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An Authentic American Summer By The River

Baseball, ice cream, trolleys, carnivals and outdoor music paint a picture of bygone American summers. Coupled with a warm breeze rolling off the river, classic memories of a simple American life evoke a sense of ease and calm. Here in the River Realm, this is much more than a day dream. The authentic American summer is alive and well here. It’s waiting for you and your family to enjoy it together.

Slow down. Take a deep breath. Enjoy simple moments with the ones you love. Create rich, meaningful memories. Add some of these classic Americana moments to your laid back itinerary during your next trip to the River Realm:

  Batter Up!

Deltaville Ballpark

100 Ballpark Road, Deltaville

You won’t find big flashing screens and expensive entry fees at the Deltaville Ballpark. Instead, you’ll find a nesting osprey on top of an outfield light pole and classic concessions foods like hot dogs and BBQ and nachos. Here, the Deltaville Deltas have played for more than 75 years. This year, they are defending their 3rd year championship title in Richmond NABA play. Look for the sandwich board sign in front of the ballpark on Deltas game days. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for teens, and free for children under 12. Check the website for the schedule. Opening Day starts May 25 and runs through the end of July! Game Days are Saturdays starting at 7:30 pm.


Scoop It up

Stevie’s Ice Cream

469 North Main Street, Kilmarnock

There are few more satisfying things than kicking up your feet and focusing solely on making sure your ice cream doesn’t drip on your shoes. Pull up and park the car at Stevie’s Ice Cream in Kilmarnock. Treat the family and even the dogs (ask for “pup cup”) to soft serve ice cream, sundaes, and more. Go ahead and indulge. That’s what vacation is all about! The classic, funky vibe of Stevie’s is infectious. You’ll leave smiling and wondering when you can come back for more.


Hole in One

Cowtopia Mini Golf at Bethpage Resort

4817 Old Virginia St, Urbanna

This fun twist on an American classic is sure to create adorable memories for you and your family. Cowtopia is a farm-themed miniature golf course designed by sculpture artist Mark Cline. It’s located at Bethpage Camp-Resort, another local classic for family fun. On the golf course, you’ll find photo opps with carnival cows, funny farm animals fountains and a train. Don’t forget to treat the winners to homemade waffle cones and hand-scooped ice cream at the Ice Creamery on site!


Classic Counter Service

Marshall’s Drug Store

50 Cross Street, Urbanna

When you walk into the retro Marshall’s Drug Store, you can feel time slow down. Since 1929, this Urbanna mainstay has served up hot dogs, milkshakes, seafood classics, limeades and more. Set inside a full-service pharmacy, Marshall’s serves up a dose of nostalgia that will satisfy the soul. You’ll also satisfy your craving for something sweet or savory when you order from the diner counter, swirly seats included.  While you’re waiting for your food, walk around and discover a large collection of coastal gifts and essentials.


Camp Life

Belle Isle State Park, 1632 Belle Isle Road, Lancaster

Grey’s Point Camp, 3701 Greys Point Road, Topping

Let the rhythm of nature control your day instead of the sites and sounds of your phone and computer screens. Set up base camp at Belle Isle State Park. Here, you can get away from the noise and haste of the city and focus on enjoying the water, the trees, the wildlife and your family. Spend the days kayaking and hiking trails. Spend the nights roasting hot dogs and s’mores by the fire. Fall asleep under the stars and wake up with the sun. Grey’s Point Camp is the perfect spot for the finest fishing on the Rappahannock River by boat or by beach.  Don’t miss a free ride on the Grey’s Pointer Train, an old timey train ride around the campground. Catch the spectacular views by bike or canoe, splash in the water park, or stroll around the lake’s exercise trail.


All Aboard

Triangle Trolley & The Pearl

Various locations

Did you know we have a trolley system? The Triangle Trolley can take you and your family from various locations between Kilmarnock, Irvington, and White Stone. To board, you only need 50 cents per boarding–how’s that for classic?  Catch the Triangle Trolley at Northern Neck Burger after lunch, take the family to the Historic Christ Church for some history and inspiration, or ride over to Kilmarnock Town Centre Park for a concert.

