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Cruising Destinations

Preferred Destination: Westmoreland County, VA

ARTICLE COURTESY OF WATERWAY GUIDE

Rich in History & Natural Beauty:
Westmoreland County, Virginia

Westmoreland County, Virginia

Outdoor adventure awaits in Westmoreland County.

Formed in 1653, Westmoreland County is the ideal destination for pursuing history & outdoor adventures. The birthplace of George Washington and James Monroe, and home to notable Declaration of Independence signers Richard Henry Lee and Francis Lightfoot Lee, the county continues to celebrate its heritage.

George Washington Birthplace National Monument, James Monroe Birthplace, and Stratford Hall all welcome the public and provide the context and stories of those who lived and worked in Westmoreland County centuries ago.

Historic District in Westmoreland County, Virginia

Historic District in Westmoreland County

The county seat of Montross was recently designated a historic district. The Courthouse Green, town park and playground, restaurant, coffee shop, local fine art and jewelry, a brewery, and the Westmoreland County Museum beckon visitors.

Outside of Montross is Westmoreland State Park, one of the original Civilian Conservation Corps-constructed state parks. Stretch your legs on another beautiful trail, the Voorhees Nature Preserve that overlooks the Rappahannock River.

Colonial Beach and Kinsale in Westmoreland County, Virginia

Colonial Beach & Kinsale

Colonial Beach has several marinas and is a haven for mariners of the mid-Potomac. The town is walkable and a golf cart community, with seafood restaurants, charming boutique retail shops and a summer trolley to the town beach.

Memorial House Museum in Westmoreland County, Virginia

The Memorial House Museum

In a protected tributary off the Potomac River the port village of Kinsale welcomes visitors to its marinas and historic district. A site on the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail, this waterfront village saw action during the War of 1812 during one of the many British raids on the Northern Neck. The George Washington Birthplace National Monument and Westmoreland State Park are on the Trail farther up the Potomac.

Boy jumping off dock at sunset in Westmoreland County, Virginia

Things to Do Around Westmoreland County

Kayak and canoe rentals are available at The Slips to explore the Yeocomico River, lined with historic homes and pristine waterfront. The Kinsale Museum and Gift Shop is open year-round and offers stories of the Northern Neck waterfront and historic sites along the Westmoreland shoreline. Animated by the activities of the centrally located Kinsale Museum, the village is walkable and quiet with amenities at The Slips Marina. The village celebrates the Fourth of July, Kinsale Day in September, and Christmas in Kinsale in early December.

Westmoreland County is home to four wineries:

  • General’s Ridge Vineyard
  • The Hague Winery
  • Ingleside Winery
  • Monroe Bay Winery

Two breweries also operate in Colonial Beach and Montross. Be on the look out for food trucks and live music events when visiting.