We’ve got some bad news. Americans left behind 662 million vacation hours in 2017. There’s some good news, though. 2018 is a brand new year and you can commit to taking more time off this year. Start by requesting a Friday off to spend a day or a whole week here with us in the River Realm. While you’re here, you can reclaim your right to unplug, explore and pamper yourself- #CrushFridayVA.
Pull out your calendar. Check out these unique and foodie friendly events below. Write them down and start planning the many ways you can use your vacation hours this year….
Rappahannock Waterfowl Show
March 18-19, 2018
Fan of feathers? This event is for you. Unlock your imagination during one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events. The Rappahannock Waterfowl Show fills the White Stone Volunteer Fire Department with original paintings, carvings, sculptures, decoys and more for art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Your entrance fee benefits this small town fire department. Learn more.
Where to Stay: The Flowering Fields Bed & Breakfast is a slice of heaven.
Deltaville Seafood Festival
May 12, 2018
Bring your appetite! Kick off summer with a scrumptious collection of pop-up seafood restaurants and festival food vendors by the river. Spend the day discovering your new favorite foods and explore a diverse group of arts and crafts vendors from the village to the Deltaville Maritime Museum. Get down to live bands, cheer on the crab race competitions, and snap your insta-worthy photos. Learn more here.
Where to Stay: Reserve a room at Heaven Scent Bed & Breakfast for a luxurious and unplugged getaway.
Arts in the Middle
June 2-3, 2018
Colorful, detailed, and enchanting works of fine art take over the grounds of the stately 17th century Hewick Plantation during this two-day cultural event. Shop for your next favorite work of art, relax to the sounds of local musicians and indulge in fresh local cuisine paired with craft brews, Virginia wines and champagne. Learn more here.
Where to Stay: Rest your bones at the Atherson Hall Bed & Breakfast. It’s in walking distance to downtown Urbanna.
Urbanna Cup
May 19, 2018
If you’re looking for a luxurious weekend ripped from the pages of a magazine, the Urbanna cup should be on your bucket list. During this retro event, the waterways of Urbanna are taken over by cocktail boats. Wooden cocktail boats are fast, fun and intoxicating to watch. Watch from the Urbanna Town Marina pier and choose who you think will win! Walk this charming small town a full day of excitement! Learn more.
Where to Stay: The Chesapeake Inn is the place to stay to polish of a day of luxurious adventures.
Raise the Roof Craft Beer Fest
July 14, 2018
We know a thing or two about craft beer in Virginia. Come indulge by the river during Historic Christ Church & Museum’s 5th-Annual Craft Beer Fest. The event will feature 12 Craft Beers, delicious BBQ (or vegetarian fare), homemade ice cream, and live music. Bring a blanket to or chairs to camp out on the lawn for the day. Learn more here.
Where to Stay: Reserve a room at the Tides Inn to wake up in luxury by the river.
KVFD Carnival
July 26- August 4, 2018
Plan your vacation around one of the longest running festivals in Virginia. The Kilmarnock Volunteer Fireman’s Carnival takes over the carnival grounds on Waverly Avenue. For nine days, your family will have the opportunity to enjoy amusement rides, games of chance, grilled burgers and hot dogs alongside some of the best homemade french fries around. Ride “Big Eli,” the ferris wheel or take your chances with bingo. This is hometown charm at its finest. Stay up to date on Facebook here.
Where to stay: Get cozy at the Kilmarnock Inn. Be sure to leave room for dinner or breakfast at the Inn’s dining room.
Irvington Crab Festival
August 18, 2018
Fancy yourself a foodie? Join us to pick your way through bushels of crabs at the Steamboat Era Museum. Wash it all down with Virginia beer and wine. Tap your feet to the sounds of Jumbo Lump Daddy and the Backfin Boys. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Where to Stay: Stay for the weekend at the Hope & Glory Inn. Leave room for dinner.
Urbanna Oyster Festival
November 2 – 3, 2018
We’re big fans of the oyster for many reasons. For starters, they taste good and they clean the rivers and bays. Come see what all the fuss is about. The Official Oyster Festival of the Commonwealth will welcome 50,000 people who take on this magical small town. Expect fun parades, art vendors, oyster shucking contests, children’s activities, an antique car show, music, wine and beer tastings and more. We recommend the “VIP Oyster Lovers Experience”. Learn more here.
Where to Stay: You want to book your stay early for this. We recommend the Tides Inn, Hope & Glory Inn, The Chesapeake Inn and Bethpage Camp-Resort.
Taste By the Bay
November 18, 2018
Spend a fall day by the river, from sun up until sun down. Along the shores of Carters Creek, enjoy samples of Virginia wines, Virginia craft brews, and tastings from local restaurants. Enjoy live music, tour maritime attractions, and just in time for the holiday shopping season, a variety of artisan vendors. It all takes place on the award winning grounds of the Tides Inn. Learn more here.
Where to Stay: The Tides, of course!
For more information on more amazing festivals, outdoor stuff to do or just something for the foodie in you, check out our events page or our blog page for itineraries in the River Realm.
