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Explore the Tidewater: Adventures from the Essex Inn

Whether you're looking for a quiet get-away weekend with impeccable service or an active vacation, the Historic Essex Inn in Tappahannock, VA offers dozens of activities and nearby day trip options.  Let us help you plan your visit!

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Dine with Tappahannock

Tappahannock offers delicious dining options, from fresh seafood to casual burgers. Be sure to visit 1710 Tavern for locally crafted dishes in a historic setting. Whether for a cozy dinner or a casual bite, Tappahannock has something for everyone.

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ACT XII Wine & Provisions

Step into Act XII Wine & Provisions—your go-to wine shop in Tappahannock. Discover a thoughtfully curated selection of Virginia and international wines, artisan cheeses, charcuterie, and gourmet small bites. Perfect for sipping with friends, picking up a unique gift, or adding a tasty touch to a night in.

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Tappahannock Art Gallery

Experience the heart of local art at TAG – the Tappahannock Art Gallery. Showcasing works from regional artists, TAG features rotating exhibits, creative workshops, and a vibrant celebration of the area’s artistic spirit.

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Maltese Brewing Company 2

Maltese Brewing Company 2 is a firefighter-owned nano-brewery in Tappahannock offering award-winning craft beers in a family- and dog-friendly setting. Enjoy trivia, pinball, games, and monthly events Wednesday through Sunday.

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Essex County Museum

Discover the rich history of the region at the Essex County Museum & Historical Society. Located in the heart of downtown Tappahannock, the museum offers engaging exhibits, artifacts, and rotating displays that bring Essex County’s past to life—from colonial times to the modern day.

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Wind Vineyards

Escape to Wind Vineyards, where rolling countryside meets exceptional Virginia wine. Just outside Tappahannock, this family-owned vineyard offers tastings, live music, and events in a relaxed, scenic setting perfect for a day in wine country.

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Rent.Fun Kayak Rentals at Duke Street Beach offers easy, self-service kayak rentals. Just follow the simple prompts at the station, and you’ll be paddling in minutes—perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.

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Hobbs Hole Golf Course

Tee off at Hobbs Hole Golf Course, Tappahannock’s premier public course. This beautifully maintained 18-hole course offers a fun and challenging experience for golfers of all skill levels—just minutes from downtown and the Essex Inn.

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Historic Walking Tour

Step back in time with a self-guided Historic Walking Tour of Downtown Tappahannock. Stroll past centuries-old buildings, landmarks, and scenic river views as you discover the stories that shaped Virginia’s oldest town on the Rappahannock.

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Discover The Hanger Vertical Arts, Tappahannock’s own aerial and circus arts studio. Founded by Cirque du Soleil performers, they offer classes in silks, trapeze, aerial yoga, and more—for all ages and skill levels.

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Downtown Shopping Spree

Explore charming local shops in downtown Tappahannock, where you’ll find unique gifts, antiques, and handcrafted treasures—all with a friendly hometown vibe.

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Caret Cellars

Sip and savor at Caret Cellars, a family-owned winery nestled in the countryside just outside Tappahannock. Enjoy handcrafted Virginia wines in a relaxed tasting room setting, and take in the scenic beauty of the surrounding vineyards—perfect for a peaceful afternoon escape.

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Wildlife Refuge Trails

Explore the beauty of Virginia at nearby wildlife refuges like the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Ideal for birdwatching, hiking, photography, and quiet reflection, these protected areas offer a peaceful escape into the region’s diverse ecosystems—just a short drive from downtown.

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Town Parks

Tappahannock’s four town parks offer scenic spots for picnicking, walking, and relaxing—plus playgrounds, tennis and pickleball courts, and beautiful river views, all just minutes from downtown.

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Antiques and Icecream

Find vintage treasures at Acme Antiques and satisfy your sweet tooth next door at Acme Ice Cream Parlor with delicious handspun flavors—a perfect combo in downtown Tappahannock.

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Essex Public Library

Tappahannock offers more than scenic views and small-town charm—be sure to visit the Essex Public Library during your stay. Explore local history exhibits, browse unique books for sale, and enjoy a welcoming space filled with resources, stories, and community connections.

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Stratford Hall

Stratford Hall, just a 40-minute drive from Tappahannock, is the historic Lee family estate and birthplace of Robert E. Lee. Explore the 18th-century Great House, beautiful grounds, and nature trails with self-guided tours and special events.

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Enchanted Forest

The Enchanted Forest Trail in Warsaw features nearly 100 hand-carved characters along a mile of forest paths. Created by local artist Tom Rhodes, it’s a magical, family-friendly walk open daily from dawn to dusk.

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Shop Warsaw's Main Street

Explore Warsaw’s Main Street for charming local shops, from boutiques and antiques to unique gifts. Don’t miss the seasonal Community Market, held April through September on select Saturdays. A perfect spot for a relaxed shopping stroll!

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Old Rappahannock Brewing Co.

Enjoy local craft beer and brick oven pizza at Old Rappahannock Brewing Company in the heart of Warsaw. With a selection of house-made brews and a cozy atmosphere, it's the perfect spot to unwind with friends.

Visit Tappahannock

Visit the Visit Tappahannock website for a wealth of resources to help make your stay unforgettable. From local attractions and dining to events and activities, it’s your go-to guide for exploring everything Tappahannock has to offer.

Virginia's River Realm

Explore Virginia’s River Realm website for comprehensive resources on the region’s best attractions, outdoor adventures, dining, and history. It’s your perfect guide to discovering the beauty and culture along Virginia’s scenic rivers.

Virginia’s Tidewater region is bursting with possibilities for adventure, relaxation, and discovery—and the Essex Inn places you right in the heart of it all. Whether you're an eco-tourist, history buff, wine enthusiast, golfer, artist, antique collector, or craft beer aficionado, the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck offer endless opportunities for memorable day trips.

Enjoy visits to local wineries and breweries, explore charming shops, go antiquing for one-of-a-kind finds, or sample some of Virginia’s finest wines. Paddle along the Rappahannock River or its many peaceful tributaries, hike or bike miles of scenic trails, tee off at a nearby golf course, and soak in centuries of American history—from the Revolutionary War to the present day.

And while you're here, don’t miss the chance to try our world-famous Rappahannock River oysters—an essential Tidewater experience!

From the Essex Inn, you're just:

  • 1 hour from Richmond and Fredericksburg

  • 90 minutes from Colonial Williamsburg

  • 40 minutes from Stratford Hall

  • 1 hour and 45 minutes from both Monticello and Mount Vernon

  • 2 hours from Washington, D.C.

  • 2 hours from Virginia Beach

Whether you're craving history, nature, local flavor, or a little bit of everything, the Essex Inn is your perfect starting point.

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203 Duke Street, PO Box 2038
Tappahannock, Virginia 22560

 866-ESSEX-VA  |  804-443-9900

info@essexinnva.com 

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© 2018 by Historic Essex Inn, LLC

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