Hugging the shore of the Yeocomico River since it was established in 1706, the tiny village of Kinsale is steeped in history. The name, thought to have come from Irish Gaelic Cean Saile, meaning “head of the saltwater,” is fitting since its location is near the brackish waters of the lower Potomac River leading to the Chesapeake Bay.
Hugging the shore of the Yeocomico River since it was established in 1706, the tiny village of Kinsale is steeped in history. The name, thought to have come from Irish Gaelic Cean Saile, meaning “head of the saltwater,” is fitting since its location is near the brackish waters of the lower Potomac River leading to the Chesapeake Bay.
Much of the central village is clustered around Kinsale Foundation Park, with a village green and gazebo. The park, surrounded by a small grid of streets is a feature leftover from its earlier beginnings and a natural location for special events. During the holiday season, it is a great place to experience small-town Christmas charm, with music, food and an old-fashioned parade.
Much of the central village is clustered around Kinsale Foundation Park, with a village green and gazebo. The park, surrounded by a small grid of streets is a feature leftover from its earlier beginnings and a natural location for special events. During the holiday season, it is a great place to experience small-town Christmas charm, with music, food and an old-fashioned parade.
Step into history at Kinsale Museum
Just off the green, the Kinsale Museum, 449 Kinsale Road, is filled with history about the village and Westmoreland County. Pick up a map and take a walking tour of the colonial port, that also figured into the War of 1812. The Kinsale Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, contains architecture mostly from the 19th century to early 20th century when it thrived as a steamboat wharf. Buildings from earlier periods have been lost to time, fires and damage from both the War of 1812 and the Civil War. Signs from the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail, located across the street from the museum, detail the devastating raids from British forces that occurred along the Potomac in 1813 and 1814. The museum is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. kinsalefoundation.org
Refresh at Kinsale Market
During your walking tour, make your way towards the old steamboat landing, which was once home to the Kinsale Tavern and the W.J. Courtney Co. Store. In the former Bailey and English Store, you will find Kinsale Market, 11 Steamboat Road, a hub of activity for the small community, just as it was in its previous life. Owners Tommy and Darla Hicks have stocked the old country store with everyday items—perfect for boaters docked at the neighboring marina, The Slips. Create your own picnic lunch, charcuterie-style, with crackers, cheeses and meats, or order sandwiches from The Dinghy. Just save room for dessert. The market serves hand-scooped Hershey’s ice cream.
If you want to learn more about wine, try one of the market’s wine tastings. They also have an impressive selection of wines for purchase. Warm summer nights will return and with them Rockin’ the Porch, the market’s signature music series with local and regional musicians. Winter hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. kinsalemarket.com.
Christmas in Kinsale
Christmas in KinsaleExperience the charm of a small-town Christmas. Held on the first Saturday in December, the event includes vendors with hand-made crafts, gifts and food; music; a Christmas parade; and a community tree lighting. Co-hosted by the Kinsale Foundation and the Cople District Volunteer Fire Department, the day includes charity as well as cheer. A silent auction and Angel Tree raises money and provides gifts for The Haven Shelter and neighbors in need.
Shop at Humble Store
A short drive away you will find Humble Store, 148 Griffiths Corner, run by Rebecca Orcutt and her husband Johnathan. Orcutt spent her summers in Kinsale where her father grew up. A range of antiques—early American to mid-century modern—fill the store’s two floors and most were found in the Northern Neck. Furniture, pottery, glasswork and artwork fill the space that includes architectural hints at its former life as the English Store, built in the 1890s. The reborn Humble Store’s name came from Orcutt’s “humble beginnings and approach to life” and the fact that “the building is not fancy.” Only later did she learn that Humble Oil used to sell gasoline at the store. The store was recently awarded for its preservation efforts by the Northern Neck of Virginia Historical Society.
In addition to antiques, Orcutt stocks locally made baked goods and Virginia grown peanuts. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon-5 p.m. Sundays. humblestoreva.antiquetrail.com.
Sip at Rivah Vineyards
Just across the Kinsale Bridge is Rivah Vineyards at The Grove, 671 Kinsale Bridge Road. At the center of the vineyard stands The Grove, built in 1832, which replaced an older structure. Generations of the Bailey-Taylor family have been in residence since 1799. The winery is housed in a beautiful new barn where wine-lovers can taste the vineyard’s Yeocomico White or customer favorite Cool Breeze all while enjoying serene views of the Yeocomico River. rivahvineyards.com
