Virginia's River Realm

Virginia's River Realm A place where the majestic Rappahannock River meets the Chesapeake Bay. A place where you can disconnect to reconnect with the things you love.

Our 9 charming towns and 500+ miles of shoreline are a quick hop from many of Virginia largest cities. Once you let the river set the pace, life here seems deliciously simple, its mysteries suddenly revealed. The wonder of a perfect oyster. The promise of a back road or secret cove. The pleasure of sharing a table with friends. The peace of whispering pines at sunset. While you’re here on these sh

ores, away from life’s urgent demands and time’s hold on you, your choice is clear. Find Your Shoreline.

Labor Day may mark the unofficial end of summer, but the fun in Virginia’s River Realm is far from over! ☀️ September is...
08/28/2026

Labor Day may mark the unofficial end of summer, but the fun in Virginia’s River Realm is far from over! ☀️ September is loaded with more live music, local food, markets, art and plenty of reasons to celebrate America's 250th...

🇺🇸 So much of our shared history starts right here in Virginia’s River Realm. See why when you join us for "Voices of Revolution: Middlesex County in the Words of Its People" on Sunday, September 13. Historian Eric Johnson of the Library of Virginia will share firsthand accounts of liberty, enslavement, faith and community during the American Revolution at the Historic Courthouse in Saluda.

And that’s just one stop to add to your weekend itinerary. Other events to enjoy while you're here...

🌿 Sept. 11–13 | Kilmarnock: Native Plant Sale at Good Luck Cellars, beginning Friday at 2:30 p.m.
🛍️ Sept. 12 | Urbanna: Farmers Market at Taber Park, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
🎨 Sept. 12 | Kilmarnock: Walk-In Paint Session at 36 North Arts & Crafts, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
🎉 Sept. 12–13 | Irvington: Compass Entertainment Complex Turns 6! Birthday Weekend, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
🎶 Sept. 12 | Lancaster: Summer Music at Yankee Point Marina, 3–6 p.m.
🎵 Sept. 12 | Tappahannock: Soul by the Rivah at Rappahannock River Park, 3–9 p.m.
🎸 Sept. 12 | Urbanna: Second Saturdays at Taber Park, 4–8 p.m.

The calendar stays full well beyond Labor Day! Book a stay, make a weekend out of it and experience the history, flavors, music and communities that make Virginia’s River Realm worth exploring in every season. 📍

Photo credit: Calder Loth, 2023, Virginia Department of Historic Resources.

Happy National Dog Day! Here are a few photos of sweet river doggies submitted by you a few years ago. They all look pre...
08/26/2026

Happy National Dog Day! Here are a few photos of sweet river doggies submitted by you a few years ago. They all look pretty happy don't they!?

Having fun with your dog on the rivah? Tag us in your photos! We'd love to share your tips for the PAWfect dog-friendly adventure.

Big yum at the Kilmarnock Inn LLC!!
08/25/2026

Big yum at the Kilmarnock Inn LLC!!

Here's your sign to plan your long weekend with us here by the rivah! ☀️🎶 Below is just a slice of events happening thro...
08/25/2026

Here's your sign to plan your long weekend with us here by the rivah! ☀️🎶 Below is just a slice of events happening throughout Labor Day weekend in Virginia’s River Realm. Which event will you be attending? What other events are on your radar? Drop suggestions in the comments! ⬇️

In between the events, shop local boutiques, get creative in an art class, explore antiques, eat fresh seafood, head out on the water, cast a line, and relax at a cozy vacation rental or inn...

📅 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
�🎬 Kilmarnock | Sunset | Movies on the Half Shell at Kilmarnock Town Centre Park featuring a FREE showing of Back to the Future with popcorn.

📅 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4�
🚘 Kilmarnock | 2–5 p.m. | See an authentic vintage DeLorean at Nacho Average Brewpub
👗 Kilmarnock | 6:45 p.m. | Break out your best ’80s look for the Costume Contest and a chance to win $500 cash.�
🎸 Kilmarnock | 7–9:30 p.m. | The DeLoreans bring the ultimate ’80s show to Town Centre Park.�
🍻 Kilmarnock | After the concert | Keep the fun going at the official ’80s After Party at Nacho Average Brew Pub.
Plus, Kilmarnock’s ’80s Selfie Tour is happening all week long! Tag !

📅 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
�🌽 Irvington | 9 a.m.–1 p.m. | Shop local farmers, makers and artisans at the Irvington Farmers Market
⛳ Hartfield | 1 p.m. | Hit the course for the Labor Day Tournament at Piankatank River Golf Club
🎶 Urbanna | 1–8 p.m. | Celebrate at Taber Park with FREE live music, food vendors and fun for all ages in Urbanna Main Street
🌊 Lancaster | 3–6 p.m. | Enjoy Summer Music at Yankee Point Marina with live music on The Beach, food trucks and The Boat Bar.

