Weekend on the Water
Being near the water really does make you happier. There are scientific reasons why we’re so drawn to lakes, rivers, and ocean and the River Realm is all about being on the water! Once you let the river set the pace, life here seems deliciously simple, its mysteries suddenly revealed. Here’s your guide to harnessing nature and getting in touch with what’s important. River Realm, a place where you can catch your breath, calm your mind & live your dreams.
What 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
Ride with the Real Deal: A Watermen’s Heritage Tour
Get on a deadrise boat with an authentic waterman as your personal tour guide. See how the local fisherman harvest those delicious oysters from the Rappahannock River. Learn about the ecology and history of the Chesapeake Bay, oysters and crabs. Sample a naked oyster just pulled from the water. This hands-on tour is a life changing experience!
Get Fishing
Whether you’re fishing on the dock or boating on the Chesapeake Bay, J & W Seafood and Tackle Shop will have you casting out your line. Their experienced staff will set you up with all the bait, rods, reels and nets for your next fishing trip. J & W’s can help you contact a captain to charter your excursion. Get your fishing and boating license, too! Fill your cooler with lunch, snacks, drinks and ice in this one-stop shop.
Make Paddle boarding Your Mantra
Nature’s calling and it’s not your phone! Reconnect with the outdoors and river wildlife while paddling to fitness. Soothe your soul in the quiet coves of Carters Creek. Try the yoga paddleboard classes at the Tides Inn. Take a kayak out to calm your mind and catch your breath at the River. Find your personal shoreline.
Go Sailing
Norton Yachts can get you on a salty breeze adventure with their savvy experts showing you the ropes and learning to sail. If you want to leave the driving to someone else, charter one of their 7 sailboats, they’ll provide a skipper to give you the luxury sailing experience complete with stops at our small towns, boat-up restaurants and beautiful vistas from the water.
Eco & Romantic Sunset Charters
Do you want to see osprey, blue heron, eagles, dolphin, stingray and ducks? Let Captain Phil Loftis from Urbanna Cruises take you on a custom eco-tour on his 24’ pontoon boat. Dock at the Urbanna Town Marina and stroll through the charming town’s shops or head up the river and boat-up at Urbanna Seafood or Merrior for lunch or dinner. If a romantic evening is more your mood, catch the melting sunset on a moonlit, stargazing cruise.
Boat In!
Boating is the Good Life! Virginia’s River Realm is the natural haven for a boaters respite. Dock at one of our 20+ marinas for your visit. We’ve got amenities to restock, clean-up, relax and have fun. Services for your boat, too! We’ll fuel her up, fixer her up, store her and trader her in for an upgrade!
Merroir
Kick back riverside, indoors or out, at this local favorite. Grab a beer during the summer at their boat converted to their outdoor bar. These guys raise oysters for a living-this place is shucktastic.
Urbanna Seafood and Raw Bar
Visit this hidden foodie gem by driving down a winding dirt road or pulling up by boat. The raw bar offers a truly unique experience to enjoy fresh seafood creations as they come in right off the boat. At the raw bar, you can enjoy savory seafood favorites while you watch the boats roll in and the sun set.
Tides Inn
Amazing views are waiting for you on the shores of Carter’s Creek. From gourmet to casual, Tides brings the four star experience. Sunset drinks on the patio are a must.
Willaby’s
Sippin’ cocktails by the river is one of our favorite past times. This restaurant is shaped like a boat for some extra River Realm flair. Friday nights feature live music and the extensive beer menu is worth investigating–order a flight to try more than one. While you’re waiting for your meal, take a cocktail out to walk on the restaurant’s private beach. It’s the perfect place to snap a photo for the ‘gram.
Tides Inn
Beautifully located on its own peninsula, these 4 Star accommodations are sure to please. Paddleboard yoga, mixology classes, private patio dining or sunset cruises are but some of the unique experiences at this classic River Realm inn.
The Chesapeake Inn
13 boutique suites in the heart of adorable, walkable Urbanna. Shopping, dining is just footsteps away. Dock your boat and walk up to your overnight oasis.
Atherston Hall Bed & Breakfast
Nestled one block away from the waterfront, docks and beaches of the Chesapeake, Atherston Hall is just around the corner from all Urbanna has to offer.
Beth Page and Grey’s Point, Cross Rip, Bush Park Campgrounds
Our campgrounds offer more than just a place to pitch your tent. These on water properties will keep you listening to the sounds of the river all night long. With water parks to fire pits to just plain outdoorsy fun, here’s just one more way to get in touch with your natural side while in the River Realm.
October 10, 2020
Urbanna’s Wine & Oyster Stroll
Participating boutique shops in town offer wine tastings from local Virginia wineries! Be sure to walk down to the Town Marina and see Urbanna Creek with all the beautiful boats and water vistas. Try on the Watermen’s Way boots on for a great photo op at the Town Marina. Oyster Tastings are provided at the Town Green with live music.
TBD
Morattico Waterfront Museum’s Oyster Roast
In the quaint fishing village of Morattico, this event is always a sellout! Rappahannock oysters, roasted and raw-bar style, clam chowder, ham biscuits, sweet potato fries and hush puppies (cooked up on the spot). Plus decadent homemade desserts!
TBD
Bay Seafood Festival
A River Realm Signature event now in its 28th year-come “Party with a Purpose”! Bay Seafood Festival is an all-you-care-to-eat festival with great dance music that raises funds for a variety of non profits throughout the River Realm.
October 17, 2020
Holly Point Art and Seafood Festival
Located at the Deltaville Museum’s maritime park, located on the banks of Mill Creek, just minutes away from the Chesapeake Bay. It provides a wonderful natural background to leisurely stroll through 60 vendors selling unique art creations and a car show. There will be a variety of seafood, festival food and beverages with live music throughout the festival day.
November 6-7, 2020
Urbanna Oyster Festival
The Official Oyster Festival of the Commonwealth! A 61 year CELEBRATION!
Come by BOAT or come by LAND because we have got everything oyster and more! The charming Town of Urbanna closes it’s streets for this big celebration of oysters and the heritage that surrounds it for two full days with over 60,000 visitors. Get your VIP Oyster Lovers ticket for tastings and concierge perks.
November 21, 2020
Taste by the Bay
This highly anticipated fifth year event will include samplings from Virginia wineries, Virginia craft brews, tastings from local restaurants, live music, maritime attractions, and just in time for the holiday shopping season- a variety of artisan vendors.
Wineries and restaurants alike will be offering tastings, as well as the option to purchase some of our local favorites!
