Northern Neck Garden Tour 2013

It is that time of year again to seek and discover a portion of Virginia that you may not have experienced before.  Yes, Historic Garden Week is coming up April 20th through April 27.  Over here in the Tidewater area of Eastern Virginia, the Garden Club of the Northern Neck is representing our region this year.  The date will be Wednesday, April 24th and there are five homes and gardens, a winery, and an Anglican church dating back to 1735, that will be on display.   Each have a unique feel, a few historic, a few not but all of them are located along the Great Wicomico River near Heathesville in Northumberland County. Other places of interest to visit would be Rice's Hotel/Hughlett's Tavern built in 1763; Th Reedville Fishermen's Museum, Historic Christ Church, built in 1735.  A whole day of exploring awaits you.

Visit vagardenweek.org for additional information.

If you would like to come to the Garden Tour, our beautiful historic property,  The Essex Inn Bed and Breakfast, built in 1840, would be the perfect "home away from home" while you tour the area.  We were proud to be selected to be on the garden tour of 2011.  Our inn sits a short way from the Rappahannock River and an easy and lovely countryside drive to the Heathsville area and garden tour. Our historic district location in Tappahannock offers restaurants, an interesting museum, a walking tour, antiques and shops. Give us a call, we have a special price reduction for April and would love to welcome you to The Essex Inn.

Northern Neck Wine and Oyster Crawl

Interested in wine and oysters?  Then don't miss this new area event on April 13th.  9 wineries on The Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail on the Northern Neck of Virginia are hosting an oyster and wine crawl.  Each of the participating wineries will provide their favorite types of oysters paired with specific wines.  A fee applies.  A great way to experience the wineries and enjoy the beautiful countryside and spring weather.

"The Essex Inn Bed and Breakfast" in Tappahannock is the perfect choice for lodging whilst touring the wineries.  Nestled in the historic district 1 block from the Rappahannock River, with restaurants (two new ones), antiques and shops all within a few short blocks.  The first winery is only 6 miles away.  We have reduced our room prices for the month of April.  Give us a call at (804) 443-9900.  Come visit us and enjoy a gourmet breakfast each morning, complimentary wine, beer and snacks.

Watch Reba McEntire on NBC March 2, 2012

Watch Reba as she discovers secrets and unknown facts about her family history in Tappahannock, Virginia.  See her and shots of Tappahannock on Friday, March 2, 2012 at 8:00PM Central on "Who do you think you are?"

Here are some photos of Reba and her assistants with Bob and I when they were guests at virginia-vacation-packages.htm" target="_blank">The Essex Inn Bed and Breakfast during the shooting for the show.
This what Reba had to say:

"Dear Bob and Janice,
Just wanted to send you pictures that Carolyn took of us when we were in your town.
Thanks for all the super hospitality.
It sure did make our trip more fun!

Always,
Reba"

A nice comment from Reba's travel agent, "Hi Janice, Thanks so much for
taking care of Reba and her assistants.  Your Inn was Reba's favorite place on the shoot." 

Check out our great new special for March and April and come see for yourself what Reba's talking about.

Reba McEntire in Tappahannock, VA. staying at The Essex Inn Bed and Breakfast !

How exciting to welcome Reba McEntire here at  The Essex Inn Bed and Breakfast in Tappahannock, VA.!  She and her assistants, Carolyn and Neil stayed here whilst they were shooting locally for an up-coming TV show called  "Who do you think you are".  Evidently, Miss McEntire must have family roots here along the Rappahannock River in Tappahannock, VA.  Our three honored guests couldn't have been more enthusiastic about The Essex Inn and even commented on our comfortable beds.   Miss McEntire and her companions had the run of the Inn and made themselves at -home here relaxing by the fire,  playing cards and enjoying a quiet evening after dinner at a local restaurant.  Miss McEntire is just like she should be: warm, engaging, perky, attractive, down- to-earth, out-going and delightful.  In the morning after breakfast and a make-up session, the group went over to our Essex County Courthouse just a few blocks away in historic Tappahannock to begin the TV shoot.  Hope they will be back to discover more of this great region of Virginia.

September special discount at The Essex Inn Bed and Breakfast in Tappahannock, VA!!

We are happy to offer a discount for new bookings for the month of September,  subject to availability.
A discount of 15%  applies every day including weekends, when you book 2 nights or more.  No other coupons  or discounts may be used with this offer..  Please call us at (804) 443-9900 to book.
If you are looking for a lovely Inn, in a beautiful setting near the river,  then The Essex Inn is your bet.  The weather is usually wonderful in August and September and aside from the earthquake and the hurricane and the storms, the weather couldn't be better.......Come on over to  Tappahannock, VA, to enjoy kayaking, wineries, exploring historical sights, antiquing, birding and the most bodacious seafood you can find anywhere.!!! 

Things to do when visiting The Essex Inn in Tappahannock, VA

How does a Rivah Cruise sound to you? Plying the waters of the great Rappahannock River, one can enjoy a bit of history, see rare bald eagles and ospreys, watersports and lots of interesting and beautiful scenery along the way.  The Captain Thomas boat  is docked just a short drive from The Essex Inn in Tappahannock.  From May through October it operates and departs at 10:00 AM daily except on Mondays. The tour is narrated while you enjoy the 20 mile cruise up river to the popular Ingleside Winery, where you will disembark for a tour and wine tasting and lunch. The lunch is an additional $12.00 per person.  You may also bring your own picnic.
The next stop is at Wheatland,  the last remaining steamboat wharf on the Rappahannock.  For a small fee one can visit and tour the house, gardens, wharf and museum of  river history.
Your return trip will bring you back to Tappahannock about 5:00pm. Check out the other river cruises that are listed on our virginia-vacation.htm">"area attractions" page.

Looking up the canal towards the Rappahannock

The Captain Thomas viewed from our friends property near the Inn

4th of July at The Essex Inn Bed and Breakfast in Tappahannock, VA

We are getting all set for another holiday at the Essex Inn.  The garden is looking fabulous, the hammock is waiting to be swung, the bunting is up on the porches, the croquet set is ready to be played on the front lawn, the iced tea and iced coffee will be in the pitchers.  A big fireworks display is being prepared over on the Northern Neck.  That is the next peninsula over from us across the Rappahannock River from Tappahannock.

We still have space for the weekend at Tappahannock's premier hotel accommodation, The Essex Inn Bed and Breakfast!  Come on down to the RIVAH and enjoy some relaxation.