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Travel + Leisure
27-05-2025
- General
- Travel + Leisure
This Lesser-known Beach in Virginia Has a Scenic Seawall Trail, Stunning Sunrises, and Golden Sands
Among Virginia's 10,000 miles of shoreline lies a quaint swath of sandy shore in Hampton: Outlook Beach. This 'secret beach' offers more than stunning water vistas and golden sands. What distinguishes it from other public beaches is its unique historical roots. The beach is situated along the Chesapeake Bay at the base of historic Fort Monroe, the largest masonry fortification in the U.S. Fort Monroe was a site of strategic importance during the American Civil War, serving as the only Union-held fortified base in the Upper South. Beyond its military relevance, the area is recognized as the first landing place of Africans in the U.S. in 1619. Here's how to best enjoy this little-known Virginia beach. Open daily from sunrise to sunset, Outlook Beach is one of the best places to witness the sunrise over the Chesapeake Bay. Begin your visit with a morning walk along the beach, a refreshing swim, or a kayaking adventure. Those looking to unwind can enjoy sunbathing or picnicking on the beach, with several shaded areas providing ideal spots for relaxation. While dogs are not permitted on the beach between May 15 and Sept. 15, they are welcome along the 3.6-mile Fort Monroe Seawall Trail, which is popular for its scenic views and birdwatching opportunities. It's worth noting that lifeguards are on duty most summer days, and public parking and restrooms are available at Fort Monroe. Visit Firehouse Coffee 1881 for breakfast or lunch. Housed in a restored firehouse, this charming coffee shop sells a variety of sandwiches and beverages, including smoothies, teas, and coffee drinks such as the Dirty Chai and iced mocha. For a different beverage experience, head to Oozlefinch Beers & Blending, where you can try intriguing boozy sodas and fruit-forward lagers crafted with wheat, rice, or corn. Make your way to The Deadrise at Old Point Comfort Marina for dinner. This intimate waterfront fish house provides picturesque views of the Chesapeake Bay and delicious seafood dishes like seafood nachos, crab-stuffed flounder, and fish tacos made with the catch of the day. Sailing through the waterways of Hampton Roads and the lower Chesapeake Bay via a sunset cruise with 757 Sailing Charters is the perfect way to end the day at Outlook Beach. For more beach exploration, three additional Hampton Beaches are within a 15-minute drive: Dog Beach, Buckroe Beach and Park, and Lookout Beach, home to Paradise Ocean Club.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Yahoo
I've Lived in Virginia for 30 Years—and This Peaceful Peninsula Might Be the State's Best-kept Secret
The northernmost of Virginia's three peninsulas, the Northern Neck is a tranquil escape on the Chesapeake Bay. The Tides Inn offers a serene experience with activities like bird-watching and oystering. Head to Willaby's for riverfront dining, Adrift for creative, locally sourced meals, and Merroir for oysters directly from the farm. Explore the natural beauty at Hughlett Point, go hiking at Belle Isle State Park, or take a boat tour with Sweet Sea Charters. Though there's not much in the way of nightlife on the Northern Neck, Camp provides live music and a social between the Rappahannock and Potomac rivers on the Chesapeake Bay lies a Virginia escape that offers tranquility in spades. To cross the bridge to the peninsula known as the Northern Neck is to leave behind modern life for a place seemingly unmoored by its demands. The birthplace of George Washington, James Madison, and James Monroe, the Northern Neck is steeped in history. And, at times, it can feel stuck there, too. The region's 1,100 miles of shoreline outnumber its roads and traffic lights combined. And, its density of roughly 50 people per square mile is less than half of one percent of areas upstream on the Potomac. On 'Northern Neck time,' there's no rush, and the sooner you embrace the region's slower pace of life, the sooner you'll benefit from its effects. It's this relaxed atmosphere that lured chef Devin Rose back to the area in 2018 to open his dream restaurant, Adrift. After growing up in his father's Northern Neck restaurants, Rose left to further his culinary training, then returned to bring the food he loves to the place he loves. Few have better insight into the area's secrets and places to eat. Here's our guide to the Northern Neck region in Virginia. Arguably the jewel of the Northern Neck, The Tides Inn underwent a restoration in 2021 that created a living shoreline with a boardwalk around the property. 