Around Urbanna, you can hop on The Pearl. It will weave you through the charming small town and out to some of our favorite spots including local waterside dining at Urbanna Seafood. After you’ve indulged in crab balls and fresh oysters there, head over to take a tour of the “Museum in the Streets.” End your day watching the sunset over the river at the Town Marina. Maybe you’ll even catch Music Under the Stars at Taber Park (more below). Sit back and relax. Trust the ride and make room for adventure.


Classic Summer Events:

Historic Christ Church Ice Cream Social

August 3, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

420 Christ Church Rd, Weems

 For 300 years, Christ Church has stood as a reminder and landmark of our colonial heritage. Throughout the summer, you and your family can visit the Church’s museum and grounds. During the annual Ice Cream Social, you can enjoy a lively stroll back into another century. Indulge in ice cream and play colonial games like the hoop and the stick, the bilbo catcher, draughts, the ball and cup, and dominoes. Try on some of the reproduction eighteenth-century clothing. Get your fill of history by taking a church tour and visiting museum exhibitions.  Learn more here.


Kilmarnock Volunteer Fire Department Carnival

July 23 – July 31

200 Waverly Avenue, Kilmarnock

It doesn’t get more classic than an all-American carnival. Each year, the Kilmarnock Volunteer Fire Department brings old fashioned fun to the River Realm. For seven days, the fairgrounds transform with the smell of funnel cakes, hamburgers, hot dogs, and food trucks. Hop on the big ferris wheel we call Big Elli. This year, the kids can try out a new ride: pedal cars styled after the police cars and fire trucks from our localities. Learn more here.


Music Under the Stars in Urbanna 

Urbanna Taber Park, 425 Bonner Street, Urbanna

June 15th – July 20th – Aug 17 at 7 pm

Visit this walkable, small town!  Urbanna is a historical port town from the 1600’s!  Come by boat or by land to spend a summer night with the whole family dancing under the stars. Set in serene Taber Park, Music Under the Stars concert series offers music from all genres to the stage. Make sure to come prepared:  Bring your own chair, blanket, coolers and pets are welcome!  FREE for all!  Learn more.


Irvington 4th of July Parade

King Carter Drive, Irvington

Irvington celebrates the 4th of July each year with its traditional “Hometown Parade”. Once can describe this event as both a scene from Norman Rockwell and sophistication not often seen in such a small town in America. The parade route winds down scenic King Carter Drive and around Irvington Road led by a local Grand Marshall. A total of over 100 parade entries follows, which includes, the Mayor, Town Officials, The Kilmarnock & District Pipe Band, children on decorated bicycles, a host of antique cars, Shriners’ Cars, as well as festive golf carts. Following the parade, the antique cars assemble on the town commons for a closer look at over 75 models dating back to the early 1900′s.


      

Independence Day Boat Parade & Fireworks July 5th

Urbanna Town Marina, 210 Oyster Rd, Urbanna

The Urbanna Town Marina will be rocking live music and banging good eats. Get your seat early and watch the patriotic boat parade’s decoration contest at 7:30 pm and at dark (approx. 9:00 pm) observe the most spectacular fireworks show over the Urbanna Creek from your boat or on the dock. Come early and stroll the charming small town’s boutiques, galleries and try the local seafood, smoked meats, a 1950’s limeade or shake at one of the many restaurants. Tour the Museum in the Streets or visit the Urbanna Museum, a colonial costumed interpreter will reveal all the secrets of the Mitchell Map from 11:00am-3:00pm.  Bethpage Camp Resort’s mini-golf and ice creamery is open 10am – 10pm.


Share Your Classic Americana Memories

You’ll have a hard time not wanting to snap photos of your funky and laid back memories here. We want to see what you’re getting into!

Tag us using @virginiasriverrealm and we’ll share your photos of your all-American days in the River Realm.