Northern Neck Day Trips

Photo courtesy of: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources

If it feels like everyone you know is on vacation this August, and you are itching to dip your toes in the water but don’t have time for a long trip, we are fortunate to have some great getaways not far from the DMV. You can spend a day in Annapolis or perhaps a full weekend in Talbot County, but Maryland isn’t the only place to enjoy an abundance of rivers and the Chesapeake Bay. The Northern Neck (NNK), nestled between the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers in Virginia, is also a favorite for day or weekend trips.

Steeped in history and known for excellent fish, crabs, and oysters, the Northern Neck is broken up into 5 counties: King George, Westmoreland, Richmond, Northumberland, and Lancaster. Each county is bordered by at least the Potomac River, Chesapeake Bay, or Rappahannock River. Popular with cyclists, birders, and of course boaters, there is so much to do and see in this beautiful region. We hope you will take the time to explore and support the area’s communities and savor nature’s bounty so close to the DMV.

King George County

Photo courtesy of: King George County

If you are traveling from the DC metro area, King George County bordered by both the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers, is the first you will reach by car and the furthest west in the Northern Neck.

Ricks on the River

6338 Riverview Dr, King George, VA 22485

Riverfront restaurant and bar, celebrating summer since 2011. Enjoy good food on the river with breathtaking views.

Tim’s II at Fairview

5411 Pavilion Dr. King George, VA 22485

For over two decades, Tim’s II at Fairview has been a top riverfront destination in King George County for its time-honored seafood recipes and unique mixed drinks.

Unique Antiques and Home Decor Mall

9600 James Madison Pkwy, King George, VA 22485

Unique Antiques is the area’s largest home décor mall, featuring over 140 dealers specializing in exquisite antique furniture and collectibles, as well as French Country, primitive, farm style, nautical, mid-century modern and retro home décor.

Westmoreland County

Photo courtesy of: Our Community Now

Westmoreland County, just east of King George, is also bordered by both the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers, although the Potomac coastline is the majority. Colonial Beach (CBVA) is one of the most popular towns for dining and overnight accommodations in the NNK. There are five beaches in the area including the downtown Ferry Landing District with a boardwalk, municipal fishing pier, and bathhouse facility.

Dockside Restaurant & Tiki Bar

1787 Castlewood Dr, Colonial Beach, VA 22443

Fun and enjoyable for all, whether you dine in the Bourbon Bar by the fireplace, on the screened-in porch, in the sand at our picnic tables or at our tiki bar.

Wilkerson’s Seafood Restaurant

3900 McKinney Blvd, Colonial Beach, VA 22443

Overlooking the Potomac River, Wilkerson’s has been serving you since 1946. From delicious seafood to mouthwatering steaks, there is something for everyone and for every budget.

George Washington Birthplace National Monument

1732 Popes Creek Rd, Colonial Beach, VA 22443

George Washington Birthplace National Monument encompasses 550 acres of the former Popes Creek Plantation, the American ancestral home of the Washington Family.

Miss Lora’s Flowers and Gifts

15764 Kings Hwy, Montross, VA 22520

Miss Lora’s Flowers and Gifts proudly serves Montross, Virginia and surrounding areas. Family owned and operated, they are committed to offering the finest floral arrangements and gifts.

Richmond County

Photo courtesy of: Richmond County

If you continue southeast on Route 3, the next county is Richmond which is bordered by the Rappahannock River on the south. In 1996, the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge was established to protect and conserve wildlife habitats along the river. Five areas are open to the public.

Relish Restaurant and Wine Bar

115 Main St, Warsaw, VA 22572

Relish serves contemporary southern cuisine that is locally sourced and fresh from the farm.

Old Rapp Taphouse

130 Main St, Warsaw, VA 22572

Old Rapp Taphouse loves the Northern Neck lifestyle; play hard and work harder (or vice versa some days). They pay tribute to that daily by sourcing locally produced ingredients whenever possible, focusing on leaving a small footprint on this beautiful land, and by lending a hand in the community.

Northern Neck Popcorn Bag

132 Main St, Warsaw, VA 22572

Fresh, handcrafted gourmet popcorn. Come on in and pick your flavor or order online.

Northumberland County

Photo courtesy of: Northumberland County

Northumberland County, east of Westmoreland and Richmond counties, is bordered by the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay with popular marina’s for recreational and commercial boating. You can even book a boat cruise to Tangier Island out of Reedville.

Horn Harbor Restaurant

836 Horn Harbor Rd, Burgess, VA 22432

Great spot to come with friends and family to enjoy American style food in their classic dining room or out on the patio. Horn Harbor even has access for those who want to pull up by boat.

The Crazy Crab

902 Main St, Reedville, VA 22539

The Crazy Crab is a Reedville tradition where family and friends meet by land or by boat to enjoy delicious food and spirits while enjoying the sights and sounds of the Chesapeake Bay!

Ye Olde Book Shoppe

7202 Northumberland Hwy, Heathsville, VA 22473

If you can’t live without books, and you love to get lost in stories, then this is the place for you!

Lancaster County

Photo courtesy of: Lancaster County

Lancaster County, the southeastern tip of the NNK, is bordered by the Rappahannock River and the Chesapeake Bay. If you find yourself looking for an overnight stay, The Tides Inn is a relaxing resort in Irvington with golf and spa services.