'What they've done over the past few years is pretty amazing,' said Rose. Ashore, understated elegance, a spectacular setting, and earnest hospitality conspire to ensure guests unwind in luxury. The inn evokes such a sense of serenity that it tempts one never to leave their Adirondack chair perched above the water. For more active guests, a full-time ecologist, horticulturist, and artist offer experiences like oystering, bird-watching cruises, and pinot and painting art classes. Vacation rentals line the Northern Neck's shores, many with beautiful views and private boat docks. But if you're someone who plans travel around food, the place to book is just over the bridge in the Middle Peninsula. The restaurant Merroir is so alluring that some people spend a whole day there, alternating between oysters, beers, and more oysters. Fortunately, The Oyster Bed, a three-bedroom rental home with excellent guest reviews, is just steps away. As a bonus, guests enjoy access to Merroir's boat docks. Rose suggests starting the day at The Local in Irvington, mingling with locals over custom-blended Blanchard's coffee and a breakfast sandwich or avocado toast. In the next town over, White Stone's Chesapeake Doughnut Co. also serves Blanchard's coffee, along with classic and creative doughnut flavors and tasty sandwiches on homemade biscuits or buns made from doughnut dough. Lee's Restaurant, located in Kilmarnock, has been run by the same family for 80 years. 'It's like stepping back in time,' says Rose. 'And I mean that in the best possible way.' The waitresses call you 'honey' while refilling your sweet or unsweet tea. Order some delicious fried pickle fries, fried spicy green beans, or fried seafood. And at an old-school place like this, wedges of homemade pie for dessert are a must. Throwing parties in college is how William Barnhardt discovered his love of hospitality, and he has run Willaby's ever since—for more than three decades. Sit inside or out at the riverfront pub, which even boasts its own beach. Choose from comforts like Ma's Oyster Stew and seafood sandwiches, and keep an eye out for the live music schedule. And don't leave without an order (or two) of the signature chargrilled oysters. If you prefer to cook, Miss Mary Seafood makes it easy. Seafood runs in the blood of co-owners Tony Ferguson and Lisa Carol, who source from an unrivaled network of local fishermen to offer what Rose calls the freshest seafood in town. They know how to cook it, too, and are happy to advise. 'She's a personality,' said Rose. 'She would do anything for her customers.' It doesn't get more local than this White Stone shop, which sells produce from its nearby farm and other farms that share its sustainable, 'beyond organic' practices. Rose says the 'awesome staff' can help you build a meal from some of the same ingredients he uses at his own restaurant. Or, you can leave the cooking to the shop. For its rotating array of prepared foods, like soups, salads, quiches, hand pies, and stews, the market relies on French Culinary Institute graduate Joe Merolli, whose resume includes NYC's Le Bernardin. Rose's restaurant, Adrift, is the must-get reservation on the Northern Neck. Here, Rose serves whatever inspires him from the local ingredients he brings in each week. 'Fresh is essential' is the mantra he learned while working at The Inn at Little Washington, and it now forms his own cooking philosophy: 'fin to scale, nose to tail, roots to leaf.' On a mission to elevate the palates of locals and visitors, Rose knows some diners move faster than others. So, if raw oysters with kimchi-apple sorbet are not your thing, there are options for more conventional tastes, like Italian Night on Tuesdays and Burger Night on Wednesdays. It's no hyperbole to say cousins Travis and Ryan Croxton single-handedly revived Virginia oystering, a once-bustling industry that was nearly extinct when the Croxtons launched Rappahannock Oyster Co. in 2005. Their oysters are now served at top spots around the country, but there's nowhere better to enjoy them than the restaurant at their oyster farm. At Merroir, diners can gaze at the river while enjoying seafood plucked from it. 'Watch the sunset here,' said Rose. 