Social distancing may be a new phrase around the world, but we know a thing or two about getting some space here in the River Realm. We’re just a car ride away from anywhere in Virginia or Maryland. Plan out a day trip away from your desks, screens, and offices. When it’s right, come visit us and take a deep breath while you’re here.
Here are a few ideas to unplug and get some distance together with friends or during a solo trip.
Get Out on the Water
Surround yourself with water on all sides. Watch the distance grow between you and land as you head away from one of our 22 marinas. There are a number of ways to get on the water here. You can have the experts show you how to catch your dinner on our rivers and bays. Hop on a deadrise boat with local watermen through the Virginia Oyster Academy or a Watermen Heritage Tours. Karen Lynn Fishing Charters can provide tackle and take you to fish and crab. You can jump aboard the Carina, a 36 foot vessel, and sail along our shores by scheduling a chartered sailing experience or learn how to take the ropes in your own hands in sailing school with Captain Mike at Deltaville Sailing Charters.
For something smaller, grab a paddle and take out a kayak, paddleboard or even a paddle boat. Many of our campgrounds like Bethpage Camp Resort offer rentals and ramps for whichever motorless adventure you choose. Head to Carter’s Creek to rent a jet ski from The Tides Inn. Zoom through the waterways, but be sure to slow down and take a deep breath to enjoy the views and get a close look at the wildlife.
Camp Life
Live life a little closer to nature and little further from the pack? Campgrounds like Cross Rip Camp and Belle Isle State Park offer more primitive camping options next to the water. Belle Isle State Park in Lancaster has seven miles of shoreline. For a little more comfort, bring your RV to Bethpage Camp Resort or Grey’s Point Camp. They have all the luxuries of a tiny town. Grey’s Point Camp in Topping is the perfect spot for the finest fishing on the Rappahannock River by boat or by beach. Bethpage Camp-Resort is known as the “Best RV Resort in America.” For a roof over your head, book a stay in a cabin at Belle Isle State Park or Cross Rip Camp or a cottage at Bethpage Camp-Resort.
See a roundup of campgrounds here.
Wine Open Spaces
Our local wineries are set apart from the town and on spacious sprawling properties. You can sit back and enjoy a socially distanced sip or picnic on their lawns and porches. Good Luck Cellars in Kilmarnock has award winning Viogner and Cabernet Sauvignon grown in the fields of the former sand and gravel mine. It’s a secluded paradise. In Irvington, Dog & Oyster Vineyard is set on more than 6 acres. Here, you can not only enjoy the award winning wines but you can also enjoy local seafood food from Slurp.
Dinner’s On Us
If you want to stay away from dining-in, let our restaurants and foodie spots whip up a fresh, local meal for you to enjoy anywhere you want. Have a picnic on the dock. Enjoy a meal on your deck. Take drinks and bites out on the boat. Or sit outside at these waterfront restaurants Deltaville Bar and Tap or Portside Grill in Urbanna and enjoy every bite with widely spaced tables and lots of fresh air. The hardest part about this is deciding where you want to eat. The River Realm is full of culinary gems. For example, order a rich southern meal prepared by chef Elizabeth Ward from The Table at Wilton in Deltaville. Order up some wine and fresh fish tacos for pick up from Dredge in Irvington.
Find a full list of our favorite take out spots here.
A Day At the Museum
Not all museums are indoors. Deltaville Maritime Museum has an incredible indoor exhibit dedicated to our boat building history that’s waiting for brighter days to open. Outdoors, though, you’ll discover Holly Point Nature Park’s winding trails, a children’s garden perfect for a puppy, historic boats, open fields and docks overlooking Mill Creek. Bring a picnic and play in the Children’s Garden, or fish off the docks. Over in Urbanna, you can take a walk through time touring the “Museum in the Streets.” Get moving and explore the town’s history on foot.
Get Some Air
We’re not talking about a commercial airplane. We’re talking about a private ride up in the clouds with one of our local pilots. Davey Nichols of Coastal Sky Tax has a classic plane that has been in his family for nearly 40 years. He takes off from Hummel Airfield. Michael Kuhnert of Bay Aviation is from Berlin Germany with an airshow performance background. You can ride in the open-cockpit of a warbird plane. He can also spin you in an aerobatic ride if your stomach can handle it. Both of them can show you around the River Realm. You can see how all of our small towns, rivers, creeks, and landmarks come together to create the best little getaway destination.
Share your photos of your socially distanced getaway
Capture images to remember the sights, sounds, smells, and flavors of the River Realm. We want to see how you got some space here! Help us show your friends they should step away from the city for a weekend soon. Tag us using @virginiasriverrealm and we’ll share your photos of your adventure.