Your Guide to Visiting Virginia in November

If you prefer the buttery, sweet oysters harvested from the waters of the upper Chesapeake Bay or the rivers that empty into this renowned waterway, plan your November vacation to the Northern Neck/River Realm area, staying in charming small towns like Irvington, Kilmarnock, and Urbanna. 

For the oyster enthusiasts that love the briny, salty oysters found in the Atlantic Ocean waters, the Eastern Shore makes for a fantastic home base during your November getaway.

Where to Stay

A luxury retreat in the Northern Neck’s town of Irvington, The Tides Inn is a private waterfront resort that has been welcoming guests for more than 75 years. The property offers peaceful tranquility in the natural landscape of the cove, with the landscaped areas utilizing native plants to seamlessly blend the lush property grounds with the surrounding coastline. 

There is plenty to do on-site at the Tides Inn, from guided cruises and boating trips to golfing and pampering treatments at the spa, but if you’re looking to learn more about Virginia’s oysters, book a tour to go out on the Bay and see how the marine creatures are harvested. Afterwards, you’ll return to the inn, where you can watch a waterman grill oysters to perfection and enjoy these locally-sourced delicacies with a glass of Virginia wine. 

For a boutique stay in Irvington, check out the Hope & Glory Inn and don't miss dining at the micro-vineyard and oyster bar The Dog & Oyster.

Located just north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, the Cape Charles/Chesapeake Bay KOA is an affordable option for lodging near Cape Charles. The resort’s private beach provides a prime spot to take in a sunset. 

Continue your drive up the Shore and stop in Onancock to stay at The Charlotte Hotel, a boutique retreat in this pristine coastal town, or head up to Chincoteague for a romantic retreat at the Channel Bass Inn. 

Where to Eat

Dine on fresh oysters and other seafood at Merroir, a waterfront tasting room owned by Rappahannock Oyster Company. While you’ll find a casual, laid-back ambiance at the restaurant, expect only the highest quality of seafood served with a side of incredible views of the river. 

Take the bridge across the river into Irvington and head to Fish Hawk Oyster Bar at the Tides Inn for lunch or dinner. Another waterfront spot offering locally sourced seafood as well as burgers and sandwiches, food can either be enjoyed inside the watermen-themed restaurant, on the patio overlooking the water, or by the luxurious pool. 

Chincoteague’s Pico Taqueria is a must for taco fans, and with the motto, “You can put anything in a taco,” the unique spins on the Mexican classics will have you craving their tasty tacos long after you leave the shore. 

If you’re searching for upscale dining options in the Northern Neck, make reservations at Adrift in White Stone. Helmed by a husband and wife duo that both trained at the Michelin-star Inn at Little Washington restaurant, Adrift utilizes partnerships with the local watermen and farmers to create a seasonally-inspired menu that highlights the flavors of the Chesapeake Bay. 

There are many delicious seafood dining destinations on the Eastern Shore; in Cape Charles, The Shanty’s seasonal menu includes all your raw and steamed favorites, such as clams, shrimp, and oysters, a rotation of fresh catch seafood entrees, and options like burgers, tacos, and sandwiches for the “land lover” diners. Pair your meal with one of their signature “crushes”, a vodka cocktail mixed with colorful fruit juices. 

Located on Sunset Beach Resort’s private beach, the Jackspot’s incredible waterfront views make for a memorable dining experience when in the Cape Charles area.

What to Do

As oysters are on the agenda for November, map out an itinerary along the Virginia Oyster Trail to dine on oysters from the eight distinct oyster regions, book a guided tour at an oyster farm, or pick up a bushel of oysters to take home after your vacation. 

A can’t-miss oyster experience in November for the Northern Neck is the Urbanna Oyster Festival. Held the first weekend in November, this culinary festival offers a pay-as-you-go approach, giving you the chance to sample whatever tasty culinary delights you come across as you walk around the grounds. In addition to food and drink, the festival features an oyster shucking competition, a parade and car show, and live music performances throughout the weekend. 

While coastal outdoor activities like kayaking slow down during the cooler months, the chilly weather is ideal for warming up with a glass of wine at a Virginia vineyard. Visit Chatham Vineyards on the Eastern Shore, or if you’re planning a trip to the Northern Neck area, check out Good Luck Cellars, The Hague Winery, and General’s Ridge Vineyard.

In Irvington, Compass Entertainment Complex offers families options for indoor and outdoor fun. From a movie theater to indoor arcade and adventure room to mini golf and go-carts, you're bound to find something you love here.

On Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Iron Pony Adventure Park is a family-friendly attraction that allows visitors to climb to new heights and tackle over 30 aerial obstacles on two courses. Don’t miss the Pony Plunge, a 26-foot high leap of faith that will test even the most daring adrenaline lovers. 

The Eastern Shore may be known for the sleepy coastal towns and the abundance of fresh seafood, but the peninsula has yet another hidden gem: NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility. The visitor center invites the public to delve into the history and future of the flight facility through interactive exhibits, captivating videos, special events, educational programs, and guided group tours.

More Virginia Vacation Ideas for November

As temperatures drop and skies become clearer, stargazing events offer incredible views of the night skies above. While you can stargaze in any rural area free of light pollution, some areas offer organized stargazing experiences, such as Nelson County’s Dark Skies events. We've also got our favorite stargazing spots in Virginia to check out. 

Spend Veteran’s Day at a historic site, such as the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, to honor the brave people who have served our country.

Sample These Wine Events

Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest hosts the Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival on November 8 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Enjoy live music while celebrating the father of Virginia wine. Tasting tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door and include a complimentary Poplar Forest wine glass. Hopewell is also celebrating wine lovers with the 14th annual Hopewell Wine-Tasting Festival on November 22. The festival runs from 12 to 5 p.m. and features tastings from seven Virginia wineries. 

Another option for exploring Virginia's wine scene is to find a cozy winery. Snuggle up by the fire, sip some new wines, and take in views of Virginia Wine County in the late fall. 

If you're already decking the halls, Virginia is home to several holiday light displays that begin in mid-November.