Irvington's Northern Neck Neighbors Part 1: White Stone, Virginia

Each of the four river towns that comprise the southern tip of Virginia's Northern Neck --Irvington, White Stone, Weems, and Kilmarnock-- offer small town charm, outdoor and water recreation, history, good food and drink, culture, and their own unique character.

Plan an extended getaway and explore all the region has to offer! Below, get to know a little more about our neighbor, White Stone, Virginia.

White Stone

Whether you're an early riser or a night owl, have your camera ready because White Stone is the place to see some of the most spectacular sunrises over the Chesapeake Bay. Watch the sun come up from your vacation rental's private beach on Windmill Point. Plan to have dinner at Willaby's Cafe, where you can sip a cocktail or craft beer while watching a breathtaking sunset over the Rappahannock River. Dine on daily dinner specials, signature hush puppies and specialty desserts such as Limoncello Cake, Kentucky Bourbon Pie, and Coconut Rum Custard. Get your picture taken in the huge Adirondack chair!

EAT & DRINK

White Stone has become a foodie destination. Acclaimed "Coastal New American", sea- and farm-to-table Adrift Restaurant is dedicated to local sourcing, freshness and sustainability. Recent menu items included coconut curry mussels and beet hummus. Adjacent to Adrift is new shop, Moor, featuring bottles of wine, specialty pantry items and a limited menu for dine-in or take-out.

Another take-out option is specialty grocery store River Market, which has provided gourmet lunches and catering in White Stone for the past 28 years. Featured menu items include hand cut angus beef, homemade crab cakes, gluten-free muffins and pizzas and MORE!

Old Farm Truck Market is a community of local growers, bakers and artisans, offering fresh, quality produce and foods from the Northern Neck region, and Farm Food Take Out, a seasonal menu of grab-and-go eats that ensures no produce goes to waste. Dug In Farms is a small sustainable market farm that offers fresh local produce, cut flowers, prepared foods and garden gifts.

Like food trucks? Check out Rocket Billy's, for breakfast, lunch and desserts you aren't likely to find elsewhere! Cinnamon French Toast Sticks, Steak & Egg Sandwich, Surf & Turf Burger, Mac & Cheese Burger, Rodeo Burger (BBQ, grilled onions, coleslaw), fried bologna, fries with sautéed crabmeat and aioli, Strawberry Cheesecake Pudding, Mandarin Orange Cake, homemade rice pudding.

Sandpiper Restaurant has been called a "hidden gem", known just as much for the dedication of its staff as it is for the quality of its food! Noted for fresh steaks and seafood with Sandpiper's own homemade flair. Fine (fun!) spirits and wholesome meals served in a homey, pleasant and comfortable atmosphere.

Pick up a sweet (or savory) treat at Chesapeake Doughnut Company: hot or iced coffee, espresso, and frappe; savory breakfast sandwiches made fresh to order with choice of egg, cheese, sausage, ham, bacon, and avocado. Lunch sandwiches and baskets including chicken salad and tenders; classic and buffalo chicken; Monte Cristo, club, and avocado BLT. And, of course, the doughnuts! Handcrafted fresh daily with natural, organic ingredients, in traditional favorites such as Boston Crème, glazed, chocolate frosted, powdered, and unique flavors including Maple Bacon, Chocolate Snicker, Samoan Delight, Churro and Oreo.

Hometown bakery Out of the Oven, recently voted Best Bakery by readers of Virginia Living, always has "something fresh out of the oven!" Early Morning Offerings include muffins, scones, Danish, turnovers, bagels, fritters, doughnuts and donut holes. 2nd "Out of the Oven" menu items include biscuits, a variety of croissant, eclairs, sticky buns, cookies, brownies, bars, cupcakes, pies, cakes, loaves of bread and rolls. Personalized baked goods are available for birthdays, weddings, special events, and holidays.

Miss Mary Seafood is the "neighborhood Fish Monger", whose owners come from a long line of Virginia Watermen who have been working the waters of the Chesapeake Bay for centuries. Featuring fresh, high-quality, carefully selected seafood, bought only from reputable sources who utilize the highest standards in sustainable seafood practices. Accompaniments, such as sauces, oils, dressings and crackers, as well as prepared meals from the Food Trailer are also available. Hall's Seafood is a locally owned seafood market offering steamed and fresh crabs, oysters, scallops, shrimp and more!

As day turns to night, 606 Featuring Walkabout Creek and The Quays is the place to be! A fun Irish and Australian themed combo eatery with Steak Night Wednesdays, Pizza Night Thursdays, daily specials, pet-friendly, outdoor beer garden, and live music or DJ on weekends.

PLAY

Throughout the Northern Neck, you can spend the days sunbathing, fishing, swimming, kayaking, or boating. Windmill Watersports rents Recreational, Tandem, Fishing Kayaks, and Standup Paddleboards and provides Eco-Tours by kayak.

Located at the mouth of the Rappahannock River on the Chesapeake Bay is Windmill Point Marina, where boaters can dock for a night, weekend or season, and enjoy the marina's beach, pool, Tiki bar and live music!

Immerse yourself in culture at Allure Art Center, voted a "must see destination" and "Best Art Gallery" by Virginia Living readers. A multifaceted venue with working studios, fine art gallery, event space and retail spaces, featuring original art for sale by professional, award-winning Virginia artists in a variety of mediums including painting, sculpture, pottery, artisan jewelry, glass, fine art photography.

Weekends in June, visit the The Lancaster Playhouse for the production of Let Him Sleep 'Til It's Time for His Funeral, a comedy performed by the non-profit, volunteer Lancaster Players community theater.

Do some shopping and pick up a few souvenirs at one of White Stone's antique stores or boutique shops:

• Country Cottage has the perfect sentiments for loved ones--or yourself: fresh flower arrangements; chocolate, fudge, ice cream, and gourmet foods; greeting cards and gifts.

• Shop The Pink Lemon in-store or online for unique gifts, fashionable accessories, home décor accents and more!

• August Table specializes in handcrafted block print linens, teas, spices

• "Something for everyone" is how Pointe Provisions is often described. Unique, hand selected household, decorative and gift items; fashion accessories; kitchenware; toys; books and lots, lots more.

• The Wharf has an eclectic collection of collectibles, antiques, vintage items, and nautical treasures. "Connecting the past with the present" is Antique Outfitters, where 80% of the furniture, farm items, household items, collectibles, etc. are antiques--and affordable!

• Trimbles' Tavern Antiques specializes in fine period furniture, antiques, Indian artifacts, militaria, period paintings, and restoration.

STAY

Irvington is centrally located, so you can book lodging at Hope & Glory Inn, The Tides Inn or one of the many cottages and vacation rentals, then venture out to the surrounding areas. For lodging in White Stone, vacation rentals are available for up to 16 guests, some located on waterfront and including private beaches, boat docks, piers, and watersports and other recreational activities such as kayaking, tennis or biking. Experience southern hospitality at Flowering Fields Bed & Breakfast.