What to do? Where to eat? Hiking trails? Wineries and Breweries? Where to shop? Comprehensive guidebook. Sharing some of our favorite places.

Christopher
Christopher
What to do? Where to eat? Hiking trails? Wineries and Breweries? Where to shop? Comprehensive guidebook. Sharing some of our favorite places.

Food Scene

Some of our favorite places to eat.
They have made great updates and safety steps during Covid. The food is great. Parties of 6+ can be accommodated. GREAT outdoor seating. Tiki bar and Cornhole tournaments.
22 locals recommend
Horn Harbor Restaurant
836 Horn Harbor Rd
22 locals recommend
They have made great updates and safety steps during Covid. The food is great. Parties of 6+ can be accommodated. GREAT outdoor seating. Tiki bar and Cornhole tournaments.
8 locals recommend
Tim's At Coles Point
307 Plantation Dr
8 locals recommend
21 locals recommend
Coles Point Tavern
850 Salisbury Park Rd
21 locals recommend
This is a go-to spot for us, often for lunch. I’m not kidding...the menu must have 100+ items. Very family friendly. Has a small bar, if that’s your thing.
21 locals recommend
Los Portales Mexican Restaurant
1425 Tappahannock Blvd
21 locals recommend
This is a go-to spot for us, often for lunch. I’m not kidding...the menu must have 100+ items. Very family friendly. Has a small bar, if that’s your thing.
Sometimes after a car ride, you just want something easy and reliable.
Subway
7085 Northumberland Highway
Sometimes after a car ride, you just want something easy and reliable.
Thai Pot - Shabu
36 N Main St
pool hall
10 locals recommend
KC's Crabs & Cues
10428 Jessie Dupont Memorial Hwy
10 locals recommend
pool hall
We stop here on our way to Heathsville, get a pizza and head to the house. It’s on the way and less than 15 minutes from the house. Great takeout for game nights.
6 locals recommend
Nino's Pizza Inc
Northumberland Highway
6 locals recommend
We stop here on our way to Heathsville, get a pizza and head to the house. It’s on the way and less than 15 minutes from the house. Great takeout for game nights.
20 locals recommend
Newsome's Restaurant
235 Jessie Dupont Memorial Hwy
20 locals recommend
This is where it all started – on the banks of the Rappahannock River overlooking where we grow our oysters. We like to call Merroir a “tasting room,” each menu item is singularly-focused, seasonal, and ever-changing. Choose a craft beer or wine from our eclectic selection to pair with your meal! Store Hours
70 locals recommend
Merroir Tasting Room
784 Locklies Creek Rd
70 locals recommend
This is where it all started – on the banks of the Rappahannock River overlooking where we grow our oysters. We like to call Merroir a “tasting room,” each menu item is singularly-focused, seasonal, and ever-changing. Choose a craft beer or wine from our eclectic selection to pair with your meal! Store Hours
Its a 30 minute drive for when you wanna put the top down and turn the music up! Plenty of space inside to eat, everything is easy to go.
Anna's Italian Restaurant & Pizza
53 Gordon Ln
Its a 30 minute drive for when you wanna put the top down and turn the music up! Plenty of space inside to eat, everything is easy to go.
Lunch, Dinner or Brunch...all are amazing. Inside the Inn are small parlors and dining rooms making for a more intimate and private dining experience. Outside dining is in their amazing gardens and covered patios. Its enchanting. Often we will go for brunch at Kilmarnock Inn and then spend some time on Main Street. Main street offers art, antiques, coastal furniture/accessories plus more fun shops and restaurants. RESERVATIONS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
10 locals recommend
Kilmarnock Inn
34 E Church St
10 locals recommend
Lunch, Dinner or Brunch...all are amazing. Inside the Inn are small parlors and dining rooms making for a more intimate and private dining experience. Outside dining is in their amazing gardens and covered patios. Its enchanting. Often we will go for brunch at Kilmarnock Inn and then spend some time on Main Street. Main street offers art, antiques, coastal furniture/accessories plus more fun shops and restaurants. RESERVATIONS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Looking for something a little more upscale that everyone would like. Try Reedville Market. They update their menus and holiday specials on Facebook. The food here is fantastic. Serving fresh, local, Cobia and crab. We recommend reservations on holiday weekends.
39 locals recommend
Reedville Market
729 Main St
39 locals recommend
Looking for something a little more upscale that everyone would like. Try Reedville Market. They update their menus and holiday specials on Facebook. The food here is fantastic. Serving fresh, local, Cobia and crab. We recommend reservations on holiday weekends.
20 locals recommend
Newsome's Restaurant
235 Jessie Dupont Memorial Hwy
20 locals recommend
Callao Dairy Freeze
362 Northumberland Hwy
17 locals recommend
Deltaville Tap & Raw Bar
274 Bucks View Lane
17 locals recommend
12 locals recommend
The Table
16273 General Puller Hwy
12 locals recommend
9 locals recommend
Cafe By the Bay
17435 General Puller Hwy
9 locals recommend
China Inn Restaurant
5059 Richmond Road
8 locals recommend
The Oaks
5434 Mary Ball Rd
8 locals recommend
Cakes, cakepops, cookies, cinnamon rolls, cookies…
LeCakes by Design
179 Northumberland Hwy
Cakes, cakepops, cookies, cinnamon rolls, cookies…
37 locals recommend
Relish Restaurant and Wine Bar
115 Main St
37 locals recommend
Portside Grill on Urbanna Creek
25 Cross Street
19 locals recommend
Car Wash Cafe
481 N Main St
19 locals recommend
29 locals recommend
Adrift
572 Rappahannock Dr
29 locals recommend
9 locals recommend
Michelle's Sweet Treats
122-126 St Johns St
9 locals recommend

