It's time for the annual Reedville Fishing Derby.  The derby is held at Buzzard Point Marina in Reedville, VA.   This year, the tournament will be offering anglers an opportunity to win prizes of over $25,000 for 3 species of fish, Striped Bass, Bluefish, and Croaker.  The Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula are well known fishing areas with numerous creeks, rivers, and quick Bay access.   The all volunteer organization of Smith Point Sea Rescue organizes the derby as a fund raiser.  The Smith Point Sea Rescue organization has been serving boaters in distress in the mid-Chesapeake Bay area from the lower Potomac River to the Rappahannock River for 30 years.     The Captain's Registration is Thursday, June 9 from 11am to 8pm at Buzzard Point Marina.  ... 06/09/2011

Following decades of tradition, fishing villages gather together to bless the fishing vessels at the start of the fishing season.  This annual blessing is for a safe and prosperous fishing season.             The Northern Neck of VA Blessing of the Fleet ceremony is a much anticipated event.  This year's blessing will be on Sunday, May 1, 2011.  The day gets started at 3:30 pm with The Parade of Boats.   Large boats, small boats, all types of boats from commercial fishing to speed boats are invited to join the parade.  The blessing can be enjoyed from land or from boat.  In years past, my husband and I have gathered friends together on our small boat along with heavy snacks and drinks, and enjoyed an entire afternoon of fellowship and fun.   A wonderful video of the 2008 Blessing of the... 04/29/2011

  The Reedville Fishermen's Museum and Bethany United Methodist Church hosted its annual Easter Egg Hunt and arrival of the Easter Bunny this morning. The skies were a bit overcast and a light drizzle of rain was falling intermittently.  But, the fellowship and excitement of the day was not dampened by the weather.       The morning started off with volunteers hiding the 2,188 candy filled eggs for the BIG HUNT. The children began to gather together behind the museum on the banks of Cockrell's Creek to await the arrival of the Easter Bunny by boat.           Easter Bunny arrived on the Elva C.   The Elva C is a 55' pound netting boat built in 1922.  It has been restored and is permanently docked at the Reedville Fishermen's Museum.       The children are lining up in preparation of the ... 04/23/2011

By now most Americans have heard about the devastated oyster beds in the Chesapeake Bay. Since the beginning of the 20th century, oyster beds throughout the Bay steadily declined thanks to advances in canning techniques and harvesting technologies. But one organization is fighting back with a vengeance...the Chesapeake Bay Foundation(CBF)...restoring oyster beds throughout the Chesapeake.   Restoring an oyster bed begins about a year before the oysters are actually dropped in the water. Used oyster shells are collected(PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't throw out your used oyster shells...they CAN be recycled), washed and placed in bins that are constantly flushed with bay water. Free-swimming oyster larvae(Spat) are collected and deposited on the recycled shells. Baby oysters are grown under p... 11/23/2009

This Potomac River Waterfront Community is Truly Unique   Tucked away behind the cornfields of the rural Northern Neck farmlands in Northumberland County, Va is a Potomac River waterfront community like no other. Bay Quarter Shores is located right at the mouth of the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay- giving many waterfront residents endless views of both the Bay and the River.  The community is situated between Cod Creek, Presley Creek and the Potomac. This gives the neighborhood a unique variety of waterfront and water access homes and lots that span a wide price spectrum. Currently there are homes from $59,000 to $524,900 available for sale.   But price availability is only one ways this community is unique. This is a true sportsman's neighborhood with ample access to fishing and... 10/18/2009

What to Expect When You Live on the Water   Ahhh the sites, sounds and smells of waterfront living. We all love it...the sand between your toes...the sounds of the water crashing over the rip rap...the smell of the salt air. All of the combined with the crazy low prices we are seeing today and you might just be tempted to jump in the deep in and pick up your own little piece of heaven.   Before you make that leap however... you need to know what to expect when you live on the water.   ** Preventative Maintenance.Most of the water in the Northern Neck of Virginia is brackish. The closer to the Bay you are the higher the salinity. This means docks, piers, decks, windows, siding, locks etc...will take a beating. Expect annual maintenance and likely complete renovations every couple of year... 10/10/2009

