Virginia's Northern Neck: Land of Pleasant Living

Virginia's Northern Neck, the northernmost ofconstructed in the 1930s on the now 550 acre
three peninsulas extending into Chesapeake Bay,national park. Here, costumed interpreters
is located between two rivers. To the north runsrecreate 18th century life on the plantation.
the peaceful Potomac river, with the historicStratford Hall Plantation, Robert E. Lee's birthplace,
Rappahannock running along the southern borderis managed to this day as a working farm and
and spilling into the Chesapeake Bay. For peopleincludes a functioning mill. These two historic
looking to get away from big city life, Virginia'svenues are among the 16 museums on the
Northern Neck provides a sanctuary of tranquility.peninsula open to the public for tours.
There is less than one person living in theRecreational Attractions
Northern Neck for every 10 acres of land, withThe Northern Neck is prized for its vast array of
only a dozen traffic lights on the entire peninsula.outdoor activities. With hundreds of rivers,
For these reasons, many people find Northernstreams, creeks, coves, and saltwater marshes,
Neck real estate, with an abundance ofwater plays a vital role in these activities. Boaters,
waterfront homes for sale, extremely enticing.and recreational and competitive fishermen come
Commonly known as "the land of pleasant living",to the Northern Neck to experience the 1,100
the stunning area has rich history, many naturalmiles of shoreline.
attractions, as well as an abundance ofWith 21 Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail sites, the
recreational activities including boating, fishing,Northern Neck is also a prime location for birding.
horseback riding, golf, and is a highly prized area6,500 preserved acres provide an unspoiled
for bird-watchers.habitat for over 250 distinct species of birds.
Virginia's Northern Neck is considered by many toDepending on the season, you can see a plethora
be one of the most peaceful places in the area,of songbirds, waterfowl, wading birds, as well as a
due to its historic villages, rural charm, andvariety of magnificent butterflies. Also, Celadon
timeless appeal. George Washington, who wasNatural Area, spanning 2,500 acres along the
born and lived in the Northern Neck, once called itPotomac River, boasts one of the largest
the "Garden of Virginia."concentrations of the American Bald Eagle on the
The History of the Northern NeckEast Coast.
Virginia's Northern Neck was discovered by JohnGolfers can choose between the celebrated
Smith, who described it as "a place heaven andGolden Eagle Golf Club and the player-friendly
earth agreed better to frame man's habitation." ItQuinton Oaks Golf Course, and end with a meal
was the birthplace of United States presidentsat either of their clubhouses.
George Washington, James Madison, JamesBikers can enjoy one of four Biking Heritage
Monroe, and U.S. Civil War General Robert E. Lee.Tours of the Northern Neck, while hikers can
Prior to European colonization, Native Americanspartake in an eco-tour of the 733-acre Belle Isle
had inhabited the Northern Neck for at leastState Park or the 6,000-acre Rappahannock River
10,000 years. Native American villages thrived onValley National Wildlife Refuge.
the peninsula's extensive river and streamIf you are fed up with big city traffic, noise, and
network. Rivers such as the Wicomico, Coan, andover development, then it is easy to see why
Nomini are named for the tribes who settled uponVirginia's Northern Neck is an ideal place to get
their shores.back to roots, breath in the fresh, clean air, and
The peninsula is home to an exorbitant amount oflet it all roll off your shoulders. Budda Oliver is a
historical sites, such as Popes Creek Plantation-marketing agent for Ken Smith. The northern
the birthplace of the first President of the Unitedneck real estate agent features properties on the
States, George Washington. Washington's actualNorthern Neck of Virginia. For more information
house was destroyed by a fire during theon hisnorthern neck real estate listings please visit
American Revolution, and a memorial house washis website.