Bromances are better than romances. Seriously, a study, published in the journal Men and Masculinities, revealed that men have a lot more fun hanging out with other dudes than they do with their girlfriends.
Come on out to Virginia’s River Realm when you’re hanging with “The Guys.” We’ve got 10 awesome things-to-do when you need to let loose. Kick back in the outdoors, drink good beer, take in a ball game or a car race. No nitpicking, nagging and no judgement here in the River Realm.
1. River Camping
Grey’ Point Camp
3601 Grey’s Point Road
Topping, VA
804-758-2485
https://www.greyspoint.com
Campground open: April – November
Located right on the Rappahannock River, guys can chill at an RV campsite or rent a cabin. Gather up your fishing poles, bring your boat or charter one for the day or just fish off the beach. Up for a rowdy competition of corn hole, basketball, horseshoes? Check out cool events like the BBQ and Chili cookoff and cocktail-making contests. Water sports include: kayaking, canoeing, paddle boating or swim at the pool and waterpark.
Want to feed the animal in you? Nearby you can find home grown oysters at Rappahannock Oyster Company’s tasting room, Merroir, where everything is served raw or cooked on an outdoor grill with a good selection of craft brews and world-famous wines. Eckhard’s has German, Italian and steak dinners that will satisfy the heartiest eaters. They specialize in German draft beers and an extensive wine list and full bar. Pull up a bar stool at Willaby’s casual waterfront eatery with 22 taps, live music and the most amazing sunsets on the beach. They also serve a Sunday brunch buffet with their specialty, the Bloody Mary Bar. Dinner or brunch at Adift for the fine foodie in you, complete with a full bar.
2. Adrenaline Rush
Virginia Motor Speedway
4426 Tidewater Trail
Jamaica, VA
804-758-1867
https://vamotorspeedway.com/
Open April to September
The Virginia Motor Speedway dirt car race track and mud bog will get your adrenaline pumping! Feel the Saturday night rumble as the race cars speed past the grandstands or the monster trucks splatter through the mud pit. Save some money – free parking and bring your own 16” (or smaller) cooler and camping is free during the racing events! Concessions are good ole’ fashioned hot dogs, hamburgers, Italian sausages and pizza. Cost of admission depends on the event; but it will not be over $35. The weekly races are $12/adults, $10/seniors and $8/military and mud bogs are $15 and $40/pit pass. For that special “boys only club,” check out the private group suites that you can rent – bring your own food or get it catered.
3. Grab a Cold One
Kilmarnock Brewhaus
44 West Church Street
Kilmarnock, VA
804-436-6207
http://kilmarnockbrewhaus.com/
Open Thursdays thru Sundays from 5 p.m. to Midnight
Don Lee, owner and brewmaster of Kilmarnock Brewhaus concocts 15 different flavors of handcrafted beer. Kilmarnock Brewhaus focuses solely on crafting the best beer, but there’s food trucks often are parked close by and local restaurants will deliver like the Northern Neck Burger. The Brewhaus nightlife features open mic night on Wednesdays and Thursdays, bands on Fridays and Saturdays, and an occasional acoustic jam on Sundays where everyone is encouraged to join in. The Brewhaus offers free non-alcoholic drinks for the designated driver.
4. Game Time
Deltaville Ballpark
100 Ballpark Road
Deltaville, VA
http://www.deltavilleballpark.com/
Open Memorial Day Weekend thru July
Take the guys out to the ballpark, take them out to the game! Deltaville Ballpark in Virginia’s River Realm is the real “Field of Dreams” experience. The 1948 wooden ballpark with crab pot caging, has been hosting small-town baseball games for nearly 70 years. Come see the semi-pro Deltaville Deltas win another championship. Food truck concessions are selling every inning! Games are all summer long from Memorial Day in May to end of July for only $10/game. Free parking.
5. Outdoor Wilderness
Belle Isle State Park
1632 Belle Isle Road
Lancaster, VA
804-462-5030
http:// www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/belle-isle#general_information
For guys who truly want to get away from it all, Brewer’s Point campground is your spot. Hike or paddle to this 4-site campground which is located at the far northwest point of the park where Mulberry Creek flows into the Rappahannock River. The campground offers great fishing, gorgeous views, amazing night sky. They offer rentals for bikes, paddle boards, kayaks and canoes or bring your own paddle or motorboat. Two boat launches get you to Mulberry Creek, Deep Creek and the Rappahannock River.