Everything Else

Marina
Coan River Marina
3170 Lake Rd
Marina
Northumberland Family YMCA
6348 Northumberland Hwy
BOAT LAUNCH, public and free nearby. You can launch your boats and jet skis down the street and tie them up on our dock for The Weekend.
Rowes Landing Road
Rowes Landing Road
BOAT LAUNCH, public and free nearby. You can launch your boats and jet skis down the street and tie them up on our dock for The Weekend.

Essentials

Completely renovated inside. I use Food Lion TO-GO and pick up our groceries (they do not deliver). Probably 2-3 miles from the house.
27 locals recommend
Food Lion
7424 Northumberland Hwy
27 locals recommend
Completely renovated inside. I use Food Lion TO-GO and pick up our groceries (they do not deliver). Probably 2-3 miles from the house.
ACE Hardware
Allison's Home Improvement
3010 Northumberland Hwy
ACE Hardware
17 locals recommend
Walmart Supercenter
200 Old Fair Grounds Way
17 locals recommend
10 locals recommend
Dollar General
15645 Northumberland Hwy
10 locals recommend
10 locals recommend
Virginia ABC
4699 Richmond Rd
10 locals recommend

Entertainment & Activities

Essex 5 Cinemas
1653 Tappahannock Blvd
Skating 804-493-9890
Stan's Skateland
17408 Kings Highway
Skating 804-493-9890
48 locals recommend
Compass Entertainment Complex
100 Entertainment Drive
48 locals recommend

