From the Rappahannock to the Potomac, there’s a number of sandbars and small islands that are more than just a spec on a navigational map.
Boaters in the summer flock to these little oases to enjoy the beauty of the waters, do some fishing—and more than anything, to have a good time. Anchoring out by one of the several prominent spots is a summer must for area residents and visitors. Wherever you Rivah, there’s an island to explore just right around the bend.
The Flats
In the waters of Middlesex County where the mouth of Jackson Creek meets the Piankatank River lies a popular sand bridge the locals call “The Flats.”
According to lifelong Deltaville resident Barry Miller, The Flats has been and always will be the place to be while traveling up and down the river and the Chesapeake Bay.
On one side of The Flats is the Piankatank, which is more shallow immediately off the sandbar and gradually gets deeper. The Jackson Creek side is much deeper right off of the sand.
Over the decades, Miller said he’s seen the sandbar attract visitors and his neighbors alike, consistently hosting a number of boaters each weekend in the summer.
“Over the years I’ve actually seen it become a very family-oriented spot. There’s a lot of young families I see there now spending time with their kids,” he said.
New Point
A bit further down south along the Chesapeake Bay lies what is likely the busiest sandbar in Rivah Country: New Point.
Near the New Point Comfort Lighthouse in Mathews County, New Point draws thousands of boaters each weekend in the summer.
Where the York River and Mobjack Bay meet at the lower point of the Middle Peninsula, boaters frequent the sand for its good time vibes and gorgeous sunsets.
There’s also a number of waterfront restaurants, like Hole in the Wall, with boat slips for folks to come by after they’re done soaking in the rays for a drink and bite to eat all while continuing to enjoy the stunning views they’d been taking in all that day.
Naylors
For Le’Aria Kelley, nothing beats loading up her pontoon boat with as many friends as she can pack and heading out to Naylors for the day.
“There’s no better day than heading out that way. Every chance I can when the weather is right, I’m trying to get out on the water and definitely stopping by Naylors,” she said.
Near Warsaw, Naylors is a primary spot for boaters and beach goers in the Richmond County area as well as those in upper Lancaster County to spend a summer day fishing, swimming and soaking up some rays.
“Most of the time when I go, there’s a bunch of other people there. Even though there’s a lot of other boaters, it doesn’t feel crowded, it just feels like a big party. Everyone there is always so nice and just ready to have a good time,” Kelley said.
Cedars
Just a hop, skip and a jump from Windmill Point, Cedars attracts tens of thousands of boaters each and every summer.
Adorned with a make-shift tiki hut, a volleyball net and a contagious island spirit, Cedars serves as a gathering place among boaters enjoying a day on the water.
“I’ve been going to Cedars since the early 1990s in the summers of high school. It’s always just been a little slice of heaven right here at home, even though it makes you feel like you’re not home at all,” Brenda Elbourn said.
Because of Cedars’ proximity to a number of boat ramps, including the public boat ramp at Windmill Point Marina, it makes for a perfect island getaway you don’t have to go very far to get to. Depending on your launch point along Windmill Point Road, on calmer days the island can be manageably reached by kayak.
While the 135-acre parcel that is the island has been on and off the real estate market for a number of years, it remains the go-to place for many.
Walking the shore of the island on most weekends you’re certain to come across folks with country and beach music playing through their speakers, kids practicing their skim boarding techniques on the island’s shallow canal and plenty of iced down coolers.
Tangier
Certainly each island has its own community feel and atmosphere, however, if you’re in the mood to explore an entire island town, just jet across the bay to Tangier Island about 19 miles from Reedville to explore a community like no other.
Tangier Island is an inhabited island in the Chesapeake Bay with about 300 residents. Tangier is known for its one-of-a-kind island culture, delicious crab cakes and stunning beach front.
A history buff would enjoy docking at one of the island’s piers and visiting the impressive museum or simply walking around the Island.
For those who want to have an island excursion but don’t have a boat of their own, Tangier is a great place to explore. The Tangier Cruise makes day trips from Buzzard Point Marina regularly throughout the summer at an affordable price point.
