Guidebook for Mathews County Va
Food Scene
We are lucky to have a diverse variety of dining establishments in our little ol' County of Mathews, several of which are located 5 miles or less from our property The Inn at Tabbs Creek. Of course, if you are a seafood lover, our area boasts some of the best and freshest local seafood on the east coast, particularly blue crab, fish and oysters. Dont care for seafood? There is something for everyone, and almost all of our local dining spots will cater to any dietary requests you may have. Many restaurants are located in old historic buildings filled with charm and character and offer a bar or beer and wine selection. We also now have a waterfront bar and restaurant , as well as a pizza delivery service! Hey, for a small secluded town that's pretty good news.
Ugh. We kinda hate that this place comes up as "Southwind Pizza" when it is really much more like a cafe and NOT your average Pizza Joint! Don't get us wrong...their Pizza is amazing and made fresh with different unique combinations of ingredients for their specialty pies, or you can create your own as well. BUT, in addition to their regular pizza, sandwich and salad menu they also offer daily lunch and dinner specials featuring fresh local seafood, traditional Southern, or sometimes "New American" and even some Greek offerings. Their home-made soups are also to die for. A new Beer Tap system was installed not long ago that offers several craft beers on tap with daily beer specials. This place is a local favorite as most of us consider it to be our main "local pub" to enjoy a great meal or just hang out at the bar or on the porch to enjoy a pint or two. Staff and patrons are all really friendly. Thursday nights are really popular as it is "Local Jam Nite" with anywhere from 2-10 locals gathering with instruments to jam and invite patrons to sing along, dance, or just enjoy. Play an instrument or sing? They are always wanting for new folks to join in! A variety of eclectic professional bands play live music every other Saturday night as well with a cover charge. Reservations are recommended for these nights. Come discover a true local gem! Southwinds is open Wednesdays - Saturdays for lunch and Dinner as well as Sunday for Sunday Brunch/Lunch from 11-3 from Mid-Feb through December
40 locals recommend
Southwind Pizza
44 Church StUgh. We kinda hate that this place comes up as "Southwind Pizza" when it is really much more like a cafe and NOT your average Pizza Joint! Don't get us wrong...their Pizza is amazing and made fresh with different unique combinations of ingredients for their specialty pies, or you can create your own as well. BUT, in addition to their regular pizza, sandwich and salad menu they also offer daily lunch and dinner specials featuring fresh local seafood, traditional Southern, or sometimes "New American" and even some Greek offerings. Their home-made soups are also to die for. A new Beer Tap system was installed not long ago that offers several craft beers on tap with daily beer specials. This place is a local favorite as most of us consider it to be our main "local pub" to enjoy a great meal or just hang out at the bar or on the porch to enjoy a pint or two. Staff and patrons are all really friendly. Thursday nights are really popular as it is "Local Jam Nite" with anywhere from 2-10 locals gathering with instruments to jam and invite patrons to sing along, dance, or just enjoy. Play an instrument or sing? They are always wanting for new folks to join in! A variety of eclectic professional bands play live music every other Saturday night as well with a cover charge. Reservations are recommended for these nights. Come discover a true local gem! Southwinds is open Wednesdays - Saturdays for lunch and Dinner as well as Sunday for Sunday Brunch/Lunch from 11-3 from Mid-Feb through December
Celebrating an Anniversary, Birthday, or special occasion? Or are you just a 'Foodie" who appreciates a fine dining experience? Then this is your go to spot here in Mathews, and we are so lucky to have a restaurant of their caliber here in our small rural town! Fine dining in a relaxed setting with full bar featuring selected wines and specialty cocktails, as well as seasonal menus focused on fresh, local and seasonal ingredients .
