The Reedville Fisherman's Museum in Virginia will bring The Spirit of 1608, its reproduction of Capt. John Smith's "discovery barge," to the Avalon area of Patapsco Valley State Park June 28 and 29 as part of the 400th anniversary of Smith's exploration of the Chesapeake Bay. The vessel will be docked near the Avalon Visitor Center parking lot on South Street, Halethorpe. Volunteer re-enactors accompanying the vessel will offer historical interpretations from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. Information: 410-465-32

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Contact Information

Mark Huffman

President

MediaMax

804-456-0052

mark@northernnecktoday.com

Virginia’s Northern Neck, bordered by the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers and Chesapeake Bay, has increasingly drawn retirees who enjoy the peaceful setting and hassle-free lifestyle. Now, the Northern Neck Tourism Council is making it easier for people contemplating retirement to take a first hand look.

The council is sponsoring its first “Northern Neck Pre-Retirement Tour” May 17, 2008, in conjunction with the Fourth Annual Kilmarnock Crab Festival.

“Folks who are thinking about where they want to live when they retire will have the opportunity to see what we have to offer that weekend,” said NNTC President George Beckett.

Beckett said the “tour” is self-guided, but Council volunteers will provide information, literature about the area, and answer questions. Visitors will then set out to visit the region’s museums, farmers’ markets, wineries and other attractions.

“We chose to hold our first tour during the Crab Festival because it’s a great introduction to the culture of the Northern Neck,” Beckett said.

The Crab Festival, initiated by Kilmarnock businessman Shawn Donahue, celebrates the local watermen’s culture. It features crafts, art exhibits, food and entertainment.

“This year we have added lots of live entertainment, so it should be bigger and better than ever,” Donahue said.

The festival begins Friday evening, May 16 and resumes Saturday May 17 for a full day of activities.

“On Saturday, our volunteers will be set up in the festival’s Welcome Center,” Beckett said. “We invite people to drop by and pick up a map, our Tourism Guide, and a suggested itinerary of things to do.”

“Both the Crab Festival and the Pre-Retirement Tour are great ways to meet the other people who live here, and decide whether you might one day also want to make the Northern Neck your home,” Donahue added.

The Northern Neck is made up of four rural counties, but is as close as an hour away from Richmond, Virginia and as close as 90 minutes from Washington, DC.

October Events 

Farmers markets: Saturdays - May through October 

First Saturday – Irvington Farmers Market. 9-1 (through Dec) – 438-9088 

Second Saturday – Downtown Urbanna Farmers Market – 9-1 – 758-2000 

Third Saturday – RHHT Heathsville Farmers Market (April – October)– 580-3377 

1 - Skipjack cruise aboard the Claud W. Somers. 10-1. Reedville Fishermen’s Museum.  

3-31 – Archaeology month. A study of Rappahannock pottery. Richmond County Museum. Warsaw. 333-3607 

5 - First Friday Walkabout. Special celebration in historic Steptoe's District of Kilmarnock starting at 5:00pm. Sponsored by the Rappahannock Art League with a different theme highlighted each month. 

6 – Robert E. Lee 1807-2007: Celebration of an American Icon : Gary Gallagher speaks on Robert E. Lee as Stratford continues its year long celebration of the 200 th anniversary of his birth. Reservations.  

6 - Lottsburg Fall Festival. Fourth annual festival scheduled for October 6 between Allison's Ace Hardware and the Women's Club. Pumpking painting, Buzzie the clown, country music, food, vendors, lots of fun for the whole family.  

13 – 14 th Annual Northern Neck Seafood Extravaganza. Get the best seafood in the Chesapeake Bay area. Enjoy live music, tours, tastings, wine and gift specials. Reservations. 1-5. $45  

13 – Warsawfest. Crafts, rides, parade, food, vendors. Family fun on the grounds of RCC in Warsaw. 

15 - Skipjack cruise aboard the Claud W. Somers. 10-1. Reedville Fishermen’s Museum.  

20-21 – Striper Challenge. 1 st, 2nd places for each species. Rockfish, Trout (specks or grey). Northern Neck Anglers Club.  

20-21- Art open house. 11-5, poetry and music. Sunday - 3-5 pm. A-Ibanez Museum & Sunrise Studio gallery, map & location 

26 – Ghost Stories. On the grounds of the museum. Hot cider and other refreshments. Mary Ball Washington Museum.  

27 – Reedville’s Annual Halloween Event. Costume parade, haunted house, hayrides, children’s activities. 7-8:30 pm. Reedville Fishermen’s Museum.  

27 – Colonial Beach Golf Cart Halloween Parade. 224-8145 

29 - Skipjack cruise aboard the Claud W. Somers. 10-1. Reedville Fishermen’s Museum  

CB and Jane Kemper with assistant Christy Rock are among the 110 exhibitors at the Farmer’s Market in Irvington, VA. The Kempers own and operate Kemper’s Nursery in Farnham, VA and every Saturday during the season you will find them at one of the local markets that rotate through the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula.