Looking for a coastal escape with small-town charm? Head to Irvington, Virginia! Tucked along the Chesapeake Bay, Irvington is a serene getaway known for luxury inns, fresh seafood, scenic cruises, and a walkable village vibe. It’s a perfect mix of relaxation and refinement.
🌤 When I like to visit
The best time to visit Irvington is in the spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) when the weather is mild and the Chesapeake Bay is at its most inviting. Summer also draws visitors looking for boating, beaches, and sunshine.
🗺 My tips for getting There
- By Car: Irvington is located on Virginia’s Northern Neck, about 1.5 hours east of Richmond and 3 hours from Washington, D.C.
- By Plane: The nearest major airport is Richmond International Airport (RIC), with car rentals available for the drive to Irvington.
- By Boat: Visiting by water? Irvington is accessible via Carter’s Creek and the Rappahannock River, with marinas and docking available.
🏬 Where I like to stay
- The Tides Inn – Waterfront luxury resort with a marina, spa, golf, and fine dining in a tranquil setting.
- Hope and Glory Inn – Boutique inn with vintage charm, garden cottages, and a vineyard cruise experience.
- Kilmarnock Inn – Elegant bed-and-breakfast nearby with presidential-themed rooms and Southern hospitality.
Top Attractions
- Steamboat Era Museum – Discover the fascinating history of steamboats and their role in Chesapeake Bay life.
- Tides Inn Marina – Dock your boat or rent kayaks and paddleboards for a day on Carter’s Creek.
- Dog and Oyster Micro-Vineyard – Sip local wine and slurp oysters at this whimsical vineyard with outdoor tasting areas.
- Irvington Farmers Market – Browse fresh produce, baked goods, and artisan wares on the town green (seasonal Saturdays).
- Rappahannock River Cruises – Take a scenic boat tour or sunset cruise along the bay and river waters.
Unique Attractions
1. Step Into Colonial Faith and Craftsmanship at Historic Christ Church and Museum
The Historic Christ Church is located just outside of the village of Irvington in Weems, Virginia. This National Historic Landmark has remained fundamentally unchanged for around three hundred years. Started in 1730 by Robert “King” Carter, the church was completed in 1735 by his sons and now stands as one of southern United States’ best preserved colonial churches. Visitors can explore the museum at the Historic Christ Church to take a step back to the past and learn about the colonial past through historical artifacts and interactive displays, along with Native American ceramics and tools found at the site.
Historic Christ Church, 420 Christ Church Rd, Weems, VA 22576, Phone: 804-438-6855
2. Sip and Savor Coastal Wines at The Dog and Oyster Vineyard
The Dog and Oyster Vineyard is a dog-friendly winery that’s hard to miss with its 40-foot pair of corkscrews indicating the entrance to the vineyard. The name was chosen to acknowledge the dogs, who are rescues, who keep the vineyard’s grapes from being eaten by deer, as well as recognize the significance of oysters to the region. Situated only around a half-mile from the main part of town, The Dog and Oyster Vineyard can be reached by car, bike, or on foot and is the only vineyard with wines made specifically to pair with oysters in the United States.
The Dog and Oyster Vineyard, 170 White Fences Dr, Irvington, VA 22480, Phone: 804-438-9463
3. If You Love Eclectic Finds and Local Art, Then Browse Objects, Art and More
Objects, Art and More is a Georgetown-type art gallery set in the historic village of Irvington, Virginia. The gallery is full of unique treasures, home decor, wood, furniture, pottery, blown glass, handcrafted jewelry, sculptures, and paintings. Formerly a 1950’s gas station, the now state-of-the-art, sophisticated gallery represents more than two hundred artists from all over the United States. There are also several artists from other parts of the world showcased at the gallery. In addition to the year-round art gallery, Objects, Art and More also hosts a number of monthly events throughout the spring, summer, and autumn seasons.
Objects, Art and More, 4462 Irvington Rd, Irvington, VA 22480, Phone: 804-438-8024
🥗 Where to Eat
- The Tides Inn Chesapeake Restaurant – Upscale coastal cuisine with panoramic waterfront views.
- Vine – Stylish bistro with fresh seasonal plates and an excellent wine selection.
- Sandpiper Restaurant – Local favorite serving classic seafood dishes in a cozy, casual setting.
Local Events
- Irvington Farmers Market (April–November) – Monthly open-air market with local produce, crafts, and live music.
- Bay Seafood Festival (September) – Enjoy all-you-can-eat seafood and regional specialties for a good cause.
- Holiday on the Creek (December) – Celebrate the season with lights, music, and festivities around Carter’s Creek.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Irvington, Virginia
- Kilmarnock (5–10 min) – Shop local boutiques, dine downtown, or visit the town’s charming museums and trails.
- White Stone (5–10 min) – Relax at Windmill Point Beach or grab drinks with a view at the Waterman’s Retreat.
- Weems (10–15 min) – Visit historic churches and enjoy the quiet rural beauty of this nearby hamlet.
- Belle Isle State Park (25–30 min) – Hike, fish, paddle, or camp in this scenic riverside park on the Rappahannock.
- Reedville (30 min) – Explore the Fishermen’s Museum and walk the waterfront in this working fishing village.
FAQ
- Question: Where is the village of Irvington, Virginia located?
- Answer: The quaint village of Irvington, Virginia is a charming place located along the banks where Carter’s Creeks meets the Rappahannock River.
- Question: How far is Irvington from the Chesapeake Bay?
- Answer: Irvington is only a little more than ten miles away from the Chesapeake Bay, making it a great place to spend a day and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
- Question: What activities can visitors enjoy in Irvington?
- Answer: Despite its small size, the little village is home to a variety of things to do, such as visiting a dog-friendly winery, exploring a National Historic Landmark, discovering unique and beautiful artwork, or taking a short cruise.
- Question: Where can visitors stay in Irvington?
- Answer: Stay at the beautiful Tides Inn with beautiful water views.
Map:
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