Spotlight on Lancaster County in VA’s Northern Neck

Lancaster County on Virginia’s Northern Neck is a beautiful and chill place to be with plenty to keep you busy on your visit. On arrival, be sure to stop in the Lancaster By the Bay Chamber of Commerce to check out local concerts and activities going on around the area that you and your family might enjoy.

Lodging: The Tides Inn, with its world-class restaurant and spa or the Back in Time B & B, Hope & Glory Inn and Restaurant or the Blue House Vaction Rentals with their welcoming home-like setting are comfortable destinations for your overnight stay.

Breakfast/Brunch: Most lodging in the county will have you covered for breakfast, or you can stop in Carried Away Cousine on Main Street in Kilmarnock for a homemade bacon egg and cheese breakfast biscuit. Their cookies are reknown and they have plenty of baked goods and lunch items if you choose to pack a picknick before you head out to explore…just be sure to call ahead to save time.

Outdoor Adventure: See how oysters are grown at Camp Little Bay Oyster Company, take an on-water tour of the Rapphahannock River on the Faded Glory or. take a drive up to Belle Isle State Park for an early morning canoe trip along their 7 miles of Shoreline. Be sure to pack that picnic! Or if you are into golf, the King Carter Golf Club & Cafe is for you, with their 18 hole championship golf course with a clubhouse restaurant. Well known for the best golf course in the Northern Neck, they also boast best lunch in the county.

History: Stop in the town of Morattico and their Waterfront Museum which was once a general store, now preserving the history of their working waterman settlement. Visit the Historic Christ Church built in 1735 church and see how its builders used oyster shells to create a stunning plaster ceiling and as the lime mortar in the church’s remarkable brickwork.

Shopping: Stroll downtown Kilmarnock and check out places like Burkes Fine Jewelers for a “Northern Neck knot” or oyster–themed jewelry keepsake. Check out the Kilmarnock Antique Gallery and Rivah Auction House’s consignments for oyster plates and other bargains while Pearl and the Allure Art Center (in White Stone) offer unique artisan-made gifts.

Spirits: In addition to their award-winning wines Good Luck Cellars is known for featuring Byrd’s Seafood and their signature tacos every third Saturday of the month. The Dog and Oyster Vineyard is a fun stop whre you and your children can leave your mark on an oyster shell. Each have plenty outdoor space where your children can run (don’t forget the frizbee!)

Meals: Willabys offers an on-water view and some of the best local-sourced hospitality and seafood. In particular, their spicy Buffalo Oyster appetizer and Ma’s Oyster Stew, made with fresh-caught local oysters are two signature dishes you won’t want to pass on! You will not want to miss dining at Dredge Restaurant where Chef Bryan Byrd’s inventive cuisine is as delicious and fresh as it gets, with local oysters and farm-to-table fare from the region…a great spot to recap your visit and taste the flavors of Lancaster County, on Virginia’s Northern Neck.