Arts & Culture

25 locals recommend
Reedville Fishermen's Museum
504 Main St
25 locals recommend
Northern Neck Farm Museum
12705 Northumberland Hwy
6 locals recommend
Kinsale Museum
449 Kinsale Rd
6 locals recommend
11 locals recommend
Lancaster Virginia Historical Society (Mary Ball Washington Museum and Library Inc)
8346 Mary Ball Rd
11 locals recommend
10 locals recommend
Kilmarnock Inn
34 E Church St
10 locals recommend
21 locals recommend
Steamboat Era Museum
156 King Carter Dr
21 locals recommend
18 locals recommend
Deltaville Maritime Museum & Holly Point Nature Park
287 Jackson Creek Rd
18 locals recommend
Allure Art Center
419 Rappahannock Dr
39 locals recommend
Stratford Hall
483 Great House Rd
39 locals recommend
Rice's Hotel/Hughlett's Tavern is located on Route 360 in the heart of Heathsville's Historic Town Square. The Tavern sits directly behind the Old Court House and is one of the oldest surviving wood structures on Virginia's Northern Neck. The original three-room tavern was built by John Hughlett some 250 years ago, and is on both the Virginia and National Registers of Historic Places. The Rice's Hotel/Hughlett's Tavern Foundation was created in 1990 by the Northumberland County Historical Society to oversee the property donated by Mrs. Cecelia Fallin Rice. A group of volunteers grew, known as the Tavern Rangers, they took on the task of restoring and rebuilding the 1700s structure. Today, that structure stands tall, having been through a fire in 2009, and welcomes friends to dine at the wonderful cafe operated by the Tavern Culinary Guild, shop in the Heritage Arts Center Gift Shoppe, and enjoy the history we offer. Since the restoration of the Historic Tavern, the Foundation has gone on to build and enhance the land behind it. Dan Purvis had a vision; to recreate the Blacksmith Shop; completed by volunteers in 2005 after Dan's passing, the shop contains a working forge. Many beautiful items are handcrafted by the volunteers. The Tavern Meeting Building was completed in 2006 and is used for meetings by Foundation and community organizations. The building plays a large part in our fundraising events and is available for rent. The Carriage House, completed in 2007 is the home for historic carriages and related artifacts. The carriages are proudly displayed at events and the space open to the public during special tours and upon request.
9 locals recommend
Rice's Hotel / Hughlett's Tavern
73 Monument Pl
9 locals recommend
Rice's Hotel/Hughlett's Tavern is located on Route 360 in the heart of Heathsville's Historic Town Square. The Tavern sits directly behind the Old Court House and is one of the oldest surviving wood structures on Virginia's Northern Neck. The original three-room tavern was built by John Hughlett some 250 years ago, and is on both the Virginia and National Registers of Historic Places. The Rice's Hotel/Hughlett's Tavern Foundation was created in 1990 by the Northumberland County Historical Society to oversee the property donated by Mrs. Cecelia Fallin Rice. A group of volunteers grew, known as the Tavern Rangers, they took on the task of restoring and rebuilding the 1700s structure. Today, that structure stands tall, having been through a fire in 2009, and welcomes friends to dine at the wonderful cafe operated by the Tavern Culinary Guild, shop in the Heritage Arts Center Gift Shoppe, and enjoy the history we offer. Since the restoration of the Historic Tavern, the Foundation has gone on to build and enhance the land behind it. Dan Purvis had a vision; to recreate the Blacksmith Shop; completed by volunteers in 2005 after Dan's passing, the shop contains a working forge. Many beautiful items are handcrafted by the volunteers. The Tavern Meeting Building was completed in 2006 and is used for meetings by Foundation and community organizations. The building plays a large part in our fundraising events and is available for rent. The Carriage House, completed in 2007 is the home for historic carriages and related artifacts. The carriages are proudly displayed at events and the space open to the public during special tours and upon request.

Winery’s and Brew

51 locals recommend
Good Luck Cellars
1025 Goodluck Rd
51 locals recommend
34 locals recommend
The Dog and Oyster Vineyard
65 Tavern Rd
34 locals recommend
27 locals recommend
Montross Brewery & Beer Garden
15381 Kings Hwy
27 locals recommend
29 locals recommend
General's Ridge Vineyard
1618 Weldons Dr
29 locals recommend
8 locals recommend
Vault Field Vineyards
2953 Kings Mill Rd
8 locals recommend
Winery. Bring a lunch and enjoy a tasting. Amazing outdoor patio to enjoy.
24 locals recommend
The Hague Winery, Inc.
8268 Cople Hwy
24 locals recommend
Winery. Bring a lunch and enjoy a tasting. Amazing outdoor patio to enjoy.
A new brewery in town. Follow on Facebook for their updated events. Its about 10-15 minutes down the street. The space opens to the outside with oversize garage doors. Live music. There's also a deli next door.
16 locals recommend
Callao Brewing Company
129 Northumberland Hwy
16 locals recommend
A new brewery in town. Follow on Facebook for their updated events. Its about 10-15 minutes down the street. The space opens to the outside with oversize garage doors. Live music. There's also a deli next door.
21 locals recommend
Ditchley Cider Works
1571 Ditchley Rd
21 locals recommend

