Travel is good for the mind and body. In fact, according to a 2013 study, more than 80% of Americans surveyed noticed significant drops in stress just after a day or two of traveling. It’s easy to get some space, adventure and luxury here in the River Realm. We’re less than three hours away from DC, Richmond, Fredericksburg and other Virginia towns and cities. While we’d love to welcome you for a long week away because there is so much to see, you can just as easily enjoy a day here.
Keep reading for a few day-trip itineraries to inspire your next getaway. We hope you find not only a peace of mind, but discover something new to love.
Adventures on Foot in Urbanna
Urbanna is well known for being the home of the Urbanna Oyster Festival. Its sweet main street is bustling all year long, though. Kick off the day with lunch on the water at Portside Grill. Order from an extensive menu of seafood and southern inspired dishes. Once you’re all full, walk outside and weave through the docks, watch the boats come in and out, and even hop on a boat yourself! You can set up a chartered cruise with Urbanna Cruises. When you’re ready to come back on land, spend some time walking down Virginia Street to shop in boutiques like Cyndy’s Bynn, If It’s Wood & More, Lowe Tide and Urbanna Harbour Gallery. Fill up with a hearty dinner at Something Different, which serves up a wide variety of house-made barbecue and locally sourced seafood dishes. The restaurant also frequently hosts live music and the bar is full of a well curated selection of craft beers and cocktails. When it’s time to turn in, you can opt to stay at the luxurious Chesapeake Inn, which is right in town. You can also head to Bethpage Camp-Resort for an over-the-top camping experience or cozy up in a cabin.
A Water Friendly Getaway in Deltaville
Fan of a good ball game? Catch a Deltaville Deltas ballgame. Check the schedule and plan a day trip to the River Realm! Start the day off with lunch and drinks by the water at Deltaville Tap & Raw Bar. Fresh oysters, creative whiskey concoctions, gourmet pies and a stunning view all await here. After lunch, head out for a beautiful drive. Do a bit of shopping and exploration at one-of-a-kind destination shops like River Birch and Nauti Nell’s. Head to the clouds for a fun adventure onboard Coastal Sky Taxi with Davy Nichols. You can get a birds-eye view of the whole region up there and appreciate the River Realm in a whole new way. Drop your things off into the newly opened Dockside Inn before dinner. The new hotel has a fresh beach vibe and is pet friendly. Make sure you gather for dinner at The Table at Wilton. You’ll love this decadent farm-to-table experience!
Laidback Luxury in Kilmarnock
Start the day off with a light lunch at Carried Away Cuisine. The cute cafe has a large collection of chef prepared bites and gourmet goods. Walk off your snacks around town. Visit the Animal Welfare League Thrift Store to shop for a cause or get lost in the expansive Kilmarnock Antique Gallery. For something shiny and new, Burke’s Fine Jewelry is a full service jewelry shop that carries a large collection of rings and custom designs. For a bit of culture and fun, catch a show at the Lancaster Players Playhouse. The local theater hosts high quality and high energy productions. It’s a great place to meet people who are passionate about the area, too. There are many options for dinner, but Chao Phraya Thai Sushi & Grill is always a crowd pleaser. The outdoor patio is chic and relaxing and the menu is extensive. Snuggle up in the quaint Kilmarnock Inn for the evening and wake up in an enchanted paradise.
Small Town, yet Up Scale in Irvington
Start your journey at Dog & Oyster Vineyard. Kick up your feet and enjoy an award winning glass of wine and even a snack set among the rows of the local vineyard. When you’re ready to explore again, we recommend taking in a bit of art at and Objects Art & More. Make your way to the Tides Inn for an afternoon adventure. The newly renovated resort has two restaurants: The Chesapeake Room and Fish Hawk. During the afternoons, Fish Hawk hosts a cocktail class by the pool. Walk around the beach, relax by the pool and maybe rent a jet ski for a spin. Head back toward town to shop at places like The Dandelion, which carries a large collection of women’s fashion designers and brands. The staff there always offers a personal touch and can help you build a wardrobe you love. Finish off the day with a creative dinner full of flavor at Dredge or The Office Bistro. Cuddle up at the Hope & Glory Inn, a boutique hotel with a story.
White Stone
Start your morning off right with the Realm’s newest doughnut shop Chesapeake Doughnut Co. After breakfast, it’s time to take on the Little Oyster Creek Water Trail. This waterway features two kayak loops, waterfowl and even dolphins. Little Oyster Creek Loop is a 4.2 mile loop perfect for beginners. For the more experienced kayak enthusiast there is the 10.5 mile Fleets Island Loop. After working up an appetite, head back to town and grab a treat at the local favorite Country Cottage and experience local art at Allure Art Center. End the night catching an unforgettable sunset paired with local seafood at Willaby’s Cafe.
Looking for more day trip ideas?
There are so many great shops, restaurants, and outdoor adventures to discover here! This is just a small selection.
Our blog is packed with recommendations and collections of businesses centered on themes and topics including seafood, boating, romance, dog friendly ideas and more! Start reading here.
Our Business Directory is easy to use. You can look up information, addresses, hours and more about our local restaurants, spas, marinas and more.
We also have a special collection of curated experiences based on your interests or intentions for travel. From outdoor living to family focused itineraries, see them all here.
