Live Like a Local Experiences
Spring Itinerary
Below, you will find a travel guide filled with several days worth of fun and engaging ways to learn from our experts, connect with nature, explore our local communities, dine, shop, and relax.
SHORELINE STROLL
When you arrive at the Tides, explore our new Shoreline Trail and walk along Carter’s Creek and our new Oyster Reef. During your stroll, learn about our recent restoration project that included the addition of 42 new trees, 10,600 shoreline plants and 10,900 upland plants.
WINE AND CHEESE SUNSET CRUISE
Set sail on a picturesque sunset cruise around Carter’s Creek with a bottle of wine, cheese and seasonal fruit. A Tides Inn captain will navigate you through the beauty and history of our waterways.
DINNER IN THE OSPREY ROOM
Blessed with the most pristine ingredients from local waters — whether it be Blue Crab, or some of the best oysters on the East Coast — our goal is to let their natural flavors shine. Our menu changes seasonally, and merges these local ingredients with a global influence and a nod towards the traditional foodways of the South.
IN-ROOM DINING WITH A VIEW
Enjoy breakfast in bed…with a view. Place your order for the Blue Crab Omelet, Smoked Atlantic Salmon, or Brioche French Toast from our In-Room Dining Menu.
MORNING AT THE SPA
Designed as a tranquil and intimate environment, The Spa at the Tides Inn offers a variety of therapeutic, relaxing and rejuvenating treatments. Try our Himalayan Salt Stone Massage, Rappahannock Renewal Body Treatment or Revitalizing Facial.
LUNCH AT FISH HAWK
Enjoy seafood classics and creative beverages at Fish Hawk, an indoor raw bar and casual setting. Choose from our favorite dishes such as the Tuna Poke Bowl, Soft-Shell Crab BLT or Achiote Shrimp Tacos. Dine along the waterfront while you sip on a refreshing cocktail.
CHESAPEAKE GOLD
Guided by our ecologist, Will Smiley, learn why Eastern Oysters are the keystone species of the Chesapeake Bay. Boarding a traditional watermen’s boat, you may visit an oyster farm, pull up oyster cages, investigate and sort the catch. Upon returning to the shore, learn how to grade oysters and watch a waterman grill them to perfection.
DINNER IN TOWN
In the evening, take one of our cruiser bikes for a short ride into town and dine at a local restaurant, such as The Office Bistro, Dredge, Vine, or Colonnade. Take the Tides shuttle to Adrift, a bistro located in White Stone.
BEEKEEPING EXPERIENCE
Our new Forest Trail culminates into a clearing, the Bee Meadow, with our resident bees and wildflower field. Our Beekeeper & Horticulturist, Matt Little, will guide you through an up-close look into the beehives & will teach participants about the important life of these pollinators.
BOUTIQUE SHOPPING
We invite you to pay a visit to the Tides Inn Boutique for an array of clothing, gifts and regional gourmet snacks. The town of Irvington has unique shops and boutiques to visit, too, such as Sweet Tea Boutique and Irvington Home Goods.
PAINT & PINOT
Join our resident artist, Theresa, as she guides you through the process of painting with acrylics. This class will take place in our Maker Space, where you can enjoy a charcuterie board and wine while you create. All skill levels are welcome.
PICNIC AT SUNSET
For a memorable dinner, reserve one of our pop-up picnic experiences. Our team will set up your movable feast at your choice of the following three picnic spots, Forest Trail, Sunset Bluff or aboard a Duffy Boat.
POTTERY ON THE WHEEL
Our resident artist, Theresa, will guide you step-by-step to master the pottery wheel as you make your own unique piece. This class includes one clay mold to be glazed, fired and shipped after the session.
ON THE WATER
Discover the Chesapeake Bay lifestyle with water activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding and canoing, or test your skills with our Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga Class.
AFTERNOON AT THE TIDES
The world is your oyster — learn the uniqueness of wine varietals in our Wine 101 workshop or discover our new Woodland Trail on bike or on foot. Test your skills and win a prize with our new scavenger hunt that may take you to places such as the View Room, Marina, Woodland Trail and more. Our scavenger hunt is great for adults and children alike.
DINNER IN THE OSPREY ROOM
Savor the flavor of the Northern Neck region and enjoy dinner in the Osprey Room. Here, you will enjoy our complete menus, featuring delicious, seasonally inspired dishes, for breakfast and dinner daily. Try our Crispy Soft-Shell Blue Crab, Charred Octopus or Baked Rappahannock Oysters.
DEPARTURE DAY
Start your day off with our Morning Stretch class, play a game of pickleball on our courts, visit the Historic Christ Church, or stop by the nearby Steamboat Era Museum to learn about the era of the steamboats that plied the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The day of departure is yours to enjoy. You might choose to spend your time doing something new, or by revisiting an activity you found especially fun or enriching.