'It's a beautiful location.' The Tides Inn's renovations also transformed its time-worn dining room into Salt & Meadow, a dazzling restaurant that opened in 2024 with a new look and culinary approach. Wall-to-wall windows and a fresh color scheme of blue hues are designed to bring the outside in for a coastal vibe. New executive chef Kyle Perkins stresses local sourcing and fresh ingredients, including the addition of the property's own farm. 'I love what Kyle is bringing to the community,' said Rose. Even better, you don't have to be an inn guest to enjoy Salt & Meadow's beautiful setting while enjoying a drink at the bar or a meal in the restaurant. Serene enough for a threatened insect species—that could be the marketing pitch for this 104-acre natural area preserve on the Chesapeake Bay. The northeastern beach tiger beetle's inability to endure human disturbance has wiped it out everywhere except three remote corners of the U.S., one of which is Hughlett Point. The state's method to protect the beetle from humans is its parking lot, which fits just 11 cars. When the lot is full, the preserve is full. After a short hike through a loblolly pine forest to the beach, there's a feeling of near-complete detachment from the rest of the world. 'I can't put it into words,' said Rose. 'Go and you'll understand.' For those who prefer more activity, Belle Isle State Park's hiking trails, fishing, and bike and kayak rentals await. With seven miles of shoreline, the 892-acre park has plenty of space to explore tidal wetlands interspersed with farmland and upland forests. The Northern Neck is surrounded by so much water, it would be a shame not to spend time on it. That's where Sweet Sea Charters comes in. When she's not mentoring aspiring female sailors, Morgan Fraczkowski is escorting guests around waterways on Sweet Aria, her 33-foot Endeavour. Guests can choose a package experience or design a custom tour that might begin with a pickup from a coastal Airbnb or marina, and then include sightseeing, waterfront barhopping, or dolphin-watching. To top it off, the yacht serves Boat Boxes with food prepared by Rose himself. For Rose, nothing feels more like the Northern Neck than the drive down Route 695 to its eastern tip, Windmill Point. The road transitions from pine trees to bayberries to marshland until reaching a small beach. Rose says the drive itself is worthwhile, but if you go during the summer, there's a tiki bar to reward those who find it. Though there's not much nightlife on the Northern Neck, Camp may be the closest thing. On weekends from the spring through fall, the private event venue opens to the public. Huddle around fire pits under the stars while enjoying live music, food, and drinks. While the Northern Neck never feels crowded, summer is its busiest time. Late spring and early fall offer optimal tranquility. Early November brings the nearby Urbanna Oyster Festival. While 50,000 people swarm Urbanna for the festival, the Northern Neck is a good base away from the festival crowds, just short trip across the Rappahannock. Remote escapes, by definition, are hard to reach, but the Northern Neck is accessible from a few cities. Richmond is roughly 76 miles west and Norfolk 88 miles south. There's also water everywhere for those who travel by boat. But once on land, you'll need a car. There's no public transportation, not even taxis or ride-share apps. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
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Travel + Leisure
25-05-2025
- Travel + Leisure
I've Lived in Virginia for 30 Years—and This Peaceful Peninsula Might Be the State's Best-kept Secret
The northernmost of Virginia's three peninsulas, the Northern Neck is a tranquil escape on the Chesapeake Bay. The Tides Inn offers a serene experience with activities like bird-watching and oystering. Head to Willaby's for riverfront dining, Adrift for creative, locally sourced meals, and Merroir for oysters directly from the farm. Explore the natural beauty at Hughlett Point, go hiking at Belle Isle State Park, or take a boat tour with Sweet Sea Charters. Though there's not much in the way of nightlife on the Northern Neck, Camp provides live music and a social atmosphere. Nestled between the Rappahannock and Potomac rivers on the Chesapeake Bay lies a Virginia escape that offers tranquility in spades. To cross the bridge to the peninsula known as the Northern Neck is to leave behind modern life for a place seemingly unmoored by its demands. The birthplace of George Washington, James Madison, and James Monroe, the Northern Neck is