If
You Go�
PLACES
TO STAY
The
Inn at Levelfields
This
spacious antebellum home was built in 1859 by Thomas Dunaway and is
situated outside the village, but amidst many historic and picturesque
sites. With an elegant dining room, formal sitting room, and informal
television room, the inn is the perfect setting for reunions, weddings or
just a weekend getaway. Most of the inn�s 6 colorful rooms have a
private bath and fireplace. Owners John Dunn and Charlotte Hollings also
offer sculling sessions on Camps Mill Pond, a serene, protected and
private freshwater lake. 10155 Mary Ball Road, Lancaster 22503.
804-435-6887 or 800-238-5578; www.innatlevelfields.com.
The
Lancaster Tavern Bed and Breakfast Inn
Built
in 1790 as a place to �refresh and entertain� citizens doing business
at the clerk�s office across the road, owners Lynn Gordon and Brenda
Jackson have the tavern restaurant up and running, and are in the process
of re-establishing the inn and basement tavern. A two-bedroom unit with
bath just opened in a detached, restored building that Lynn says is
suitable for a family. Two more bedrooms will open above the inn at a
later date. Rooms come with breakfast in the historic tavern, and there is
a petting zoo out back for the kids. Stay this summer and enjoy music on
the lawn. 804-462-0080. www.lancastertavern.com.
EATERIES
Lancaster
Tavern
Breakfast,
lunch (7 days a week) and dinner (Friday-Monday night) are available in
this historic tavern and newly opened inn. The menu features down-home
cooking, homemade desserts and reasonable prices. Catering is also
available, as are accommodations for private parties. 804-462-0080,
www.lancastertavern.com. Open
7 a.m. to
3
p.m. Dinner served 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Bar
Point Seafood
Lunch,
dinner and a bar are just the start at this casual restaurant. Owner Angie
McCarty�s new digs also offers outdoor dining where you can sit and
relax, or join in a game of volleyball, horseshoes or pool. Open Wednesday
through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., it is one of the few places around
where you can catch a late meal.
Net
Cruisers Cafe
Gourmet
coffee, chilled drinks and sandwich shop, featuring an aroma therapy
oxygen bar, Italian sorbets, gelatos, and wireless Internet. Open daily
for breakfast and lunch, with live entertainment one Saturday evening each
month. 8872 Mary Ball Road, Lancaster 22203, across from the high school.
804-462-7711.
HISTORY
Mary
Ball Washington Museum
Mary
Ball was born in 1703, a few miles up the road from Lancaster Court House.
The museum recaptures the history of the people of the Northern Neck from
the time of Captain John Smith. View a collection of artifacts, documents,
textiles, and oral histories. Open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4
p.m. 804-462-7290, www.mbwm.org.
Museum�s
genealogy library:
The
Family Research Center
Americans
interested in their roots should not pass up one of the most complete
family genealogy libraries in America, a place that draws professional and
amateur researchers alike. The library also maintains a searchable
database online at www.mbmw.org. But technology does not replace the
library�s priceless volunteers, who know the secret ways beyond
seemingly dead ends in family histories.
Old
Clerk�s Office
Built
in 1797, the historic Flemish bond brick building that housed the office
of the county clerk is now part of the Mary Ball Washington Museum.
Old
Jail
The
earliest jail was built in 1742 and contained two rooms. The brick jail
standing on the site today was built in 1819 to house criminals and
debtors.
RECREATION
Belle
Isle State Park
Belle
Isle State Park offers a wide variety of amenities on 733 acres along
seven miles of Rappa�hannock
riverfront. Hiking, biking and equestrian trails; overnight facilities
include camping and the Bel Air Mansion and Guest House. Ramp available
for motor boaters; car-top launch area for canoes, kayaks and windsails. A
full slate of activities ranges from moonlight canoe trips to bluegrass
concerts to birdhouse
workshops. For more info: 1-800-933-PARK or www.dcr.virginia.gov/state
parks/bel.shtml.
Hickory
Hollow Nature Trail
The
birding and wildlife trail has 3.5 miles of footpaths that meander through
250 acres of deciduous forest behind the village. Protected by the
Northern Neck Audubon Chapter, it is home to many interesting birds,
including Acadian flycatchers, hooded warblers, and black-and-white
warblers. There are over 500 plant species and abundant springs harbor a
variety of creatures, including the rare Tidewater amphipod. Or take Fido
out to stretch his legs � on a leash � and don�t forget a picnic
basket.
SHOP
There
is not much in the way of shopping in the district. A five-minute drive
down Rt. 3 will bring you to Kilmarnock, the commercial hub of the lower
Northern Neck, where you�ll find a variety of specialty shops,
restaurants and B&Bs. Continue to White Stone or Irvington (Rt. 200)
for more shopping and dining experiences and award-winning golf courses.
PLAY
It�s
also a short drive to the birthplaces of George Washington, James Madison,
James Monroe and Gen. Robert E. Lee. The Kilmarnock Museum is down the
road, while the Steamboat Era Museum in Irvington is a few minutes
further. There are several vineyards in the area and antique shops along
every drive.