Located in the historic heart of Heathsville in Northumberland County stands the must-visit destination of Rice’s Hotel/ Hughlett’s Tavern. This beautiful white wooden tavern with a sprawling balcony has stood the test of time and is the last surviving 1700’s structure of its kind in Virginia’s Northern Neck. Despite its age, the tavern is constantly buzzing with activity. Weavers and spinners, quilters, metalsmiths, and other artisans regularly practice their old-world skills and proudly display their wares for visitors to enjoy.
A delightful cafe is open on select days offering delicious soups, breads, and other entrees for a light afternoon meal. The grounds are also the site for the beloved Heathsville Farmer’s market that takes place during the warmer months. There is something for everyone to enjoy at Rice’s Hotel/Hughletts Tavern. Regardless of your interests, the location is steeped in history and offers a unique glimpse into a bygone era.
The building was originally known as Hughlett’s Tavern and the two-room design served as a lodging place for visitors to the courthouse for over a century and a half. Over time, the small tavern was modified and expanded to become Rice’s hotel, the 110-foot long structure that it is today.
The original structure was built in 1795 and run as a tavern under the ownership of John Hughlett. It underwent building projects in the 1830s, 1880s, and 1920s. In 1866 it was acquired by John Rice and was operated as Rice’s hotel until the 1920s. It was then converted into apartments and in 1990 Cecelia Fallin Rice donate the building to the Northumberland County Historical Society.
The Rice’s Hotel/Hughlett’s Tavern Foundation was created in 1990 and it wasn’t long before a group of volunteers, known as the Tavern Rangers, began working to fully restore and rebuild the 1700 structure.
In 2005 the Foundation recreated the Blacksmith Shop behind the building complete with a working forge that is used regularly by the Tavern’s guild members. The Tavern Meeting Building was completed in 2006 and is used for fundraising events. In 2007 the Carriage House was completed as a storage structure for historic carriages and related artifacts.
Throughout the years, Rice’s Hotel/Hughlett’s Tavern has been a lively place for Northumberland county community members and visitors from all over to gather and fellowship while enjoying a little taste of history. If you have not yet visited this historical gem, be sure to plan a trip! The community favorite farmers’ market reopens on April 16th and is held on the 3rd Saturday of every month.
To learn more about Rice’s Hotel/Hughlett’s Tavern click here.
(Photos and information courtesy of the Rice’s Hotel/Hughlett’s Tavern Foundation)
