The Northern Neck
A travel guide to Virginia's Northern Neck.
The Northern Neck is the peninsula where the Potomac meets the Chesapeake Bay. These are the places we point guests to from the cottage — the host's own short list, not a scrape of every business in the county. Coming to stay? Here's what to bring.
From the cottage
- Reedville, VA 15 min
- Kilmarnock, VA 30 min
- Irvington, VA 45 min
- Warsaw, VA 45 min
- Richmond, VA 110 min
Where to eat
The food scene
Waterfront seafood, a brewery, an ice cream stop worth the drive — the places we send guests to, and a few we keep going back to ourselves.
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The Office Bistro
IrvingtonWe enjoyed this with our two little girls. The decor evokes the dentist office it used to be. The girls liked the pizza; we liked the pasta and burger. A quirky, fun spot.
43 locals recommend
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Chao Phraya
KilmarnockOne of our favorites in Kilmarnock. Sushi plus a long list of Thai options — the curry dishes were really nice.
31 locals recommend
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Reedville Market
ReedvilleSolid waterfront dining in Reedville — decent food and a relaxed spot to settle in by the water for an evening.
71 locals recommend
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Horn Harbor House
BurgessWaterfront dining we happily go back for — settle in by the water and start with the crab dip, which is a real standout. The rest of the menu delivers too.
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Chitterchats
ReedvilleThe best ice cream stop around. They serve Richmond's Gelati Celeste, our personal favorite in all of Virginia.
50 locals recommend
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Food Lion
HeathsvilleNot fancy, but this is the nearest grocery store. Friendly, helpful staff.
39 locals recommend
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Callao Brewing Company & Restaurant
CallaoA great local brewery, a favorite with visitors from near and far, and a pretty short drive from the house.
29 locals recommend
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Kellum Farms
LancasterGreat local produce — fruits and lovely flowers in season. Call ahead to confirm hours and offerings; contact info is on their social media page.
16 locals recommend
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Kellum Farms Produce & Seafood
IrvingtonA second Kellum location. For hours and offerings, contact their Irvington store.
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Rivah Vineyards at The Grove
KinsaleA delightful afternoon adventure nearby. Typically open weekends only — check their website. They host events from time to time, so see if anything lines up with your stay.
23 locals recommend
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The Local
IrvingtonCoffee and baked goods in the middle of Irvington, a longtime local favorite. A good first stop before a walk down to the water.
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The Vine
IrvingtonWine, craft beer, and small plates a short walk from the Irvington waterfront. Our pick for an easy pre-dinner hour.
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Fish Hawk Oyster Bar
IrvingtonA casual oyster bar at the Tides Inn, steps from Carter's Creek. You don't have to be a resort guest. Cold oysters and a drink by the water is the move; call ahead about walk-in availability. The Tides Inn's main dining room, Salt and Meadow, is here too.
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The Dog and Oyster Vineyard
IrvingtonOn the Hope and Glory Inn grounds: estate wine paired with local oysters. A very Northern Neck way to spend an afternoon.
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The Colonnade at Hope and Glory
IrvingtonThe most elevated dinner in Irvington, a prix fixe in a historic inn. Reserve ahead.
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Dredge
IrvingtonA newer Irvington spot for Virginia oysters, steamed crabs and shrimp, and a good burger. Fills up on weekends, so go early or reserve.
Worth the trip
Sightseeing
Working-water history, a few minutes from the dock.
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Reedville Fishermen's Museum
ReedvilleA local spot the locals love. They run lots of events through the year — call or check the website to see what's on during your stay, and whether events are members-only or open to guests.
54 locals recommend
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Steamboat Era Museum
IrvingtonIrvington was once a busy Chesapeake steamboat port. The museum tells that story and has a restored pilothouse you can operate yourself. About an hour, right on the main street.
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Hope and Glory Inn
IrvingtonA former boarding school turned inn, worth a slow look even if you're not staying. The Dog and Oyster Vineyard is on the grounds.
Treasure hunting
Antiques & markets
Antique galleries, a thrift shop or two, and country markets stocked by local farmers and watermen.
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Kilmarnock Antique Gallery
KilmarnockA cute little store for antique hunting and a nice souvenir to remember your time here.
40 locals recommend
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Friends of the Northumberland County Animal Shelter Thrift Shop
BurgessWe like to stop here for antiques. Call to confirm hours before going — plenty of treasures to be found.
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Rivah Consignments
KilmarnockAnother antique and thrift shop if you enjoy treasure hunting like we do.
6 locals recommend
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Jeff's Country Market
HeathsvilleA nice little local country market. They partner with local farmers, fishermen, and butchers for great local eats and odds and ends.
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Irvington Farmers Market
IrvingtonFirst Saturday of the month, May through November, at Irvington Commons: local produce, prepared food, art, and live music. An easy hour if you let it be.
Out on the water
The area is good. The dock is better.
Crabbing, kayaking, and a cedar sauna are a few steps from the back door. See what there is to do without leaving the property.