Why do you wander?

Seeing new landscapes, breathing in new scents, savoring new flavors, and getting closer to nature top our list. A break from work and the busy city streets doesn’t hurt, either. There is a place that will cure your case of wanderlust closer to home. Join us here in Virginia’s River Realm for a getaway. A day trip to Middlesex County will leave you refreshed, relaxed, and likely full!

If you pull up a map of Middlesex County, you’ll see it is carved by waterways, especially as you enter Deltaville. That’s where we’ll start our journey…

Take a Cruise

Head right to the source of our inspiration: the water. Captain Mike of Deltaville Sailing Charters can lead the way. He’s been sailing for 20 years, which includes time as an instructor. It’s an intimate experience onboard the Carina, which is Latin for the hull or keel of a ship and the name of a constellation in the southern sky. Pack up food and drinks to enjoy onboard your cruise. He can take you to a variety of places along the shores to eat, too–more on that below!  There are a variety of other charters in the area including Norton’s Yachts and Rappahannock River Charters. Captain William Saunders is one of many local captains partnered with Watermen’s Heritage tours who can teach you all about the Chesapeake Bay’s wildlife and seafood harvests. “Get Out On The Water” blog post has other ideas about  water activities. 

Head to Shore For a Bite

Is all this fun on the water making you hungry? We have a little bit of everything to satisfy your craving for something new. Captain Mike can bring you to shore for a bit to enjoy a meal. Cafe by the Bay serves classic breakfast and lunch items and can make just about anything to order. Locals love the chicken melt and the Italian Panini. Grab some “Deadrise”coffee from the shop to remember your travels, too! Also nearby, J&W Seafood is a full service seafood market with prepared items ready to grab and go as well as fresh catches of the day. The Galley, Deltaville Tap & Raw Bar, The Table at Wilton are more Deltaville dining favorites that also offer outdoor seating.

Play a Round or Grab a Drink

If you’re ready to stay on shore, consider a round of golf with a view. The Piankatank River Golf Club is 425 acres and 18 holes of dreamy sightseeing. The front nine holes are lined with gentle rolling hills and the back nine of the course flattens out with three of the holes overlooking the magnificent Piankatank River. The Steamboat Restaurant has a full bar and can send you out on the course with a cocktail of your choice. If you aren’t a golfer, enjoy the view from the Steamboat’s deck that overlooks the course. This is just the kind of “country class” the River Realm is all about. If putt putt golf is more your speed,  Urbanna’s Bethpage Ice Creamery and Miniature Golf will have you laughing at it’s amusing cow-themed course.

Take to the Urbanna Streets

There’s a lot of national history rooted in Virginia’s River Realm. A variety of museums and landmarks can walk you back into time, more than 300 years ago. One of the newest additions to our family of museums is Urbanna’s Museum in the Streets. Download the app or bring along a brochure (located in the box located outside of R.S. Bristow’s). If you’re on your phone, the voice of local historian, Larry Chowning, will take you through 18 historical sites within a 3 mile walk including colonial houses, a mercantile shop, courthouse, church and the town marina. While you’re in Urbanna, you’ll find a variety of boutiques, galleries and speciality shops, including R.S. Bristow’s where you picked up your map. Check out this shopping guide to Urbanna. 

If you’re hungry after your walk through history, consider a wide variety of options, all in Urbanna: Something Different, Bubba’s Shrimp Shack, Mi Jalisco, and Cool Beans Cafe. 

Catch a Ball Game

After you’ve grabbed some dinner and explored the land by boat and by foot, it’s time to take a seat and enjoy an all-American evening at the ballpark. Head to the vintage 1948 Deltaville Ballpark, the home of the semi-pro Deltas team. Stadium seats are enclosed by crab pot netting for a truly coastal vibe. Games are just $6 for adults and children under 12 are free! There is a home game nearly every Saturday during the summer. See the schedule here. 

Get Lost in the Outdoors

Unplug at the river and get your outdoor therapy right here!  Jackson Creek Outfitters at Deltaville Marina will set you up with kayaks or paddle boards for a river adventure on the gentle Jackson Creek or head over to the Deltaville Maritime Museum for a “Groovin’ in the Park” summer waterfront concert. 

If you have never camped before and want to ease into this recreation without too  much roughing it, Bethpage Camp Resort and Grey’s Point Camp has you covered!  Rent a fully loaded cottage that includes tons of fun family amenities like waterparks, lake with a beach, miniature golf, bikes, self-powered boat rentals and fire pits for s’mores.  If you are a weathered camper with your own RV, you won’t be disappointed with the spacious campsites and hook-ups, amenities still included!  If traditional camping is more your style, Cross Rip Campground is good old fashioned camping by tent, RV or house rentals under a forest canopy right on the Chesapeake Bay.  Beautiful pristine beaches for fishing and swimming.

Middlesex County is a perfect gateway to the Chesapeake Bay, Rappahannock River and other tributaries for some of the best fishing around!  Bring your boat or select from our fishing charter list.  Need some gear? J & W Tackle Shop can help organize your entire outing. 

Rest Easy

Nestled between rows and rows of sail boats and ships, the Deltaville Dockside Inn is the newest (and cutest) way to stay in the area. The Inn is pet friendly and newly renovated with chic interiors and sprawling decks. It’s truly remote and relaxing, though it has all the necessities including WiFi, refrigerator, cable, and more. 

Other lodging in the area includes the Chesapeake Inn, Atherston Hall B&B, Heaven Scent B&B, Bethpage Camp-Resort, and Cross Rip Camp.

Get Oriented Before You Come

Looking how to get here; need some visual maps of the region? Learn how the Rappahannock River shapes its shores and our landscape. Click here to find out Where in the World is VRR.

See more day trip guides

To help you find your way to a #WanderLove getaway, we’ve been sharing day trip guides and spotlighting charming towns like Kilmarnock. Our blog is always full of new, updated travel itineraries for any goal: food, sports, wine, family, dogs. Click here to read more.