Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or you’re aching for a quick adventure, it’s time to make plans to visit Virginia’s River Realm. Laidback luxury is our specialty. We serve up high end food in casual riverside settings, big city shopping on small main streets, and boat cruises fit for a queen, but led by local watermen. As you set out to explore the treasures of the region, you’ll need a comfortable and quirky home base. Our boutique hotels are ready to welcome you.

 Hope & Glory Inn

Dudley and Peggy Patteson are hosts you’ll remember long after you visit. The couple has curated a refined and funky spot in the River Realm. From the inspirational quotes along the walkways, to the outdoor bath, to the shabby chic interior design, you’ll have plenty to dream about at the Hope & Glory Inn. The former boarding school plays on its schoolhouse past. The spa is called Recess, the bar is named Detention, and the farm-to-table restaurant is known as the Dining Hall. You’ll want to make time to visit them all. Southern Living, Travel+Leisure, National Geographic Traveler, The New York Times and more have bestowed accolades upon the Hope & Glory Inn. It’s for good reason. Reserve your very own cottage or stay in one of the rooms in the main house.

What to do:

 Start with exploring the Inn! Once you’ve seen all its charming corners, hit the town. We’ve created this guide to visiting Irvington in style.

Chesapeake Inn

After spending eight years driving along the beltway in Northern Virginia, Urbanna native John Milby decided he needed to get back to the River Realm. He thought more people should escape the city and experience the region, too. He rolled up his sleeves to transform an old motel into the luxurious and cozy The Chesapeake Inn. Custom mattresses, peaceful nautical decor, down pillows, and attentive customer service are just a few of the highlights. The Inn is located in the heart of Urbanna and is walking distance to music, food, shopping and the river. Pull back the curtains to sleep in or rise with the sun. Whenever you’re ready for some fun, take one of the Chesapeake Inn’s two-person bikes out for an adventure.

What to do:

We did promise you some great shopping, eating and even art! Get our travel guide to Urbanna here.

Kilmarnock Inn

The Kilmarnock Inn will feel like a home away from home, with a few perks. It’s the perfect home base to enjoy a romantic weekend with your partner. The enchanting boutique hotel is full of treasures like a practice putting green, a garden from which guests can harvest, a spacious deck for relaxing and eight guest cottages, each named for a Virginia-born president. Relax and enjoy morning coffee or evening glass of wine from your own private deck or balcony. When you’re hungry, the Kilmarnock Inn restaurant features local seafood and juicy steaks. If you never want to leave the Inn, we won’t judge you. If you’re ready for some shopping, food and adventure, we’ve got that, too. The Kilmarnock Inn is located within walking distance of restaurants, antique shops, art galleries and other gems.

What to do:

Get out and enjoy the small town charm of Kilmarnock. By the time you leave, you’ll feel like a local. Get our 48-hour guide to taking on the town.

Atherston Hall

Get up close and personal with the river and the local culture during your visit. Rest your head at Atherston Hall, which was built in 1880 for a local schooner captain and his family.  The crisp linens, soft lighting, plaid and floral patterns in the guest rooms will remind you of an English cottage. It is a true escape. Reserve a whole suite for the family or check into a room just for two. Atherson Hall is nestled one block away from the waterfront, docks and local beaches. It’s also walking distance to all sorts of fun in Urbanna.

What to do:

Head out on your own wine and oyster adventure. We’ve got our favorite pairings from local chefs and food gurus in this blog post.

Just two hours from Richmond or Hampton Roads, 3 hours from Washington DC, Virginia’s River Realm is a tourism destination along the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary, the Rappahannock River.  We invite visitors to explore delightful surprises, hidden gems and our friendly, small town spirit. The 465 miles of shoreline, eight great small towns, and hundreds of unique attractions will mesmerizes you to enjoy the wonder of a perfect oyster, the promise of a secret cove or back road and the pleasure of sharing a table with friends, a place where you can catch your breath, calm your mind & live your dreams. #findyourshoreline