Cozy Inn Nestled Along Tributary of Chesapeake Bay

The Chesapeake Inn, a venerable brick building, sits within walking distance of the shores of a Chesapeake Bay tributary. The inn’s decor frequently references the nearby bay: upon entering, you’ll see a cluster of wooden oars poking out of a wooden barrel, as if they were stowed there by a fisherman freshly arrived from a day on the water. Across the hall, two pieces of driftwood have been repurposed as lamps. They bookend a large painting of a weathered rowboat set in a gilded frame.

Thirteen unique rooms populate the inn; their coastal decor includes framed maps and tiny sailboats. There’s a full-size refrigerator and microwave for midnight snacking.

White wicker furniture dots the outdoor courtyard, which overlooks a tiny pond adorned with wildlife sculptures. The front-desk staff rents surrey bicycles at no charge⎯they’re a convenient way to see downtown Urbanna and the Rappahannock River area without strapping a webcam to a seagull.

Urbanna, Virginia: Tranquil Coastal Town Rife with History

Urbanna was founded in 1680 as a port town nestled along the Rappahannock River, a tributary that feeds into Chesapeake Bay. According to legend, Patrick Henry once addressed the townspeople from the steps of a pub on Prince George Street. The tiny waterfront community packs a lot into a half-square-mile package, including a number of restaurants, a historical district, and special events such as the annual Urbanna Oyster Festival.

About an hour's drive away, Jamestown Settlement re-creates the historic colony via a living-history museum, costumed characters, and gallery exhibits. Patrons can board replicas of the three English ships that crossed the Atlantic in 1607, explore the re-created James Fort, or visit a simulated Powhatan village. Relics of the real settlement can be explored in nearby Jamestown, which features excavated ruins of the actual colonial site.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.