Discover Northampton County: Coast, Nature and History

Northampton County appeals to travelers who want to combine landscapes, water, beaches and history. The Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge, Cape Charles Town Beach, Eyre Hall and the exhibitions at the Barrier Islands Center offer different options for planning your trip. If you are looking for a vacation rental or holiday home, it therefore helps to first ask which focus should shape your stay: wildlife observation, coastal experiences, culture or seasonal cuisine.

Nature Among Marshland, Forest and Water

The Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge serves as an important resting place for migratory birds and insects. Its landscape includes forest areas, shrubland, grassland, salt marshes, beach, and freshwater and brackish ponds. As a result, you encounter several clearly different landscape types within one protected area. Those who enjoy spending time outdoors can use the available trails. The Wise Point Boat Ramp provides access to the water. This focus on nature can be decisive when choosing your accommodation if you prefer to spend your days taking in the scenery and exploring at a leisurely pace rather than following a packed cultural program.

Beach and Maritime Impressions

Cape Charles Town Beach provides access to the beach at the end of every block along Bay Avenue. This specific point of reference makes it easier to include beach visits in your daily plans. The concrete ships off the shore of Kiptopeke State Park offer another maritime facet: fishing is possible there. Northampton County's seaside also includes the largest chain of uninhabited islands on the U.S. Atlantic coast. This provides different points of connection for both a classic beach day and a more nature-focused view of the coast.

Plan History and Culture Consciously

The Barrier Islands Center preserves exhibitions featuring more than 7,500 artifacts. Eyre Hall is one of Virginia's best-preserved colonial-era residences and adds another historical highlight. A brick wall overlooking Old Plantation Creek is located at the graves of John Custis II and John Custis IV. Another point of reference reaches back to 1632: the oldest continuously maintained court records of any county in the United States date back to that year. Travelers with varied interests can consciously alternate days in nature with cultural and historical experiences without limiting their stay to just one type of trip.

Season and Arrival as Selection Criteria

Oyster roasts are held on most weekends during the fall and winter months on Virginia's Eastern Shore. This period can therefore be particularly interesting for travelers who appreciate regional traditions and seasonal cuisine. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is also a prominent landmark when planning your arrival. The complex is 17.6 miles long and spans the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Take this scale into account when planning your journey.

For additional ideas of places to visit, you can also consider Exmore, Cape Charles and Nassawadox. Other destinations in the surrounding region include Culpeper County, Mecklenburg County, Staunton, Harrisonburg and Prince Edward County.

For the broader travel overview: Virginia.