Why This Virginia Town Deserves More Attention
Virginia travelers often overlook White Stone, a quaint town with fewer than 400 residents, favoring larger destinations like Richmond and Arlington. Yet, White Stone is a treasure, surrounded by creeks, the Rappahannock River, and the Chesapeake Bay. Its nature preserves and untouched waterways attract bald eagles, ospreys, and herons, creating a haven for wildlife.
After a day of exploring, visitors can relax in waterfront cottages, with the gentle sounds of rivers and waves as their backdrop. From hidden gems to exciting events, here’s why White Stone, Virginia is quickly becoming a must-visit destination that you need to add to you buck list in 2025.
Windmill Point Marina
Sunset on the Rappahanock River.
Because of its location along the Rappahannock River, water-based recreational activities are extremely popular in White Stone. Windmill Point Marina, at the mouth of the river, is one of the most popular starting points, featuring a boat launch area, a pool, and a small beach for soaking in the sun. Boaters will find the area is well-equipped, offering water and electric hookups, a pump-out station, and even wifi. After a few hours out on the water, you can relax at Big Mike’s Tiki Bar, conveniently located onsite. This laid-back spot offers American cuisine, refreshing drinks, and live music performances on weekends.
Annual Waterfowl Show
For over 40 years, White Stone has been hosting its annual Waterfowl Show, which takes place on the third weekend of March. This event, put on by the White Stone Volunteer Fire Department, celebrates the area’s waterfowl through a wildlife expo and art show. It includes decorative carvings, sculptures, original paintings, decoys, prints, photography, and jewelry. The show has become regionally recognized over the years, having been awarded the title of a “Top 20 Events in the Southeast” by the Southeast Tourism Society. It also serves as a major fundraiser for White Stone’s Fire Department.
Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve
Although Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve is not located directly in White Stone, it is only a 20-minute drive away and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the region's ecosystems and wildlife. This preserve, located on a small peninsula along the Chesapeake Bay, contains a variety of tidal and non-tidal wetlands, as well as remote beaches, upland forests, and dunes. It is also home to numerous marsh and shorebirds, the federally threatened northeastern beach tiger beetle, and birds of prey like osprey, bald eagles, and northern harriers. Park visitors can explore the area through its many hiking trails, wildlife viewing platforms, and wooden boardwalk.
Wooded Cottages and Waterfront Lodging
The best way to immerse yourself in White Stone's culture is by staying at one of its locally owned properties, many of which are waterfront homes or rustic cottages. The Fish House, a one-bedroom rental, is the perfect example, situated along Harper’s Cove and surrounded by boaters and fishermen. Little View on the Rivah, a two-bedroom cottage along the creek, offers the chance to watch for herons along the cove in the morning and connects to a dock that makes it easy to explore the waters firsthand. The Rosé Retreat, in the neighboring town of Irvington, is ideal for those traveling in a bigger group. This three-bedroom cottage features amenities such as a cozy gas fireplace and screened porch, perfect for enjoying time with your loved ones at the end of the day.
Dining and Nightlife
White Stone offers travelers a wide variety of culinary options, from breakfast to late-night drinks. Travelers can start their day off with something sweet at the Chesapeake Doughnut Company, a specialty donut shop offering coffee, homemade donuts, and breakfast sandwiches. For lunch with a view, head over to Willaby’s Cafe, a casual waterfront restaurant. Adrift makes a great dinner spot, a cozy and upscale restaurant serving innovative dishes. Before turning in for the night, you can finish off the day with a drink at The 606, an Irish restaurant and pub that brings in DJs and live bands in the evenings.
Local Shops
Travelers should set aside an afternoon to explore White Stone’s unique shops before wrapping up their trip. The Allure Art Center, housed in a 1901 home, serves as a multifaceted art hub with rotating galleries that showcase the work of local artists. For jewelry, art, glassware, and tumblers, visitors can browse the selection at The Pink Lemon Boutique. August Table offers a variety of home decor items, specializing in throw pillows, wallpaper, bathroom decor, and bedding. Antique hunters will appreciate Antique Outfitters, featuring antique furniture, household items, and vintage car models.
Final Thoughts
The coastline of the Rappahannock River.
For its size, White Stone has a tremendous variety of attractions that you do not frequently see in smaller towns. While it is undoubtedly a favorite for kayakers and boaters, it also attracts travelers with its shopping district and waterfront dining. The Annual Waterfowl Show, a decades-old tradition, further solidifies its appeal, attracting visitors year after year. Whatever your interests, don’t miss out on a trip to White Stone in the coming year.
