discovering the top 19 activities to engage in on Virginia's Middle Peninsula
discovering the top 19 activities to engage in on Virginia's Middle Peninsula
Located between the Northern Neck and the Lower Peninsula, home to Williamsburg and Jamestown, you'll find the lesser-known Middle Peninsula of Virginia. This region houses historic small towns such as Urbanna, Deltaville, and Mathews, each with its unique personality and culture.
In Urbanna, you can explore a 1680 port town that has transformed into a bustling area with stores and restaurants along Virginia Street, its central avenue. Further south, Deltaville is a modest community renowned in the sailing world. Lastly, Mathews, the "largest" of these three small towns, boasts a charming downtown filled with art galleries and shops.
Discover the Middle Peninsula through an itinerary filled with waterfront views, small-town charm, and, of course, many flavorful Rappahannock oysters. Here's a guide to where to stay, what to do, and where to dine as you explore the Middle Peninsula of Virginia.
Where To Stay in the Middle Peninsula
Stay Inside the City at The Chesapeake Inn
The Chesapeake Inn, recently renovated by its new owners, offers a refreshing blend of coastal charm. Situated in the heart of Urbanna, it's accessible to shops and restaurants. The decor is bright, cheerful, and coastal in feel, with vivid accents throughout. Visit its adjacent store, Ballgown Barefoot, to grab some of that style for yourself.
thechesapeakeinn.com, 250 Virginia St, Urbanna, VA 23175ballgownbarefoot.com, 250 Virginia St, Urbanna, VA 23175
Enjoy the Tranquility of the Countryside at The Inn at Tabbs Creek
For a peaceful getaway, stay in the comfort of The Inn at Tabbs Creek, a charming bed and breakfast located in Mathews County. With its cozy rooms and serene location on the creek, it offers a relaxing escape from urban life.
innattabbscreek.com, 384 Turpin Ln, Port Haywood, VA 23138
Sleep by the Water
Prefer the waterfront? Consider booking a vacation rental, offering scenic views of the Rappahannock River or cozy niches on various creeks.
Where to Eat and Drink on the Middle Peninsula
Satisfy Your Appetite with a Hearty Breakfast at Big Oak Café
Start your day with a satisfying breakfast at Big Oak Café. This popular eatery in Urbanna serves a variety of morning favorites, such as pancakes, chicken biscuits, and sausage gravy.
thebigoakcafe.com, 2761 Old Virginia St, Urbanna, VA 23175
Get Your Caffeine Fix at The Wooden Pickle
If you need a pick-me-up, visit The Wooden Pickle, a coffee shop in the heart of Urbanna, offering various coffee options like lattes and cappuccinos, in addition to dill-flavored pretzels.
facebook.com/The-Wooden-Pickle-Cafe, 280 Virginia St, Urbanna, VA 23175
Savor Al Fresco Dining at Merroir
Merroir is a must-visit for its breathtaking views and oysters from Rappahannock Oyster Company. Choose from the local Rappahannocks for a delicate, sweet flavor, or opt for Olde Salts for a more briny taste. Don't miss the popular oyster po'boy or the chance to snap a selfie with Miss Ruby, the deadrise boat next to the tasting room.
rroysters.com/merroir-topping-va.html, 784 Locklies Creek Rd, Topping, VA 23169
Grab Lunch at Urbanna Seafood Market and Raw Bar
For a casual waterfront meal with picnic tables and scenic views, try Urbanna Seafood Market and Raw Bar in Urbanna. Known for its baskets of fried seafood, hush puppies, and crabball appetizers, it's a great spot for an enjoyable lunch.
facebook.com/Urbanna-Seafood-Market-Raw-Bar, 453 Johnsons Dr, Urbanna, VA 23175
Sit Down with a View at Hole in the Wall
Savor a rum punch and enjoy the waterfront atmosphere at Hole in the Wall. This laid-back eatery has a seafood shack-inspired vibe, serving popular dishes like the Chesapeake burger and crab cakes.
holeinthallwaterfrontgrill.com, 384 Old Ferry Rd, Grimstead, VA 23064
Have a Casual Dinner at Something Different
Something Different has earned a reputation through its pit-smoked meats, including the Piedmont-style barbecue, live music on occasional Friday nights, and homemade ice cream. This lively eatery on Urbanna's main street is perfect for a post-shopping dinner.
somediff.com, 213 Virginia St, Urbanna, VA 23175
Try a Seafood Pizza from Delta Pie
Delta Pie is a popular spot for delicious Chesapeake-style seafood pizzas, combining local flavors for an unforgettable taste.
