A Weekend Trip to irvington: What to Eat, Drink, See & Do
Let’s go to Virginia’s River Realm!
If you’re looking to hit the shore but are hoping for calm waters and small-town charm, then Irvington 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 places to stay. (Spoiler: The answer for that last one is with Harmonized Getaways.)
Read on for your complete guide to enjoy the best weekend possible in this sweet coastal spot along Virginia’s River Realm.
— by Paige Poprocky, Social Media Manager
Basic Info
Virginia's Northern Neck website features lots of information about the area, including details about historical 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 Lancaster County — a small part of the area, located right near the mouth of the Rappahannock River.
The Northern Neck, as a whole, is one of the most historic 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
Harmonized Getaways
Maria Getoff is a part-time Irvington resident and vacation homeowner, as well as the founder of Harmonized Getaways. The small, woman-owned company brings you charming, fun, and well-managed vacation rentals in Virginia, and it currently has stays in Alexandria, Lake Anna, and the Northern Neck. Maria offers expert service and her personal touch when you book.
As an Airbnb superhost and major advocate for the Northern Neck as a whole, Maria knew she wanted to expand to host additional properties around town. Enter: Harmony Tides Cottage — a bright and romantic cottage that sleeps a total of six guests, with three bedrooms and bathrooms.
Set among the trees on two wooded acres, this cottage delights with gothic architecture, sun-filled rooms, and a hot tub. This area has a slew of cottages that are all fondly nicknamed “The Tents” and modeled after Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard.
An amazing touch: In addition to hosting hundreds of guests at the hospitable properties across town, Harmonized Hosting also offers a concierge service that will stock the fridge or arrange for dinner to be waiting for you upon arrival. You can also add on an in-home chef experience with Chef Brenda — an experience you will never forget!
Give Maria a follow on Instagram @harmonized.getaways for all the best vacation inspo.
The Hope and Glory Inn
Those of you seeking rest, relaxation, and romance will find everything you need and more at the whimsical boutique hotel. Let the feelings of peace and tranquility simply wash over you, from your head to your toes, as soon as you step inside the Hope and Glory Inn. This Chesapeake Bay paradise was once an elite boarding school in 1890, and it has since graduated into a mega-stylish hotel in Irvington within Virginia’s River Realm.
Choose from 13 rooms and cottages, each individually styled, a dog-friendly micro-vineyard and oyster bar, an acclaimed Chef whose restaurant was named Best for Foodies TRIPSAVVY, boat cruises aboard the owners’ classic boat, and so much more at this one-of-a-kind Virginia winery resort.
Location: 65 Tavern Rd
What to Do
Sail & Surf Adventures
Step aboard Captain Clay’s sailboat, Galene, and float on the Rappahannock River. We enjoyed an intimate sunset cruise to end our evening, but there is something for everyone with Sail & Surf Adventures: Enjoy a breezy brunch cruise, an all-day excursion to a seaside raw bar, a moonlight cruise, or the surf trip of a lifetime.
No matter the type of trip or adventure you’re looking for, Captain Clay encourages you to leave behind the hustle and bustle of life ashore, breathe in the salty air, and spend your time with loved ones on the water.
Location: 347 Carter’s Cove Dr
Daily Magic Workshop
Enjoy an intimate workshop with Ally, the artist behind Daily Magic. The whole workshop is centered around ceramic jewelry and specifically focuses on earrings.
You'll spend two hours getting all kinds of creative — rolling clay, making designs, and creating magic, while Ally is on hand to answer any questions or troubleshoot designs with you. After you finish your pieces, you’ll pick out your glazes, tidy up your workspace, and head on home. Ally will take care of the rest: firing, glazing and assembly.
Location: 300 Rio Vista
Email to book: ally.the.artist@gmail.com
Windswept Experience & Supply Co.
If you’re in the shopping mood while you’re in town, head to Windswept. It’s “an elevated retail and service experience for all things apparel, bicycles, boards, accessories, vintage — nestled within a 1920s service station.”
Location: 19 King Carter Dr
Hours: Found here
Where to Eat & Drink
Adrift
Location: 572 Rappahannock Dr
Hours: Found here
Chesapeake Restaurant & Terrace at The Tides Inn
Location: 480 King Carter Dr
Hours: Found here
The Local
Location: 4337 Irvington Rd
Hours: Found here
The Office Bistro
Location: 4346 Irvington Rd
Hours: Found here
Dredge
Location: 4357 Irvington Rd
Hours: Found here
Good Luck Cellars
Location: 1025 Good Luck Rd
Hours: Found here
Vine Wine
Location: 77 King Carter Dr
Hours: Found here
Where to Shop
Daily Magic Shop
Location: 235 Steamboat Rd
Hours: Found here
Livi’s Market
Location: 4447 Irvington Rd
Hours: Found here
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