Five Essential Activities During a Fall Visit to the Tides Inn
September 09, 2026
Crisp air. Leaves crunching overfoot. The whistle of ospreys as they begin their migration south. Fall is something special in the Northern Neck. There is no shortage of ways to explore and experience the season at the Tides Inn, but we do have a few favorites (shhh). Make time for one—or all—of these activities during your autumn getaway.
View Fall’s Colors From Above
Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of autumn’s fiery rainbow during a scenic seaplane ride over Carter’s Creek, the Rappahannock River and the Chesapeake Bay. (It’s a thrilling opportunity for skilled photographers.) Thirty- to 60-minute excursions are available, as are special sunset outings—which include a champagne toast in the air.
Capture the Changing Leaves in Watercolor
If you’d prefer to view the changing leaves from ground level, hop aboard our Watercolor Cruise for a leisurely ride along Carter’s Creek. Along the way, you’re encouraged to paint the red, orange and gold foliage using the provided watercolors and with guidance from a trained artist.
Get Crafty in the Maker Space
Our sunlit Maker Space is active year-round for guests of all skill levels to create their own masterpieces (don’t worry: resident artist Carter Helmandollar is on hand to help). But autumn brings quintessential experiences to enjoy together, including pumpkin painting and pumpkin carving.
Taste the Season on the Farm
Farm Manager Patrick Stickney’s job doesn’t slow down as summer’s heat wanes. Our five-acre Tides Inn Farm is blossoming with Purple Majestic sweet potatoes, ginger, kohlrabi, kale, tomatoes and an array of edible flowers. Learn all about the harvest (and sample the local produce) during a Farm Experience tour.
Experience the Northern Neck at Community Events
The oyster reigns supreme in fall when various events celebrate one of the Chesapeake Bay’s keystone species. Set up your home base at the Tides Inn and mark your calendar for the Stratford Hall Wine & Oyster Festival in mid-September, adults-only Chesapeake Academy Community Oyster Roast in late October or the Urbanna Oyster Festival in November (it sells out, so get your tickets early). Other regional highlights that are less bivalve-focused: the Richmond Folk Festival, Tappahannock Crab & Shrimp Feast and Irvington Turkey Trot.