📅 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
�🍷 Kilmarnock | 12–5 p.m. | Sip the afternoon away at Sangria Sunday at Good Luck Cellars
🦀 Urbanna | 12–5 p.m. | Pick crabs at Urbanna Pearl Oyster Tavern for Crab Picking Sunday.�
💃 Deltaville | 6–8 p.m. | Wrap up the weekend with line dancing at Sandy Bottom Deltaville VA

There are more events on the calendar, which you can view on the app or on the website at virginiasriverrealm.com! Make a weekend of it! Find places to stay, eat, explore and play today 📲

Save the date for this fun event in Urbanna! Perfect post-summer getaway!
08/25/2026

Save the date for this fun event in Urbanna! Perfect post-summer getaway!

Take a walk on the wild side of Virginia’s River Realm. 🐬🦀🦅From early summer through fall, our rivers, marshes, forests ...
08/24/2026

Take a walk on the wild side of Virginia’s River Realm. 🐬🦀🦅

From early summer through fall, our rivers, marshes, forests and shorelines are full of wildlife to discover. Keep your eyes open for bottlenose dolphins cruising the Rappahannock, cownose rays gliding beneath the surface, great egrets along the marshes, diamondback terrapins, blue crabs, peregrine falcons and even groundhogs along our trails and fields.

Whether you’re exploring by boat, kayak or on foot, there’s always something wild waiting around the corner.

Explore our “Where the Wild Things Are” guide to learn what to look for, when to spot it and some of the best places to start your adventure in Virginia’s River Realm: https://www.virginiasriverrealm.com/discover-where-the-wild-things-are/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23617842843&gbraid=0AAAAABULWF-0_OHt20NdgSCF4opRJAiz1&gclid=CjwKCAjw7p_UBhBlEiwAhpIs79qDHQ-OuTgKQbzFjyol1r0U7u9_QoyBgQonZTYHhyWBaI_58VXgyhoC47YQAvD_BwE

Virginia’s River Realm is serving up some well-deserved attention! 🦀🌊Two of our local favorites, Merroir in Topping and ...
08/22/2026

Virginia’s River Realm is serving up some well-deserved attention! 🦀🌊

Two of our local favorites, Merroir in Topping and Tides Inn in Irvington, were featured among 12 Virginia destinations serving Chesapeake crab cakes “worth every mile of the drive.”

🦪 Merroir brings you right to the source with Rappahannock Oyster Company seafood, a laid-back atmosphere and incredible views overlooking the Rappahannock River.

⚓ The Tides Inn pairs Chesapeake flavors with waterfront dining on Carter Creek. Choose Fish Hawk Oyster Bar for a casual meal by the water or Salt & Meadow Restaurant for an elevated dining experience with a view.

Come hungry and make a weekend of it in Virginia’s River Realm. Use the Virginia’s River Realm app to find even more places to eat, stay and explore!

Does this post make you hungry? 🤤To-Do Cafe has been a Tappahannock favorite since 2009, serving up hand-breaded oysters...
08/20/2026

Does this post make you hungry? 🤤

To-Do Cafe has been a Tappahannock favorite since 2009, serving up hand-breaded oysters, crabcakes, po’ boys, BBQ, specialty burgers, lunch baskets and plenty more.

Under new ownership, this local favorite is still serving all the delicious dishes guests have come to love.

📲 Add To-Do Café to your next Tappahannock visit, and use the Virginia’s River Realm app to find even more places to eat, stay and play!

08/15/2026

National Relaxation Day is August 15, and you could be relaxing in Virginia’s River Realm. ☀️

There’s still plenty of warm weather left to slow down and make the most of summer.

🎣 Spend a quiet morning fishing.
🛏️ Stay at an elevated inn where everything is taken care of.
🍷 Sip crisp wine with a waterfront view.
🦪 Savor fresh, local seafood at local restaurants.
🛍️ Enjoy a little retail therapy at our local boutiques.
🌊 Or simply find a spot by the water and do absolutely nothing.

Ready to relax? Plan a getaway and let the Virginia’s River Realm app take some of the work out of it. Find places to stay, eat, shop and explore, then map out your perfect relaxation journey.

🦪 The Urbanna Oyster Festival is one of Virginia’s most iconic fall traditions. Taking over the waterfront town of Urban...
08/15/2026

🦪 The Urbanna Oyster Festival is one of Virginia’s most iconic fall traditions. Taking over the waterfront town of Urbanna each November, Virginia’s official oyster festival brings together fresh seafood, live music, parades, local wine, craft beer and more. Whether you've been before or this is our first time, here's your sign to enjoy it like a VIP!

✨ Upgrade your festival weekend with the VIP Oyster Lover Experience, including:
🦪 Six oyster tastings + two oyster shooters
🍷 Six wine tastings
🍺 Six beer tastings
🎟️ Access to three VIP hospitality tents
🪑 Exclusive seating + private restrooms
🙌 Festival concierge service
🎨 A commemorative festival poster
🛍️ Discounts at local businesses

This year, you can look for new experiences including Vibin’ with Val winery and a special VIP oyster tasting, with more details coming soon.

VIP tickets are available for Friday or Saturday and are online only. Must be 21+. Purchase here: https://urbannaoysterfestival.com/

Make a weekend of it in Virginia’s River Realm! Book your stay, explore Urbanna and get ready for one of the biggest celebrations of Virginia oysters. 🦪🍂

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1 N. Main Street
Kilmarnock, VA
22482

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