Feature Articles

During colonial Virginia’s 1640s real estate land rush, the first official English settlers arrived in Lancaster County and, what would become Middlesex County, armed with markers, pads and broad axes to record and mark their land grant property lines. They paddled and poled along creeks and coves looking for prime...

Gloucester’s walkable Main Street welcomes exploration of fine dining, grabbing a quick bite, or savoring a specialty coffee to start the day’s adventure — Main Street has your favorite flavor. Along the way, art is tucked into every corner, unique specialty shops offer treasures to browse, and history comes...

With a variety of habitats supporting birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, a visit to the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge rarely disappoints, regardless of the season. Operated by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge (RWR) is one of 570 refuges across the...

Scoot’s BBQ is so much more than the name implies. When most folks who haven’t dined there think of the restaurant in Hayes near Gloucester Point they think strictly barbecue. “I didn’t want it to be just barbecue,” said owner Gary Ward. “Living in such a small community, you have to...

WE ASKED. YOU VOTED. This year marks the 10th year of The Best of the Rivah Contest! We are grateful to our readers who continue to vote and share the places and expreriences that make the Rivah special to them. From wineries to oysters, chicken to bait, art to ice cream and much,...

In 1970 Jimmy Smith came home from Nashville after seeing the Grand Ole Opry with an idea for an abandoned Mathews movie theater — create Virginia’s Li’l Ole Opry. The first show of local musical talent in summer 1975 revived Donk’s Theater. On Saturday nights the 30-year-old theater came alive...

Growing blue-ribbon, record breaking, mind boggling, awe-inspiring ginormous produce is no easy feat. Countless trials and errors, hours of research, months of labor and perseverance go into growing newsworthy crops. While it may not be an easy feat, for Jr. Brent, it sure is a fun one. Brent of Lancaster...

Family Fun The 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...

Last month, I followed a winding road into the Mattaponi Indian Reservation in King William County, where Ginger and Lonnie Custalow own and operate Mattapony Reserve, a waterfront winery and restaurant. An expansive covered patio offers visitors a beautiful view of the Mattaponi River, where fish break the water and...

As the saying goes, sometimes less is more and The Hatchery on Gwynn’s Island takes full advantage of this philosophy. Now in its third season, its rustic, open-air concept puts you right on the water with Milford Haven and glorious sunsets in full view. The food truck-style eatery’s proximity...