A Weekend Trip to KINSALE: What to Eat, Drink, See & Do
Let’s go to the Northern Neck!
If you’re looking to hit the shore but are hoping for calm waters and small-town charm, then Kinsale is the perfect destination for you! We spent a weekend in this nearby locale so we could sniff out all the best things to eat, drink, see, and do while we were there — as well as the best place to stay. (Spoiler: The answer for that last one is at the Granary Apartment near The Slips.)
Read on for your complete guide to enjoy the best weekend possible in this sweet coastal spot along Virginia’s Northern Neck. And for more on the Northern Neck, visit our guide on Irvington.
— by Paige Poprocky, Social Media Manager
Basic Info
Virginia's Northern Neck website features lots of information about the area, including details about historic sites, lodging, dining, and more, but here are just a few of our favorite deets up top:
Generally speaking, the Northern Neck is where the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers meet the Chesapeake Bay, but this trip focused on Kinsale — nestled on the Yeocomico River, a tributary of the Potomac River. Kinsale was founded in 1706 and named after a waterfront village in County Cork, Ireland, meaning “Head of Salt Water.”
The Northern Neck, as a whole, is one of the most historical regions in Virginia, and it was originally inhabited by eight Virginia Native American tribes, who established villages along its shores. In 1608, one of our first tourists Captain John Smith wrote about the area, “Heaven and Earth never agreed better to frame a place for man's habitation.”
Where to Stay
The Granary Apartment
Overlooking the marina and Yeocomico River, this loft-style apartment is a perfect home base in the village of Kinsale. Take in all the area has to offer — beautiful views, coastal wildlife, historic sites, river adventures, wineries, local seafood, and produce — and come back to relax in this lovely setting. The loft sleeps five, and dogs are welcome!
If you stay at The Granary Apartment, you get access to the amenities at the Yeocomico Club at The Slips!
Kinsale Guest House
Located in the middle of the historic village of Kinsale, with a three-minute walk to the waterfront, the Kinsale Guest House is historic on the outside and brightly painted on the inside. It’s a great writer's retreat or base camp for sailing, fishing, field trials, and exploring nearby vineyards, Westmoreland State Park, Stratford Hall, and other attractions.
Morningtide Cottage
Enjoy amazing waterfront sunrise views, visit local wineries, and relax in a tranquil setting surrounded by woods and water. This family-friendly home has plenty of space for lawn games, bike riding, fishing, and swimming from the dock. There are nearby marinas and launching points, so bring your boat to enjoy exploring the Yeocomico River, with just a quick ride out to the Potomac.
River Front Cottage
This privately owned river cottage is located in Sandy Point, VA — close to where the Potomac River meets the Chesapeake Bay. The cottage has a large beach and private pier. River Front Cottage includes a main cottage and guest cottage.
What to Do
The Slips
In the heart of Kinsale, The Slips was originally the site of a tomato canning factory in the 1880s. In 1956, more than a decade after the tomato canning factory closed, local Harry Lee Arnest, Jr. converted it into a marina.
Harry Lee sold the marina in 1984, and the canning factory was torn down by the next owners and replaced with the building that is there today. Harry Lee’s granddaughter, Annie Arnest, purchased the property in 2020 and is reviving it as a marina and club.
The Slips is a country marina with 90 slips, a clubhouse, and an engaging group of sailors and adventurers; it’s a perfect base for exploring the Northern Neck. The Slips offers a fleet of kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards to get you out and exploring the Yeocomico.
The Yeocomico Club gives you access to events focused on river recreation, education, and socialization. Club members also have access to the clubhouse on the weekends, a tennis court, a boat launch, classes, special events, a bar (once it’s open), and a pool membership. (And by the way, if you stay at the Granary Apartment, you get access to the amenities at the Yeocomico Club at The Slips!)
Location: 285 Kinsale Rd (Kinsale)
Kayak Trip
Leisurely tour the coves and secret spots of the Yeocomico River. You'll begin at The Slips marina, offering an amazing river route — wildlife, historic homes, private nooks, and sandy beaches await. This Airbnb experience will provide picnic supplies, such as a blanket, speakers, drinks, local produce, and lunch fixings.
