Welcome to summer in the Chesapeake Bay region. With outdoor activities and experiences fit for the whole family, this season is the perfect time for a visit to the Tides Inn. To help you plan the perfect Independence Day getaway, we’ve put together the ideal itinerary to celebrate the Fourth of July.

For our younger guests, we have a special treat in store! Head over to the marina dock where our resident artist, Theresa, will be offering complimentary face painting. Watch as your little ones’ imaginations come to life as they transform into their favorite characters or creatures. 

And the fun doesn’t stop there. Throughout the weekend, be sure to stop by Fish Hawk Oyster Bar for a feast of seafood classics and refreshing seasonal cocktails. Only a few steps away is our pool and beach, perfect for rest and relaxation. Spend the evening aboard one of our Duffy Boats for a Wine & Cheese Sunset Cruise along Carter’s Creek. 

For the last few years, the Tides Inn and Friends of Rappahannock (FOR) have joined forces on numerous initiatives, such as native tree planting, conservation landscaping, and the design and installation of the 18,000-square-foot living shoreline at the resort which improves water quality and aquatic habitat of Carter’s Creek. The waterfront project— featuring 42 new trees, an oyster reef, and a meandering wooden boardwalk that naturally hugs the shore’s edge—was conceived and implemented to help preserve the natural ecosystem, prevent future erosion and runoff and protect local species, including osprey, Eastern oysters, and Atlantic mussels.

Apart from teaming up for numerous restoration projects, FOR’s staff works closely with Smiley and Matt Little, the resort’s horticulturist, on day-to-day operations and voluntourism projects, including shell bagging events using recycled shells culled from on-site eateries, Fish Hawk Oyster Bar and Salt & Meadow. While in residence at the Tides Inn, guests have the opportunity to learn about the local ecology of the Chesapeake Bay region and contribute conservation efforts through ecotourism.

“There’s a twofold volunteer piece,” says Brent. “There are just so many benefits. I would like to emphasize the partnership’s gravity and success; it’s very much a symbiotic relationship and a great balance. You will not find a bigger advocate than me. The work that they have done at the Tides Inn is no small feat.” 

 Learn more about FOR and its effort in the region by visiting the link below.

For Kyle Perkins, Chef de Cuisine for Salt & Meadow, the new signature restaurant at the Tides Inn, his career isn’t just a job, it’s a complete lifestyle. “I picked it, and it picked me back, and I haven’t looked back since,” says Kyle, who attended the New England Culinary Institute and worked at acclaimed restaurants and resorts in Nantucket, Sunriver, Oregon and San Francisco. “It’s a part of me. I love the ability to educate people and display creativity and emotion through a physical object. For me, that object – or medium – is food.” 

Kyle, who grew up in Indiana and later spent his formative years in Quechee, Vermont (about seven miles from Woodstock), admits he was always captivated by food. At a young age, he began helping in his parent’s backyard vegetable garden and experimenting in the kitchen. A few trips to Wee Willie’s in Indiana, a local breakfast spot, also sparked his culinary interest and introduced him to an open kitchen concept. But, after summer stints in eateries spanning a pizza joint, a fine dining restaurant, and a small inn, it became clear this was his path. “Working in restaurants was always exciting for me, as well as entertaining people through cooking food,” explains Kyle. “But to see the reactions on people’s faces when they get to eat the food I make, that’s the driving factor for me.”

At Salt & Meadow, Chef Kyle will introduce menu items including line-caught Black Sea Bass from the Bay and Steamboat Wharf Oysters paired with champagne and microgreens from the property’s five-acre farm, overseen by the resort horticulturist. He also works closely with the resort’s ecologist to source the very best local seafood and to ensure sustainable practices, such as oyster shell recycling for the Tides Inn oyster reef. 

As a junior in high school in Lynchburg, Virginia, William Smiley, ecologist at the Tides Inn, went on a field trip with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation that sparked a lifelong career in science. Years later, after majoring in biology at Washington College and obtaining a master’s degree in Educating for Sustainability from Antioch University, Smiley was hired to teach science at Christchurch School located along the Rappahannock River. There, he launched an aquaculture initiative called Cans for Oysters utilizing funds from recycled aluminum cans to purchase oyster seed. “Students were running a seafood business out of the school waterfront,” says Smiley.

