A Weekend Trip to Montross: 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 Montross 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 That ‘70s Hive.)
Read on for your complete guide to enjoy the best weekend possible in this sweet coastal spot along Virginia’s Northern Neck. And for even more on the Northern Neck, visit our guides on Irvington and Kinsale!
— by Paige Poprocky, Social Media Manager (and the brains behind Sips & Trips with Paige. Follow her @sipsandtripswithpaige!)
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 Montross — a town with historic roots, as it’s located near George Washington's birthplace and the Stratford Hall Historic Preserve.
The Northern Neck, as a whole, is one of Virginia's most renowned regions. It was initially 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
That ‘70s Hive
That ‘70s Hive is a nearby Harmonized Getaways property that features vintage furnishings *and* a firepit, four neighboring beaches, a stellar porch, spots to play tennis and pickleball, and all the hip and groovy vibes.
Here’s (some of) what host Maria has to say about the space:
“A quintessential 1970s house, characterized by bold patterns, earthy color schemes, and avocado green appliances. Geometric wallpaper and low-slung furniture dominate the living spaces. Disco-era charm extends to vibrant bedrooms; backyard boasts a lighted firepit area. This nostalgic retreat immerses guests in the groovy aesthetics of the ‘70s, providing a retro-cool escape. four beaches, a pool, and tennis. Close to Westmoreland State Park, Colonial Beach, art galleries, great restaurants, and more.”
Location: Montross, VA (Exact location provided after booking)
Booking link: Found here
What to Do
Murals
Montross is considered the mural capital of the Northern Neck as it has 14 beautiful murals located on or inside different buildings within the town quarters.
Location: Varies
LOVE Sign
The "L" stands as a "waterman" boot, symbolizing the riverside culture. An oyster, forming the "O," represents the state's tourism initiatives, dining experiences, and connection to the NNK and Virginia Oyster Trail. The "V" takes the shape of a shark’s tooth, symbolizing the unique area, beachcombing, and, notably, Westmoreland State Park, a tourism gem near Montross. Lastly, the "E" signifies the deep agricultural roots of the area and, specifically, the emerging wine industry, while also linking to the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail, another notable tourism initiative.
Location: 15725 Kings Hwy (Montross)
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 powerboat 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 River. Find our TikTok exploring Fossil Beach here.
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)
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
George Washington Birthplace
George Washington Birthplace National Monument is located in the Northern Neck of Virginia. It encompasses 551 acres of land where seven generations of the Washington family lived and where George Washington was born in 1732.
Location: 1732 Popes Creek Rd (Colonial Beach)
Hours: Found here
James Monroe Birthplace Park & Museum
The James Monroe Birthplace Park & Museum is a more-than-70-year project of the James Monroe Memorial Foundation, which was established by the descendants of President James Monroe.
Location: 4460 James Monroe Hwy (Colonial Beach)
Hours: Found here
Colonial Beach
Take a dip in the calm waters of the Potomac River at Colonial Beach! This adorable beach town is north of Richmond and east of Fredericksburg. The downtown Ferry Landing District is a fun and adventurous spot with a boardwalk, waterfront restaurant, shopping, and playground. If you’d prefer a quieter experience, pick a spot a little further north or south from downtown. Colonial Beach offers a public washroom along with outdoor rinse stations so you can get the sand off before heading home.
There is plenty to explore beyond the beach, including:
Adventures & Experiences
Sunkitty Enterprises paddle board rentals
Ferry Landing Pier kayak, bike, and paddle board rentals
Food & Drink
Colonial Beach Brewing
Ice House Brewery & Kitchen
Dockside Restaurant & Tiki Bar
High Tides on the Potomac
Circa 1892
Monroe Bay Vineyards
Riverboat on the Potomac
Muse Pizzeria & Arcade
Orchid Thai
Shopping
Hawthorne Mercantile
Peddlers Market
Where to Eat
Relish Restaurant & Wine Bar
Need to know: Relish serves contemporary Southern cuisine locally sourced and fresh from the farm and Chesapeake Bay.
Location: 115 Main St (Warsaw)
Hours: Found here
Angelo’s
Need to know: Angelo’s has been feeding the Northern Neck since 1986 — enjoy the fresh seafood steamer bar or order a hand-tossed pizza.
Location: 15835 Kings Hwy (Montross)
Hours: Found here
Art of Coffee
Need to know: This spot is a premier bistro, coffeehouse, and art gallery serving full homestyle breakfast and unique lunches.
Location: 15722 Kings Hwy (Montross)
Hours: Found here
Coles Point Tavern
Need to know: Coles Point Tavern is located on a pier in the Potomac River, technically in Maryland, but only accessible from Virginia. It is a "weather-beaten bar" that serves customers from the neighborhood in and around Stratford Hall.
Location: 820 Salisbury Park Rd (Hague)
Hours: Found here
Where to Drink Wine
Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail
Ten premier wineries are located in Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay wine region, encompassing Virginia's Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. There are four wineries close to Montross that you can enjoy during your visit:
Need to know: Opening in 1980, Ingleside Vineyards is one of Virginia’s oldest and largest wineries and produces over 18 types of wine from its estate-grown grapes.
Location: 5872 Leedstown Rd (Oak Grove)
Hours: Found here
Need to know: Back Porch serves a selection of wines that include some of their favorites from other Virginia vineyards and their very own label.
Location: 16595 Wilmont Rd (King George)
Hours: Found here
Need to know: The Hague Winery tasting room is on the historic Buena Vista plantation, established circa 1835. The tasting room is housed in a former barn that overlooks the manor home, outbuildings, vineyards, and surrounding farmland.
Location: 8268 Cople Hwy (Hague)
Hours: Found here
Need to know: This historic 150+-year-old estate has three tasting and event rooms and two short-term rental homes.
Location: 1618 Weldons Dr (Hague)
Hours: Found here
Where to Drink Beer
Callao Brewing Company
Need to know: Nano Brewery is in the hometown of the Northern Neck, Callao. Fresh beer is brewed on site.
Location: 129 Northumberland Hwy (Callao)
Hours: Found here
Northern Neck Brewing Co.
Need to know: This fully functioning brewery and pub is in the center of Montross, and its beer is brewed traditionally in-house and served in a relaxing environment.
Location: 15804 Kings Hwy (Montross)
Hours: Found here
Montross Brewery & Beer Garden
Need to know: This is the first brewery in Virginia’s Northern Neck.
Location: 15381 Kings Hwy (Montross)
Hours: Found here
Old Rapp Taphouse
Need to know: Old Rapp Taphouse has a 2,200-square-foot taproom and outdoor beer garden showcasing premium craft lagers and ales.
Location: 130 Main St (Warsaw)
Hours: Found here
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