Parks & Nature

Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve contains several excellent examples of tidal and non-tidal wetlands, as well as exemplary undeveloped beaches, dunes, and upland forests. The preserve supports the federally threatened northeastern beach tiger beetle (Cicindela dorsalis dorsalis) and other rare invertebrates. Hughlett Point is an important wintering area for migrating waterfowl and songbirds, and provides habitat for bald eagles, osprey and northern harriers.
37 locals recommend
Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve
5755 Balls Neck Rd
37 locals recommend
Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve contains several excellent examples of tidal and non-tidal wetlands, as well as exemplary undeveloped beaches, dunes, and upland forests. The preserve supports the federally threatened northeastern beach tiger beetle (Cicindela dorsalis dorsalis) and other rare invertebrates. Hughlett Point is an important wintering area for migrating waterfowl and songbirds, and provides habitat for bald eagles, osprey and northern harriers.
The 316-acre Dameron Marsh Natural Area Preserve is one in a series of protected lands that line the western and eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia. This preserve contains one of the most significant wetlands on the Chesapeake Bay for marsh-bird communities, and its pristine beach habitat is highly important for the federally threatened northeastern beach tiger beetle (Cicindela dorsalis dorsalis). DCR's efforts to conserve sites like Dameron Marsh are an effective means to sustain these important coastal ecosystems and both rare and common species. Dameron Marsh supports impressive salt marsh communities, sand beach, and upland forest habitats. Most upland portions of the property were used for agricultural purposes for over three centuries. However, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, in partnership with The Nature Conservancy and the Army Corps of Engineers, has restored the former fields to forested habitats that now support a great diversity of wildlife and contribute to water quality improvement in the Chesapeake Bay. The Department's Chesapeake Bay Region Steward oversees the management and restoration activities at the preserve, monitoring marsh and shoreline habitats for birds, tiger beetles, and other natural heritage resources. "Public Access at Dameron Marsh Natural Area Preserve" Public access facilities at the preserve include a small parking area, walking trails, and a boardwalk and wildlife viewing platform overlooking the marsh and Chesapeake Bay. A designated "hand-carry" boat put-in site is also accessible via a short trail that accommodates kayaks, canoes and other small "car-top" vessels. A drop-off point and vehicle turn-around facilitates launching, with vehicles returning to the parking area. An online Dameron Marsh NAP self-guided field trip guide (PDF) is available to help you enjoy your visit.
7 locals recommend
Dameron Marsh Natural Area Preserve
7 locals recommend
The 316-acre Dameron Marsh Natural Area Preserve is one in a series of protected lands that line the western and eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia. This preserve contains one of the most significant wetlands on the Chesapeake Bay for marsh-bird communities, and its pristine beach habitat is highly important for the federally threatened northeastern beach tiger beetle (Cicindela dorsalis dorsalis). DCR's efforts to conserve sites like Dameron Marsh are an effective means to sustain these important coastal ecosystems and both rare and common species. Dameron Marsh supports impressive salt marsh communities, sand beach, and upland forest habitats. Most upland portions of the property were used for agricultural purposes for over three centuries. However, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, in partnership with The Nature Conservancy and the Army Corps of Engineers, has restored the former fields to forested habitats that now support a great diversity of wildlife and contribute to water quality improvement in the Chesapeake Bay. The Department's Chesapeake Bay Region Steward oversees the management and restoration activities at the preserve, monitoring marsh and shoreline habitats for birds, tiger beetles, and other natural heritage resources. "Public Access at Dameron Marsh Natural Area Preserve" Public access facilities at the preserve include a small parking area, walking trails, and a boardwalk and wildlife viewing platform overlooking the marsh and Chesapeake Bay. A designated "hand-carry" boat put-in site is also accessible via a short trail that accommodates kayaks, canoes and other small "car-top" vessels. A drop-off point and vehicle turn-around facilitates launching, with vehicles returning to the parking area. An online Dameron Marsh NAP self-guided field trip guide (PDF) is available to help you enjoy your visit.