steeped in history. And, at times, it can feel stuck there, too. The region's 1,100 miles of shoreline outnumber its roads and traffic lights combined. And, its density of roughly 50 people per square mile is less than half of one percent of areas upstream on the Potomac. On 'Northern Neck time,' there's no rush, and the sooner you embrace the region's slower pace of life, the sooner you'll benefit from its effects. It's this relaxed atmosphere that lured chef Devin Rose back to the area in 2018 to open his dream restaurant, Adrift. After growing up in his father's Northern Neck restaurants, Rose left to further his culinary training, then returned to bring the food he loves to the place he loves. Few have better insight into the area's secrets and places to eat. Here's our guide to the Northern Neck region in Virginia. Aerial view of the hotel and marina at The Tides Inn. Arguably the jewel of the Northern Neck, The Tides Inn underwent a restoration in 2021 that created a living shoreline with a boardwalk around the property. 'What they've done over the past few years is pretty amazing,' said Rose. Ashore, understated elegance, a spectacular setting, and earnest hospitality conspire to ensure guests unwind in luxury. The inn evokes such a sense of serenity that it tempts one never to leave their Adirondack chair perched above the water. For more active guests, a full-time ecologist, horticulturist, and artist offer experiences like oystering, bird-watching cruises, and pinot and painting art classes. Vacation rentals line the Northern Neck's shores, many with beautiful views and private boat docks. But if you're someone who plans travel around food, the place to book is just over the bridge in the Middle Peninsula. The restaurant Merroir is so alluring that some people spend a whole day there, alternating between oysters, beers, and more oysters. Fortunately, The Oyster Bed, a three-bedroom rental home with excellent guest reviews, is just steps away. As a bonus, guests enjoy access to Merroir's boat docks. Al fresco dining tables at The Tides Inn. Wayne E. Chinnock/The Tides Inn Rose suggests starting the day at The Local in Irvington, mingling with locals over custom-blended Blanchard's coffee and a breakfast sandwich or avocado toast. In the next town over, White Stone's Chesapeake Doughnut Co. also serves Blanchard's coffee, along with classic and creative doughnut flavors and tasty sandwiches on homemade biscuits or buns made from doughnut dough. Lee's Restaurant, located in Kilmarnock, has been run by the same family for 80 years. 'It's like stepping back in time,' says Rose. 'And I mean that in the best possible way.' The waitresses call you 'honey' while refilling your sweet or unsweet tea. Order some delicious fried pickle fries, fried spicy green beans, or fried seafood. And at an old-school place like this, wedges of homemade pie for dessert are a must. Throwing parties in college is how William Barnhardt discovered his love of hospitality, and he has run Willaby's ever since—for more than three decades. Sit inside or out at the riverfront pub, which even boasts its own beach. Choose from comforts like Ma's Oyster Stew and seafood sandwiches, and keep an eye out for the live music schedule. And don't leave without an order (or two) of the signature chargrilled oysters. If you prefer to cook, Miss Mary Seafood makes it easy. Seafood runs in the blood of co-owners Tony Ferguson and Lisa Carol, who source from an unrivaled network of local fishermen to offer what Rose calls the freshest seafood in town. They know how to cook it, too, and are happy to advise. 'She's a personality,' said Rose. 'She would do anything for her customers.' It doesn't get more local than this White Stone shop, which sells produce from its nearby farm and other farms that share its sustainable, 'beyond organic' practices. Rose says the 'awesome staff' can help you build a meal from some of the same ingredients he uses at his own restaurant. Or, you can leave the cooking to the shop. For its rotating array of prepared foods, like soups, salads, quiches, hand pies, and stews, the market relies on French Culinary Institute graduate Joe Merolli, whose resume includes NYC's Le Bernardin. Rose's restaurant, Adrift, is the must-get reservation on the Northern Neck. Here, Rose serves whatever inspires him from the local ingredients he brings in each week. 