When you're by the river, it's convenient to discover that seafood is widely available, even on items like pizza. Savor dinner from this exquisite pizza spot and order the Rappahannock Special, a pizza with homemade garlic cream sauce, crab meat, red onion, mozzarella, ricotta, and a hint of Old Bay. There's also a charming home and kitchen store within the restaurant to browse while you wait.
delta-pie.com, 16474 General Puller Hwy, Deltaville, VA 23043
Delight in Elegant Dining at the Bistro White Dog
Mostly, the Middle Peninsula is known for its casual, serene, and carefree atmosphere. The Bistro White Dog also encapsulates these qualities, but with a more polished twist. The restaurant is located in a classic white house that dates back to around 1795, serving refined dishes such as a mixed grill of duck breast and pheasant sausage with a caramelized onion and woodland apple/berry glaze or a perfectly prepared beef tenderloin.
thhitedogbistro.com, 68 Church St, Maths, VA 23109
Dine Al Fresco at The Hatchery
From May to November, the ideal location to witness a breathtaking sunset and a delicious meal is at The Hatchery, a food-truck eatery situated on Gwynn's Island. Sample traditional favorites with a fried oyster basket or choose oysters bánh mî for an exciting twist.
thehatcheryculture.com, 425 Callis Wharf Rd, Grimstead, VA 23064
Activities To Enjoy on the Middle Peninsula
Hire a Boat Charter
If you're going to spend a couple of days near the water, you should also venture out on the water. Many options are available to hire a boat or go on a sunset tour, and W.H. Murray Marine and Guide Services is one that's conveniently located in Urbanna. Offering fishing charters and cruises, you can experience the region from a whole new perspective.
urbannacruises.com, Urbanna, VA
Visit a Local Museum
Every small town in the area has its own museum, and exploring them is an excellent opportunity to learn about the local culture and history. Stop by the Urbanna Museum, located in the restored Scottish Factor Store, the Deltaville Maritime Museum for a glimpse into the region's boatbuilding past, or the Maths Museum.
museumsofmiddlesex.com/urbanna-museum, 130 Virginia Street, Urbanna, VA 23175museumsofmiddlesex.com/deltaville-maritime-museum, 287 Jackson Creek Road, Deltaville, VA 23043mathsvamuseum.org, 200 Main Street, Maths, VA 23109
Root for a Nostalgic Baseball Team
For an unforgettable summer experience, secure tickets to cheer on the Deltaville Deltas at the Deltaville Ballpark. This is the oldest all-wooden baseball stadium in Virginia, and the Deltas bring together college players from various eras for a season that runs from May to August.
deltavilleballpark.com, 100 Ball Park Rd, Deltaville, VA 23043
Plan Your Visit for the Urbanna Oyster Festival
If you're arranging a fall getaway, it's wise to plan your trip around the annual Urbanna Oyster Festival, a weekend-long celebration honoring oysters. Featuring food vendors, artisans, and live music, this event attracts over 50,000 attendees annually.
urbannaoysterfestival.com, Urbanna, VA
Get Active and Explore the Water
Want to get some fresh air and exercise? Traverse the Urbanna Kayak Trail, a combination of waterway exploration and historical sites. Alternatively, if you prefer to stay dry, explore Holly Point Nature Park, complete with walking paths, a woodland and children's garden, and a sculpture garden.
virginiasriverrealm.com/things-to-do/urbanna-kayak-trail, Urbanna, VAvirginiasriverrealm.com/places/holly-point-nature-park, 287 Jackson Creek Rd Deltaville, VA 23043
Shopping Destinations on the Middle Peninsula
Add Some Fun to Your Wardrobe and Home in Urbanna
Whether you're searching for a stylish outfit for your vacation, seeking charming dishes or an antique dresser, or looking for local art, Urbanna has numerous stores where you can find something special for your closet or home.
facebook.com/RS-Bristow-Store, 200 Virginia St, Urbanna, VAurbannatradingcompany.com, 290 Virginia St, Urbanna, VA 23175instagram.com/thegildedcrownantiques, 21 Cross St, Urbanna, VA 23175
Visit Art Galleries in Maths
Although Maths is small, it has an impressive collection of artists and craftsmen. Visit the Bay School Community Arts Center to see what both adult and younger students have created, or discover the River to Bay Artisan Trail.
visitmaths.com/art-galleries-studios, Maths, VA
If you enjoy rummaging through vintage treasures, then the Middle Peninsula is a must-visit. Gems and discounts await you at Urbanna Flea Market and Antiques, with their hoards of timeless books and aesthetically pleasing dishware. The farmhouse-inspired rooms at Rivah Shack Treasures also hide hidden treasures.
For those traveling from the north, take a detour to Tappahannock, another town located in the Middle Peninsula. Acme Antiques boasts two bustling floors, while Hoskins Creek Home recently expanded to a physical storefront on Prince Street, having originally operated as a popular Instagram shop. Its bright pink door is hard to miss.
facebook.com/Urbanna-Flea-Market-and-Antiques, 165 Urbanna Rd, Saluda, VA 23149rivahshacktreasures.com, 15811 General Puller Hwy, Deltaville, VA 23043instagram.com/hoskinscreekhome, 320 Prince St, Tappahannock, Virginia 22560instagram.com/acme_antiques_tappahannock, 608 Church Ln, Tappahannock, VA 22560*
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In Southern Living's guide to exploring the Middle Peninsula of Virginia, visitors can stay at The Chesapeake Inn, a vibrant oceanfront location in Urbanna that offers bright and cheerful rooms and easy access to shops and restaurants along Virginia Street. Alternatively, travelers seeking tranquility can stay at The Inn at Tabbs Creek, a charming bed and breakfast situated in the peaceful countryside of Mathews County.