There are several options: dine in one of their classic historic dining rooms or at their cozy bar with fireplace featuring wonderful specialty cocktails, intimate dining space or seating at bar. In the warmer months, (when not booked for a special event), they often have their back patio and Key West style Bar open where you can eat outside and still enjoy the same full menu or more casual fare. Live music and special dinners/events on occasion. We love this place! The food is top notch, and all of our "Big" celebrations are here, but when we want to just want to have a more casual yet refined lunch or dinner, we pop in for some gourmet apps, drinks and seasonal specials. Very friendly atmosphere and owners are the Head Chef and Wife.
Mind you, they are only open for dinner Thursday-Sunday, but if you are visiting during that time be sure to at least stop by for a drink at the bar to learn about the history of the building and inquire if the Bartender on duty knows about the resident Ghost there!
32 locals recommend
The White Dog Bistro
68 Church StCelebrating an Anniversary, Birthday, or special occasion? Or are you just a 'Foodie" who appreciates a fine dining experience? Then this is your go to spot here in Mathews, and we are so lucky to have a restaurant of their caliber here in our small rural town! Fine dining in a relaxed setting with full bar featuring selected wines and specialty cocktails, as well as seasonal menus focused on fresh, local and seasonal ingredients .
There are several options: dine in one of their classic historic dining rooms or at their cozy bar with fireplace featuring wonderful specialty cocktails, intimate dining space or seating at bar. In the warmer months, (when not booked for a special event), they often have their back patio and Key West style Bar open where you can eat outside and still enjoy the same full menu or more casual fare. Live music and special dinners/events on occasion. We love this place! The food is top notch, and all of our "Big" celebrations are here, but when we want to just want to have a more casual yet refined lunch or dinner, we pop in for some gourmet apps, drinks and seasonal specials. Very friendly atmosphere and owners are the Head Chef and Wife.
Mind you, they are only open for dinner Thursday-Sunday, but if you are visiting during that time be sure to at least stop by for a drink at the bar to learn about the history of the building and inquire if the Bartender on duty knows about the resident Ghost there!
Who doesn't love a good Mexican Cantina? At first glance, this is pretty much your average Mexican food joint, (although we happen to think it is slightly above average), but beyond that they have so much more to offer. They offer a nice variety of South of the Border fare, with lots of good "Gringo" fare as well, plus a fun bar behind the Restaurant.
We like to call the little bar/cantina in the back our local "dive bar" in the most friendly sort of way as it is nothing fancy but a great place to gather and enjoy a margarita, or shot of Tequila, or draft beer, or whatever and shoot a game or two of pool, play some tunes on the jukebox , meet some of the locals, or catch a sports game on the TV. On a few select week ends, they even have live music with great bands and a small cover charge. In warmer months, they have outdoor seating on Main Street to sit and soak up the sun or watch the world go by. A fun place to hang out for "Thirsty Thursday" as well as other daily specials. Open every day except Mondays for Lunch and DInner.
11 locals recommend
Mi Casa Azteca Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
286 Main StWho doesn't love a good Mexican Cantina? At first glance, this is pretty much your average Mexican food joint, (although we happen to think it is slightly above average), but beyond that they have so much more to offer. They offer a nice variety of South of the Border fare, with lots of good "Gringo" fare as well, plus a fun bar behind the Restaurant.
We like to call the little bar/cantina in the back our local "dive bar" in the most friendly sort of way as it is nothing fancy but a great place to gather and enjoy a margarita, or shot of Tequila, or draft beer, or whatever and shoot a game or two of pool, play some tunes on the jukebox , meet some of the locals, or catch a sports game on the TV. On a few select week ends, they even have live music with great bands and a small cover charge. In warmer months, they have outdoor seating on Main Street to sit and soak up the sun or watch the world go by. A fun place to hang out for "Thirsty Thursday" as well as other daily specials. Open every day except Mondays for Lunch and DInner.
