Down here by the river, there’s a town packed with totally unique boutiques that carry things like river-inspired decor and Virginia-grown CBD. In walking distance from one another, comfy restaurants and watering holes are filled with friendly faces and flavor-packed dishes. On the outskirts of town, cute wineries, breweries, and parks are waiting for you to forget the time on your phones and watches. Come enjoy a few days away with us here in Kilmarnock…

Adorable river-inspired Airbnbs like Belle Haven make for a stylish home away from home. High-speed internet, a big backyard, cozy living areas, and adorable decor can all be yours during your stay. Local bed and breakfasts like the Kilmarnock Inn will take you on a trip back in time. You may even feel like you’ve drifted off into a dreamland when you wake up to sip your morning coffee or evening glass of wine from your own private deck or balcony. 

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There are many options for dinner in Kilmarnock! You won’t have to go far if you’re staying at the Kilmarnock Inn. The Fillibusters Restaurant is on-site and features local seafood and juicy steaks. The gorgeous dining room of the Victorian main house or the courtyard deck make the perfect setting to escape into a rich and satisfying meal. For something more exotic, Chao Phraya Thai & Sushi Grill is a colorful crowd-pleaser. From Pad Thai to vegetarian curry dishes to fresh sushi–you’ll leave full in body and spirit. For more classic options, Lee’s Restaurant, Great Fortune Chinese Restaurant, Anna’s Pizza, and Los Patrones are a few of the local go-to’s. 

Explore more Kilmarnock restaurants. 

Let loose and enjoy yourself! You’re here on vacation, right?  Get things started in town by having an expert help you pick out the perfect bottle to enjoy back at your Airbnb or bed and breakfast. The team at Specials Wine Seller is always eager to help you discover your new favorite from their selection of more than 3,000 bottles. Just outside of downtown are Ditchley Cider Works and Good Luck Cellars. Ditchley is a fun, open-air adventure among the apple orchards where they grow apples for their cider! They also raise cattle, pigs, ducks, and more for fresh free-range produce you can bring home. Good Luck Cellars is a winery set on an old sand, gravel, and soil mine. With a huge wrap-around porch, scenic crow’s nest, and comfy tasting room, the hardest part may be figuring out where to relax and enjoy your self-guided tasting. Back in town, enjoy a rotating selection of beer from Kilmarnock Brewhaus. Enjoy live music and games with the crew while you’re there!

In need of a wardrobe refresh? Head to Splash, When Ordinary Won’t Do, Weekend Fashions, Cathy’s Unique Pursuits, The Rivah, and Pearl for wearable river-inspired fashion finds. For something that sparkles, Burke’s Fine Jewelers and Ross’s Fine Jewelers carry one-of-a-kind river-inspired pieces, engagement rings, and other special gifts for a friend or for yourself! It’s just as important to style your home as it is your outfit. For art, antiques, furniture, and more decor, check out The Pedestal, Rivah Antiques and Accessories, Rappahannock Hang Ups & Gallery, W. F. Booth & Son, and of course, the sprawling Kilmarnock Antique Gallery.

Check out more shops and boutiques in Kilmarnock. 

You came to Kilmarnock to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Lucky you–we’ve got a few places to escape. Baylor Park Nature Trail and Hughlett’s Point offer up pathways, beaches, and river views to stretch your legs, break a sweat, and forget your cell phone. Closer to town, Compass Entertainment Complex is home to theaters, go-kart racing, arcades, an adventure course, and a full-service restaurant, the Meridian Bar & Grill. In the heart of town, Kilmarnock Town Centre Park is perfect for the whole family. The kids can enjoy River Play, a nature-themed playground, and Waterworks, our very own mini waterpark with a fun splash pad. Live music and farmer’s markets regularly bring people together here! 

If you’re headed out for a bike ride, a boat ride, or the ride home, make sure you’re stocked up with goodies. Northern Neck Popcorn Bag is known near and far for its unique and fresh gourmet popcorn flavors like Gingerale, the Rivah Blend, and Salted Dark Chocolate Caramel. For a wide variety of prepared foods, gourmet jams, brownies, and sandwiches swing into Carried Away Cuisine. Load up your picnic basket and embark on a fun day!

A weekend away from the grind deserves a big bad brunch. A few special spots in Kilmarnock are all-time River Realm favorites. Car Wash Cafe is one of them. As the name hints, this restaurant is located inside an old car wash! Sit inside or enjoy the sunshine outside. Order up soft shell crab eggs benedict, chocolate chip pancakes, loaded salads, or Cuban sandwiches. If boozy milkshakes and stacked burgers are up your alley, head over to NN Burger. There’s no lack of smiles or full bellies here. Indulge in a buttery lobster roll, sunrise brunch burger topped with an egg, and twister chips topped with your choice of seasonings and sauces.

Capture And Share Your Favorite Kilmarnock Moments

With every river bend and wind in the road, we’re sure you and your travel buddies captured memories of the sights, sounds, smells, and flavors of the River Realm. After your adventures are done, check out your photos and share the best with us! We hope more people like you can enjoy the calming and enchanting spirit of the River Realm. Tag us using @virginiasriverrealm and we’ll share your photos.