from this location. It’s a beautiful place.

Salt & Meadow

The Tides Inn renovated its dining room, which was a tired and worn-out space. Salt & MeadowThe restaurant opened in 2024, with a fresh look and a different culinary approach. The wall-to-wall glass and the new color scheme in blues is designed to bring a coastal feel inside. Kyle Perkins, the new executive chef, emphasizes local sourcing of fresh ingredients and the addition to the property’s farm. Rose said, “I love the new direction Kyle is taking for our community.” Even better, you don’t have to be an inn guest to enjoy Salt & Meadow’s beautiful setting while enjoying a drink at the bar or a meal in the restaurant.

The Best Things to do

Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve

Serene enough for a threatened insect species—that could be the marketing pitch for this 104-acre natural area preserve on the Chesapeake Bay. Because of its inability to withstand human disturbance, the northeastern beach beetle has been eradicated everywhere but three remote corners of America. One of these is Maryland. Hughlett Point. To protect the beetle against humans, the state has a parking lot that can only fit 11 cars. The preserve is filled when the parking lot is full. There’s an almost total sense of separation from the outside world after a short hike to the beach through a forest of loblolly pins. Rose said, “I cannot put it into words.” “Go and then you will understand.”

Belle Isle State Park

For those who enjoy more physical activity Belle Isle State ParkYou can rent bikes and kayaks, go fishing and explore the hiking trails. The 892-acre park offers seven miles of shoreline to explore the tidal marshes, farmland, and upland forest.

Sweet Sea Charters

Northern Neck is so surrounded by water that it would be a pity not to spend more time there. This is where Sweet Sea Charters It comes in. Morgan Fraczkowski, when she is not guiding aspiring female sailors around the waterways of America on her boat, also escorts guests. Sweet AriaHer 33-foot Endeavour. The tour can be customized to include dolphin watching, bar hopping along the waterfront, sightseeing or a pick-up from an Airbnb or marina. Top it all off with Boat Boxes prepared by Rose.

Windmill Point

Rose feels the Northern Neck best when she drives down Route 695 from its western tip. Windmill Point. The road passes through pine trees, bayberries and marshland before reaching a small stretch of beach. Rose says that the drive is worth it, but there are some great summer activities. tiki bar Find it and reward the finders

Camp

There’s not much to do on the Northern Neck. Camp The closest thing is probably the private event venue. The venue, which is a private event space, opens its doors to the public every weekend from spring through autumn. Enjoy live music and food around the fire pits while you enjoy the stars.

The Best Time to Visit

The Northern Neck is busiest in the summer. The best times to visit are late spring and early autumn. Early November brings the nearby Urbanna Oyster Festival. The Northern Neck is the perfect base for those who want to avoid the crowds of the festival. It’s just a short trip over the Rappahannock.

How to get there

By definition, remote escapes are difficult to reach. However, the Northern Neck can easily be accessed from a handful of cities. Richmond Norfolk is 88 miles to the south and 76 miles west. Water is everywhere, for those who choose to travel by boat. On land, however, you’ll still need to drive. No public transport is available, not even taxis and ride-sharing apps.