The Northern Neck of Virginia is a rural area which has been settled since the 1600’s and is rich in historic and recreational resources. Although located in close proximity to major metropolitan areas, it has remained relatively unscathed by over-development. Westmoreland County is the birthplace of President George Washington, President James Monroe, General Robert E. Lee and of two signers of the Declaration of Independence, Richard Henry Lee and Francis Lightfoot Lee. The area was explored by the earliest settlers to this country, including Captain John Smith, an early Jamestowne citizen.
Surrounded by water and steeped in history, Westmoreland County is also where 115 patriots gathered to sign a document, the Leedstown Resolves, that laid the groundwork for the revolution. In addition to the rich history, you can also enjoy the wines from our vines and the local fresh seafood, produce and fruit.
We are a member of three regional trails: the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail, the Northern Neck Artisan Trail and the Virginia Oyster Trail. Each offers a unique perspective on our area.
Here are some links to our local attractions & tourism partners (listed in alphabetical order):
Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail
(Distance from Ingleside: Varies)
Our wine trail, Cheseapeake Bay Wine Trail, was recently voted the “#1 Wine Trail in Virginia” by the readers of Savor Virginia Magazine. Consisting of ten wineries located in Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay wine region, this unique wine trail offers a quaint atmosphere and scenic coastal landscapes that enrich the wine tasting experience. However, for all of its relaxed attitude, this wine trail still boasts a host of award-winning wines. Definitely take the time to experience the trail for yourself!
Colonial Beach Brewing
(Distance from Ingleside: 10 miles)
Colonial Beach Brewing is a small batch (1.5bbl) brewery in the heart of Colonial Beach, Virginia, along the shores of the Potomac River. The brewery offers a taproom, as well as outdoor seating. Four flagship craft beers are offered year-round, as well as numerous innovative beers created by the brewmaster on rotating taps. Beers are available by the pint, growler or as sample flights.
Ingleside has collaborated with Colonial Beach Brewing on several beers, including a kolsch aged in wine barrels and a farmhouse saison that was made with some of our Cabernet Franc grapes.
Contact: 540-538-1443
George Washington’s Birthplace National Monument
(Distance from Ingleside: 5.4 miles)
Long before he lived at Mount Vernon, George Washington was born right here in Westmoreland County, a few miles away from our winery. George Washington’s Birthplace gives a unique look into what growing up was like for our nation’s first President. Washington’s childhood home and estate has been restored to its proper glory, replete with a living colonial farm that features livestock and tobacco as well as actors/historians that let you interactively participate in their daily chores of everything from cooking to smithing. Ranger talks are also offered on the hour from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free to this national park site.
Contact: 804-224-1732
James Monroe’s Birthplace Park & Museum
(Distance from Ingleside: 5.4 miles)
Open every Saturday and Sunday between Memorial Day and Labor Day, everyone is welcome to come for a brief history lesson and to see the humble beginnings of the property where our fifth president lived from birth up until he left for college. On the site of his birthplace is a visitor center that offers education on James Monroe and the cultural history of the land while also preserving his legacy. A reproduction of the house where he was born has also been constructed on the property and a park is available with walking paths and picnic areas.
Montross Brewery
(Distance from Ingleside: 14.7 miles)
The first brewery in Virginia’s Northern Neck, the Montross Brewery describes itself as the quintessential “little village brewery.” Small in size and intimate in setting, the tasting room exudes the quaint charm of the historic village. The Montross Brewery specializes in small-batch beers and ginger ale, hand-crafted onsite from authentic and, whenever possible, local ingredients. For the last several harvests, Ingleside has collaborated with the Montross Brewery to create a limited-production seasonal ale, which was fermented with the pressed skins of our Albarino grapes.
Contact: 804-452-7394
Road to Revolution Heritage Trail
(Locations vary in distance from Ingleside)
The Road to Revolution Heritage Trail includes several of our local historic attractions, including George Washington’s Birthplace, James Monroe’s Birthplace and Stratford Hall. Retrace the footsteps of our founding fathers as they undertook the long and difficult road to American independence. Learn how the ideals of freedom continued to evolve even after our nation’s birth.
The overall Road to Revolution Trail consists of 22 historic locations throughout Virginia, all connected to the founding of our nation. Be sure to make a stop at Ingleside along the way!
Contact: 1-800-370-9004
Stratford Hall
(Distance from Ingleside: 11 miles)
Stratford Hall offers guided tours inside the historic 18th century building that served as a home for two signers of the Declaration of Independence and General Robert E. Lee. Stratford Hall also has a gift shop, a dining room with lunch and dinner options, a historic library, nature trails and gardens overlooking the Potomac River and a beach that is great for picnics.
Contact: 804-493-8038
Town of Colonial Beach
(Distance from Ingleside: 8 miles)
The Town of Colonial Beach features a beach along the Potomac River, restaurants, art galleries, and a beautiful half-mile stretch of boardwalk. You can tour the quaint town by driving/walking through its streets to enjoy the eclectic architecture and miles of waterside road or you can visit the Historical Society Museum at Colonial Beach. Whether you’re looking to splash in the waves, visit a restaurant, enjoy an ice-cream cone, or simply relax in the pleasures that only a small town can offer, then Colonial Beach is the place for you.
Colonial Beach was voted the #1 Beach in Virginia in a USA Today/10Best poll in 2018!
Virginia Oyster Trail
(Distance from Ingleside: Varies)
Virginia is the largest producer of fresh, farm-raised oysters on the East Coast, providing eight regions of distinctive flavor. From the salts of the Eastern Shore, to the sweets of the Rappahannock River, you are invited to take a delicious journey of discovery on the Virginia Oyster Trail.
Ingleside is proud to be an agri-artisan member of the Virginia Oyster Trail and we host or participate in numerous oyster-related events throughout the year.
Westmoreland County Museum & Library
(Distance from Ingleside: 13.9 miles)
This is our area’s oldest library and also serves as the visitor’s center for Westmoreland County. The Museum celebrates the Northern Neck’s unique history, with artifacts belonging to George Washington, an original portrait of Robert E. Lee, and busts of the presidents Madison, Monroe, and Washington—all of whom were born locally, as well as local Native American artifacts.
Contact: 804-493-8440
Westmoreland State Park
(Distance from Ingleside: 9.3 miles)
Easily one of Virginia’s finest parks, Westmoreland State Park offers many activities, including: an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a fishing pier, playground, campgrounds, camping cabins, power-boat ramp, boat rentals and 6 miles of trails. You’ll also find a visitor center, meeting area, snack bar and camp store. Fossil collectors enjoy hunting for ancient shark teeth along the Potomac. Birding enthusiasts find the park an excellent site for spotting American bald eagles, ospreys, kingfishers, great blue herons, common terns, green herons and gulls, as well as wintering waterfowl. The park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and also features a variety of events throughout the year. Westmoreland State Park was voted one of the Top 10 Beaches in Virginia by the readers of USA Today/10Best in 2018 (read the article). (Photo courtesy VA Dept. of Conservation & Recreation)
Contact: 804-493-8821
Other helpful links & resources:
To learn more about the Northern Neck, you can visit the Northern Neck Tourism Commission website:
http://www.northernneck.org/
Fredericksburg, VA is our closest “big city” and may be on the way to Ingleside for those traveling from the north or west. You can learn more at the Visit Fred website: http://www.visitfred.com/