There are plenty of attractions and things to do around the inn and the surrounding Mathews County and peninsula areas! Choose from some of these ideas below to plan your perfect Chesapeake Bay waterfront vacation! Whether it’s water activities you are looking for or shopping and dining, there is something for everyone!
Things To Do
Area Dining
Dining in and around Mathews County has never been easier. We have more restaurants to choose from than ever before! This coastal town boasts a mix of restaurants that cater to just about any craving you may have on your visit. From fine dining and fresh seafood to hearth-baked pizzas and Mexican cuisine or local BBQ for your picnic basket, Mathews has you covered. Here’s a list of our favorites all located within minutes of the inn.
Island Stop Market & Grill
Located at the beginning of the lane, just a short walk or quick drive from the Inn, Island Stop Market & Grill is a local favorite serving up hand-tossed pizza, smoked BBQ, fresh seafood, and deli fare—plus beer, wine, and essentials for your day on the Bay. A perfect stop for grab-and-go meals, picnic supplies, or friendly local flavors.
Southwind Pizza
Eclectic dining option in Mathews with fresh foods and creative twists. Located in the downtown Mathews historic area…and they deliver!
Richardson’s Café
Great diner with old-time TV hits and milkshakes, located just a block or so down from Southwinds in downtown Mathews.
The White Dog Bistro
Definitely the area’s “date night” or special occasion spot.
Hole In The Wall Waterfront Grill
Mathews County only waterfront dining! This gem is just a short drive away, and the views are worth the scenic drive to get there!
The Seafood Shack
Fresh seafood market and eatery.
Mi Casa Azteca Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
Enjoy your tacos and margaritas on the outdoor patio!
Howard-Dooley Café
Southern-style diner, seafood platters and nightly specials. Sometimes even live music on weekends.
Salty Dog Pizzeria
Sicilian-style pizza, pasta and subs.
Mathews Grill and Deli
Located right on Main Street in downtown Mathews. Serving pizza, pasta, steaks, wings, burgers, subs, etc., a great place for a quick bite in a relaxed setting.
Kayak the Chesapeake Bay
Learn MoreBring your own or use one of our Sit-On-Top Kayaks. You can launch right here at the inn or from 20 area launch sites throughout the county. You’ll enjoy historic sites along the East River or cruise out to the beach at the New Point Comfort Nature Preserve. There are local companies offering guided tours as well.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Learn MoreTry something different on the gentle waters of Tabbs Creek. It’s not difficult to learn, and you will be up and running in no time. Use one of ours or bring your own. ‘SUP’ is one of the fastest growing water sports, and you’ll see why when you try it.
Cycling
Learn MoreWith no stoplights, low traffic, and flat roads, explore the county via several mapped routes that take you through beautiful country roads as well as historic and natural sites. We have a few bikes available, (on a first-come first-served basis), or bring your own!
Walking on the Beach
Learn MoreTake a walk along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay at Bethel Beach Nature preserve or along the New Point Comfort Lighthouse observatory just a few miles away. Explore our local beaches and get to know the Chesapeake Bay even better!
Fishing
Learn MoreFish or crab right off of our own dock! We have some fishing poles and tackle on sight, or feel free to bring your own. Our kayaks are also designed for fishing! For a more extensive fishing experience, you can arrange for a special charter with some local fishing tours. If you have a smaller craft, you can also bring your boat and launch from nearby Town Point Landing and tie up at our private dock. Keep in mind that if fishing off our dock, you would not need a license, but if fishing off kayaks or boats, a salt-water license is required.
Bird Watching
Learn MoreEnjoy trying to spot over 220 species of birds including Great Blue Herons, Osprey, Bald Eagles, and Egrets right from our property, or along Bethel Beach and Haven Beach Nature preserves just a few miles away. Check out our simple birdwatching guide to get you pointed in the right direction.
Sightseeing & Shopping
Learn MoreExplore Mathews County and our lovely and quaint towns, each with its own unique character, galleries, restaurants, and museums. There are also several antique shops and local boutiques worth stopping in and shopping around. Try some local cuisine while in town from a variety of restaurants, many using fresh and local seafood and ingredients. Seasonal farmers’ markets and festivals happen throughout the year, so it’s never a bad time to visit. So stop on by and see all the wonderful things our small town has to offer.
Wine Tasting & Vineyard Tours
Learn MoreZoll Vineyards is our newest and closest winery, bordering Mathews and Gloucester. A farm-to-table winery that offers wine pairings, chocolate and cheese menus, and even cooking demonstrations. Wine lovers can also unite on the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail. The trail features nine premiere wineries of the Northern Neck area of Virginia. Be sure to check out their Passport Program for a fun way to save on your purchases.
Golf
Learn MoreThe Piankatank River Golf Club offers one of the most unique and beautiful courses in Virginia and is just under a 20-minute drive from the inn. Open to the public and among Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play,” you will love traversing the wooded front nine while then enjoying the flatter back nine, part of which is right along the shores of the Piankatank River as well as the Chesapeake Bay.
Live Music
Learn MoreSeveral places around Mathews and in the surrounding area offer live music. From our local restaurants featuring local artists, to a community based music venue in Ware Neck just 20 minutes from the inn. Gloucester Brewing Company also features live music and even trivia nights!
Chesapeake Bay Boat Tours
Learn MoreCruise the creeks, rivers and tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay with Captain Trey Sowers on a classic deadrise. The “Helen Elizabeth” is a restored Chesapeake Bay workboat perfect for gentle rides on the Bay. Up to six passengers can enjoy up-close views of the New Point Comfort Lighthouse, historic sites, and abundant area wildlife. For more information check out Chesapeake Bay Boat Tours.