'Fresh is essential' is the mantra he learned while working at The Inn at Little Washington, and it now forms his own cooking philosophy: 'fin to scale, nose to tail, roots to leaf.' On a mission to elevate the palates of locals and visitors, Rose knows some diners move faster than others. So, if raw oysters with kimchi-apple sorbet are not your thing, there are options for more conventional tastes, like Italian Night on Tuesdays and Burger Night on Wednesdays. It's no hyperbole to say cousins Travis and Ryan Croxton single-handedly revived Virginia oystering, a once-bustling industry that was nearly extinct when the Croxtons launched Rappahannock Oyster Co. in 2005. Their oysters are now served at top spots around the country, but there's nowhere better to enjoy them than the restaurant at their oyster farm. At Merroir, diners can gaze at the river while enjoying seafood plucked from it. 'Watch the sunset here,' said Rose. 'It's a beautiful location.' The Tides Inn's renovations also transformed its time-worn dining room into Salt & Meadow, a dazzling restaurant that opened in 2024 with a new look and culinary approach. Wall-to-wall windows and a fresh color scheme of blue hues are designed to bring the outside in for a coastal vibe. New executive chef Kyle Perkins stresses local sourcing and fresh ingredients, including the addition of the property's own farm. 'I love what Kyle is bringing to the community,' said Rose. Even better, you don't have to be an inn guest to enjoy Salt & Meadow's beautiful setting while enjoying a drink at the bar or a meal in the restaurant. Kayaking during sunset in Belle Isle State Park. Sarah Hauser/Virginia Tourism Corporation Serene enough for a threatened insect species—that could be the marketing pitch for this 104-acre natural area preserve on the Chesapeake Bay. The northeastern beach tiger beetle's inability to endure human disturbance has wiped it out everywhere except three remote corners of the U.S., one of which is Hughlett Point. The state's method to protect the beetle from humans is its parking lot, which fits just 11 cars. When the lot is full, the preserve is full. After a short hike through a loblolly pine forest to the beach, there's a feeling of near-complete detachment from the rest of the world. 'I can't put it into words,' said Rose. 'Go and you'll understand.' For those who prefer more activity, Belle Isle State Park's hiking trails, fishing, and bike and kayak rentals await. With seven miles of shoreline, the 892-acre park has plenty of space to explore tidal wetlands interspersed with farmland and upland forests. The Northern Neck is surrounded by so much water, it would be a shame not to spend time on it. That's where Sweet Sea Charters comes in. When she's not mentoring aspiring female sailors, Morgan Fraczkowski is escorting guests around waterways on Sweet Aria , her 33-foot Endeavour. Guests can choose a package experience or design a custom tour that might begin with a pickup from a coastal Airbnb or marina, and then include sightseeing, waterfront barhopping, or dolphin-watching. To top it off, the yacht serves Boat Boxes with food prepared by Rose himself. For Rose, nothing feels more like the Northern Neck than the drive down Route 695 to its eastern tip, Windmill Point. The road transitions from pine trees to bayberries to marshland until reaching a small beach. Rose says the drive itself is worthwhile, but if you go during the summer, there's a tiki bar to reward those who find it. Though there's not much nightlife on the Northern Neck, Camp may be the closest thing. On weekends from the spring through fall, the private event venue opens to the public. Huddle around fire pits under the stars while enjoying live music, food, and drinks. Colonial Beach is located at the northern tip of Virginia's Northern Neck and is one of the few remaining small seaport towns on the Potomac River. David Lipshaw/Virginia Tourism Corporation While the Northern Neck never feels crowded, summer is its busiest time. Late spring and early fall offer optimal tranquility. Early November brings the nearby Urbanna Oyster Festival. While 50,000 people swarm Urbanna for the festival, the Northern Neck is a good base away from the festival crowds, just short trip across the Rappahannock. Remote escapes, by definition, are hard to reach, but the Northern Neck is accessible from a few cities. Richmond is roughly 76 miles west and Norfolk 88 miles south. There's also water everywhere for those who travel by boat. But once on land, you'll need a car. There's no public transportation, not even taxis or ride-share apps.
