Summer is quickly fading away but there are still plenty of sunny, steamy days ahead before we officially welcome fall. The heat and humidity can feel unbearable at times here in Virginia, but the weather doesn’t have to prevent you from having a great day. The Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula areas offer many fun destinations and activities that offer maximum enjoyment with minimum discomfort! Here are a few ways to “Beat the Heat” here at the Rivah.
A world of indoor entertainment
The Compass Entertainment Complex located conveniently between Kilmarnock and Irvington is the area’s latest and greatest venue for activity and excitement of all sorts. Enjoy a movie on one of their 6 big screens in a luxury movie theater setting. Grab your favorite candy, popcorn, or snack and enjoy the show.
Or if you’re looking for something a little more fast paced, take a drive on their outdoor go-kart track, or try their indoor bumper cars. There’s also full arcade, outdoor mini-golf course, kid play zone, and so much more! There is something for everyone to enjoy all in one air-conditioned location! To learn more about the Compass, click here.
Movies under the moon
Who doesn’t love a good movie night? Warsaw Town Park in Richmond County will host two “Movies Under the Moon” events with a showing of The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly on Friday, September 10th at 8 p.m. and Hocus Pocus showing on October 9th at 7 p.m. Grab a blanket or a chair and head to Warsaw’s Main Street for this family-friendly event!
Enjoy a tasty treat
A cool, tasty treat is always a welcomed distraction from oppressive heat on a summer day. Plan a trip to one of these award-winning locations to cool off with some frozen favorites and discover why they were voted Best of the Rivah!
Country Cottage in White Stone specializes in chocolates, homemade fudge, and ice creams to treat yourself or to give as a gift! Country Cottage is located at 795 Rappahannock Dr., White Stone.
Stevie’s Ice Cream in Kilmarnock offers smoothies, cones, and sundaes of all varieties for you and your family (and even your pups!) This classic ice cream stand offers a nostalgic and enjoyable experience! Stevie’s is located at 469 N Main St Kilmarnock.
Chitterchats in Reedville is a perfect location to grab a seat and stay awhile. This quaint little ice cream shop is just a quick walk from the water and is located on beautiful, historic Main Street. Grab a cone or a cup and don’t forget the sprinkles! Their handmade ice cream is a guaranteed crowd pleaser! Chitterchats is located at 846 Main St., Reedville.
Get crafty
Looking for a way to get your creative juices flowing? Grab your friends and get ready to get crafty!
Plan a trip to Colonial Beach on September 4 for a night of wine and painting with your pet at Monroe Bay Winery Strawbale Barn. Sip and enjoy one of their handcrafted wines or ciders while creating a masterpiece with the help of instructor Andrea Clement. All supplies for the evening are included for $35. Call 703-887-2878 for more information.
Is sewing your specialty? Grab your guilting or sewing supplies and head to Irvington Baptist Church on September 7 or September 28 for their community “sewcial”. Hone your craft and enjoy the opportunity to collaborate with other artisans. Click here or call 438-5800 to make your reservation today.
Rice’s Hotel/ Hughletts Tavern in Heathsville will offer a beginning Watercolor class throughout the month of September. Artists will begin with pen and ink and over the course of the month will build upon their knowledge and hone their skills in the medium of watercolor. The first class will be held on September 8 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with additional classes on September 15, 22, and 29. There is a fee of $115.
The Tavern will also offer an intro to Basket Weaving class on Friday, September 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more info or to register for either of these events click here.
RAL Art Center in Kilmarnock will also offer several art workshops for the month of
September.
On September 12 instructor Jill Schuszler will lead a workshop entitled Impressions: Painting the Garden.
On September 18 instructor Cynthia A Quesenberry will lead a class centered around the topic of pendant making.
On September 23 instructor Robin Caspari will focus on “The Art Language”
To learn more about these workshops and to register, click here.
Hit the Rivah
Of course here at the Rivah there is one way to beat the heat that outweighs all the rest! Grab your swimsuits and head to the Rivah! There is endless opportunity to get wet and cool off with numerous aquatic activities.
Hit the beach! Visit one of our area’s pristine state parks to enjoy some or visit one of the many public beaches in our area. Click here for our directory of parks and recreational areas.
Looking for kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards? Click here for rental locations and other diversions.
Stay cool and stay safe in these last few days of summer! Be sure to adhere to social distancing and masking guidelines.
