WanderLove: Scenic Road Trip Guide from Fredericksburg to Virginia's Northern Neck
Experience WanderLove—Virginia's unique take on wanderlust—with a safe, scenic road trip showcasing the Commonwealth's pristine beaches, historic sites, and winding mountain roads. As travel resumes, discover adventure-packed routes complete with top outdoor activities, dining spots, and lodging recommendations.
Featured Locations: J Brian’s Tap Room, A. Smith Bowman Distillery, Strangeways Brewing, Spencer Devon Brewing, Sugar + Spruce, River Rock Outfitters, Courtyard Marriott Fredericksburg, Coastal Sky Taxi, The Tides Inn, Merroir, The Dog and Oyster.
Building on our previous WanderLove journey from Norfolk to Chincoteague along Route 13, this itinerary follows Route 3 from Fredericksburg to Irvington through Virginia's Northern Neck—a 90-mile peninsula between the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers, culminating at the Chesapeake Bay. Enjoy fresh seafood, charming wineries, and outdoor thrills.
ROUTE 3: FREDERICKSBURG TO MONTROSS
44 miles, ~53 minutes
Start in Fredericksburg, a hub for outdoor pursuits, history, and culinary delights including craft beer, wine, and spirits. Anglers can join GMCO Potomac River Fishing Guide Service charters from nearby Stafford or rent kayaks/SUPs from River Rock Outfitter for self-guided Rappahannock River adventures.
History abounds: Explore George Washington’s Ferry Farm, Kenmore, Fredericksburg Battlefield, Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park, Chatham Manor, Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, Mary Washington House, and Rising Sun Tavern Museum. Walk the Trail to Freedom in Fredericksburg and Stafford County, tracing escapes to liberty.
Shoppers will love Caroline Street's galleries, top restaurants, and boutiques like Monkees of Fredericksburg (upscale women's wear) and Sugar + Spruce (unique bath products).
Spirits enthusiasts: Tour A. Smith Bowman Distillery (free tastings for 21+) and pose by their distilling-themed LOVEwork. Breweries include Spencer Devon Brewing (great food), Red Dragon Brewery, and Adventure Brewing Company.
Head east on Route 3 to Montross. Detour via Route 205 in King George to Colonial Beach for sunbathing or George Washington Birthplace National Monument.
Stretch at Westmoreland State Park's 6-mile trails with cliff views; sift for shark teeth on the beach. Hike Stratford Hall's trails before touring the 1730s Great House.
Dining & Drinks
Spencer Devon Brewing—Brewery/restaurant with 80% local-ingredient burgers and sandwiches.
Hyperion Espresso—Specialty coffees, lattes, and teas.
FoodE—Upscale Southern fare from local organic farms.
Pimenta—Fresh Jamaican cuisine downtown.
Adventure Brewing Company—Year-round and seasonal crafts.
A. Smith Bowman Distillery—Award-winning bourbons and spirits; free tours/tastings (21+).
Orofino—Scratch-made Italian pastas.
Fairview Beach Restaurant & Crab House—Waterfront seafood and crabs.
Denson’s Grocery and R&B Oyster Bar—Daily fresh Virginia/East Coast oysters.
Red Dragon Brewery—20+ craft taps downtown.
High Tides on the Potomac—Steak/seafood with Tiki seating and summer live music.
Ingleside Vineyards—50+ acres; 20+ wines; year-round tastings/tours.
Lodging
Richard Johnston Inn—Historic B&B in Old Town.
Kenmore Inn—Restored downtown boutique (restaurant closed due to COVID).
Courtyard Marriott Fredericksburg Historic District—Renovated with fitness center/indoor pool.
Hyatt Place Fredericksburg at Mary Washington—Near Old Town in Eagle Village shopping/dining hub.
Belle Grove Plantation B&B—Renovated 16th-century estate, James Madison birthplace.
Riverview Inn—Retro 50s-themed beach inn.
ROUTE 3: MONTROSS TO IRVINGTON
46.6 miles, ~56 minutes
In Lancaster, hike, bike, or ride at Belle Isle State Park's 7-mile Rappahannock shoreline trails amid diverse wildlife. Lodging: cabins, campsites, guesthouse.
Photo Credit: Jim Stewart
Visit 1735 Historic Christ Church and museum for colonial exhibits; stroll the grounds.
In Kilmarnock, browse coastal boutiques. At The Tides Inn, use complimentary bikes to explore or reach Dog & Oyster Winery for wines, Slurp seafood, and pups.
Photo Credit: The Tides Inn
The Tides Inn offers boat rentals/tours (sunset cruises, river history), plus Virginia Oyster Academy: Learn oystering history, harvest with watermen, then grill/shuck/pair.
Join Virginia Watermen’s Heritage Tours for more oyster experiences. Reedville Fisherman’s Museum shares watermen heritage.
Catch Chesapeake sunrise at Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve trails.
Optional Extensions: Cross to Middle Peninsula for Merroir's Bay-fresh oysters/crab cakes. Sail at Norton Sailing School (Deltaville); kayak with Jackson Creek Outfitters. Aerial views via Coastal Sky Taxi over Tangier/Eastern Shore. Shop Urbanna boutiques like Lowe Tide; snap LOVEwork photo at Deltaville Maritime Museum.
Photo Credit: Mark Atkinson, IG: @me_atkinson
Dining & Drinks
Montross Brewery—Small-batch brews and ginger ale.
Rivah Vineyards at the Grove—125-acre riverfront estate.
The Dog & Oyster Winery—Wines with Slurp oysters/seafood.
Tim’s at Cole’s Point—Potomac seafood/crabhouse.
The Hague Winery—1835 estate; barn tasting room.
Car Wash Cafe—Local breakfast diner.
General’s Ridge Vineyard—Weekend tastings.
NN Burger—Gourmet burgers/beers; epic milkshakes (Kilmarnock/Tappahannock).
Northern Neck Popcorn Bag—50+ flavors like Old Bay crabby corn.
Carried Away Cuisine—Gourmet soups, salads, baked goods.
The Local—Coffee and quick lunches.
Good Luck Cellars—Dog-friendly winery.
Merroir—Bay oysters/seafood (to-go/outdoor).
Photo Credit: Todd Wright, IG: @toddwrightphoto
Something Different in Urbanna—BBQ, seafood, desserts.
Urbanna Seafood & Raw Bar—Dock-fresh crabs/oysters.
Lodging
The Tides Inn—Luxury resort: marina, oyster academy, pool, tours, pet-friendly.
Photo Credit: The Tides Inn
Hope & Glory Inn—Historic schoolhouse with cottages, spa, pool; pet-friendly.
Kilmarnock Inn—1884 inn with presidential cottages; pet-friendly.
Belle Isle State Park—Campsites to cabins/guest houses; pet-friendly options.
Beth-Page Camp Resort—RV/cottages with water park, kayaks, mini-golf.
Extend with our 3-day guides to Fredericksburg and Virginia's Northern Neck, or try WanderLove: Norfolk to Eastern Shore.
