Things to Do and See
Activities
Essex County Parks and Recreation
Essex County Parks and Recreation Department runs a number of sports activities for youth and adults. Call at, 804-443-2470. Visit their webpage for the latest program offerings.
The Arts
Tappahannock Artists Guild is a non-profit art center with retail art gallery, dedicated to community education, and opportunities for professional and emerging artists located at 200 Prince Street. Their hours are Thursday - Saturday from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
L.I.F.E. School of Art, offers an array of visual, performing, voice and musical classes for all ages. When possible, VilDon utilizes local teaching artists as instructors. The overall mission is to uplift and enrich the lives of youth, families and the communities in the rural Northern Neck and surrounding counties using the visual, performing and literary arts as a conduit. L.I.F.E. School of Art is conveniently located at 422 S. Church Lane in Tappahannock, VA 22560 Phone: (804) 450-0590.
Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Water Trail
Captain John Smith created the first detailed map of the Chesapeake Region. His masterpiece map of Virginia, published in 1612, remained in active use for seven decades and opened this part of North America to European exploration, settlement, and trade. The geographical accuracy is astounding given that Smith traveled about 2500 miles in a series of short expeditions and had only primitive map making tools to work with. Visit the National Park Service Site to learn more about the historic water trail
Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Hutchinson Unit
There are always things to do at Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge! View the wildlife, fish, take photos, paddle, and so much more! The Hutchinson Unit is located just North of Tappahannock on Rt. 17 at 19180 Tidewater Trail and is open to the public year round from sunrise to sunset. The refuge features handicap accessible hiking trails, covered picnic facilities, a kayak/canoe launch, a boat launch, an observation platform, and more.
Boating and Fishing
Marinas and boat facilities in the area include June Parker Marina at 531 Church Ln. in Tappahannock, 804-443-2131 and Garrett's Marina, Bowlers Wharf, 804-443-0190.
Rappahannock Roundstern is a boat tour agency located at 531 North Church Lane in Tappahannock specializing in Virginia Waterman's Heritage Tours. Call to customize your tour - 804-214-0447.
Fishing is open to all of the waters of the Rappahannock River and tributaries with an approved Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries license. Tappahannock Rt. 360 bridge is the designated boundary between the Saltwater and Freshwater tidal waters and the appropriate fishing license is required. For more information call 804-367-1000.
Flotilla 3-10, " Callao" was established in 1977 and continues to build on its legacy of service to the boating public in the Northern Neck of Virginia and support of Coast Guard Stations on the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers. Auxiliary members who lived along the Potomac River and its many tributaries in the Northern Neck chartered Flotilla 3-10 in July 1977. We have over a 30-year tradition of teaching courses, checking boats for safety equipment and search and rescue. Flotilla 3-10 members work with CG Station St. Inigoes who are, “Guardians of the Potomac”. Flotilla 3-10 is also active on the Rappahannock River in the Tappahannock area and supports the Coast Guard Station in Milford Haven in all facets of the Auxiliary mission.
Visit the Flotilla 3-10 Coast Guard Auxiliary Website.
Public boat ramps are available in Tappahannock at the end of Dock Street. Public and Marina Ramps are also available throughout the county on both the Rappahannock and it's tributaries. See the chart below for Route numbers and the number of the buoy on the Rappahannock closest to the ramp.
Marina Ramps
- Garrett's Marina 804-443-0190 Rt.660, Bowlers Wharf Buoy#19
- June Parker Marina 804-443-2131 531 Church Ln, Tappahannock Buoy#32
Public Ramps
- Tappahannock Dock Street Buoy#30
- Piscataway Rt. 17 Buoy#29
Golf
Hobb's Hole Golf Course
The Hobb's Hole Golf Course and Restaurant are located behind the Tappahannock Wal-Mart. They are open daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information please call 804-443-4500. In the main club house you will find the Pro Shop with a wide array of clubs, golf balls, hats, shoes, and other golfing apparel. Hobbs Hole's practice facility includes a large bent-grass putting green and a well-maintained Bermuda driving range with bunker and chipping green. Check the www.hobbshole.com web site for a full list of Tournament events.
Motorsports
Dragon Motorsports Park is located in Millers Tavern, Virginia just 10 minutes from Tappahannock at 1790 Howerton Road, Dunnsville and specializes in Truck and Tractor Pulling Events with one of the finest single track pulling facilities around.
Public Parks
Marsh Street Park located at 523 Marsh Street, Tappahannock features a swimming pool, covered picnic area, and basketball. This park is operated by the Essex County Parks and Recreation Department. For further information call 804-443-2470.
Central Park is located between Virginia Street and Earl Street in the heart of Tappahannock. This park is operated by the Town of Tappahannock which has big plans for the future of this park. The master plans for the future of this park may be found on the Projects Page of the Town website.
Tappahannock River Park is located adjacent to the Downing Bridge on Newbill Drive. This park is a great place to stop and relax, enjoy the view, or do some fishing. Third Thursday concerts and events are located in this park.
Triangle Park is an open public area located at 720 Cralle Ave.
Coming Soon - Hoskins Creek Park! The Town of Tappahannock is developing a park at 1149 Tappahannock Blvd which, when completed will feature a kayak/canoe launch, transient boat dock, a board walk through the marsh with a platform overlook of Hoskins Creek, an elevated viewing platform and more! Conceptual plans for this exciting new park are available on the Town's Project Page of their website.
River Access
There are several places where you may access the river. At the end of Duke Street there is a sandy beach where swimming may be accommodated. The Tappahannock River Park next to the 360/Downing Bridge provides access to the water. There is a small section of public beach at the end of Marsh Street as well.
Swimming Pools
Marsh Street Pool, Tappahannock, Open June to August
Marsh Street Pool and Park are open weekends only Memorial Day through 6-15-18. Saturday 11am to 7pm and Sunday 1pm to 7pm.
Beginning June 15, 2018 the Pool and Park will operate Tuesday-Saturday 11am-7pm and Sunday 1pm-7pm.
The Park and Pool are closed on Mondays.
Admission is $1.50 per day for County residents and $3.00 for out of County users, 804-443-2470 (Parks and Recreation Office).
Rappahannock Recreation Association Pool, Airport Rd., Tappahannock, Members and guests only, 804-443-3560
Tennis Courts
Public tennis and pickleball courts are available at Central Park in Tappahannock, see the listing above.
Vineyards
Caret Cellars is a veteran family-owned and operated vineyard and winery located at 495 Meadow Landing Lane, Caret. Caret Cellars offers wine tastings and tours. They are open from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and also Mondays when they fall on a holiday three day weekend. For more information or to book a private group call 540-413-6454.
Wind Vineyards is a picturesque 700-acre farm nestled just outside of Tappahannock, Virginia at 5178 Richmond Tappahannock Highway. You will surely find something for the whole family on your next visit with events like wine tastings, live music, food trucks, monster truck events, festivals, and vendor fairs throughout the entire year. The winery is open Monday – Thursday from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Friday – Saturday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
