At Fleeton Fields:
The quiet roads and the quaint hamlet of Fleeton just around the corner are perfect for walking or bicycling. Several bicycle tour loops take you past lush farm fields, by quiet creeks and ponds or over the scenic Little Wicomico River on a two-car cable ferry where you can watch the local watermen tending their crabpots.
Or launch the inn's canoe or kayak on the pond and enjoy the serenity of quiet water paddling, on high tide enter the Bay and paddle to Reedville for lunch if you would like to spend a long day on the water.
In Reedville:
Just two and one half miles up the road lies Reedville, founded in 1867 it is a typical Chesapeake Bay region working fishing village. Stop in at the Reedville Fishermen's Museum and be sure to see the Walker House, the oldest house in town and a restored waterman's home, and their historic boat collection including a 1911 skipjack, a 1922 buyboat and the Spirit of 1608, a discovery barge built at the Museum to commemorate Captain John Smith's exploring and charting the Chesapeake Bay.
Take the walking tour of the national register historic district, going by the imposing Victorian mansions, you'll see why in 1912 this little town was touted as the "richest per capita small town in the country."
On the water:
Cruises leave Reedville daily in season, for Tangier and Smith Islands, which are out in the middle of the Bay. It's a pretty boat ride and you can explore these quaint little villages, and taste the area's best crabcakes and soft shell crabs.
If you'd rather catch your own fish, bring your surf casting gear or hire a local charter boat for an exciting day on the bay fishing for bluefish or striped bass.
For day trips nearby:
Dameron Marsh, Hughlett Point, and Bushmill Stream nature preserves are great spots for walking and wildlife viewing. The Golden Eagle, Quinton Oaks, King Carter and the Piankatank River golf courses each offer 18 challenging holes.
Something new to do in our area is to follow the Northern Neck Wine Trail. The closest wineries are Athena and White Fences. Check for dates with special entertainment.
There is good antiquing, such as the Kilmarnock Antique Gallery, and the Saturday morning farmers' markets and area fairs and festivals offer everything from fresh vegetables and home-baked goodies to a perfect Christmas gift for that special someone on your list.
Stratford Hall Plantation, the home of General Robert E. Lee, and Pope's Creek Plantation, the birthplace of George Washington, are in Westmoreland County. Many of our guests from Maryland and Northern Virginia plan to visit these beautiful plantations on their way to or from the inn. Another popular stop is Historic Christ Church. For more things to do, see Virginia's Northern Neck and Virginia.org.
A Brief History of Fleeton
Fleet's Point received its name from Captain Henry Fleet, who left Jamestown to explore the area in the 1650's. Fleet's Point was part of an early 5,000 acre plantation granted by the King of England.
During the steamboat era Fleet's Point wharf became a landing for vessels between Maryland and Virginia, and the small village of Fleeton developed. The hotel, steamboat wharf, stores, and fish canneries are long gone. Remaining is the charm of a quiet village, with its new focal point being St. Mary's Episcopal Church. Built in 1945, Fleeton Fields is a gracious colonial home, situated at the edge of the historic village of Fleeton, overlooking Big Fleet's Pond and the Chesapeake Bay.