Hole in the Wall Bar and Grill is a favorite for locals and boaters, and just under a 15 minute drive from our location at The Inn at Tabbs Creek. It sits right on the water with beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay from inside dining area or outside deck. This is also a great place to watch Sunsets over the water. Enjoy fresh local seafood and oyster bar featuring locally raised oysters, and other fare as well as cold beer, cocktails or wine. Atmosphere is very laid back, and you can watch the boaters and local watermen launch from the nearby public boat ramp. They also feature live music some Fridays during Happy Hour. Open everyday except Wednesdays for Lunch and Dinner.
37 locals recommend
Hole in the Wall
384 Old Ferry RdHole in the Wall Bar and Grill is a favorite for locals and boaters, and just under a 15 minute drive from our location at The Inn at Tabbs Creek. It sits right on the water with beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay from inside dining area or outside deck. This is also a great place to watch Sunsets over the water. Enjoy fresh local seafood and oyster bar featuring locally raised oysters, and other fare as well as cold beer, cocktails or wine. Atmosphere is very laid back, and you can watch the boaters and local watermen launch from the nearby public boat ramp. They also feature live music some Fridays during Happy Hour. Open everyday except Wednesdays for Lunch and Dinner.
Basic dishes such as steaks, wings, seafood, pasta, burgers and pizza, but what makes this place truly unique is that it is the only place in the whole county of Mathews that delivers! That's right, if you just don't care to leave the property let them bring lunch or dinner to you!
9 locals recommend
Mathews Grill and Deli
296 Main StBasic dishes such as steaks, wings, seafood, pasta, burgers and pizza, but what makes this place truly unique is that it is the only place in the whole county of Mathews that delivers! That's right, if you just don't care to leave the property let them bring lunch or dinner to you!
Located in a former old time small town pharmacy, Richardsons cafe is a guest favorite for many reasons: the down home southern fare that often features fresh local seafood, the locally made deserts, the old soda fountain counter with stools for handcrafted milkshakes, malts, limeade, sundaes and floats, the 50's decor and old time TV shows on constant loop, plus friendly staff and large portions. In addition to the bar stools at the front of the old soda fountain counter, there are several indoor tables and booths as well as some outdoor tables along Main Street when there is warmer weather to enjoy. There is a regular menu as well as several Lunch and Dinner specials that change daily. Even if you do not make it here for lunch or dinner, it is well worth a pop in for ice cream or desert. Did we mention that desert is awesome? Open Everyday for Lunch, and open Everyday except Wednesday for Dinner.
40 locals recommend
Richardson’s Cafe
12 Church StLocated in a former old time small town pharmacy, Richardsons cafe is a guest favorite for many reasons: the down home southern fare that often features fresh local seafood, the locally made deserts, the old soda fountain counter with stools for handcrafted milkshakes, malts, limeade, sundaes and floats, the 50's decor and old time TV shows on constant loop, plus friendly staff and large portions. In addition to the bar stools at the front of the old soda fountain counter, there are several indoor tables and booths as well as some outdoor tables along Main Street when there is warmer weather to enjoy. There is a regular menu as well as several Lunch and Dinner specials that change daily. Even if you do not make it here for lunch or dinner, it is well worth a pop in for ice cream or desert. Did we mention that desert is awesome? Open Everyday for Lunch, and open Everyday except Wednesday for Dinner.
Great Pizza and Italian fare plus only Salad Bar in our small community! This is a small local place with limited seating, but you can also order for take out. And, they also have the only salad bar in our little small town...what?! Open every day except Sundays, and really good! Pizza is highly rated along with wings, subs and Calzones. Yum! Check them out.
10 locals recommend
Salty Dog Pizzeria
10532 Buckley Hall RdGreat Pizza and Italian fare plus only Salad Bar in our small community! This is a small local place with limited seating, but you can also order for take out. And, they also have the only salad bar in our little small town...what?! Open every day except Sundays, and really good! Pizza is highly rated along with wings, subs and Calzones. Yum! Check them out.
