There’s no bond more valuable than those you have with the funny, fashionable and foodie friends in your life. They pick up the phone when you’ve had a stressful day at work. They enthusiastically say “Yes!” when you want to try that “hot new restaurant” in town. They make sure you know you look great in that new dress. It’s time to plan a getaway together! Kilmarnock in Virginia’s River Realm is just the place.
The small town has cozy accommodations, chic boutiques and gourmet foodie spots. Kilmarnock is also rich in history and community. It’s a special place where everyone knows everyone. Soon enough, you’ll feel like you’re part of the family. Here’s our guide to taking on the town with your girls:
Where to Stay
The best way to get around town is to walk. The Kilmarnock Inn is just a ½ block from our downtown shops. If you want to venture further in Virginia’s River Realm, many museums, restaurants, wineries and shorelines are just a short drive away. The Kilmarnock Inn is a chic home base for a weekend of fun with your friends. Start the day by sipping coffee on your own private deck or balcony and finish it off by sharing a bottle of local wine in the courtyard.
Where to Shop
Whether you’re shopping for gifts to put under the tree or hoping to treat yourself, we’ve got a few suggestions for you and your gal pals. Kick things off at Rivah Antiques & Accessories. You’ll get your creative juices flowing in this 4,500-square-foot antique and home decor mall. It’s a showplace for everything from jewelry and resale clothing to antiques and collectibles. For serious antiquing, search the dealers at Kilmarnock Antique Gallery. You find an amazing collection of oyster plates for sale. Their beauty is worth the trip.
If you’re looking for something that sparkles, stop in Burkes Fine Jewelers. Here, jewelry is more than an accessory. Each piece has its own story, many of which were crafted by on-site designers. You’ll discover collections inspired by the rivers, the wildlife and the bays of the region.
Weekends is a beautifully restored 1903 Victorian home that now carries men’s and women’s items. Find our favorite riverside fashions including Sperry Topsider shoes, Tommy Bahama shirts, Southern Tide casual wear, Bird Dog ties, Bill’s, khakis, golf apparel, dress jackets, and more.
If you’re a socially conscious shopper, Pearl should be on your shopping spree list. You’ll find natural fabrics and styles all about comfort. The owners work hard to ensure the items they sell are fair trade and made in the USA.
Attitude Boutique is a local favorite. The store always features the latest styles alongside timeless items. Shop here for comfy and quality apparel, lingerie and accessories. Attitude also carries gift items including perfume, wallets and jewelry.
One of our newest shops is sure to become a favorite during your trip to Kilmarnock. We’ll start with the ornaments! The Rivah carries a fun collection of river inspired sparkling ornaments, from oysters to octopi. These are festive gifts to bring home to your neighbors or hang on your own tree. The store also carries cozy and charismatic shirts from Simply Southern, wardrobe basics like jeans, and Mud Pie kids clothing.
Where to Refuel
As you shop away in Kilmarnock, you’ll work up an appetite. From comfort food to fresh caught oysters, you can have a delicious meal at any time of day.
Start with pastry and cappuccino at Carried Away Cuisine. Take some treats for the road, too. The specialty foods retailer carries gourmet packaged goods, fresh prepared foods, truffles and their famous brownies. This is also a great place to grab a gift for the foodie on your list.
If you are craving something a little more adventurous, pull up to the Car Wash Café. This former convenience store is now an open concept kitchen that serves fresh, locally sourced items including Huevos Rancheros and in-season seafood. Brunch items like oyster, crab or soft shell crab eggs benedict will keep you day dreaming (or drooling!) long after you leave. Lunches feature she-crab soup, creative salads, crab cakes or a Cuban sandwich.
You won’t find Chao Phraya empty very often. The Thai restaurant is a local favorite.
Enjoy light and refreshing nigiri, sashimi, sushi rolls, and sushi salads or authentic and rich curries, vegetarian dishes, and seafood. You’ll be just as blown away by the presentation as you would the flavor. Chao Phraya also has an outdoor courtyard for dining or sharing a cocktail with your gal pals.
Sometimes you just can’t beat a burger. Northern Neck Burger is the spot to fulfill your craving. Here, juicy burgers are cooked over a real wood fired grill. Leave room to pick out one of NNB’s large selection of hand-spun shakes, regional craft beers, and wines. Northern Neck Burger Co. has been voted “Best Burger” in the Virginia Living Magazine Reader’s Poll.
Share Your Memories
We hope you and your pals enjoy each other’s company as much as you do our charming and magical small town. Whether you’re snapping photos in front of the Kilmarnock Inn or taking foodie photos at Chao Phraya, we want to see! Tag us on Instagram at @virginiasriverrealm.