10 Tips for Buying a Waterfront Home in Virginia's Northern Neck    Buying a home is complicated process...from applying for financing...to choosing an agent... to the closing process. But when you add another variable...waterfront...in there the complications increase. Here are 10 tips for buying a waterfront home in Virginia's Northern Neck.   #1   Find a Real Estate Agent who knows waterfront property. Even better if they own a waterfront home themselves. Most agents know real estate but don't know the intricacies of waterfront properties.   #2   Know what you want...  So you want a beach? Do you want access to the Bay? Are you satisfied with fresh water? Knowing the basics of what you want before you start can make your search much easier. In this market...there is a lot of inventor... 10/09/2009

Ladies, are you looking for fun, the chance to learn new things, and an opportunity to make a REAL DIFFERENCE in your community? Join The Woman's Club of Northumberland County, Virginia, Inc.!                                            The Woman's Club is a place to:  Meet and make new friends Share your talents Develop new interests Learn new skills Expand your knowledge Improve your community through volunteer service Network Enjoy a sense of pride and accomplishment Problem solve community issues Demonstrate your leadership skills Be informed Oh, and did I mention, have FUN!!! The Northumberland County Woman's Club was organized in 1935 and has been serving the Northumberland County community ever since.  The current Woman's Club became an independent club in 2005 when it became inco... 04/20/2009

As an animal lover and horse owner, my clients often ask me who to call on for equine hoof care here in the Northern Neck of VA.  A light bulb flashed on last Tuesday as my horse was getting his "new shoes". BLOG about it....    Meet Joe Cuthbertson, my farrier.                 This photo shows Joe Cuthbertson and Melissa Malandrinos as they are preparing to provide hoof care to my horse, Dusty.  Joe usually has his traveling companions Spirit and Moose along with him.  Spirit is an elderly but feisty, wire haired Jack Russell Terrier and Moose is a golden retriever.  Moose is just a youngster and learning the proper ferrier dog etiquette from Spirit.    We have been happy to welcome Melissa who is a graduate of the Heartland Horseshoeing School.  She has been working with Joe for her p... 01/25/2009

Daddy-O's is one of those places like on the TV show, Cheers, where everybody knows your name... Daddy-O's just opened about 6 months ago and has become a wonderful addition to the area.  It is located in Burgess, VA right on Rt. 360 near the stop light. It is open most days for lunch and dinner and offers a casual and friendly atmosphere.  The decor is retro with photos of James Dean, Elvis, and the like gracing the walls. Daddy-O's specializes in pizzas and subs.  They make their own crust from a closely guarded recipe.  My favorite pizza is their Greek pizza although the Margarita pizza looks amazing as well.                 But, in addition to great pizzas and calzones, they offer daily lunch specials that include delicious soups, sandwiches, and subs.  Their crispy matchstick fries... 01/25/2009

The annual Reedville, VA, Independence Day Celebration will be fun for the entire family.  This celebration seems to get larger every year.  It is considered one of the largest Independence Day events in the Northern Neck.  This year all the activities are scheduled for Sat., July 5, 2008.  This festive and full day kicks off with the Firecracker 5K run/walk at 8am.  Please click here for more information and to register for the race.                                            Some of the scheduled events include a small boat show which will be held at the pier at the Reedville Fisherman's Museum.  Boats will be on display all day in the water and behind the boat building building.    An artist's arena crafts fair will be held from 10am to 4pm.    Kids can assemble, decorate, and sail a... 06/26/2008