Ok, so our area is really known for it's amazing seafood, but did you know that we have super good Virginia BBQ here as well? Smoked on site, you can get Virginia pulled pork BBQ plus ribs, and some of the best Southern Style fried chicken you will ever have!. Great side dishes too along with smoked beef brisket as well. YUM!
14 locals recommend
Beach bum bbq
9303 Buckley Hall RdOk, so our area is really known for it's amazing seafood, but did you know that we have super good Virginia BBQ here as well? Smoked on site, you can get Virginia pulled pork BBQ plus ribs, and some of the best Southern Style fried chicken you will ever have!. Great side dishes too along with smoked beef brisket as well. YUM!
Everything Else
Visitors center with maps and information plus some history of the area and lots of unique arts and crafts made by local artists.
18 locals recommend
Mathews County Visitor and Information Center
239 Main StVisitors center with maps and information plus some history of the area and lots of unique arts and crafts made by local artists.
Schedule a therapeutic message or acupuncture session here. We highly recommend them and you will feel so much better and relaxed after even just one session! Medicinal herbs and medicines sold here as well.
5 Star Oriental Medicine
28 Church StSchedule a therapeutic message or acupuncture session here. We highly recommend them and you will feel so much better and relaxed after even just one session! Medicinal herbs and medicines sold here as well.
A really fun and interesting seasonal farm to visit, these guys sell medicinal herbs, essential oils, as well as some produce and eggs. They also host a variety of workshops, special events, drum circles, and poetry readings throughout the year.
CA & J Farm
5620 E River RdA really fun and interesting seasonal farm to visit, these guys sell medicinal herbs, essential oils, as well as some produce and eggs. They also host a variety of workshops, special events, drum circles, and poetry readings throughout the year.
Sightseeing
Observation deck from Lighthouse Road gives history and closest view of New Point Comfort light by land. There is also a kayak launch to paddle out to the 3rd oldest lighthouse in Chesapeake Bay. Cool
20 locals recommend
New Point Comfort Lighthouse
Observation deck from Lighthouse Road gives history and closest view of New Point Comfort light by land. There is also a kayak launch to paddle out to the 3rd oldest lighthouse in Chesapeake Bay. Cool
Parks & Nature
Beautiful secluded bay beach located just 5 miles from our Inn. Ride a bike, (country roads are low traffic and FLAT!), or drive down. Great spot for a walk, picnic, birdwatching or sunbathing. Not a good swimming beach...(see Havens Beach for that). But beautiful for watching both moonrises and sunsets
19 locals recommend
Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve
State Route 609Beautiful secluded bay beach located just 5 miles from our Inn. Ride a bike, (country roads are low traffic and FLAT!), or drive down. Great spot for a walk, picnic, birdwatching or sunbathing. Not a good swimming beach...(see Havens Beach for that). But beautiful for watching both moonrises and sunsets
The New Point Comfort lighthouse is a mile or so out in the water, but there is a great observation deck owned by the Nature Conservancy with a nice view and history of the lighthouse. Also, a public launch site for kayaks, small sail boats, Jet skis, or SUP boards to get up close to this iconic lighthouse, the second oldest in the Chesapeake Bay.
20 locals recommend
New Point Comfort Lighthouse
The New Point Comfort lighthouse is a mile or so out in the water, but there is a great observation deck owned by the Nature Conservancy with a nice view and history of the lighthouse. Also, a public launch site for kayaks, small sail boats, Jet skis, or SUP boards to get up close to this iconic lighthouse, the second oldest in the Chesapeake Bay.
A beautiful spot just a few miles from our location at The Inn at Tabbs Creek. A great place to kayak to from our place with a few historical sites along the way and restroom facilities. Only non-motorized craft allowed here with a long floating dock perfect to launch kayaks, SUP boards, canoe, etc. Covered pavilion great for a picnic, (if not rented for a private event). Nice dock for fishing/crabbing the Bay as well.
