Family Fun
Family FunThe land below the Thomas J. Downing Bridge in Tappahannock has been transformed into a park and fishing hole. The park features a covered picnic area and offers a spectacular view of the Rappahannock River. Birch trees and weeping willows line the boundary giving shade to visitors who bring their chairs for an afternoon by the river.
Central Park is located on Virginia Street and includes a playground, splash pad and pickleball and tennis courts.
Nature lovers can enjoy two miles of hiking trails through meadows and forests on the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge.
And don’t forget a pool day at the Marsh Street Park. The pool is open June through August.
Play a round
Hobbs Hole Golf Course, an 18-hole course which spans 6,700 yards, ensures an exceptional golf experience. Practice shots on the Bermuda grass driving range and putting green are open until dark. The course invites golf enthusiasts to tee off and embrace the game. The golf course also features the Prince St. Cafe at Hobbs Hole where breakfast and lunch are served daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cafe has fresh-made sandwiches, drinks and daily specials. The course is located on 1267 Hobbs Hole Drive.
Historical walking tour
The town of Tappahannock, once known as Hobbs Hole, is one of the oldest towns in America, being one of the 19 town sites established by the Virginia Assembly in 1680. The town has a walking tour that starts at the 1728 Beale Memorial Baptist Church and ends at the 1850 St. Margaret’s Hall, also known as the Brockenbrough House, overlooking the Rappahannock River. During the Revolutionary War Essex County citizens held strong beliefs that the Virginia colony should seek its independence. After the Boston Tea Party, Essex citizens defied the English Crown by sending supplies to Boston to support those patriots and to send a message to the British that Boston was not alone in its support of American independence.
Farmers market
Every third Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. of the month, April through October, the Essex County Farmers Market is held on Prince Street in downtown Tappahannock. The event offers farm-fresh local produce, dried flowers, beeswax products, artisan crafts, homemade baked goods, seafood, gifts, prepared foods, plants and wine tasting. The market welcomes local farmers, food producers, and artisans to share their products with the community and it is a day that locals and visitors should all put on their calendars to attend. The market is held rain or shine.
Crab and Shrimp Feast
The annual Downtown Crab and Shrimp Feast, along with the serving of delicious burgers and hot dogs, will be offered on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 3-6 p.m. at the Tappahannock firehouse, 620 Airport Road. The event brings food lovers, families and music enthusiasts for a celebration like no other. Enjoy all-you-can-eat crabs and shrimp, jam to the high energy sounds of Quiet Fire and support a great cause. The funds go towards preservation and growth of the Tappahannock historic downtown district. Bring your appetite and dancing shoes. General admission is $70 and group tables with six seats are $300. Proceeds support the preservation and growth of historic Tappahannock.
