AREA INFORMATION

Middlesex County

Welcome to Middlesex County, established in 1673, located off the Chesapeake Bay with the beautiful Rappahannock River, pristine Piankatank River (the cleanest river in the state), plus absolutely stunning, wide, deep creeks. Middlesex is a little over 200 square miles with 80 square miles of waterfront and quaint waterfront towns including Urbanna, Deltaville, and Saluda. Only an 1+ hours to Richmond/Newport News/Williamsburg and 2+ hours to Northern Virginia/Charlottesville.

Lancaster County

Lancaster County, founded in 1651, has 231 square miles, with 98 square miles of waterfront. The population is approximately 11,000 people. Lancaster County has fabulous small waterfront towns. Irvington’s population is about 670 people and is home to Carters Creek and the Tides Inn. Kilmarnock has a population of around 1,200 people and has great waterways, shops and is known as the Steptoe District with a Scottish flare. White Stone offer a variety of shopping and dining and has the Robert O. Norris bridge as the gateway to the lower Northern Neck.

Mathews County

Mathews is the second smallest county in Virginia, with 252 square miles, and has a population of approximately 9000. In 1791, Mathews County was formed from a part of Gloucester and named for Revolutionary War General Thomas Mathews. Well-known for its waterways, Mathews boasts 214 miles of waterfront, with much of that frontage on the Chesapeake Bay, Piankatank River, North and East Rivers, and Mobjack Bay. All this water makes Mathews a haven for boaters, kayakers, fishermen, and nature lovers.

Northumberland County

Northumberland County lies on the Chesapeake Bay and is just across the Potomac River from Maryland. The abundance of waterways, laid-back lifestyle, and temperate climate have made it one of Virginia’s leading retirement and vacation communities. Northumberland comprises 286 square miles, with 94 square miles of water, and a population of approximately 12,400. Northumberland is home to some charming towns. The town of Reedville is rich in maritime history and home to the Chesapeake Bay Menhaden Fleet. There is abundant shopping and dining in the town of Kilmarnock, which stretches from the edge of Northumberland into Lancaster County. Located just outside of Kilmarnock in Northumberland County is Indian Creek Yacht & Country Club with an 18-hole golf course, social activities, yacht club, indoor/outdoor tennis and more (membership required). Northumberland’s greatest asset is its waterfront, with miles of bay and river frontage, fishing charters and tournaments, cruises to Tangier, and ideal areas for water sports, kayaking, and taking in the sights and sounds of nature. Northumberland/Lancaster is also home to active local chapters of the Audobon Society, Master Naturalists, Master Gardeners, and Native Plant Society.

Gloucester County

Gloucester is a diverse county, with lovely waterfront, rural farmlands, and all the conveniences you need along the Route 17 corridor. It covers 288 square miles, with 70 square miles of water. The current population is approximately 36,000. Located on the Chesapeake Bay, Gloucester has five rivers – the North, Ware, Severn, York, and Piankatank. These wonderful waterways offer terrific fishing, boating, kayaking, and are home to many vacation cottages as well as prestigious estates.

Westmoreland County

Westmoreland county lies between the Potomac and the Rappahannock Rivers and is the largest county in the Northern Neck, with a population of about 17,000. The town of Colonial Beach is well known for its two miles of sandy beach, fishing pier, camping areas, and Colonial Beach Yacht Club. Montross is the county seat and home of Northern Neck Ginger Ale and the Northern Neck Coca-Cola Bottling Company. Ingleside Plantation Winery is a popular attraction.

Richmond County

Richmond County, not to be confused with the city of Richmond, was established in 1692 and has a current population of approximately 9,000 people. The county covers 216 square miles and 25 square miles of water, with the largest body of water being the Rappahannock River. Warsaw is the largest town and county seat, with shopping, dining, consumer services, and Rappahannock Community College.

Essex County

Essex County stretches along the shores of the Rappahannock River and covers 286 square miles. The current population is approximately 11,000. Ideally located just 45 miles from Richmond and 100 miles from Washington D.C., it’s about an hour’s drive from Williamsburg or Fredericksburg. Established in 1692, Essex is named for the English county of Essex. With Tappahannock being the county seat and the only large town, the remainder of the county is a land of pastoral rural beauty.