Williams Wharf Landing
Williams Wharf RoadA beautiful spot just a few miles from our location at The Inn at Tabbs Creek. A great place to kayak to from our place with a few historical sites along the way and restroom facilities. Only non-motorized craft allowed here with a long floating dock perfect to launch kayaks, SUP boards, canoe, etc. Covered pavilion great for a picnic, (if not rented for a private event). Nice dock for fishing/crabbing the Bay as well.
Arts & Culture
The Bay School Community Arts center features different exhibitions in various media which switch rotate monthly. Several ongoing art classes are offered each month as well as several individual events such and wine and paint nights, cooking demos, etc. Mathews is becoming well known as a small artist community and many feature their works here as well as various artists throughout the region.
12 locals recommend
Bay School Community Arts Center
279 Main StThe Bay School Community Arts center features different exhibitions in various media which switch rotate monthly. Several ongoing art classes are offered each month as well as several individual events such and wine and paint nights, cooking demos, etc. Mathews is becoming well known as a small artist community and many feature their works here as well as various artists throughout the region.
A very small but unique museum filled with all kinds of history including Maritime, Revolutionary war, (find out about the Battle of Cricket Hill!), and Civil War. Very knowledgeable and friendly docents. It is only open from April-October on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, but if really interested, they sometimes will offer a private tour in off days.
gwynns island historical museum
Cricket Hill RoadA very small but unique museum filled with all kinds of history including Maritime, Revolutionary war, (find out about the Battle of Cricket Hill!), and Civil War. Very knowledgeable and friendly docents. It is only open from April-October on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, but if really interested, they sometimes will offer a private tour in off days.
An award winning small town library, this is a beautiful building with nice sunny courtyard in back. They host several events, lecture series, speakers, authors and concerts throughout the year. If you are tracing your genealogy or family history in Mathews County, there is a wonderful person there that will be happy to assist you with a free appointment.
6 locals recommend
Mathews Memorial Library
251 Main StAn award winning small town library, this is a beautiful building with nice sunny courtyard in back. They host several events, lecture series, speakers, authors and concerts throughout the year. If you are tracing your genealogy or family history in Mathews County, there is a wonderful person there that will be happy to assist you with a free appointment.
Shopping
This little boutique is one of our absolute favorites! Specializing in coastal and cottage decor, she has many unique re-finished items as well as new gift items. You can also find a small boutique in the back of the shop with contemporary ladies clothing and lots of cool jewelry. Very reasonably priced.
9 locals recommend
Roane's Antiques
291 Main StThis little boutique is one of our absolute favorites! Specializing in coastal and cottage decor, she has many unique re-finished items as well as new gift items. You can also find a small boutique in the back of the shop with contemporary ladies clothing and lots of cool jewelry. Very reasonably priced.
This unique shop is a thrift store that features several unique vendors selling everything from handcrafted soaps to antique items to clothing to rugs to decor...you name it! We have found some great deals here, but mostly fun to see all the stuff in there.
It's Bazaar
16 Church StThis unique shop is a thrift store that features several unique vendors selling everything from handcrafted soaps to antique items to clothing to rugs to decor...you name it! We have found some great deals here, but mostly fun to see all the stuff in there.
A fairly big consignment shop with almost anything you can imagine! Mathews has become a "hotbed" of sorts for "unique boutiques" and consignment/thrift shops. This one has been around for quite some time and always fun to visit.
9 locals recommend
Doodlebugs Consignments Shop
240 Main StA fairly big consignment shop with almost anything you can imagine! Mathews has become a "hotbed" of sorts for "unique boutiques" and consignment/thrift shops. This one has been around for quite some time and always fun to visit.
So many consignment stores in Mathews! We love checking them all out on a regular basis as we are always finding new and interesting pieces to add to our rooms/property. This shop has a great selection of furniture and decor items.
ETC
60 Pine Hall RdSo many consignment stores in Mathews! We love checking them all out on a regular basis as we are always finding new and interesting pieces to add to our rooms/property. This shop has a great selection of furniture and decor items.