Irvington's Northern Neck Neighbors Part 2: Weems, Virginia

Irvington is a great base camp for exploring the most southernly region of the Northern Neck. In our last blog, we introduced you to White Stone, Irvington's neighbor to the south and east. Next we'd like to tell you about our western neighbor, Weems, just across Carter Creek, and home to one of the best-preserved colonial churches in the United States.

Weems, Virginia

Founded in 1886, Weems is a peninsula bordered by Carter Creek and the Corrotoman and Rappahannock Rivers. A beautiful vestige of the bygone era of steamships and small town America, Weems is primarily a residential town, known for marinas, water activities, and historic homes and churches, notably Historic Christ Church. Weems is also home to Wharton Grove Campground, a former Baptist church revival camp, popular in the 1800s and early 1900s. Founded by evangelist Dr. H.M. Wharton, the site was a steamboat stop "It was carnival time, laced with sermons, hymns and good old time gospel fellowship", then turned into a summer resort with cottages, dining halls, tabernacle and a pier.

Historic Christ Church

Photo: christchurch1735.org

Historic Christ Church & Museum is an architectural masterpiece, the centerpiece of a museum and engaging historical site dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of eighteenth-century Virginia history. This National Historic Landmark, the 1735 Christ Church, is in near-original condition and is one of America's great buildings. Support the Church's Colonial Tavern Fare fundraiser, July 2, noon to 2 pm, featuring an easy-to-prepare, colonial-style boxed meal. The menu includes a "Salmagundi" (colonial Cobb salad) with a platter of chicken, country ham, corn salad, potato salad and other veggies, and a yeast roll with butter. Dessert is pound cake with strawberry-balsamic shrub sauce. Cost is $25.00 per person.

Visitors can explore this stunning edifice and discover museum exhibits and artifacts related to the social and political world of colonial Virginia, the lives of the Carters and ordinary parishioners, and the preservation of the church. The museum also offers a research library and high-quality gift shop and prides itself on being a leader in educational and community outreach programs for all ages. The museum features artifacts, documents, displays, and exhibits that tell the story of the church, its builders, and the Church of England in colonial Virginia within the context of early American settlement and the trans-Atlantic world. Various programs, special events and even weddings are held at the church.

Sailing & Boating

Surrounded by water, Weems is an excellent destination for boaters, sailors, and watersport enthusiasts.

Sailing & Surf Adventures offers daily sailing charters and lessons out of Carters Cove Marina. Adventures begin with an introduction to their beloved 36’ Columbia, Galene, built in Portsmouth, Virginia in 1968. Acquired by Captain Clay Dingledine, a Northern Neck native, Galene was newly outfitted with modern amenities, including USB ports, desk area and solar panels, yet maintained her classic look. Depending on the selected adventure, snacks and drinks may be provided.

After a safety briefing by the U.S. Coast Guard-licensed crew, participants depart from the dock and motor out of the harbor, where sailing begins on some of the most pristine waters of Coastal Virginia. Immerse yourself in life at sea. Watch for for ospreys, bald eagles, sea turtles and dolphins. Bask in the sunset or explore local seafood options at a waterfront restaurant.

Carters Cove Marina is located on the Carters Cove branch of Carters Creek, eight miles from

the Chesapeake Bay up the Rappahannock River. Easy access, deep water slips, excellent protection from the winds and boat wakes, abundant town water, electric supply, WiFi, and peace and quiet are just some of the amenities offered at the marina. A family owned marina, Carters Cove wide docks; full-length, wide stable finger piers; modern pump-out; climate controlled restrooms; showers; laundry; ample vehicle parking; and more!

Let's Eat

Grab a bite at Rita's Cafe, featuring organic meats & vegetables. Open for lunch and early dinner, some of the seafood restaurant's specialties include sandwiches such as a salmon chessesteak topped with grilled shrimp and Italian chicken cutlet with fresh mozzarella, sundried tomatoes, arugula and fresh basil. Wraps including crab salad and blackened shrimp and spinach with blackened shrimp and crabmeat. Salads, Surf Turf Nachos, water ice and more!