  There was a large crowd at  the annual Strawberry Festival in Heathsville, VA, on Sat., May 24, 2008.  St. Stephen's Anglican Church  hosts this event every year.  The Strawberry Festival is held on Saturday of the Memorial Day weekend.  The tiny village of Heathsville nearly bursts at its seams as thousands of people from all around travel from distances up to 200 miles away to shop for arts and crafts, listen to the music, socialize, have lunch, and of course, EAT the famous strawberry shortcake. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the event with my husband, his son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren.  While I browsed through hand made jewlery, paintings, and baked goods, my husband spotted a beautiful hand carved heron made by a local artisan, Herb Lewis.   We are now the ... 05/28/2008

    This past weekend was the first time in nearly a month that I took some time off.  Granted, it was only a day, but taking time for yourself is important, and it's nice to get away from time to time.      I spent Saturday at my parent's home in Virginia(literally, smack dab in the middle of nowhere), and enjoyed the beautiful weather and some time with the dogs.      They say happiness is a WARM puppy.  As far as my dogs are concerned, they think happiness is a WET puppy.  Perhaps my dogs made a mistake.  They could have a lisp for all I know.     I had a great time, aside from the smell of wet, muddy, salty dogs that I had to endure on the way home.  My arm is still sore from playing fetch, and my clothes smell like fresh grass clippings.  Ah, the finer things in life...   05/27/2008

                                        The Northern Neck of VA is one of a few places that still have the quiet, country charm of yesteryear.  We are blessed to be able to experience a more relaxed lifestyle where neighbors have time to chat with each other or share a slice of blueberry pie.  This is especially true in Reedville, VA.  Not only is Reedville a quaint waterside village; it is a state of mind, a lifestyle.                    For such a small community, there is always something going on to enjoy. The Reedville Fishermen's Museum is a stop that you should not miss when you visit Reedville.  The museum is full of Reedville's history and the history of the commercial fishing industry that is a large part of our past and present.                                               ... 05/19/2008

                                                Come join in the fun at this year's Reedville Bluefish Derby presented by Smith Point Sea Rescue.  Mark your calendar for June 13-14, 2008!  Prior registration is required and you can find the registration form on line.  Captain's meeting is Thursday evening, June 12.  Fishing days are June 13-14.  An awards ceremony will be held Sat. night, June 14.  First prize for the largest bluefish and largest rockfish are $5,000!    The public is invited to attend the festivities and watch the weigh-ins.  Live entertainment includes a DJ on Thursday night, the band Casper on Friday night with the Ray Pittman Project band on Sat. night. There will be a Fish Fry Plus on Friday and Saturday nights...fried fish, chicken, and ribs dinner...sounds good!  ... 05/02/2008

The Northern Neck is home to many historic sites.  Stratford Hall is one of my favorites.  Stratford Hall is the birthplace of Robert E. Lee.  It is one of America's great historic homes.  The plantation encompasses about 1670 acres and is still managed as a farm.  Stratford is located on a bluff overlooking the Potomac River in Westmoreland County.   There are farm animals on the plantation including cattle, sheep, and goats.                It's worth spending the day visiting Stratford Hall as there are lots of things to see and do.   Take the tour of the historic home, walk the beautiful grounds and gardens, and visit the mill.  They still grind corn, wheat, oats, and barley at the mill today.  The millstones are powered by wooden gears driven by a waterwheel.  Enjoy lunch in the log... 04/17/2008

As a native of Northumberland County, VA, I grew up not understanding how fortunate I was to live in such a special place.  Northumberland County encompasses about 222 square miles and is home to approximately 12,000 people.  Northumberland was actually the Mother County for what later became the Northern Neck of VA.  The Northern Neck lies between the Rappahannock and Potomac Rivers and tributaries to the Chesapeake Bay.  We are basically an island connected to the rest of Virginia by bridges.  Due to the lack of ability for us "Neckers" to access other areas of Virginia until the bridge to Essex County came in 1926, development occurred at a slower more relaxed pace.  We still are a gentler, slower, more relaxed place today.  If you are searching for a simpler lifestyle, the Northern ... 04/08/2008