Signature Experiences
While the resort offers a multitude of experiences, we compiled the “not to miss” tours and workshops that you can only experience at the Tides Inn.
Watercolor on the Water
Resident artist Theresa Schneveis takes her art lessons on the water: As you cruise Carter’s Creek—gaining inspiration from the resident wildlife and lush scenery—she’ll outline the basics of watercolor painting. Create your own masterpiece, then celebrate with a mimosa.
Bird Watching Cruise
Become a citizen scientist: Join resident horticulturist Matt Little for a casual cruise around Carter’s Creek to spot and identify the myriad bird and plant species in the area, including herons and ospreys.
Tides Inn Garden Tour
Join our resident horticulturist, Matt Little, for a leisurely bike ride to the Tides Inn Farm to tour our vegetable garden and bee meadow and check out the mushrooms growing along the Forest Trail. Fun fact: Much of the fresh-grown produce you’ll see is destined for Salt & Meadow restaurant.
Bespoke Mugs—A Clay Handbuilding Class
With help from our resident artist, Theresa Schneveis, design and craft your own bespoke mug through the process of handbuilding, or creating pottery without a wheel. Add a personalized touch by pressing locally foraged plant pieces into your clay for texture or decoration—and a reminder of the natural beauty of the Tides Inn.
Chesapeake Gold—An Oyster Experience
Eastern oysters are a keystone species of the Chesapeake Bay that help to purify the water. During this small-group outing, visit an oyster farm, pull up oyster cages and help sort the catch. Back on shore, practice grading oysters for size and quality and learn how to grill them—before digging in yourself.
Beautiful Swimmers—A Blue Crab Experience
Blue crabs are an icon of the Chesapeake Bay (their scientific name translates to “beautiful swimmer”) and critical to maintaining balance in the natural ecosystem. This is your chance to get up-close with the shellfish: Alongside resident ecologist Will Smiley, learn how to set a crab pot while on the water, then get tips for prepping, cooking and, yes, eating the delicious local delicacy.
Special Offers and Packages
Distinctively Tides
At the Tides Inn, immersive experiences were created to connect you to the place—Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay region. These “only at Tides” hands-on experiences give you a glimpse into our history, environment, culture and community.
Your stay includes:
- Luxurious accommodations in your choice of room or suite
- Experience for Two: Choose a seasonal expert-led Signature Experience (outlined above) that fits your interest, whether it’s with our ecologist, horticulturist or artist
- Generous Food & Beverage Credit: Enjoy a private picnic lunch or dinner in our new restaurant, Salt & Meadow
Reserve online, contact your preferred travel professional or call 855-540-2831.
Meet Our Team
Meet our Resident Ecologist, William
With a Master’s Degree of Education in Sustainability, Will leads immersive experiences on Carter’s Creek and the Rappahannock River – from a “Chesapeake Gold” tour about Eastern oysters to “Beautiful Swimmers,” featuring Blue Crabs. His ultimate goal is to have guests leave the resort with a better sense of stewardship and the desire to improve waterways near their hometowns.
Meet our Resident Horticulturist, Matt
With a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science and experience in groundskeeping, facility management and commercial landscaping, Matt has created new educational experiences for guests – in the resort’s Forest Trail and Bee Meadow. A master gardener since age 16, Matt states the favorite part of his job is sharing his knowledge of nature with guests.