5 Things to do in Reedville…

Founded in 1874‭ ‬by Elijah Reed‭, ‬Reedville began as a bustling fishing village that created immense wealth from a small fish‭. ‬While it still owes much of its longevity to the oily menhaden that continues to be fished in the nearby waters‭, ‬the village also thrives as a waterfront community due to its location on Cockrell Creek with nearby marinas and easy access to the Chesapeake Bay‭ ‬and Potomac River‭.‬

1. Take a stroll down Main Street

Designated on the National Register of Historic Places, the Reedville Historic District has many architecturally significant buildings, but the most eye-catching are the Queen Anne-style homes of Millionaire’s Row. Once owned by menhaden industrialists, sea captains and merchants, they are remnants of what was once one of the richest places in the U.S. In addition to the Reed House (c. 1899), built by the founder’s son, George, and the Albert Morris House (c. 1874), the street also includes a number of buildings dating to the early 1900s including Bethany United Methodist Church (1901), Reedville Masonic Hall (1910) and People’s Bank of Reedville (1910). Download a walking tour https://rfmuseum.org/reedville-walking-tour.

2. Visit the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum

Located within the historic district, the museum property includes the historic William Walker House (1875), which represents a typical waterman’s home of the time as well as a fleet of historic boats docked behind the museum campus on Cockrell Creek. Also on the property are exhibits that tell the story of Reedville and its people. Make a stop in the Pendleton Building to see a working model of the Northern Neck Railroad, first proposed in 1920 but never built—except in 1/87 scale. The trains wind through the Northern Neck’s picturesque towns and villages—including Reedville’s Main Street—complete with replica buildings and bridges.

3. Meet and greet Santa as he arrives on the Elva C

The holiday season officially kicks off when Santa makes his way down Cockrell Creek on the Elva C, a 1922 fishing boat placed on the Virginia Historic Landmark Register and the National Register of Historic Places. After docking at the museum, Santa joins the kids for a morning of festivities that includes treats and the opportunity to share Christmas wishes with Ol’ St. Nick.

4. Take a trip on the Sunnybank Ferry

Less than five miles from Reedville and well worth the side trip. This quaint and free ferry service gives you wonderful views as you cross the Little Wicomico River and is a reminder of days past.

5. Cruise back in time at Tangier Island

It is another short drive to Buzzard’s Point Marina to board the Chesapeake Breeze for a day trip to Tangier Island. The 90-minute scenic cruise across the Chesapeake Bay includes a history of the island and those that have made their living on its surrounding waters. Once you arrive, you are met by a guide to help plan your two-and-a-half hour visit of the timeless fishing village.