Belle Isle has seven miles of shoreline on the Northern Neck's Rappahannock River and provides access to Mulberry and Deep creeks. The park lets visitors explore a wide variety of tidal wetlands interspersed with farmland and upland forests. It has a campground, three picnic shelters, hiking, biking and bridle trails, and motor boat and car-top launches. Belle Isle also offers overnight lodging at Bel Air and the Bel Air Guest House. Bicycle, canoe and kayak rentals are available. Guests also enjoy the park's universal access playground, boardwalk and fishing pier, and educational programs. The Bel Air historic area is ideal for weddings. The diverse habitats found in the park provide homes to many predator birds, such as blue herons, osprey, hawks and bald eagles. White-tailed deer, turkeys, groundhogs, rabbits, squirrels, moles, reptiles and amphibians are also common. There are eight distinct types of wetlands within the park. These diverse ecosystems make Belle Isle an excellent outdoor laboratory for environmental education.
49 locals recommend
Belle Isle State Park
1632 Belle Isle Road
49 locals recommend
Belle Isle has seven miles of shoreline on the Northern Neck's Rappahannock River and provides access to Mulberry and Deep creeks. The park lets visitors explore a wide variety of tidal wetlands interspersed with farmland and upland forests. It has a campground, three picnic shelters, hiking, biking and bridle trails, and motor boat and car-top launches. Belle Isle also offers overnight lodging at Bel Air and the Bel Air Guest House. Bicycle, canoe and kayak rentals are available. Guests also enjoy the park's universal access playground, boardwalk and fishing pier, and educational programs. The Bel Air historic area is ideal for weddings. The diverse habitats found in the park provide homes to many predator birds, such as blue herons, osprey, hawks and bald eagles. White-tailed deer, turkeys, groundhogs, rabbits, squirrels, moles, reptiles and amphibians are also common. There are eight distinct types of wetlands within the park. These diverse ecosystems make Belle Isle an excellent outdoor laboratory for environmental education.
The delighted screams of children echo through the forest, as dappled sunlight shines down on their excited faces. Running through trails, kids shout in exhilaration as they spot their favorite storybook or television character. The amused adults accompanying them stand similarly in wonder, looking about as they reconnect with cartoon heroes from their childhoods, mystical spirits, local landmarks, and gorgeous wildlife all hand carved into dozens of tableaus in the trees around them. DSC_0108.jpg It is a magical scene, and while it may sound like a fairytale, this reality plays out on almost any sunny day — and it is not in some grand theme park, but rather it is in a small woodland, hidden on a side road in the quaint town of Warsaw, Virginia and known to all as “The Enchanted Forest.” As he walks among the trees, the site’s creator and carver, Tom Rhodes, is happy to talk to visitors who stroll through the woodlands. Be it their first time, or their hundredth, he greets each guest as if they are family. A humble man, he patiently answers questions, points out special carvings that have personal significance, and always has a smile and open ear to any suggestions for a new carving. During a recent interview, the octogenarian explained that he feels “blessed” to be able to share his passion for carving with the people who walk the trails of the forest. “This place gives people pleasure, and you can’t get too much nature,” he said, pointing to one of his earliest figures of a woodland spirit, the visage of a wise-looking elder who seems to guard the entrance with a smile. “I don’t know of anywhere in the world that has this.” http://thehouseandhomemagazine.com/culture/a-cut-above/
Tom Rhodes Tree Carving Trail
211 Wallace St
The delighted screams of children echo through the forest, as dappled sunlight shines down on their excited faces. Running through trails, kids shout in exhilaration as they spot their favorite storybook or television character. The amused adults accompanying them stand similarly in wonder, looking about as they reconnect with cartoon heroes from their childhoods, mystical spirits, local landmarks, and gorgeous wildlife all hand carved into dozens of tableaus in the trees around them. DSC_0108.jpg It is a magical scene, and while it may sound like a fairytale, this reality plays out on almost any sunny day — and it is not in some grand theme park, but rather it is in a small woodland, hidden on a side road in the quaint town of Warsaw, Virginia and known to all as “The Enchanted Forest.” As he walks among the trees, the site’s creator and carver, Tom Rhodes, is happy to talk to visitors who stroll through the woodlands. Be it their