Location: Tappahannock
Top Things to do in Tappahannock
Top Restaurants in Tappahannock
What to do and see in Tappahannock, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Tappahannock is the oldest town in Essex County, Virginia, United States. The population was 2,375 at the 2010 census, up from 2,068 at the 2000 census. Located on the Rappahannock River, Tappahannock is the county seat of Essex County. Its name comes from an Algonquian language word lappihanne (also noted as toppehannock), meaning "Town on the rise and fall of water" or "where the tide ebbs and flows." In 1608 John Smith landed in Tapphannock and fought with the local Rappahannock tribe. After defeating them, he later made peace.
Restaurants in Tappahannock
1. Menokin
Overall Ratings
5 based on 42 reviews
Menokin was the home of Francis Lightfoot Lee, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and his wife, Rebecca Tayloe Lee.At Menokin, you can experience an 18th century house like never before. You can view, touch and feel its internal make-up as over 80% of the parts and pieces of this collapsed house still exist.We invite everyone to become part of the process as The Menokin Foundation endeavors to restore this National Historic Landmark in a revolutionary way using original fabric and architectural glass.We will also stretch our lens back over time to reveal how this house was built, how and why it fell down, and how The Menokin Foundation has made remarkable strides to preserve and interpret what remains.Admission Fee: Entrance to the grounds and visitor's center: free. Guided tour inside the ruin: $10 per person.
Reviewed By laliva2017 - Lancaster, Virginia
The drive to Menokin is well worth it. The home of Francis Lightfoot Lee is a marvelous study in American, Virginia, and Northern Neck history, its residents, architecture, and lifestyle. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and their enthusiasm is contagious! The future of Menokin appears bright with the glass house surround just a few dollars away. You won't be sorry you've made the trip.
2. Essex County Museum and Historical Society
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By BarbFVA - Virginia
My husband and I both serve as docents in this little museum, so that is my full disclosure. However, after years of working there, most visitors are astonished by the quality and quantity of our exhibits. Some are permanent, others change. We have an excellent curator, and experts are available to help with genealogy, family history, etc.come see us! Admission is free, although donations are welcome but not expected.
3. Caret Cellars
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Caret Cellars is a Virginia Farm Winery featuring estate grown wines with an Italian influence. Casual, in-the-winery tasting room puts guests right in the middle of where our wine is made. Picnic tables outside to enjoy a glass of wine with cheeses or a picnic lunch alongside the vines.
Reviewed By Julie S - Virginia
We visited Caret last spring, just a few months after they'd opened. We enjoyed our visit, and decided to visit again this past weekend. They've already sold out of some wines, but their new wines are just as good. Their Rosato di Sangiovese is wonderfully dry, and the finish goes on forever. We enjoyed all of their reds, especially the Super Tuscan and the Chambourcin. For only being open a year, they already have better wines than some of the other wineries out there. It's definitely worth a visit!
4. Tappahannock Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Joe W - Tappahannock, Virginia
While in the town don't miss the Tappahannock Art Gallery. Contains the work of many talented artists. Spend an hour browsing the many varied works of art. The Gallery displays and offers for sale paintings, photography, hand carved chairs, decorative tiles, cards, and many other objects of art.
5. Hobbs Hole Golf Course
Overall Ratings
4 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By shawnware
Made a Saturday tee time irrespective of the forecast. Teed off in a drizzle and were the only two on the course for much of the round which made for a quick and enjoyable round. Course is in great shape and not terribly challenging so it's a good round for average golfers. Sits right on the river so the bugs are plentiful; BRING SOME KIND OF BUG PROTECTION. Well worth the greens fees. Definitely recommend.
6. Thyme In A Basket
Overall Ratings
4 based on 2 reviews
Wide selection of unique gifts jewelry, home decor, linens, handmade baskets, candles, specialty foods and more. All displayed on beautiful vintage furniture.
Reviewed By ChamplainGirl - Tappahannock, Virginia
This gift shop in Tappahannock VA always has something interesting and new in it. Reasonably priced, one of a kind items that change frequently make this a place to come back to more than once. I was looking on-line at some beautifully printed wallets that started around $100 and then found an equally beautiful printed leather wallet for under $50!! Any time I wear jewelry purchased here my friends want to know where I got it. I'm always glad to tell them. Or better yet - bring them when they visit.
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