Middlesex has a true uniqueness that celebrates the pleasures of life on the river and the outdoors.
Since you have a little more time on your hands these days, why not dream big and look forward to your perfect Middlesex moment? Middlesex has a true uniqueness that celebrates the pleasures of life on the river and the outdoors. Once the road ahead is open, we recommend trying one or all of these adventures to stimulate your soul.
With 135 miles of shoreline, Middlesex County is situated at the eastern end of the Middle Peninsula and bounded by the Rappahannock River to the north, the Chesapeake Bay to the east, the Piankatank River and Dragon Run Swamp to the southwest. Look forward to the small-town flavor of Saluda, Urbanna, Deltaville, Hartfield, and Topping, where the locals make you feel like you belong.
“We’re waiting for you when the time is right,” says Michelle Brown, economic development and tourism coordinator. “We look forward to your visit when we’re all ready to get out and about. We’re close enough for a quick day trip or a long weekend getaway, so start your advance planning now.”
If you’re in Middlesex, the key is to appreciate the water, and there are plenty of options for getting out on the water. Capture the morning daylight by boat, and experience one of the wonders of Middlesex — year-round fishing. J & W Seafood and Tackle Shop will help prepare your day’s excursion with bait, tackle and a charter plus scrumptious gourmet snacks. Grab a fishing license, boating license or weigh in on the scales to register a citation catch. Golden Age Charters from Urbanna will take you out on a historical buy boat to watch the sunset, and later you can saddle up to a waterfront restaurant for dinner and cocktails.
Have you always wanted to spend the night in a cabin on a sailboat? We’ve got that, too! Norton Yacht’s in Deltaville will help you reserve a captain for a three-to-14-day sailing expedition. They’ll even teach you how to sail. Jackson Creek Outfitters at Deltaville Marina will set you up with kayaks or paddle boards for some fun exercise. Detox with a dose of the natural wonders of the water life from the bay — ospreys, blue herons, stingrays, ducks and otters, to name a few.
Dragon Run paddle tours are only offered twice a year. Starting September 1, reservations will be open for a guided kayak tour of the pristine Dragon Run Swamp to see the virtually untouched habitat of indigenous flora and fauna. These tours help fund the Friends of the Dragon Run to purchase surrounding property and to maintain the natural environment.
Nothing says outdoors like campfires and s’mores. Bethpage Camp Resort and its sister campground, Grey’s Point Camp, offer rental cottages or RV sites where everyone gets around on bikes or golf carts. Make a new friend at a corn hole tournament or kids’ Cow Camp or play a round of miniature golf at the Bethpage Creamery. Campground water sports and swimming fun include paddle boats, water trampolines, waterparks, kayaks, beaches, and fishing. The Cross Rip Campground is located at the tip of the Middle Peninsula overlooking the Chesapeake Bay, perfect for those hammock-style moments, offering tent camping in addition to cabins and RV sites.
Walk back into time at the vintage 1948 Deltaville Ballpark, home to the Deltaville Deltas.
Walk back into time at the vintage 1948 Deltaville Ballpark, home to the Deltaville Deltas, a semi-pro baseball team that plays from Memorial Day through July. Eat your hotdogs in the grandstand that’s covered in a traditional crab pot screening. This wholesome summertime favorite is fun for the entire family at only $6, and kids 12 and younger are free.
Have you had all the quiet and relaxation you can stand? Virginia Motor Speedway will get your heart pumping! The hum of the cars racing around the dirt track will invigorate your senses. For some extra fun, you can meet the drivers with a Pit Pass. Save the date for October 3 to watch the Fall Mud Bog zaniness.
See the water from a different view, Coastal Sky Taxi will take you on a bird’s eye excursion to see all the region's rivers, creeks and marshes. Fly in a World War II open-cockpit airplane with Bay Aviation, or for those daredevils, opt for the aerobatic flight maneuvers such as loops, spirals and rolls.
If an oyster extravaganza is your fondest desire, Middlesex awaits your arrival. The county occupies a significant spot in Virginia’s River Realm, which itself boasts 465 miles of shoreline and eight small towns, and where local oysters reign supreme. The region boasts 31 or more commercial oyster farms, $4 million worth of oysters sold annually and 1/2 million pounds of oysters marketed each year. In fact, 92 percent of all Virginia oysters are harvested here. Middlesex County’s most acclaimed oyster nursery is Rappahannock Oyster Company, and their tasting room, Merroir, is a waterfront favorite. Many of the Middlesex oyster farms offer on-line delivery right to your door.
Stroll Urbanna’s picturesque streets with their small-town charm and friendly faces, the best mix of little eclectic shops and eateries. Boutiques dot the streets with upscale clothing, art, home décor and coastal treasures. Be sure to take home a memory of Middlesex. Foodies will want to enjoy local treats like an old-fashioned limeade from Marshall’s Drug Store, a 1950’s-style soda fountain. Try Something Different’s award-winning barbecue or brunch at Big Oak Café. Local wines and craft brews provide perfect pairings to the tide-to-table cuisine at the many outdoor and waterfront venues. Oysters aren’t the only delicacy — shrimp, crabs and fresh fish are on the menus, too.
If history is more your element, Middlesex County’s story, beginning in 1668, goes back almost as far as Jamestown. “Museums of Middlesex” is a collaboration of four museums that tell the tales of 350 years of Middlesex heritage.
The Middlesex County Museum & Historical Society is a journey through everyday life from the nineteenth century and beyond. Celebrate the county’s military heritage with exhibits featuring soldiers going back to the Civil War, as well as the story of Lt. Gen. Chesty Puller, the most decorated Marine in Corps history.
The Urbanna Museum (also known as the Scottish Factor Store, circa 1766) is home to the Mitchell Map, considered the most important map in American history. When tobacco ruled the economy and the British crown ruled the people, the Mitchell Map changed the course of American history.
The Deltaville Maritime Museum is a place where maritime boatbuilding legend comes to life. History becomes reality with Family Boatbuilding Week, where families join forces to build a Wright Skiff. The 30-acre Holly Point Nature Park provides a natural setting for visitors to enjoy outdoor events such as the “Groovin’ in the Park” concert series and the Holly Point Art and Seafood Festival on October 17. Colonial Seaport Foundation is building a working replica of an eighteenth-century coastal trading sloop called the Luna, teaching maritime history of the Colonial era.
Relax with a dose of the natural wonders of the water life on the bay.
All of Middlesex’s gracious charms will beckon you to stay a little longer when the time is right. There are overnight accommodations to fit your style and your pocketbook. Chesapeake Inn is nestled in downtown Urbanna and offers guests surrey bikes to ride around town. Dockside Inn is dog friendly, and many affordable Vrbos and Airbnbs on the water include kayaks, porches and spectacular views. You can even sleep on an Airbnb boat for the night!
“We want to be your getaway when the coast is clear,” says Michelle Brown. “Come see us when you’re ready to experience all the fun your heart can stand!”
For More Information go to: VisitMiddlesexVA.org and VirginiasRiverRealm.com.