first time, or their hundredth, he greets each guest as if they are family. A humble man, he patiently answers questions, points out special carvings that have personal significance, and always has a smile and open ear to any suggestions for a new carving. During a recent interview, the octogenarian explained that he feels “blessed” to be able to share his passion for carving with the people who walk the trails of the forest. “This place gives people pleasure, and you can’t get too much nature,” he said, pointing to one of his earliest figures of a woodland spirit, the visage of a wise-looking elder who seems to guard the entrance with a smile. “I don’t know of anywhere in the world that has this.” http://thehouseandhomemagazine.com/culture/a-cut-above/
The Hickory Hollow Nature Trail offers 3.5 miles of footpaths that meander through 250 acres of mixed pine-hardwood forest, ravines and Cabin Swamp that form an important habitat for migratory songbirds, wild turkey and a rare plants. This site, protected from development by the Northern Neck Audubon Chapter, is home to many interesting breeding birds including Acadian flycatcher, hooded, and black-and-white warblers. The park is also home to over 500 plant species, including beautiful wildflowers. Careful lookers can be treated to rare orchids and emerging mushrooms after a heavy, late summer rain. There are abundant springs and seeps in the ravine areas that harbor a variety of species, including the rare Tidewater amphipod, a small crustacean. Colored markers mark the nature trails and a variety of accompanying resources including a trail map, plant list, and tree guide can be accessed on the Northern Neck Audobon Chapter’s website.
9 locals recommend
Hickory Hollow Natural Area Preserve
Regina Road
9 locals recommend
The Hickory Hollow Nature Trail offers 3.5 miles of footpaths that meander through 250 acres of mixed pine-hardwood forest, ravines and Cabin Swamp that form an important habitat for migratory songbirds, wild turkey and a rare plants. This site, protected from development by the Northern Neck Audubon Chapter, is home to many interesting breeding birds including Acadian flycatcher, hooded, and black-and-white warblers. The park is also home to over 500 plant species, including beautiful wildflowers. Careful lookers can be treated to rare orchids and emerging mushrooms after a heavy, late summer rain. There are abundant springs and seeps in the ravine areas that harbor a variety of species, including the rare Tidewater amphipod, a small crustacean. Colored markers mark the nature trails and a variety of accompanying resources including a trail map, plant list, and tree guide can be accessed on the Northern Neck Audobon Chapter’s website.
On the Potomac River's Northern Neck, this park offers many opportunities for family fun. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has an Olympic-sized swimming pool and an adjacent bathhouse, meeting area, snack bar, camp store and power-boat ramp. You'll also find a visitor center, campgrounds, camping cabins, cabins, a playground, a fishing pier, boat rentals and 6 miles of trails. Fossil collectors enjoy hunting for ancient shark teeth along the Potomac. Offshore breakwaters are great for fishing. Birding enthusiasts find the park an excellent site for spotting American bald eagles, ospreys, kingfishers, great blue herons, common terns, green herons and gulls, as well as wintering waterfowl. The Potomac River Retreat is an overnight center suitable for family reunions and other gatherings of up to 16. Its waterfront location provides docking space at a boathouse. Murphy Hall, atop Horse Head Cliffs, offers a superb view of the Potomac River. The hall accommodates up to 72 people for meetings and other gatherings. Amenities include audiovisual equipment, a warming kitchen for catered events and an executive board room. There's limited cell phone service in the park. WiFi is available at the camp store.
68 locals recommend
Westmoreland State Park
145 Cliff Road
68 locals recommend
On the Potomac River's Northern Neck, this park offers many opportunities for family fun. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has an Olympic-sized swimming pool and an adjacent bathhouse, meeting area, snack bar, camp store and power-boat ramp. You'll also find a visitor center, campgrounds, camping cabins, cabins, a playground, a fishing pier, boat rentals and 6 miles of trails. Fossil collectors enjoy hunting for ancient shark teeth along the Potomac. Offshore breakwaters are great for fishing. Birding enthusiasts find the park an excellent site for spotting American bald eagles, ospreys, kingfishers, great blue herons, common terns, green herons and gulls, as well as wintering waterfowl. The Potomac River Retreat is an overnight center suitable for family reunions and other gatherings of up to 16. Its waterfront location provides docking space at a boathouse. Murphy Hall, atop Horse Head Cliffs, offers a superb view of the Potomac River. The hall accommodates up to 72 people for meetings and other gatherings. Amenities include audiovisual equipment, a warming kitchen for catered events and an executive board room. There's limited cell phone service in the park. WiFi is available at the camp store.
