Tides 250 - Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary
As part of America’s 250th anniversary, the Tides Inn is launching Tides 250, a series of programs exploring the story of the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia’s Northern Neck from 1776 to today. In partnership with regional museums, historical organizations, and cultural leaders, the series brings the region’s past to life through seaplane excursions, heritage tours, maritime experiences, and visits from historic vessels.
Throughout 2026, guests can engage with history through speaker series, hands-on workshops, educational cruises, garden demonstrations, and themed events exploring traditions such as boat building, oystering, farming, and maritime commerce.
Stay tuned as the past meets the present.
Fly250
Witness history from above. As a fleet of international tall ships arrives in Virginia for Sail250® America, take to the skies for a scenic seaplane flight and experience the celebration from a breathtaking new perspective. Then continue the journey with year-round flights over the Northern Neck.
Tides of History Speaker Series
Engage with thought leaders, storytellers and experts through our curated Speaker Series, designed to inspire curiosity and deepen your connection to the Chesapeake Bay region.
Historical Garden Tour
Step back in time and explore the agricultural traditions that shaped the Chesapeake Bay region. Led by Farmer Patrick, this guided experience takes you through the Tides Inn’s Demonstration Plot, where heritage crops illustrate how farming has evolved over the past 250 years.
Legacy Boat Building
Join us this summer for a hands-on continuation of a craft that shaped life along the Chesapeake and helped define a young nation. Working alongside Captain Bill England and our team, you will help bring a new vessel to life.
Tides 250 Special Offering
To commemorate this milestone moment, we are pleased to extend this special offering. When you reserve at least a three-night stay, you’ll enjoy a $250 resort credit to use at your leisure for any of the Tides 250 experiences.
Our Partners
- Steamboat Era Museum
- Coastal Seaplanes
- Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
- Northern Neck Historical Society
- VA250
- Sail250