Washington Post
22-05-2025
- Washington Post
Two popular Maryland parks will require reservations during peak days
Maryland officials are hoping that if a new crowd control plan works, visitors to some of the state's most popular parks will not have to camp out before busy days as early as midnight. Starting Memorial Day weekend, visitors hoping to enter Greenbrier State Park in Western Maryland and Annapolis's Sandy Point State Park, which has a beach looking out toward the Chesapeake Bay, will need to make reservations on weekends and holidays. 'You'd have people lining up for, say, Greenbrier at 4 a.m., 3 a.m. and even midnight in some cases. We'd open up the gates, we'd let a certain amount of people in, then we would have to close the park to new visitors for hours at a time,' said Tim Hamilton, business and marketing manager for the Maryland Park Service. The day-use pass system went live Monday and is aimed at reducing crowds and traffic backups and ensuring spots for visitors. Reservations for these parks will be mandatory during the peak periods of weekends and holidays from May 24 through Labor Day. No same-day access will be allowed during those times. Admission will be $5 per person. At Greenbrier, out-of-state visitors will be charged $7. Visitors can book their spots online up to seven days in advance of a visit. Reservations may be changed or canceled until 8 a.m. the day before the scheduled arrival. Confirmation emails, along with a QR code that is scanned for admission at the park, will be sent to visitors who successfully reserve a spot. Discussions about implementing a reservation system statewide began as early as 2019, Hamilton said. Officials ran a pilot program that year of the reservation system at Rocks State Park, which houses Kilgore Falls, a picturesque 17-foot-high waterfall. Hamilton said it was chosen because it was a popular destination, with a small parking lot that caused backups for locals and pulled park rangers away from essential safety duties. 'We introduced the system kind of quietly,' Hamilton said. 'People were not thrilled with it because this was change, and change is difficult for everybody. 'But after two or three weeks, people started to grumble a little bit less and they found out, 'Oh, now I know whether or not I can get in off the bat. I don't have to go and wait in line only to be told I can't get in and I turn around and I burned half the day.'' The need for reservations became more pressing after a spike of visitors to parks following the start of the coronavirus pandemic, said Gregg Bortz, a spokesman for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, which manages the state's Park Service. Park visitation rates increased from an average of 10.8 million per year from 2010 to 2019 to an average of 18.7 million per year from 2020 through 2024, Bortz said. Bortz and Hamilton pointed to similar, effective reservation systems used by other agencies, including the National Park Service. They did not specify what officials have determined as the capacity limit for these parks but said that the caps can vary based on parking availability, events and other factors. Sandy Point is a popular destination for Maryland residents and out-of-towners who want to set up cookouts and get a look at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge along the roughly one-mile-long stretch of sand. Greenbrier, located in Boonsboro, houses campsites and hiking trails that surround a 42-acre man-made freshwater lake and a white sandy beach. They were chosen as the first to require reservations because they were shut down for capacity reasons fairly frequently, Hamilton said. Traffic at Greenbrier would stretch two to three miles. Traffic jams at Sandy Point, which sits at the foot of the Bay Bridge, would snarl traffic for those looking to cross over to other Maryland and Delaware beaches. 'Wherever you have water in Maryland parks, that's where people want to be,' Hamilton said. The reservation system will be rolled out to three other state parks this summer: Point Lookout, Newtowne Neck and North Point. But officials did not specify a timeline for when changes would take effect at those locations. Bortz said exact dates would be announced in the coming weeks. Hamilton said patience will be key for anyone looking to spend a day by the water at these Maryland state parks. That goes for him and his team, too. 'If there are some bumps along the first couple of weekends, which we expect there to be here and there, we are watching them carefully with the mind that we are going to react to that and make some changes if we have to,' Hamilton said.
CBS News
22-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Maryland's Chesapeake Bay sees concerning drop in blue crab population
Maryland's Chesapeake Bay is seeing a concerning drop in its population of blue crabs, according to the Chesapeake Bay foundation. The survey, conducted jointly by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and Maryland Department of Natural Resources, estimated total crab abundance at 238 million, the lowest count since surveys began in 1990. According to the report, this year's decline affected all population segments. Adult male crabs dropped to 26 million, adult female crabs to 108 million, and juvenile crabs to 103 million. The numbers are significantly lower than 2024's results, which were just slightly below average. Why are blue crab numbers declining? Blue crab populations can vary dramatically year by year due to weather trends, predator numbers, and habitat availability. The loss of critical crab habitat, such as underwater grasses, threatens the species. Invasive predators like blue catfish also pose a significant threat to blue crabs. Climate change and polluted runoff can be detrimental to young and spawning crabs. Chesapeake Bay area residents believe blue crabs are the Bay animal most in need of protection, according to polling results conducted by Chesapeake Bay Foundation earlier this year. What does the CBF recommend? The CBF recommends that Maryland maintain its existing regulations for male crabs and strengthen protections for female crabs. The foundation also recommends that the state reduce imports of egg-bearing "sponge" crabs from Virginia. Virginia should reduce its blue crab harvest and consider additional protections for males, which have reached a historic low, according to the foundation. The organization also that the federal government should fully fund programs and agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Environmental Protection Agency that support regional clean water initiatives protecting blue crab habitat.