At the mouth of Bush Mill Stream freshwater meets the saltwater of the Great Wicomico River. Fresh to brackish tidal marshes and mud flats are hidden between the steep-sided forested shores of this upper Coastal Plain stream. The quiet waters are home and resting area for an abundance of waterfowl and wading birds, including colonial nesting birds and raptors. At all times of the year, but particularly when parents are feeding their young, the marshes and adjacent tidal mud flats attract large numbers of great blue herons. This remote reach of stream and river is an excellent example of a habitat that once was abundant in the Chesapeake Bay drainage. Several ancient oaks and large mountain laurel remain in the mostly second-growth forest of this preserve. "VISITATION: " Access can be gained by foot or canoe. Public access facilities are open during daylight hours and include trails, a boardwalk, a wildlife viewing platform and interpretive signs.
6 locals recommend
Bush Mill Stream Natural Area Preserve
6 locals recommend
At the mouth of Bush Mill Stream freshwater meets the saltwater of the Great Wicomico River. Fresh to brackish tidal marshes and mud flats are hidden between the steep-sided forested shores of this upper Coastal Plain stream. The quiet waters are home and resting area for an abundance of waterfowl and wading birds, including colonial nesting birds and raptors. At all times of the year, but particularly when parents are feeding their young, the marshes and adjacent tidal mud flats attract large numbers of great blue herons. This remote reach of stream and river is an excellent example of a habitat that once was abundant in the Chesapeake Bay drainage. Several ancient oaks and large mountain laurel remain in the mostly second-growth forest of this preserve. "VISITATION: " Access can be gained by foot or canoe. Public access facilities are open during daylight hours and include trails, a boardwalk, a wildlife viewing platform and interpretive signs.
Heathsville Loop - BIKE TRAIL Beginning and ending in the historic town of Heathsville, this 32-mile bicycling loop explores a landscape shaped by water, forestry and farming. Leaving Heathsville, take Route 634/Spring Road near St. Stephen’s Anglican Church past Clark Mill Pond to Coan Wharf Landing, a former steamboat landing for the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Doubling back on Route 634, take Route 629 in Northumberland County to Route 637. For a short side trip, take Route 604 to Bush Mill Stream State Natural Area Preserve and stop for short walk on the forested trails. Complete the loop on Route 779 back to Heathsville. Founded in 1648, Heathsville is the county seat of Northumberland County, named for native son John Heath who represented Virginia in the U.S. House of Representatives. Near the Tavern, on Back Street, tour the historic jail and the Historical Society visitor center, and visit the several antique, thrift and gift shops. The Heathsville loop will take approximately 2 hours, 45 minutes. Another site to visit in the area is Robert E. Lee’s childhood home, Stratford Hall. For information on attractions and accommodations in Virginia’s Northern Neck, please visit http://www.northernneck.org/index.htm.
Heathsville
Heathsville Loop - BIKE TRAIL Beginning and ending in the historic town of Heathsville, this 32-mile bicycling loop explores a landscape shaped by water, forestry and farming. Leaving Heathsville, take Route 634/Spring Road near St. Stephen’s Anglican Church past Clark Mill Pond to Coan Wharf Landing, a former steamboat landing for the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Doubling back on Route 634, take Route 629 in Northumberland County to Route 637. For a short side trip, take Route 604 to Bush Mill Stream State Natural Area Preserve and stop for short walk on the forested trails. Complete the loop on Route 779 back to Heathsville. Founded in 1648, Heathsville is the county seat of Northumberland County, named for native son John Heath who represented Virginia in the U.S. House of Representatives. Near the Tavern, on Back Street, tour the historic jail and the Historical Society visitor center, and visit the several antique, thrift and gift shops. The Heathsville loop will take approximately 2 hours, 45 minutes. Another site to visit in the area is Robert E. Lee’s childhood home, Stratford Hall. For information on attractions and accommodations in Virginia’s Northern Neck, please visit http://www.northernneck.org/index.htm.