13 Bucket List Worthy Experiences in Virginia’s River Realm
What’s on your bucket list for this year? Spend more quality time with family? Enjoy the outdoors more? Eat more fresh, local food? Get your
Outdoor Adventures & Camping
Outdoor Activities Guide
Discover the natural beauty of Virginia’s River Realm. RV Campgrounds, Nature Park Camp Sites, Kayaking, and 465 Miles of Shoreline to explore!
Where Is Virginia's River Realm?
Full of delightful surprises, hidden gems, and friendly, small-town spirit. The 465 miles of shoreline, eight great small towns, and hundreds of unique attractions invite visitors to enjoy the wonder of a perfect oyster, the promise of a back road or secret cove and the pleasure of sharing a table with friends. A place where you can catch your breath, calm your mind and live your dreams.
Experiences
Dining
WAYS TO STAY
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Get Inspired For Your Trip
First-Timer’s Guide To Fishing In Virginia’s River Realm
There’s something about heading out on a boat and watching the shoreline slowly disappear behind you. It’s a feeling we’re familiar with here in the
Get Outdoors in the River Realm
By now, you’ve felt a bit of that springtime breeze blow in through your windows. The chirping birds are calling to you, gently nudging you
Shopping Our Farmer’s Markets & Farmstands
We’re more than sunsets and seafood dinners here in the River Realm–though we’re pretty big fans of those things. Around the bends and banks of
Get Outdoors in Virginia’s River Realm
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
Free Things to Do With the Family in the River Realm
Ready to get out of the house and do some exploring? If you aren’t, then the kids are! Good thing out here in the River
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Experiences
boating on the river & Chesapeake Bay
Virginia’s River Realm is located where the Rappahannock River & the Chesapeake Bay come together, making it a prime location for all things on the water: boating, fishing, kayaking, sailing, and the list goes on. Whether you want to BYOB (Bring Your Own Boat) or you’re looking for a weekend rental, we have plenty of options to get you on the water!
Take a nature walk along our shorelines
The River Realm is full of wildlife and nature. Take it all in at one of our beautiful nature parks, where you can stroll along a beachy shoreline, esplore tidal wetlands, and hike along wooded trails. View our waterfowl, native plants and enjoy the beautiful, quiet outdoors.
Take An Eco Tour with our watermen
Join one of the Captains from Virginia Watermen Heritage Tours for the Bay’s best hands-on tours. Experience the Chesapeake Bay with an authentic working waterman as your personal guide. From learning about the Bay to how the oyster industry has returned to watching wildlife, this is as personal as it gets.
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Dining By The River & Bay
Merroir Tasting Room
A casual, relaxing outdoor atmosphere with surrounding river views, offering a small plate menu. Home of the famous Rappahannock Oyster Company. Their oysters are served fresh out of the river from their aquaculture farm. Sit at the deadrise boat, Ruby, converted as an summer outdoor bar.
FISH HAWK at the tides inn
Fish Hawk Oyster Bar is a coastal eatery offering outdoor seating on the beach along Carter Creek. The resort’s Executive Chef, Truman Jones, elevates guests’ dining experiences at Fish Hawk Oyster Bar, and cocktail hour is filled with signature river realm-style beverages.
DELTAVILLE TAP & raw bar
Where the river meets the Bay at the tip of the Middle Peninsula, you’ll find the best waterfront restaurant in Deltaville. Craft brews, wines and cocktails go superbly with low country boils, wings 5 ways, sushi bombs and crab cakes, pasta and burgers. Watch for live music events on holiday weekends.
Portside Grill in Urbanna
Nestled in the Urbanna Port Marina, Portside Grill has inside and waterfront seating. Sip your cocktails together as you watch the boats drift by. Portside’s menu offers local seafood and American favorites. Try their crab tots, Bay Dream oysters, crab cakes, burgers topped with crab, oyster fritters or sea spouts.
Urbanna Seafood
Tucked away on Robinson Creek you’ll find a hidden local secret, where you’ll experience the most beautiful sunsets in Urbanna. Urbanna Seafood catches their own oysters and crabs locally. Share an Urbanna Bucket that’s hearty enough for two or nibble on specialties like crab balls with a zesty remoulade sauce.
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Ways To Stay
Bethpage campground
If you have a fondness for the outdoors, try our 3 Time winner Best RV Resort in the nation! Rent a cottage or a RV site with full hook-up that includes incredible amenities such as a water park, playgrounds, fishing docks, lake beach, and daily themed activities.
Waterfront cottages
The River Realm is full of adorable waterfront homes that are available for rental for a long weekend or a week-long vacation. Wake up to sunrises on the Rappahannock or the sound of osprey soaring over the Chesapeake Bay.
Belle Isle State Park
Awake to gorgeous nature views at Belle Isle State Park. With two overnight guest houses and camping, you “glamp” or camp under the starry skies of the River Realm.
grey's point
campground
This RV Campground is located right next to the Rappahannock River with expansive views of our iconic bridge. Rent a cottage or an RV site and start your outdoor vacation with water parks, playgrounds, fishing docks, and more.