Location: 285 Kinsale Rd (Kinsale)
Sail from The Slips
Annie Arnest (who owns and runs The Slips) and friends have been taking groups out sailing all summer, offering rides to many first-timers. They have plans to rent sailboats in the future and provide more formal sailing lessons, but for now, reach out to Annie if you're interested in a sailing experience.
Location: 285 Kinsale Rd (Kinsale)
Kinsale Charters
Book a ride with Captain Scottie Moss for a customized fishing trip or outing. Captain Moss charters out of The Slips in Kinsale, and there are various options for your fishing charter, such as length of time spent on the water (full-day versus partial). He is also available for other requests, including boat rides, parties, tours, and more.
Location: 285 Kinsale Rd (Kinsale)
Other great charters in the Nothern Neck are Captain Clay's Sail & Surf Adventures, based out of Weems, and Allon-Z Charters, based out of Reedville . (If you’re staying in Kinsale, Allon-Z Charters can pick you up from The Slips.)
Kinsale Museum
Kinsale Museum opened to the public in 1993 and promotes the preservation of Kinsale, which became a historic district in 2005. Open every Friday and Saturday, visit the local museum for an entertaining collection of Kinsale stories, and dive into their maritime history.
Location: 447 Kinsale Rd (Kinsale)
Hours: Found here
Garner’s Produce
Much more than your typical farm stand, this family-run market is open seven days a week and carries a great assortment of locally grown produce and well-sourced meats, cheeses, and other goods.
Location: 22645 Kings Hwy (Warsaw)
Hours: Found here
Menokin
Menokin is the home of Francis Lightfoot Lee — a signer of the Declaration of Independence. It’s a national historic landmark and one of the best-documented 18th-century houses in the United States.
Location: 4037 Menokin Rd (Warsaw)
Hours: Found here
Westmoreland State Park
Westmoreland State Park offers many opportunities for family fun. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has a bathhouse, meeting area, snack bar, camp store, and power-boat ramp. You'll also find a visitor center, campgrounds, camping cabins, a playground, a fishing pier, boat rentals, and six miles of trails. Fossil collectors enjoy hunting for shark teeth along the Potomac.
Location: 145 Cliff Rd (Montross)
Stratford Hall
Stratford Hall is a national history landmark that preserves the legacy of the Lee family. Established by Thomas Lee in the 1730s, Stratford Hall is one of the great houses of American history.
Location: 483 Great House Rd (Stratford)
Where to Eat & Drink
Art of Coffee
Location: 15722 Kings Hwy (Montross)
Hours: Found here
Coles Point Tavern
Location: 820 Salisbury Park Rd (Hague)
Hours: Found here
Callao Brewing Company
Location: 129 Northumberland Hwy (Callao)
Hours: Found here
The Backdraft
Location: 4357 Irvington Rd (Kinsale)
Hours: Found here
Chesapeake Doughnut Co.
Location: 500 Rappahannock Dr (White Stone)
Hours: Found here
Miss Mary Seafood
Location: 758 Rappahannock Dr (White Stone)
Hours: Found here
Jack Rabbit Express
Location: 11238 Cople Hwy (Kinsale)
Hours: Found here
Los Portales
Location: 803 Northumberland Hwy (Callao)
Hours: Found here
Angelo’s
Location: 15835 Kings Hwy (Montross)
Hours: Found here
Relish Restaurant & Wine Bar
Location: 115 Main St (Warsaw)
Hours: Found here
Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail
Ten premier wineries are located in Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay wine region, which encompasses the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula of Virginia. There are three wineries close to Kinsale that you can enjoy during your visit:
Rivah Vineyard
Location: 11238 Cople Hwy
Hours: Found here
The Hague Winery
Location: 8268 Cople Hwy (Hague)
Hours: Found here
General’s Ridge Vineyard
Location: 1618 Weldons Dr
Hours: Found here
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