Small Towns You Need to Visit on Virginia’s Northern Neck

The Northern Neck is a sweet spot of Virginia, nestled between the Potomac and the Rappahannock Rivers.

The scenery is beautiful, the seafood is delicious, and the pace of life is just a little bit (well, maybe a lot) slower - and all these things combined make it a must-visit part of the state. The best part of any trip to the Northern Neck might be sitting back and taking in the view, but small towns throughout the Northern Neck have plenty to offer in the way of shopping, dining, lodging, and activities.

Our lodging recommendations focus mostly on inns, boutique hotels, and bed and breakfasts, but house rentals through Airbnb and VRBO are another great option, especially for longer stays on the Northern Neck.

Here are some of the small towns where you might consider a stay in the area and how we recommend passing the time in each.

Irvington

Irvington describes itself as a “rustic village” and visiting here is a bit like stepping back in time.

The Tides Inn offers water views and many unique experiences, among them an oyster shucking class and a bird exploration cruise.

A stay at the Hope & Glory Inn will allow guests to enjoy the micro-vineyard, boutique room accommodations, saltwater pool, and fine dining.

You might have all you need if you stay at either of these properties, but it’s worth venturing out to visit local shops and restaurants. The Local is a great spot for breakfast and lunch - its patio is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely meal or cup of coffee and feel like, well, a local, even if just for an hour or so.

Colonial Beach

While best known for its beach and golf cart vibes, Colonial Beach is also ripe with history. On your way into town, visit the George Washington Birthplace National Monument, on the land where George Washington was born in 1732. After your history lesson, you’ll be free to enjoy the beach, which is one of the largest beachfronts in the Commonwealth.

The Riverview Inn is steps away from the beach, making the motel a convenient option for ample water views.

Wind down with happy hour at small batch brewery Colonial Beach Brewing or grab dinner on the water at Dockside Restaurant & Tiki Bar.

Reedville

The best way to enjoy Reedville is by strolling down its Victorian Main Street featuring restaurants like Reedville Coffee House and Chitterchats Ice Cream Parlor.

Learn about the maritime history of Reedville and the lower Chesapeake Bay at the Reedville Fisherman’s Museum.

Stay at Ma Margaret’s House Bed & Breakfast, where chef and owner Alva Jackson hosts visitors in a restored house. A stop at Fawn's Delectables Cafe will provide a sweet ending to your visit on the way out of town.

Kilmarnock

Kilmarnock may be the “commercial hub” of the Northern Neck, but one thing is for sure—this town is not lacking any charm.  When you arrive, visit Kilmarnock Town Centre Park to enjoy a picnic, dive into a book, or let the kids splash around in water features perfect for warm weather. 

Antique lovers will enjoy spending time browsing at Kilmarnock Antiques Gallery, where more than 100 dealers display collections, including the largest display of oyster plates for sale in the country.

Grab a meal from Car Wash Café) visitors rave about the crab cakes and breakfast options!) before resting your head at the Kilmarnock Inn, where local presidential history is celebrated with each of its eight guest cottages named for a Virginia-born president.

White Stone

A small town nestled in Lancaster County, White Stone’s offerings span from food to shopping. Make a reservation for a memorable meal at Adrift, which opened in 2018 when couple Devin and Kati decided to return home to the Northern Neck after working in acclaimed kitchens including the Inn at Little Washington. Chesapeake Doughnut Company is a must-stop for a sweet snack or breakfast. Before you go, be sure to pop into the August Table Shoppe to get a firsthand look at beautiful table linens all designed in Virginia.

As you can see, the small towns of Virginia’s Northern Neck have quite a lot to offer. Now just one question remains: which one will you visit first?