Tappahannock holds the distinction as being a gateway of sorts. Although not part of the Northern Neck, for many traveling to the region, arriving in Tappahannock signals that you’ve officially made it to “The Rivah.” It is here where traffic thins, the pace slows and the Rappahannock, with the graceful arc of the Downing Bridge comes in to view. Like many small-town communities in the region, Tappahannock is embracing the idea of a walkable downtown with dining, shopping and parks. The Tappahannock Main Street (TMS) organization is in the early stages of its revitalization project, focused on the historic district between Route 17 and the Rappahannock River. With the theme of “Life at a River’s Pace” the town is highlighting its small town charm, slower pace, and proximity to the waterfront.
Gather together
Not too far from the town’s original public square, home to the county courthouse and other government buildings, another public gathering space, appropriately named Central Park, will be expanded, beginning this fall. Town manager Eric Pollitt shared details of the expansion which will include something for everyone: pickleball courts being added next to renovated tennis courts, a playground and splash pad for the littlest ones, and picnic areas complete with grilling stations are spaces for the whole family to enjoy. In the center of it all: an entertainment structure that can be used for performances or a movie screen set-up and a nearby green which is the perfect place for viewing.
Arriving in Tappahannock from the other side of the river, you’ll spot a little gem—Rappahannock River Park. The waterfront park, with its relaxing water views is now home to the Third Thursdays concert series, developed a few years ago as part of the revitalization project. With concerts extending from May through October, the waterfront park is the perfect place to grab a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a summer evening while river breezes and music—from country and Caribbean to Motown and jazz—fills the air.
Connect with the past
While the revitalization is focused on new business, new things to do and new ways to experience Tappahannock, the town itself is steeped in history. When Captain John Smith arrived in 1608, the area was already long inhabited by the Rappahannock Tribe. A stroll along two streets of the historic district—Prince Street and Duke Street—can take you back through some of Tappahannock’s earliest colonial history. Some 13 buildings, the earliest being Scots Arms Tavern built in 1680, are outlined in a walking tour on the Essex County website. Additional history of the region and its people can be explored at the Essex County Museum and Historical Society, located at Prince Street and Water Lane.
Visit Tappahannock on the third Saturday of the month and you’ll find a bustling farmers market on the same historic streets. Enjoy local flavors and entertainment while you shop from local vendors offering crafts, produce, and of course, seafood. The market continues from May through November.
Shopping and eating aren’t just limited to Saturdays. Any visit to Tappahannock is an opportunity to experience restaurants and shopping that you won’t find anywhere else. Local artists and the beauty of the area are featured at the Tappahannock Art Gallery. If it’s a treasure hunt you’re after, Crying Shame and Thyme in a Basket, both near the historical district, offer one-of-a-kind home decor, accessories and more. Venture just south down Route 17 and Acme Antiques offers a true antique and collectible shopping experience. A visit to the country is not complete without a stop at a country store and Tappahannock now has one. Acors Country Store and Garden Center is a modern take on the old idea where you can pick up chicken feed as well as a doormat with chickens on it.
The restaurant scene also offers dining experiences with something for everyone. Prince Street Café has a revamped menu offering breakfast and lunch. Java Jacks Café, as the name implies has an extensive coffee selection, both hot and cold, in addition to a complete breakfast and lunch menu. NN Burger caters to the whole family with burgers, twister fries and freakshakes, in addition to craft beers.
Take to the water
For many, a visit to The Rivah is not complete without actually getting on the water and Phase Two of the town’s revitalization includes a new waterfront space to enjoy the water views and to get out on it. Situated on Hoskins Creek, the Captain Thomas site will have boat and kayak launches, docks and a boardwalk to enjoy the surrounding beauty.
Meanwhile, boaters can use June Parker Marina in town, the public boat launch at Hoskins Creek, or Garrett’s Marina further down the Rappahannock in Center Cross.
Once you’re out on the water, it’s a short trip to the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge for bird watching. Great blue herons, osprey and bald eagles are a few that you will spot. The Rappahannock is also part of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. Operated by the National Parks System, the water trail of nearly 3,000 miles through the Chesapeake Bay and surrounding rivers covers Smith’s explorations in the area as well as trade and transportation routes for tribes living in the region when the English arrived.
No boat? No problem. Captain Richard Moncure and Nate Parker of Rappahannock Roundstern offer charters on a classic deadrise. “Most of what we do are bald eagle tours at Fones Cliff,” Moncure said, and that includes history of the Rappahannock Tribe in addition to Capt. John Smith. Based in the June Parker Marina, Moncure said he is “excited about what’s going on with the revitalization” in Tappahannock and happy to be part of it.