Photo Courtesy of Virginia State Parks
FYI, guys if you want a weekend full of fishing, get your gear and a Virginia Saltwater fishing license. To acquire a fishing license, contact the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries at https://www.dgif.virginia.gov/licenses to purchase online or to find the nearest place to get the license.
Grill some burgers at Belle Isle’s picnic spots and enjoy the Music by the River concert series, featuring awesome bands with music ranging from rock to country to blues to jazz.
Geocaching is the GPS mobile phone treasure hunt. Start up a game to see who can find all 15 caches first that are hidden throughout the park.
Head on into the Town of Lively for a bite. The Corner offers BBQ, deli sandwiches and seafood, but they’re best known for their crabcakes. The Oaks is open for breakfast, lunch or dinner. This family style bar and grill will make you feel like your mama’s cooking you up some serious comfort food.
6. Camping on Steroids
Bethpage Camp Resort
6792 Brown’s Lane
Urbanna, VA
804-758-4349
http:// www.bethpagecamp.com
Open April thru November
Explore the town of Urbanna for eats and shops. The Something Different restaurant bring out the Neanderthal in you offering up in-house smoked meats and special crab omelets for breakfast. Half Shell Grill has outdoor seating and a game room with darts and shuffleboard. Urbanna Seafood is a waterfront hidden secret worthy of the secret back road. Check out Angelo’s Colonial Pizza, Mi Jalisco and Virginia Street Café, too!
7. Fish On!
J & W Seafood & Tackle Shop
16552 General Puller Highway
Deltaville, VA
804-776-6400
https://www.jandwseafood.com
Closed Sunday and Monday, Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday thru Saturday
The Tackle Shop at J &W Seafood in Deltaville will set the whole gang with everything they need to fish from the dock or charter an all-day adventure on the Chesapeake Bay. Stock up on live bait, lures, rods and reels. They can even recommend a captain that will fit your fishing requests. Pack the cooler with snacks, beverages and ice at J & W’s gourmet food shop for your day at sea. Want to celebrate your biggest fish? J&W can weigh fish and register citations. J&W Seafood is also an authorized license agent of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Stop in to get your fishing or boat license.
Disappointing day of fishing? We’ve got you covered! J&W will load you up with all kinds of local seafood to take home or provide you with bushels for your own crab feast or oyster roast. Prepared foods like crab cakes, twice baked potatoes and sides along with dips, craft beers and a good wine selection gives your buddies a one stop shopping place, so you can relax at the river.
8. No Sand Pits
Piankatank River Golf Club
6198 Stormont Road
Hartfield, VA
804-776-6516
https:// /www.prgcgolf.com/
Tee off at this beautiful course with gentle rolling hills along the Piankatank River. Join a tournament or play a round with just the guys! Amenities include a pro shop, practice facilities and the Steamboat Restaurant for brunch or lunch (happy hour and dinner on Fridays.)
9. Beach Boys
Cross Rip Campground
503 Cross Rip Road
Deltaville, VA
804-776-9324
https:// / www.crossripcamp.com/
Open May 1st thru November 6th
Natural campsites for tent camping, RV’s or rental cottages on the Chesapeake Bay with a pristine beach for swimming are found at Cross Rip Campground. Fishing pond is right on site and 26 acres of wooded wildlife. Bring your boat; Cross Rip has a boat ramp. Pets are welcome!
10. No Need To Be Crabby
Bush Park Camping Resort
724 Bushy Park Road
Wake, VA
804-776-6750
https:// / bushparkcampingresort.com/
Open April 5 thru November 17 – Fully Operational
November 18 thru April 4 – Weekend Hours: Friday open 3pm+ until Sunday at 5pm
Bush Park Camping Resort offers two boat ramps on the Rappahannock River with some of the best salt water fishing and crabbing – even from the piers! Make your way to the Adult Only pool, stock up for all your camping and fishing needs at the camp store, rent a bike or golf cart and eat down at The Shack.
While you’re in Deltaville don’t miss the Table to Go; it will not disappoint you, fresh ingredients and creative culinary style. Deltaville Tap and Raw bar is new, opening this May on Broad Creek, watch the boats sail by while you indulge in seafood and American food menu with over 30 taps and a full bar.
Ladies, if you reading this, now you know how to keep your man busy while you treat yourself to a Girls Getaway! Click here for the 48 hour itinerary for the Girls Getaway.