In the winter, William leads an oyster-shucking tutorial covering the basics of oysters and the art of how to prep and open them. He’s also busy working on the future Woodland Trails revitalization plan for guest hiking and biking access, and an oyster restoration project, Spat On Shell, with partner organization, Friends of the Rappahannock. “As an ecologist I get to do work that makes the planet healthier,” he says. “It is very rewarding work. Clean water is the greatest gift to give. I also hope to build stewardship in the people I interact with. Maybe they will go back to where they live and take action. My thought is: don’t think about the whole world, just make your world the world and make it beautiful and abundant.”

For your female friend or family member, Kristy points to Barefoot Dreams, a cozy throw perfect for winter nights by the fireplace. Better yet, it’s an easy-care fabric that won’t pill or wrinkle. 

From One Grey Day, a cashmere pullover knit with an easy crewneck and raglan armholes. She’s sure to love this soft, mid-gauge pullover. 

“Starting right here in our own hometown, Mr. Crosby’s nephew continues the spicy, satisfying taste of this authentic sauce,” remarked Kristy. Northern Neck Sauce has become a fan favorite of hotel guests at the Tides Inn – a splendid condiment for seafood dishes. 

For the Marks Family, peanut farming in Virginia has been passed down through the generations. The original home on their farmland was named “Belmont” and dates back to 1790. Implementing environmental practices to nurture the land, the Marks preserve a way of life while producing delicious peanuts and nut mixes. 

Still can’t decide? Purchase a Tides Inn gift card by calling our boutique at 804-438-4440—or to order the aforementioned items. Orders are shipped the same day via two-day UPS, Monday through Friday.  Orders placed on Saturday and Sunday will be shipped first thing Monday morning. 

Lastly, for the mindful friend, what a better gift than to donate to a local charity, such as our environmental partner, Friends of Rappahannock. A donation contributes directly to projects in our region that improve water quality and educate the next generation of river stewards.  

As a young girl, Theresa Schneveis, the resort’s resident artist, spent countless hours combing the woods near her home in Medford, Wisconsin in search of twigs, rocks, and seepods. “I grew up very tied to nature,” says Theresa. “I spent a lot of time exploring forests, picking up treasures, and enjoyed learning about how the world we live in works.”

The Kilmarnock, Virginia resident, who went on to major in ceramics at University of Wisconsin-River Falls, found her passion to become an artist at an early age. “From the age of 18 months, I’ve been drawing and doing literally any creative project available to me,” says Theresa. “I’ve always wanted to do this. I feel extremely lucky that I grew up knowing my calling right away. There’s times I wish I was interested in being a doctor or lawyer or something, but in the end I’m glad I went with my heart and not my head.”

This season is for new experiences and exploration. For the fall lovers who can’t get enough of the fiery foliage, consider a helicopter tour to take in nature’s most vibrant time of the year. From the bright colors of the mountains to the yellow hues near the bay, a helicopter tour is sure to leave you in awe of all Virginia has to offer.

A new season offers a new reason to prioritize yourself. The fall represents a shift in direction—the days get shorter and darker, and the air gets crisper and cooler. We slowly shift into cozy weather and say goodbye to long summer nights. Unwind and fall into this new season with a self-care day by booking a service at the Tides Inn Spa. Detoxify and hydrate your skin with a body scrub or treat yourself to a Himalayan Salt Stone Massage.

After exploring all that Irvington and the surrounding area has to offer on foot, take in the stunning coastline views by setting sail on a cruise at the Tides. Rich with history, our Sunset Cruise will educate you on the background of Carter’s Creek as you take in the sweeping waterfront views, of course complete with a glass of wine.

Bike to the Tides Inn Farm and enjoy a tour of the pollinator gardens, vegetable garden and Bee Meadow with our horticulturist, Matt Little. A seasoned expert on all things trees and plants, Matt can comment on the changing leaves, the growth of pumpkins and gourds and how the shift in weather impacts our beloved bee population. This 30-minute experience is the perfect afternoon activity for adults and kids alike.

Ditchley produces more than 50 varieties of ciders from apples grown directly on the property. In addition to cider, this small, veteran-owned and operated farm produces pork, beef and poultry products. Set on a picturesque property that includes orchards, pastures, wooded areas and over two miles of natural shoreline, this is a hidden gem located just under ten miles from the Tides. On your way back to the Inn, indulge in the fall flavors that come to life in the freshly made ciders.

Virginia is home to several historic sites, one being Historic Christ Church and Museum, which is just a 5 minute drive from our property. The 1735 church is a landmark that is in near-original condition and is considered as one of America’s greatest buildings. Two other spots to check out include the Steamboat Era Museum and Mary Ball Washington Museum where you can discover, learn and explore more about the history of the area surrounding the Tides.