5 things to do and see in Urbanna

Urbanna is a beautiful little town with big charm!
Just a few paces off the beaten path on the edge of Middlesex County exists Urbanna, a small town with big charm! Once a booming colonial-era port town, this quaint little location is the perfect destination for a day trip or overnight getaway. Spend some time exploring around town. Then kick back and relax with some music and fine dining. No matter your style, Urbanna is guaranteed to delight and intrigue!  Start planning your visit today and add a few of the attractions below to your to-do list!

Shop gifts and collectibles

It would certainly be a mistake to pass through Urbanna without doing a bit of shopping and picking up a few keepsakes! Pick up some Rivah style nautical decor or a new outfit to wear out to town.

Stop by Low Tide boutique and explore attire for ladies and men, jewelry from local designers, gifts, home accessories, and more.

A selection of items at Low Tide in Urbanna. Photo courtesy of Low Tide.

Pay a visit to R.S. Bristow’s Store, the area’s only surviving general store. Admire the original wood floors and display cases while shopping a wide range of men’s and women’s apparel, shoes, jewelry, and home decor.

Don’t forget to stop in at Marshall’s Drug Store. Enjoy the old-fashioned soda fountain and shop for both necessities and gifts.

These are just a few of the many fantastic shops lining the streets of Urbanna. Find more shopping destinations here.

Golf and ice cream at Bethpage

Planning an outing with the kids or grandkids? Bethpage Campground is a must-visit Urbanna destination!

In addition to overnight camping accommodations and cabin rentals, Bethpage features an 18-hole mini-golf course and an Icecreamery with 20 flavors.

Guests enjoy a day of fun at the Bethpage mini-golf course. Photo courtesy of Bethpage.

COWTOPIA is an artfully designed miniature golf course with whimsical cows around every corner. There are hippy cows, a cow train, the spotting machine, the Mooseum, high-flying cows, daredevil cows, a mad scientist cow, and more. Each cow is an original designed by renowned sculptor Mark Cline, owner of Enchanted Castle Studios.

Join in the fun and plan your day trip, event, or birthday party at Bethpage.

Click here to learn more! 

Charter a cruise

Probably the most enticing feature of Urbanna is its proximity to the Rappahannock River. You don’t need to own your own boat to enjoy a day on the Rivah. Consider taking a cruise with one of Urbanna’s charter services.

Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Rappahannock River. Photo courtesy of Golden Age Cruises.

Golden Age Charters offers year-round sunrise and sunset cruises. They offer onboard dining and can accommodate a wide range of events from sightseeing and holiday outings to larger events or even weddings. Make memories with this unique Chesapeake experience!

Urbanna Cruises offers fun and relaxing cruises aboard their 24’ pontoon boat. The boat offers 360-degree views, perfect for sightseeing and nature watching! Bring along your own snacks and beverages and don’t forget your camera in the event you come across an exciting nature photo op! Whatever your wants or wishes, Urbanna cruises will work with you to create your perfect outing.

Grab a bite and enjoy a tune

Urbanna is home to quite a few top-notch restaurants. Whether you are looking for a quick bite in a casual setting or a more formal dining experience, Urbanna has it all!

A hearty meal served up at Something Different. Photo courtesy of Something Different

Stop in at Something Different and enjoy some “fine neanderthal cuisine” consisting of high-quality pit-smoked meats, specialty sandwiches, and hearty sides. They also serve up signature beverages and 11 craft beers. In addition, they offer made from scratch desserts to please your sweet tooth! While enjoying your meal at Something Different, kick back and enjoy the sounds of local musicians bringing a variety of musical tastes and aesthetics. For more information about Something Different and to see their music schedule click here.

Portside Grill offers casual waterfront dining with classic seafood dishes and more.

Relax on their dog-friendly patio and enjoy a refreshing drink and unbeatable view! Portside Grill also occasionally features live music, although their schedule has been temporarily disrupted due to COVID. Keep an eye out for the return of live music on the patio! Learn more about Portside Grill and upcoming events here.

Stay for a while

The Chesapeake Inn has recently undergone a revitalization project. Photo courtesy of Chesapeake Inn.

At the end of your busy day of exploring Urbanna, consider stopping to stay awhile at the Chesapeake Inn! This charming coastal retreat is the perfect place to rest and recoup by the river. The recently revitalized and renovated rooms offer an elegant, coastal feel. Every space has its own character and even features original art. The common areas have been updated as well and a yoga studio has been added. Head outside and enjoy the use of a bike, adult tricycle, tandem bike, or kayak! Personalized hospitality is a core principle at the Inn and the friendly staff makes your enjoyment a priority!

Schedule your stay today or find more information here!

Seasonal events

In addition to these permanent attractions, there are also a few beloved seasonal events that you should plan ahead for such as the Urbanna Oyster Festival, Arts in the Middle, and the Urbanna Farmer’s market. To learn more about these events click here.

So if you haven’t visited Urbanna before, or if it’s been a while, be sure to plan an outing soon! Spring will be here before you know it and the Rivah is calling!
Rivahguide
Rivahguide
The Rivah Visitor’s Guide provides information about places to go and things to do throughout the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula of Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay region, from the York River to the Potomac River.

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