This time of year can be a frustrating one if your trying to figure out just what to do in the boating world.
Do I take the boat out to fish? A day-long journey around the inlet? A bigger voyage out into the Chesapeake Bay?
It can be confusing … but only if you let it be.
Yeah, we’ve been dealing with some cooler than average temperatures the past few weeks – leaving thoughts of long pants and sweatshirts banging around in the gray matter.
But if you’ve lived in the region for more than a week, you know there’s more ups and downs to come. Simply put, there are going to be some weeks of sunny and hot days.
That’s just how it is this time of year.
So why not take a long weekend trip out of the area before the real winter sneaks in? I mean, what’s holding you back?
During the summer, we traveled to Cape Charles on the bay side of Virginia’s DELMARVA peninsula and to Edenton, N.C.
So with the leafs starting to think about changing, and fall knocking at the door, why not take another venture away from your safety zone and hit the Middle Peninsula on Bay’s western shoreline.
It’s a relatively short ride and it’s not like you won’t find anything once you get there.
Like the rest of our world, this region is buried in history.
It’s an area where I first discovered that past generations of my family long gone had set up shop and put our name on the list of those trying out the new world.
They first left Italy, then traveled to Germany and England, before leaving for the New World – settling in the area now known as Gloucester before breaking away to different parts of the mid-Atlantic region.
But, hey, it’s not about me.
So get your boat ready and head to the waters of the York and Rappahannock rivers in search of a mooring spot to start a relaxing time away from life’s stresses.
One of the top places where you can have a stay is The Tides Inn, located on Carter’s Creek just off the Rappahannock.
This facility, which has been open since the 1940s, is known for relaxation and environmental improvement. According to it’s website, the facility is in the midst of a $3.6 million waterfront restoration project. Sometimes there is a charter trip to collect oysters, followed by a dinner.
The Tides Inn marina can harbor quite a few visitors and the facility is home to a fancy golf course and lots of local history.
Nearby are the Steamboat Era Museum, the Golden Eagle Golf Club and the Dog and Oyster Mirco-Vineyards.
And, as usual, if a Sunday worship is an attraction, Christ’s Church – founded in 1735 – is nearby. The church is in “near-original” condition and was established in the 1640s after the founding Carter Family came from England in 1635.
The Tides Inn also offers its Old Ferry Road Trail, wine tasting and a sunset cruise. Oysters are a way a life in this area, but fishing for speckled trout and puppy drum are viable alternatives – especially this time of year.
Access to a vehicle would enable visitors to check out a wide array of deep American history throughout the region.
Make sure to plan ahead and check on availability.
But if you’re looking for a change of pace, new horizons and pure relaxation, why bother with going anywhere once you arrive.
As usual, make sure everything is in proper working order on your vessel, especially where safety is concerned. Check with our crew here at Lynnhaven, just to make sure.
And because we’re in the peak of the Atlantic Hurricane Season, make sure to plan for weather conditions accordingly.
To read more of my work, go to: leetolliveroutdoors.com
