Categories: TRAVEL

Tides Inn: Beyond the Typical Resort

If you are looking for a resort that’s more than just a resort, the answer may be Tides Inn, located along Irvington Virginia’s historic and tranquil Chesapeake Bay. Tides Inn, voted Virginia’s number one resort by Travel + Leisure, truly has something for everyone. Among the numerous activities, highlights include: cruising, sailing, golf, biking, colonial heritage tours, and shopping. There is also a luxury spa, plus nearby vineyards and art galleries.

Escape is an essential element for any resort, and a setting that’s rich in history such as Chesapeake Bay is ideal for escaping to a bygone era. From eighteenth century buildings, to an abundance of museums, to unique colonial tours, history is alive and well in the Chesapeake Bay area. Nearby Colonial Williamsburg offers a vivid sense of eighteenth century life, with its many colonial homes and buildings, rare breeds of animals, and picturesque gardens.

One great way to experience history is by bicycling along the Northern Neck Heritage Trail where you’ll see fishing villages and many historic sites. True history enthusiasts will enjoy the four-day historic getaway tours, which include Welcome to Irvington, Explore the Potomac, Colonial Heritage, and Colonial Williamsburg.

It should come as no surprise that sailing is a popular activity in Chesapeake Bay.
If you’ve always wanted to sail but never had the time or opportunity to learn, this is your chance. The Premier Sailing School offers US sailing certificate courses for adults as well as self-paced courses for children six to eighteen. Learn to Sail packages are available, and Tides Inn is a good location for both small and large sail boats, with the shelter of the harbor on one side and the highly rated marina on the other.

If you enjoy the water but prefer to just sit back and take in the scenery, a day cruise may be the perfect excursion. You can choose a two hour, half a day or a full day cruise package. If you really want to get in the cruising spirit, board The City of Fredricksburg paddle-wheel for a lunch or dinner cruise; including a buffet, captain’s narration and DJ music with a full bar. Private boat charters are also available.

Cruise destinations include Tangier Island, Virginia, and Smith Island, Maryland. Both of the quaint and charming islands are home to families who earn their living from the famous blue crab. Work up an appetite cycling or strolling the narrow, quiet streets of Tangier Island on your way to a seafood dinner at Chesapeake House. Or visit such attractions as the Smith Point Lighthouse or the Village of Ewell on Smith Island.

A romantic point of interest in the Chesapeake Bay area is the Virginia Wine Trail, which includes Athena, The Hague, Inglesede and Vault Fields. Wine tasting is offered.

The Tides Inn makes for a great family vacation. There is even a program just for kids, aged four to twelve, which offers a wide range of activities such as: swimming, crabbing, nature exploration, croquet, parachute fun, building a boat, and more.

Chesapeake Bay is of course a very relaxing environment for a vacation, and the Tides Inn spa takes relaxation to a deeper level. The spa offers classic treatments, salon offerings, and spa products. There is a variety of spa packages available that focus on nourishing not only the body but the mind and soul as well. Let the stress melt away with massages, facials, and body treatments. The spa prides itself on the use of naturopathica skin care products, a holistic approach which combines organic ingredients with Naturoceuticals, without harmful synthetics. And the spa inspired gifts in the Tides Inn boutique mean the pampering doesn’t have to end at the resort.